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VK7AX > BCAST 12.04.20 07:31z 399 Lines 17141 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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VK7 Amateur Radio News 12Apr20
Text edition: VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR APRIL 12 2020
(Note.. please remove spaces in email addresses before using)
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 12th APRIL 2020
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Welcome to the Easter edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 12th April 2020. This broadcast is brought to you by VK7WI, and read today by Peter, VK7PD.
This broadcast utilises repeaters around VK7 and the following HF rebroadcast stations:
On 3.670 MHz by Peter, VK7TPE
On 7.140 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD
On 14.130 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH
On 28.525 MHz by Tony, VK7VKT
On DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 091 by Clayton, VK7ZCR
This broadcast is repeated on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on
repeaters VK7RAA in the North and VK7RTC in the South.
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WORLD AMATEUR RADIO DAY
Statement By IARU President Tim Ellam, VE6SH
“As I write this the world is in the midst of battling the COVID-19 crisis. A few short weeks ago many of us could not imagine the levels of isolation that we are now dealing with and the sacrifices of many on the frontlines of the pandemic. As we have done in past challenges to our society, Amateur Radio will play a key part in keeping people connected and assisting those who need support.
“Having come off my own 14-day isolation after returning from an overseas trip, I am touched by the kindness of strangers who assisted me when I was unable to leave my house. It strikes me Amateur Radio operators, who give so much during these times of crisis, are not limited to assisting over the air. Amateurs are true volunteers and I would encourage everyone to assist in the community as they are able to.
“My wish for this World Amateur Radio Day is for everyone to stay safe, follow the advice of medical professionals and use Amateur Radio and your skills to help us through this crisis. Tim Ellam, VE6SH, IARU President
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Sewing Circle Net
Please note that from the 13 April 2020 the Sewing Circle Net will commence at 17:00 on a frequency of 3.64MHz.
73, Gavin, VK7VTX
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23 cm QSO Party
Welcome to Martin VK7GN who joined in with his new IC-9700 coupled to a patch antenna via a length of coax that he estimates would have offset the few dB of antenna gain. Martin reported being surprised that he could copy most stations.
Alan VK7KAJ is experimenting with digital and copied Peter VK7PD in Launceston.
Last Sunday a record number of 15 Stations participated; 13 from Hobart on FM and 2 from up North on Digital.
73 Rex VK7MO
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QSL NEWS
Report - from Herman VK7HW Manager of the WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
The WIA Head Office Bureau is now planning to forward QSL Cards to State managers on a quarterly basis.
Advice has also been received that due to the current situation with the Corona Virus, the office is not fully staffed and it may be some time before we receive any further deliveries.
The current list of Cards held as at 3 April, including the latest delivery on 12 March, is in the email version of the broadcast.
Please contact Herman if you can assist in delivery of any of the cards in your area.
Thank you those who have already advised him. He hopes to send a few more cards out in the next week or so.
If you have any questions re QSL cards, please contact Herman by email vk7bureau @ wia.org.au
73, Herman, VK7HW, WIA Manager VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
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AA, AAA, AB, AC, AD, AE, AL, AM, AN, AO, AP, AS, ATH, AV
BA, BB, BBB, BBW, BM, BO, BP
CC, CH, CJ, CV, CX
DD, DG, DK, DO, DQ, DW, DX, DZ
FALX, FAZZ, FG, FGGT, FJFJ, FLAR, FOTR, FRJG, FTAS
GA, GC, GH, GL, GM, GW, GZ
HCH, HDX, HPD, HRS, HRW, HVK, HZ
IK, IS
JA, JB, JJ, JJJ, JON, JP, JW
KBA, KD, KJ, KRJ, KL, KR, KT, KX
LAZ, LCW, LDH, LF, LH, LM, LW
MAG, MBD, MBP, MC, MD(dm), ME, MHZ, MI, ML
NA, NC, NET, NMH, NRF, NSB, NSE, NTE, NWQ, NWT
OK, OR, OT
PAL, PBD, PSJ, PW
RG, RN, ROY
SM, SN, SV
TCE, TED, TK, TR, TS, TU, TX
VAC, VAZ, VH, VKV, VR, VZ
WA, WC, WH, WT, WX
XDM, XX
YAD, YUM
ZA, ZCK, ZE, ZJJ, ZM, ZMS, ZT, ZX, ZZ
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The SOTA/WWFF parks group at Glebe Gardens shall be back on track with plans for future events as soon as government regulations change from the current situation.
Time to think and plan for future events.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
We begin this week by wishing everyone a Happy Easter. I suspect many of us are getting isolation fever by now but it is something we have to do and continue to do till this virus has been brought under control.
