WIANEWS for week commencing JUNE 10 2007
nation...@wia.org.au
NATIONAL WIA STORIES
ROBERT BROOMHEAD AND SILENT KEY
It is with sadness that the WIA advises the passing of Bill Rice VK3ABP,
who at age 80 became a silent key whilst sitting in his favourite chair
in his home in Altona.
It is a sad yet reflective occasion on which to remember a unique character.
Bill was the longest serving editor of the Wireless Institute of Australia's
journal Amateur Radio magazine. He joined its Publications Committee in 1972,
became Editor in July 1984 and continued in the position until December 1999.
It was a role in which he relished and able to contribute in so many ways.
As Editor he was also a member of the WIA Federal Executive for a number of
years.
Bill was a quietly spoken gentleman, with the persona not unlike that of a
yester-year stereotypical bearded scientist, with a brilliant mind.
He had been an active radio amateur for 60 years, first as VK5BP at
Murray Bridge South Australia moving in 1948 to Adelaide to attend university.
On relocating to Melbourne in 1960 be became VK3ABP. He was from the era
when radio amateurs built their own equipment. Synonymous with the callsign
VK3ABP was his valve two-metre converter that featured in AR magazine and
became a very popular project enabling many to get on to that band.
While a good listener and being very personable, Bill talked little about his
occupation in the defence research and development field and the leading edge
technology that it involved.
Retirement from work gave Bill extra time for amateur radio projects
Bill had many friends and I have on the line Ron Fisher VK3OM ...
(Ron Fisher online recording)
Some of Bill's other activities included history and sailing. He often sailed
in Gippsland - a personal achievement was to sail on the rarely filled inland
salt Lake Eyre in South Australia.
In 2001 he was awarded honorary life membership of the WIA for his long and
meritorious service, which he accepted with genuine humility.
One of Bills other close friends was Bill Roper VK3BR and I have Bill on line
to share a few words....
(Bill Roper online recording)
A service was held Tuesday at St Eanswythe's Church, in Altona with about
200 people attending.
Bill will be sadly missed and his passing is a great loss to amateur radio.
ROBERT BROOMHEAD AND FRED SWAINSTON LISTEN TO THE AUDIO MP3
New National Standard Built Around Amateur Radio
The Commonwealth Department of Education Science and Technology has endorsed
a new competency standard, called:-
"Operate and maintain an amateur radio communication station".
The standard approximates the syllabus for a Standard amateur operators
certificate of proficiency.
This means the there is now a nationally recognised standard built around
amateur radio. This is a link between amateur radio and education and
industry. Competency to this standard can be an element in an
electro-technology qualification.
It certainly should make amateur radio as an activity much more attractive to
schools.
However, it is important to note that holding the competency will not qualify
the holder for an amateur licence which still requires WIA certification to
ACMA of competency in the theory, regulatory and practical elements of the
syllabus.
WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI welcomed the Departments endorsement, saying
that he hoped that schools would be encouraged to support amateur radio
activities and also acknowledged the work of the WIA's Nominated RTO,
Fred Swainston VK3DAC in achieving this recognition of amateur radio.
P29 revival underway
A strong effort is being made to increase amateur radio activity in Papua
New Guinea and a recent P29 CQ Day is only just the beginning.
Wilfred Kilepak Amai P29PG/VK3DWA initiated the very successful special
activity day outside the Parliament Building in Port Moresby. There were
plenty of interested on-lookers.
The radio administration PANGTEL is supportive of any steps to achieve a
greater participation in amateur radio.
Wilfred says PANGTEL is aware of the Australian licence restructure that
occurred in October 2005 that includes the Foundation Licence, but has
not yet followed suit.
Traditionally P29 has mirrored the VK licence system, due to the strong
relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia that was established
before it gained independence in 1975.
And Papua New Guinea could also have its first ever YL operator with an
individual who qualified for a licence in Australia now being considered
for a P29 callsign allocation.
I'm Jim Linton VK3PC and you're listening to VK1WIA.
