VK2WI broadcast, 26th July 1992
Richard Murnane
contributors. Material may be used elsewhere if the source
is acknowledged.
THE MAJOR NEWS ITEMS THIS WEEK INCLUDE:
High Tech at the Olympic Games
More on the ZL Radiation Checkups
Space Observatory Open Day
Mobile DX-pedition comes to Australia
OLYMPIC GAMES SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS
This is a reminder that two special event stations, 4M5JOB
and 4M5OGB, will be active for the duration of the Barcelona
Olympic Games. No frequencies have been advised, so you'll
have to go out and hunt for them yourself.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Morning Herald's TV Guide last week
outlined some of the technological wonders being used at the
Games this year. Helicopters and camera boats will be
fitted with "gyrozoom" stabilising lenses; underwater
tracking and periscope cameras will cover the swimming
events, and much more.
"Radio Television Olympics" will deploy 65 outside broadcast
units and 450 cameras, and will provide 2,000 hours of event
coverage (an Olympic record in itself). Even if you're not
a sports fanatic, watch it for the technology...
THE TOWER'S NOT *THAT* HIGH!
The August issue of Electronics Australia notes the recent
upgrade to the divisional packet radio BBS, but due to a
minor editorial slip, the magazine refers to (quote) "the
satellite's FM repeater". Listeners may rest assured that,
although the new tower at VK2WI dwarfs its predecessors, the
packet BBS is still very much "earthbound". The WIA has NO
plans to launch a satellite at this stage.
MORE ON THOSE ZL RADIATION CHECKS
{ This one stirred up a hornet's nest last week, with faxes
and packet mail flying all over. The reply I posted to VKNET
is in a separate article in aus.radio. The story turned out
to be a "beat-up", but it wasn't me who did the beating! Still,
I'm expecting a team of investigative reporters on my doorstep
any minute now! :-) Richard}
Last week, we reported that New Zealand amateurs faced the
threat of "radiation checks" to their amateur stations. It
appears that the story became embellished in transit, and by
the time it reached the New South Wales divisional office,
it had grown well out of proportion.
Gerry Kilpatrick of Auckland faxed us this week to set
matters straight. For the record, there is NO BILL before
the New Zealand parliament. The radio frequency bylaw was a
purely local aberration, confined to Auckland City. Because
the bylaw was based on an Australian standard, Gerry faxed
the WIA to see if we had any problems or could help in any
way.
Auckland City Council nearly passed this bylaw, until
amateurs spotted the public notices in the paper. To quote
Gerry: "ultimately, a huge white flag fluttered from the
City Council Building, the Mayor took his phone off the
hook, and harassed councillors voted to shelve it,
officially temporarily for a further look, but hopefully
permanently. The matter was purely local, but obviously had
national implications if other local authorities followed -
that is why NZART became involved."
So, far from being a harbinger of doom, the story is of the
triumph of assertive amateurs over a few misguided
bureaucrats. Well done, Kiwi amateurs!
- Thanks to Gerry Kilpatrick of Auckland for that item.
LOOK TO THE STARS
The Green Point Observatory, at Oyster Bay in Sydney, will
be holding two "Open Nights" for the public, on Friday the
7th and Saturday the 8th August. The powerful telescopes
will show you craters and mountains on the moon, double- and
variable stars, the rings of Saturn, nebulae, globular
clusters, and much more. The Green Point Observatory is
located at the corner of Green Point Road and Caravan Head
Road, Oyster Bay 2225. Doors open at 7pm Friday and 6pm
Saturday. Don't forget to wear warm clothing.
- item from Harry VK2ZHP
DX NEWS
The HA5BUS expedition, which was active from Iran (EP) and
Bangladesh (S2), has arrived in Sydney. They were unable to
cross Myanmar (formerly Burma), because of local
hostilities. It was decided to ship THE BUS via Singapore to
Sydney. The original plan to land in Perth and cross the
Nullabor had to be abandoned because of shipping schedules
and routes.
The 12 metre long, specially-equipped, bus was offloaded
from the ship on 20th July. The group expects to be on the
air by today with the callsign VK5BUS. QSL cards may be sent
to the Globex Foundation, Box 49, 1311-Budapest, Hungary.