Inaugural Tech Net for NTARC - Report from Nic VK7BEE
“This occurred on 3.567 MHz LSB at 7:30pm local time (19:30 AEST or 05:30 GMT)
The net was a success with 14 stations involved. All stations with moderate to good signals which improved dramatically as the evening progressed.
The DISCORD online communications application was also used simultaneously, with Paul VK7KPA "hosting" the NTARC Tech Net Group. This allowed several amateurs to connect whilst listening to the net but were unable to transmit. We had 13 users join.
It also provided immediate answers to questions on the HF net without disturbing the Net order.
With Nic VK7BEE as net controller using club callsign VK7TAZ:
We had a quick log in from Ebenezer VK7AT, who was simultaneously engaged on a Skype call overseas, celebrating his mother-in-law's 100th birthday.
Kevin VK7HKN logged on with a monstrous signal using only 4 watts on a vertical antenna. He gave us an update on his QRP DSB rig. Onya Kevin.
The online forum got very busy keeping Paul on his toes.
A host more stations joined with many technical topics, too many to mention here, but a big thank you to all for making this first NTARC TechNet a success.
There should be an email circulated soon with details about accessing the forum and other pointers.
We will be at the same time, same channel next week, see you there.
73, Nic VK7BEE, TechNet Controller.
Certainly, for many of us, this Easter holiday period is quite different to what we would normally be experiencing but hopefully the Easter bunny found you and delivered either chocolate, alcohol, maybe toilet rolls and paper towels if he/she could find any, or even better still, some electronics to tide you over in the shack. One thing about this Pandemic, it might maybe make us all just a little more aware of the plight of the Easter Bunny and his kinsfolk in confronting their own particular viral nemesis, the Calesi virus.
As the club rooms are not open, quite a few of us will be missing that twice weekly catch up enjoying the conversation, coffee and cake. It now seems a bit odd that we took those sessions for granted for so long. I know we are really looking forward to the day when we can re-open. I suspect though, that will still be many weeks away.
Finally
A reminder to all members that if you have any items of news you would like added to our weekly roundup, then please email them to either of the following addresses
ntarc.emails @ gmail.com or ypmaxwell @ bigpond.com.
For some time to come, the weekly news will be the medium for informing all about happenings, or lack thereof, in the local amateur radio world. It would be appreciated if any news, no matter how insignificant, could be sent no later than 17:00 hours on the Friday prior to broadcast, to allow its timely insertion into the NTARC segment.
That gives all a chance to get the NTARC segment together and off to Hobart in time for collation into the VK7 Broadcast. Your continued cooperation in this regard will be gratefully appreciated.
73, Yvonne VK7FYMX, Secretary NTARC Inc
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
REAST Club Virtual Gathering
The REAST Committee met virtually on Tuesday 7th April and we discussed trialling a REAST Club Virtual Gathering.
Through the marvels of the Zoom meeting and collaboration software we are looking to get many club members to meet virtually to outline some of the things that your REAST Committee are working on and provide a space to enable members to put forward ideas and innovations and have discussions at this time of social distancing.
By the very nature of Amateur radio, we have been social distancing for years and therefore our hobby is well suited to the current circumstances.
Zoom will be the meeting and collaboration tool that will be used and an email will be sent to club members very soon with details of what you need to do to use the tool.
We are looking to trial it on Wednesday Night 15th April from 7:30pm.
We look forward to seeing you there.
73, Justin, VK7TW on behalf of the REAST Committee.
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Clubrooms Reno
From an overheard conversation last week, we believe that this exercise has been postponed until circumstances permit gathering at the club rooms again.
For further information, contact Tony, VK7VKT.
secretary @ reast.asn.au
73, REAST Committee
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DATV "Working from the Shack #3" Experimenter's Night
Last Wednesday night we had the first of what I hope will be many shack and project tour nights.
We thank Richard VK7ZBX who was our first shack and project tour amateur radio operator.
This was all made possible through the marvels of the Zoom online meeting and collaboration tool.
Richard started by giving the audience a bit about himself and history and then how he got into amateur radio. Les Cooper VK7LS worked at the Zinc works and became Richard's elmer and Richard got his licence in 1986.
Richard went through his early work with many satellites and where he was involved in helping as a southern hemisphere control station - uploading code to some satellites and getting international recognition for it.
His inspirations where the late Doug Parish and Ian Filby, and in the microwave and EME arena - Rex Moncur VK7MO.
Richard then gave us a virtual tour of his shack showing many projects including a 1296 PA and controller, 2.4GHz and 3.4GHz transverters.
We then took some questions from Repeater Two and the Youtube Chat channel. Thanks to all who called in.
A huge thank you for Richard for being our first shack tour and we hope to have many more in future.