ROBERT BROOMHEAD AND WILFRED KILEPAK LISTEN TO THE AUDIO MP3
EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO
PRESENTED BY KYLEA VK6FXYL
FUTURE EXAMS
To find out when a club in YOUR area is hosting assessments and/or
training in Amateur Radio go to wia.org.au and check out the club pages.
Help amateur radio continue to grow
Do you know someone who could be interested in joining our hobby? Then
encourage them to enrol in a Foundation Licence training course.
Next Foundation Licence course, and Standard / Advanced assessments .....
NEW SOUTH WALES
The Hunter Radio Group
They'll hold their next licence assessments on Saturday 23rd & Sunday the
24th of June at 9.00 am at the Print Makers Workshop, 27 Popran St Adamstown.
For further information, please contact the Examination Group Leader, Grahame
O'Brien VK2FA on 02- 49548688. It is important that Foundation candidates have
a copy of the foundation manual and have studied it before attempting an
assessment.
Manuals are available from the Hunter Radio Group.
Some places will be available for candidates wanting to upgrade from foundation
licences to standard or advanced licences and the Hunter Radio Group will be
having a sausage sizzle on both days for lunch.
WEST AUSTRALIA
HANDS UP IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO TO HAM COLLEGE?
Thought that would get your attention. In VK6 we now have HAM College offering
courses for the foundation, standard and advanced licences. The next Foundatio
n
course is to be held on the 21st & 22nd of July - get your name in early to sec
ure
a place in the classroom.
Is anyone interested in obtaining their Advanced licence - the next course is
scheduled to start in July/August.
How about Morse code.....yes there is even a course run for Morse - why not sto
p
procrastinating and sign up today.
The next date for those wishing to sit Exams is June 30th.
Go to www.warg.org.au under the foundation licence page to view additional cour
se
and exam dates or you can contact VK6BDO Neil or myself for further details.
CONGRATULATIONS - RESULTS
Congratulations go out to new Radio Amateur Robert Young VK4FRJY
who has recently received his new callsign from ACMA after successfully
completing Foundation Assessment with the WIA Exam Service in Townsville.
Congratulations to 10 new Ham College graduates who obtained their Foundation
licences over the past couple of weeks, as well as 1 standard and 1 Advanced.
Look forward to making contact with you all in the near future.
AROUND VK in 80 Seconds.
VK2
The Hunter Radio Group Contesters will be operating in the Trans Tasman 160
meter phone event on July 7th this year at Luskintyre Tiger Moth Airport.
As in all Hunter Radio Group functions, having fun will be the main objective
For further information, or to confirm your attendance please contact
Grahame VK2FA on 02 49-548-688 before June 24th.
VK3
Amateur Radio Victoria say that the Mt St Leonard 70cm repeater VK3RMU
north-east of Melbourne is now on its new frequency of 439.800MHz.
Amateur Radio Victoria made the very recent QSY was mainly due to
persistent interference from a suspected low interference potential device
(LIPD).
The Sunday VK1WIA broadcast will also adopt the new frequency later this
month.
In south-west Victoria at Warrnambool the VK3RWL repeaters on 2m
147.050MHz and 70cm 439.650MHz are getting plenty of use by locals.
Early indications are that the range of VK3RWL is excellent with reports
from Ballarat, Horsham, Hamilton and Portland being received.
While the repeaters are up and running there's still a little bit more
work to do before the project is complete.
With the arrival of the winter rains and cold weather access to the site
is becoming difficult.
Many thanks to Russell Lemke VK3ZQB who with others have worked to restore
the repeaters, that were required to meet rigid and costly commercial site
requirements, borne by Amateur Radio Victoria.
Early indications are that the range of VK3RWL is excellent with reports
form Ballarat, Horsham, Hamilton and Portland being received.
DISCUSSION POINT
Often around this time in the WIA National News we bring you
"Discussion Point",
Today we bring you BOILING POINT, thanks to Frank VK2FJL, Previous editor
of Westlakes Magazine.
It seems a person decided to have a cup of coffee. He took a cup of water
and put it in the microwave to heat it up (something that he had done numerous
times before).