So, if you see a foreign-looking bus parked near the ocean
in one of the Sydney suburbs, with a yagi antenna on the
top, drop in with your QSL card for a friendly chat.
We will be reporting further details in later broadcasts.
- Steve Pall VK2PS, DX editor of "Amateur Radio" magazine
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTY
As our regular listeners will know, the ABC is celebrating
its 60th anniversary this year. There is an exhibition of
historical equipment in the Ultimo Centre foyer all this
month, with many items on display, such as 1958 TV cameras,
wire recorders, and other items of historical significance
that in other hands would have been junked. The ABC Ultimo
Centre is located at 700 Harris Street, Ultimo, opposite the
University of Technology, and is open for extended hours.
- Morton VK2DEX
ABC Radio Australia has recently published its English
Service Frequency Guide, detailing transmission times and
frequencies. Frequency guides for Radio Australia services
in English, Indonesian, Standard Chinese, and other
languages may be obtained by writing to Radio Australia at
PO Box 755, Glen Waverly, Victoria 3150, Australia, or by
fax on (03) 881 2377.
- thanks to Westlakes Amateur Radio club for that info
AAPRA NEWS
The Australian Amateur Packet Radio Association has been
negotiating with the creators of the German BAYCOM program,
to extend its availability and use in Australia. The Baycom
modem is a good example of miniaturisation (it fits inside a
9-pin "D-shell" plug, but performs as well as modems many
times its size.)
AAPRA also reports that contact between Sydney and Newcastle
via the UHF ROSE link has been sporadic, due to a very high
noise level from TV transmitters at the Newcastle end.
Action is in hand to overcome the problem.
- VK2BQ, AAPRA publicity officer.
WICEN NEWS
August is a busy month for WICEN personnel, with many events
in the calendar. Instead of boring listeners with the
entire list, we will just relate the changes.
The City/Surf event now has a commander - Morton VK2DEX.
All area coordinators are requested to contact Morton with
details of likely attendance.
The Sutherland SES are holding a two-day map reading course
on 8-9 August, from 0800 to 1600 each day. Space has been
made available for some WICEN members. If you would like to
attend, please contact Kevin Dawson VK2CKD, Sydney South
Region Coordinator, at (02) 570-3699.
Sydney South WICEN will also assist the St.George Amateur
Radio Club in running the Como-Jannali Rotary Fun Run, on
13th September. The event is officially organised by the
St. George ARC, but the local WICEN team is helping them
out. Again, contact Kevin Dawson VK2CKD on (02) 570-3699
for further details.
The next monthly meeting of the Sydney South WICEN will be
at Sutherland SES in Caringbah, on 18th August, (and again
on 15 Sep).
-- Details from Kevin VK2CKD and Peter VK2AGB, Sydney South.
BROADCAST SUMMARY
Summarising the articles in this news broadcast so far:
Olympic special event Stations, 4M5JOB and 4M5OGB will be
active during the Barcelona Games. You won't get a gold
medal for contacting them, but you might get a QSL card.
If you were disturbed by the "New Zealand radiation check"
story we ran last week, you can relax now. The bureaucratic
mischief was restricted to Auckland City, and councillors
have now seen the error of their ways.
Green Point Observatory at Oyster Bay, Sydney, will be open
to the public on the nights of the 7th and 8th August. Look
for the face of Elvis on the Moon, but don't forget your
woolly jumper.
"Omnibus-mobile" DX-pedition, HA5BUS, is in Sydney, and will
be active around Australia, using the callsign VK5BUS. If
you see a foreign-looking bus sporting a yagi, drop in and
say hello.
The ABC's 60th anniversary exhibition of historical
equipment at the ABC Ultimo Centre this month has many
interesting items on display. The Centre is located at 700
Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney, opposite the University of
Technology.
The UHF ROSE link between Sydney and Newcastle is not well,
but doctors at the AAPRA medical centre are examining the
patient.
IPS WEEKLY REPORT
17 July - 23 July 1992
Issue no. 30
Date of issue: 24 July 1992
Date 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
10cm 136 126 119 124 108 104 99
A 05 05 03 06 08 26 (17 estimated)
T 99 91 83 82 100 101 80
Summary of activity:
Solar activity was moderate on 18th July, with an M1 and M2
flare, and activity was low on the other days of the period.