You can view the tour online at the link on the email edition of this broadcast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY8NUlgaapU
So, if you are game and would like to show off your shack and/or projects please send me an email - vk7tw @ wia.org.au.
We have a break next week as we will be having a REAST club virtual gathering.
Catch you in a fortnight at the next DATV Experimenter's Night - Working from the Shack #4
73, Justin, VK7TW
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TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Australia to supply IED-defeating devices to Afghanistan
Department of Defence will work with Australian industry to manufacture and deliver more than 15,000 lifesaving SILVERSHIELD units to the Afghanistan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) this year.
SILVERSHIELD is the latest in-vehicle mounted system being developed under the REDWING program, which provides protection against radio-controlled improvised explosive devices.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said that the capability would boost the ANDSF's ability to operate confidently in a high-threat environment.
"The REDWING program is one of Australia's largest contributions to the Afghan security forces through the Afghan National Army Trust Fund," Minister Reynolds said.
Since 2015, Australian industry, in collaboration with Defence, has produced and exported more than 224,000 individual and vehicle-mounted REDWING systems to the ANDSF.
Final assembly of SILVERSHIELD units will take place at L3 Micreo's facility in Brisbane, with component parts sourced from companies across Australia, including:
Axiom Precision Manufacturing (based in Adelaide)
SRX Global (Melbourne)
ZCG Scalar (Lindenow, Victoria)
LINTEK (Queanbeyan)
"The success of the REDWING program is a result of the remarkable diversity of Australia's defence industry nationwide," said the Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price.
"The program continues to be recognised as a leading example of innovation and industry working together, most recently at the 2018 Essington Lewis Awards, which recognise excellence in Australia's defence industry.”
Read more: http://criticalcomms.com.au/content/radio-systems/news/australia-to-supply-ied-defeating-devices-to-afghanistan-225462726#ixzz6JChLskZ7
Sourced from the Critical Comms Web E-zine
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Amendments allow telcos to deploy temporary facilities
The federal government has amended the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 and the Telecommunications Code of Practice 2018 to enable carriers to deploy temporary capabilities as approved low-impact facilities in certain circumstances including emergencies.
These include cells on wheels for temporary cellular network coverage, and networks on wheels which can be deployed by NBN Co to provide temporary nbn services.
"This summer;s severe bushfires demonstrated the importance of telecommunications carriers making use of their temporary network assets to provide quality services to Australian families and businesses," said the Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, Paul Fletcher.
"In the aftermath of the bushfires, when safe to do so, the telcos deployed temporary facilities to keep impacted communities connected. These changes to telecommunications regulations make it more efficient for them to do so in future and provide the telcos more flexibility to respond quickly in rapidly changing circumstances."
The amendments will also enable carriers to continue to provide emergency services such as fire, police and ambulance services access to essential telecommunications services.
Safeguards and conditions apply to carriers deploying these types of facilities, including time limits, height limits and rules on where the facility can be located.
Read more: http://criticalcomms.com.au/content/industry/news/amendments-allow-telcos-to-deploy-temporary-facilities-805229945#ixzz6JCnlXdj5
Sourced from the Critical Comms Web E-zine
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
Regular gatherings:
NWTR&TVG - Club meetings cancelled till further notice.
NTARC - Club meetings cancelled till further notice.
REAST - Clubrooms are closed until further notice.
https://www.reast.asn.au/
REAST - MICROWAVE QSO Party - following after the Sunday broadcast on 1296.15 MHz FM.
https://www.reast.asn.au/special-interest-groups/23cm-transmissions/
Events:
Sewing Circle Net - commences at 17:00 on 3.640 MHz.
REAST - Zoom meeting - Wednesday Night 15th April from 7:30pm
VK7HH - "Ham Radio DX" on YouTube any time
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A reminder to those people rostered for next week's broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7RI
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and NWTR&TVG
80m: VK7ALH
40m: VK7TPE
20m: VK7JGD
10m: VK7VKT
DMR: Talk Group 5 and
D-Star: Reflector 091 VK7ZCR
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This broadcast is repeated on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in the North and VK7RTC in the South.
Thanks to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast.
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That concludes our VK7 Amateur Radio News Broadcast for this week.
You have been listening to VK7WI. Next week the National WIA news can be heard at 0900 followed by the VK7 Amateur Radio News around 0930 hours.
Items for the broadcast can be emailed to vk7arnews @ gmail.com
Further information about the broadcast can be found at the VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.IO Group.
https://groups.io/g/vk7arnews
The deadline for items is 21:00 on Friday prior to the Sunday of the broadcast.
VK7WI is now closing but will reopen shortly for callbacks and relay reports. Callbacks will be taken on the frequency to which you are listening. Relay stations will use their own callsigns during the callback.
From the VK7 Amateur Radio News, it is 73 from Peter, VK7PD.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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