I am not sure how long he set the timer for, but he wanted to bring the water
to a boil.
When the timer shut the oven off, he removed the cup from the oven. As he
looked into the cup, he noted that the water was not boiling, but instantly
the water in the cup "blew up" into his face.
The cup remained intact until he threw it out of his hand but all the water had
flown out into his face due to the build up of energy. His whole face blistered
and he suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face.
Worse he may have lost partial sight in his left eye.
While at the hospital, the doctor who was attending to him stated that this is
a fairly common occurrence and water (alone) should never be heated in a
microwave oven.
If water is heated in this manner, something should be placed in the cup to
diffuse the energy such as: a wooden stir stick, tea bag, etc.
It is however a much safer choice to boil the water in a tea kettle.
WHY IS IT SO???
Micro waved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the
boiling point.
They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid
will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon
or tea bag is put into it.
To prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for
more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the
microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything .
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NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE
WORLDBEAT - GERMANY: THE DL 100 AWARD
In news from around the world, German hams are on the air throughout
June with a special celebration. This with members of the radio clubs
of Norddeich and Hage commemorating the 100th anniversary of the well
known coast station Norddeich Radio. Operations are planned for 160
through 10 meters on various modes. The special callsign, DL100DAN is
being used and a special D A N 100 award will be available. More
information can be found at http://norddeich-radio.de/ (OPDX)
WORLDBEAT - JAPAN: JARL TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL QRP DAY
The Japan Amateur Radio League's QRP Club will be running five special
event stations, 8J1P, 8J3P, 8J4P, 8J5P and 8J6P on June 17th to
celebrate the International QRP Day. International QRP Day was
designated by the IARU Region 1 Conference held in April 1984 in Italy
to stimulate QRP operation worldwide. It was reaffirmed by the IARU
Region 3 Conference in New Zealand in December of 1985 (JARL)
WORLDBEAT - UK: GB3RAL PROPOSED 40 AND 60 MHz BEACONS ON THEIR WAY
In VHF news, work from the United Kingdom that the new GB3RAL 40.05 and
60.05MHz beacons are due to receive government clearance in mid-June
but both have already cleared their key Primary User stages. Assuming
that regulatory clearance is also obtained the sponsors will go forward
to for final clearance and approval sometime this summer.
If approved, it brings ham radio in the UK closer to the prospect of a
unique 40, 50, 60 and 70 MHz co-located beacon system at the Rutherford
Appleton Labs location near Oxford. While not in amateur bands, the 40
and 60 MHz beacons should prove to be extremely useful propagation
study markers both in the UK and world wide. (GB2RS)
ON THE AIR: CELEBRATING IN INDY WITH HAM RADIO
Back in the United States, Indianapolis, Indiana has been a hotbed of
special event stations during May and it continues in June. Fire up
that new HF rig and get ready to copy. Jack Parker W8ISH has this
report from the Circle City.
If you have your HF rig fired up and your antenna pointed toward
Indianapolis you many score some great contacts in the next few weeks.
Beginning Friday evening June 8th the Indianapolis Radio Club will
begin making contacts from the site of the USS Indianapolis Memorial.
The USS Indianapolis was sunk during World War Two after delivering
atomic bomb components that were later used in the attack on Hiroshima.
Listen for the W9IND call sign during the 44 hour event or check the
Indianapolis Radio Club web page for more information.
The pace continues to quicken as the United States Grand Prix rolls
into town on Fathers Day weekend, June 17th. Special event station
W9IMS will be on the air, taking check-ins, during that weekend . This
world class special event station operates during each one of the major
races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. If you don't catch W9IMS
during the Formula One race you have another opportunity to snag a
special QSL card during the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race the weekend of
July 29th.
And last but not least, many central Indiana clubs report gearing up
for Field Day 2007 on June 23rd and 24th. Maybe we'll catch you on the
HF bands.
Reporting for Amateur Radio Newsline this is Jack Parker W8ISH.
The USS Indianapolis Memorial station will join nearly 70 other special
event stations around the world as part of the Museum Ships Weekend.