The geomagnetic field at Sydney was quiet, or mostly quiet,
up to 21st when levels became quiet to unsettled with active
periods, continuing for the remainder of the period.
Ionospheric F2 critical frequencies at Sydney were mostly
near normal, with depressed periods of up to 30 per cent
on 17th, 19th-20th, and 23rd July. There were 20-30 per cent
enhancements on 22nd 11-13 UT. Periods of Spread F were noted
17th-18th July, and 20th-23rd. The Spread F may have
degraded communications on 22nd-23rd July. Blanketing sporadic
E was also noted on 21st and 23rd.
Forecast for the next week (24-30 July):
Solar: low
Geomagnetic: quiet to unsettled
Ionospheric: depressed 15-30 per cent on July monthly
values. Spread F may continue to degrade
communications during night hours.
-- courtesy of IPS Radio and Space Services.
If you found the propagation report something of a mystery,
you might like to attend the IPS User Training Course, to be
held in Sydney on 16th September. Details from IPS Radio and
Space Services on phone (02) 414-8000 or by fax on (02)
414-8331.
CLUB NEWS
Next Saturday, 1st August, is the quarterly family
gathering, barbeque, and meeting of the Mid South Coast
Amateur Radio Club. The venue is the Hancock Ranch, Little
Forest Road, Milton. Turn inland off the Princes Highway
three kilometres north of Milton, and follow the "H" ranch
signs.
The club provides barbeque facilities, tea, coffee, and
afternoon tea, so why not bring the whole family?
- Ben VK2AJE, Club Secretary
The Summerland Amateur Radio Club's annual "minifest" is on
next Sunday: there will be "bring and buy" stalls,
disposals, a packet radio demonstration, trade display, and
maybe a foxhunt or two. The venue is the clubrooms at
Richmond Hill, via Lismore, commencing at 9:30am. Directions
will be available on repeaters VK2RIC, VK2RBB, and from
VK2AGH.
For more information, contact John on (066) 21933, Ken on
(066) 244 771, or Graeme on (066) 851 336. Packet news is
avalable on VK2EA-2, VK2AGH-2, or VK2YDN-2, all via
VK2RPL-1, 668900.
Note your diary now: next Sunday, 2nd August 1992, the
Summerland Amateur Radio Club Minifest.
- item from Graeme VK2GJ, publicity officer.
The Twin Cities Radio and Electronics Club advises that
their inaugural Field Day will be held on Saturday 8th
August, from 1000 to 1630 hrs. The location is the Murray
High School, at the corner of Kaitlers Road and Kemp Street,
North Albury.
The field day will feature demonstrations, talks, and
activities such as:
Amateur Slow Scan Television
Packet Radio
Satellites
Balloon Project
Fox hunting (of the radio kind)
Talk-ins will be on the following frequencies: 147.000,
146.530, 439.425, and 438.575 MHz.
There will be commercial displays and sales areas, as well
as Swap and Used Gear tables.
For further information, call into the club net on 3.560 MHz
at 1000Z, phone Greg Sargeant VK2EXA during business hours
on (060) 21-1741, or send packet mail to Claude "VK2CXC at
VK2CPR".
- Claude VK2CXC.
The Saint George Amateur Radio Society will be holding
examinations on Saturday, 5th September 1992. The closing
date for applications is 21st August 1992. For further
details & application forms please contact Ean Young VK2FSO
on (02) 580-5329
- Paul VK2ZSA
MORSE MACHINE UPGRADES
The Hornsby and District Amateur Radio Club has recently
modified the morse practice beacon, VK2RCW, which operates
on 144.950 and 3.699 MHz. The "Morse machine" now has a
varying speed, and the 80 metre band transmitter has also
been upgraded.
The club would appreciate comments from users, particularly
signal reports from the transmitter on 3.699 MHz. Both New
South Wales and interstate reports of the daytime and
nighttime signal would be helpful.
Reports may be sent to PO Box 362, Hornsby, NSW 2077, or by
packet to VK2MA at VK2RWI.