(W8ISH)
THE QNEWS WORK BENCH - the nuts and volts report -
Since Adelaide's South Coast Amateur Radio Club took over the distribution
of the VK5JST Antenna Analyser kits they have been receiving numerous orders
for the kits from right across Australia.
Just visit their website, www.scarc.org.au
MORSE ON YOUR iPoD - we are joined by VK1KEP Peter Ellis.
This interesting contribution from Mark Sullivan ZL3AB appeared
on the KiwiDX Group cluster.
In an attempt to improve CW comprehension and speed it was decided
to load some CW files onto an iPoD to listen to on the way to work.
To start you need to create a CW sound file in "wav" format.
To do this, look for a great little freeware program on the net
called WinMorse 2.0. Its a 482kb download and extremely easy to use.
http://winmorse. mark-bellamy.qarchive. org/
Once you open the software you can set the speed you want the CW
sent at and then type/paste some text into the window.
All you need to do then is choose the output as "wav" from a
drop down menu and the software does the rest.
Once you save the file you can then open it in the iTunes software
that will convert the file into AAC, the default format for the
iPoD and you can then copy it onto your iPoD and play it.
This process will also work for any MP3 player that has software that
can convert wav files into MP3. If your software does
not do that there are a number or wav to MP3 converters on the Net.
(fists club downunder)
MEDIA WATCH
TV SHOWS THE EARLY DAYS OF UK EMCOMMS
A television show about the early days of Amateur Radio emergency
communications in England was recently broadcast on the U-K TV station
Channel 4 . This, as a part of the stations ongoing '3 Minute Wonder' series.
The program was called "Preparing for the Worst" was hosted by Pat
Gowen G3IOR. It discussed one of the first ever mobile emergency
communications operations ever in the U-K. Also in the show is Terry
Owen, G4PSH and references are made to Rafars & Raynet of the city of Norfolk.
Preparing for the Worst can be seen on the YouTube video service.
SOCIAL SCENE
This "long weekend" sees Amateur radio in action at
the PORT MACQUARIE FIELD DAY
Sea Scout Hall, next door to the Country Comfort Motor Inn.
CARDEWLL BEACH RESORT TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
The Far North and North Queensland Amateur Radio Get Together
LAKES AREA OF VK2
The Lemontree Passage Bushfire Brigades Fete yesterday, Saturday 9th June.
Mount Gambier The South East Radio Group annual convention.
Then next month in VK3 the "BIG ONE" July 7+8 - GippsTech - THE
Conference for VHF, UHF & SHF enthusiasts in Australia.
Held at the Gippsland Campus of Monash University in Churchill, about
two hours drive east of Melbourne.
=========================================================================
WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail nation...@wia.org.au
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
Thanks to to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize
their time and equipment in bringing you this weekly broadcast.
The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to
active amateurs residing in Australia and the globe.
We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of Australia
and participation in the activities of local clubs.
Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who submit
material and do not necessarily reflect those of the rebroadcasters,
nor the National WIA, but are broadcast in the spirit in which they were
submitted.
Material may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, a credit to
WIANews wouldn't go astray...
Compiled by VK3VIM on behalf of the National WIA.
/ex
BB's DIARY ROOM - THE FUTURE, IN AMATEUR RADIO
2008
Sept 13 Alarameet 2008 will be held in Ulverstone Tasmania on Saturday
13th and Sunday 14th September 2008. Susan VK7LUV for details.
2009
International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World 2009.
SOCIAL SCENE
JUNE 9-10 PORT MACQUARIE FIELD DAY
Members of the Amateur Radio Fraternity and anyone interested in Radio
communication, are invited to attend Port Macquarie's annual field day
weekend, to be held at the Sea Scout Hall, Buller Street, Port Macquarie,
next door to the Country Comfort Motor Inn.
FNNQARG QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND 2007
The Far North and North Queensland Amateur Radio Get Together
(FNNQARG!) will be happening from the 8th to 11th June at
Cardwell Village Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park.
Demonstrations of ARDF, World Championship
Antenna Wrestling, Navcom Electronics
ICOM Yaesu and Diamond equipment displays,
the famous Sunday Morning Cricket Match plus
much much more will be happening over the weekend.
Amongst the attendees will by Mr Aoki, Managing Director
of ICOM Australia and Mr Yoshi, Managing Director of
Standard Vertex Yaesu Australia. Rumour has it that they
are already practicing for the Sunday Morning Cricket Match
and hope there is a healthy roll up of regional hams to make
up good numbers for the FNQ and NQ teams.
Secure your accommodation now by getting in contact
with Toni or Bruce at -
Cardwell Village Beachcomber Resort and Van Park
1800 005633 07 40668550 fax 07 40668941
43A Marine Parade Cardwell QLD 4849
JUNE 9
Westlakes will have a display stall at the Lemontree Passage Bushfire
Brigades Fete on Saturday 9th June
JUNE 9-10
The South East Radio Group annual convention, which incorporates the
Australian Foxhunting Championships, will be held at the Scout Hall in
Mount Gambier SA, on the Queen's Birthday weekend, 9-10 June 2007.
Further information from:
http://serg.mountgambier.org/
July 7+8 - GippsTech
Conference for VHF, UHF & SHF enthusiasts in Australia.
Held at the Gippsland Campus of Monash University in Churchill, about
two hours drive east of Melbourne.
www.qsl.net\vk3bez\index.htm
SEPTEMBER 21-23
North Queensland Amateur Radio Convention
Happening in twin cities of Thuringowa and Townsville.
JANUARY 20 2008
The Mid North Coast Amateur Radio Group invite all amateurs to attend the
2008 Mid North Coast Radio Expo to be held in Coffs Harbour on Sunday 20th
January.
The Expo is held at the St Johns Church Hall, Mc Lean Street,
Coffs Harbour.
Gary VK2ZKT is the Radio Expo Coordinator on 02 66 55 2 990 or visit the
Groups comprehensive web site at www.mncarg.org
THE FINAL FINAL
WALKS
Jeff VK4XJJ is still going strong on his walk across Australia.
But he still wants to hear from YOU, and it is these calls in particular
that keep him going!!
Every Day, from 5:30pm Eastern on 40 meters, 7045 put out a call to
VK4XJJ
Now we usually don't give url's as they can be a pain to take down but in
this case very simple go to www.jeffswalk.com
Jeff entered Moomba Gas Field on Sunday 27 May
Well received and looked after by Santos and staff.
Made presentations and received donations for DeafBlind.
Left Moomba Wednesday 30th. Walked 14Km and set up camp. 24 degrees.
VK4BNQ ( Gympie )and myself VK2FWGJ ( Mooranbah ), heard Jeff QRP on 2 and
a half watts ( 2.5 ).
Temporary external battery problem. ( Wednesday and Thursday )
Will walk 25 Km Thursday.
(Bill Johnson VK2FWGJ)
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=========================================================================
WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to
the actual broadcast date, e-mail nation...@wia.org.au
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
Compiled by VK4BB on behalf of the National WIA.
HOP TO SPECIFIC WIANews TOPICS
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WIANews THANKS OUR REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS , OUR RELAY OPERATORS ACROSS
THE WORLD FOR FORWARDING INFORMATION AND COMMENTS THEIR LISTENERS HAVE
PASSED ON TO MAKE WIANews VK'S LEADING WEEKLY AMATEUR RADIO PROGRAM.
E-mail WIANews WITH VK STORIES.
Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to the
actual broadcast date, e-mail nation...@wia.org.au
Callbacks follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may
lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might
even get a "cheerio call".
Compiled by VK4BB on behalf of QNEWS for the National WIA.
Thanks to to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize
their time and equipment in bringing you this weekly broadcast.
The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to
active amateurs residing in Australia and the globe.
We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of Australia
and participation in the activities of local clubs.
Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who submit
material and do not necessarily reflect those of the rebroadcasters,
nor the National WIA.
Material may be reproduced in whole or in part, in any form, a credit
to WIANews wouldn't go astray...
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________