The Hornsby club also reminds us that their novice course
began last Friday evening. There is still time to join,
however, if you contact Graham VK2DWL, QTHR. The classes are
held every Friday night at the Scout Hall, Lords Road,
Asquith.
- info from Colin VK2JCC, publicity officer
WAITAKERE PHONE SPRINT
The Western Suburbs Radio Club (in Auckland) has announced
that the inaugural Waitakere Phone Sprint will be held next
Sunday evening. The contest is open to all licensed amateurs
in New Zealand and Australia, and runs from 1000 to 1100 UTC
on Sunday, 2nd August.
Contest frequencies are between 3.535 and 3.700 MHz, and the
contest organisers have requested that no linear amplifiers
be used.
Contestants should call "CQ SPRINT", "CQ TEST" or "CQ
CONTEST". Exchanges must comprise at least a signal report
and a three digit serial number: if you reach 999, revert to
001 on the next contact.
Contest logs must show for each contact:
the time (UTC),
callsign of the station worked, and
the report and serial number (both sent and received)
Logs must be in the hands of the contest Manager, Alex
Learmond ZL1BVK, 14 Takapu Street, HENDERSON, Auckland 1208,
no later than Tuesday, 1st September 1992.
Each log must be accompanied by a cover sheet showing your
name, address, callsign, operating area (eg. VK1, VK2), the
total number of contacts claimed, and a signed declaration
that you have abided by the rules and spirit of the contest.
Certificates will be awarded to the highest score overall,
and to highest score in each ZL Call area and to the top
three scores in VK.
Note that entries in violation of the rules or spirit of the
contest, or which contain excessive duplicate contacts may
be disqualified.
- Alex. ZL1BVK, Contest Manager
BROADCAST ROSTER
Next Sunday morning: Peter VK2BPN and Peter VK2JPJ
Next Sunday evening: Tony VK2ZLT and Peter VK2CZX
(Please note that the broadcast for the 9th August will be
"Peter-free")
Volunteers are always needed to help with the broadcast. If
you would like to join the VK2 Broadcast Team, please
contact Steve VK2QZ or the Parramatta office.
Broadcast items should be sent to the Broadcast Coordinator
at PO Box 1066 Parramatta NSW 2124, or sent via packet radio
to "VK2WI at VK2RWI".
They may also be submitted via FAX to (02) 633-1525 to
arrive before 6pm on Friday. Deadline is the Friday evening
prior to the broadcast and late items are accepted only if
urgent.
(You may also e-mail me at: richardm @ runx.oz.au)
COMING EVENTS
Olympics Special Event Stations active . DURING THE GAMES
HA5BUS expedition mobile in Australia . . . NOW
VI4FOW (Festival Of Whales) activated . 1st-31st August
South Coast Amateur Radio Club meeting . . SATURDAY
Summerland ARC annual minifest . . . NEXT SUNDAY
Waitakere Phone Sprint contest (80 metres) . NEXT SUNDAY
Waverley Amateur Radio Society AGM . . . 3rd August
Green Point Observatory "Open Nights" . 7th-8th August
Twin Cities Radio and Electronics Club Field Day 8th August
Closing date for Divisional examinations . 13th August
Coastwatchers 50th anniversary reunion . 14-16th August
WICEN (NSW) Annual General Meeting . . . 15th August
Remembrance Day Contest . . . . 15-16th August
City to Surf race (WICEN) . . . . 16th August
WICEN Sydney South meeting . . . . 18th August
Radio Veterans meeting at Parramatta . . 20th August
Closing Date for Saint George examinations 21st August
Batemans Bay Car Rally (WICEN) . . 22nd-23rd August
International Six Day Enduro (WICEN) . 25th-30th August
Open forum on the WIA . . . . . 29th August
VK2 Division examinations . . . . 30th August
VK2WI Broadcast, 26th July 1992. Copyright 1992 WIA (NSW) &
contributors. Material may be used elsewhere if the source
is acknowledged.
--
Richard P. Murnane Every time I read the Sydney Morning
Internet: rich...@runx.oz.au Herald cartoon page, I am reminded that
UUCP: uunet!runx.oz.au!richardm that I've become an institutionalised
Packet: VK2SKY @ VK2RWI.NSW.AUS.OC bankie: I now find "Bristow" funny...