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VK7AX > BCAST 19.05.19 09:55z 461 Lines 24684 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 05May19
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Sent: 190519/0946Z @:VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC #:11649 [Ulverstone] $:11649_VK7AX
From: VK7AX@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
To : BCAST@WW
Text edition: VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 05 May 2019
(Note.. please remove spaces in email addresses before using)
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 05 May 2019
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Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 5th of May 2019. This broadcast is brought to you by VK7WI, and read today by Idris, VK7ZIR.
This broadcast utilises repeaters around VK7 and the following HF rebroadcast stations:
On 3.670 MHz operator not known at the time of writing
On 7.140 MHz by Mike, VK7FB
On 14.130 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH
On 28.525 MHz by Peter, VK7TPE
On DMR Talk Group 3809, Clayton, VK7ZCR.
This broadcast is repeated on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RTC in the South and VK7RAA in the North.
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QSL News
VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau News
Herman received a package of QSL cards late on Friday 12th and another package on Monday 15 April 2019. The listings are published in the email version of the Broadcast. Mail outs will begin after ANZAC Day.
(73 de Herman VK7HW Manager WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau)
Cards held as at 18 April 2019
ABY, AC, AD, AG, AM, AP
BBB, BC, BO
CW
DD, DG, DW, DX (for E7/VK4DX), DZ
EE
FG, FLAR, FLI (via AN), FRJG
GK, GM, GN, GZ
HAH, HCK, HDM, HRS, HVK
JJ, JJJ, JON
KPB, KT
LC, LH, LLJ
MBD, MD, MHZ, MO
NC, NET, NF, NRF, NWQ, NWT
QP
RB, RN, ROY
SM
TCE, TR, TS (for VK9LS), TU
VR, VZ
WC, WLH
XX
YUM
ZE, ZGK, ZX
VI7ANZAC (for 7VH)
VI7COW
VI7JIS
VI7KCD
VI7LER
VI70HI
VI70MI
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GENERAL NEWS
VKFF New Park Additions for Tasmania
During April, a number of new parks were added to the WWFF (World Wide Flora & Fauna) parks program throughout Tasmania. There's never been a better time to get started with park activations. In total, 43 new parks were added including conservation areas, recreation areas and nature reserves.
There are now 142 parks to activate throughout the state, so no matter where you live, there is likely to be something in your local area.
To find out more, please visit the WWFF Australia website at
www.wwffaustralia.com
To make an enquiry, please contact Jonathan VK7JON the Tasmania Representative. Jonathan's email address appears on the VKFF Team page of the website.
73, Jonathan, VK7JON
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RAOTC Broadcast for May
On Monday May 6th the Radio Amateurs Old Timers Club of Australia broadcast will be put to air.
This months bulletin includes a well-researched article on how coast watchers turned the tide on the Pacific War in the 1940s; among their many feats, these brave souls prepared the allies for the Battle of the Coral Sea.
Another study looks at the effect of concentrated bombing in Europe during World War 2 creating shock waves that disturbed the upper atmosphere, including the ionosphere, and
historic studies of its effects on radio propagation.
A more contemporary study examines the wake produced by wind farms and its effect on downwind installations.
This will go to air in VK7 over the VK7RAA/RTC network around the state at 7:30pm local time on Monday, thats tomorrow if youre listening on Sunday; it lasts approximately 30
minutes.
It will also go to air in the Ulverstone area on digital ATV 446.50 MHz and the batc.org.uk/live/vk7ax video stream at approximately 8:30pm local time.
Please join in the call backs afterwards.
73, Peter VK7PD
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News from the North West
NWTR&TVG.
Special Meeting And General Meeting
Prior to the general meeting on June 1st at 2pm there is to be a special meeting in relation to membership rules. If not received, the notice of special meeting will be in your email shortly. Please take the time to read it and print it if you need to bring it to the meeting.
The general meeting of our club will follow on June 1st at the Scout Hall at Ulverstone immediately after. As usual we ask for a small plate for afternoon tea please. Friends are welcome to attend our meeting if they would like to.
I will be providing tea and coffee as usual.
Please remember June 1st at the Scout Hall Ulverstone at 2pm.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
73 Shirl VK7HSC, President, NWTR&TVG
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News from the North
SOTA and WWFF Parks and Reserves Group
Meeting times are from 10:30am on Monday and Friday At Glebe Gardens Cafe, 166 Henry St, Launceston.
For more details contact Al on Mobile: 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
The NTARC news segment this week is again coming from our temporary QTH on board T.S.M.V Tanda. The weather today is brilliant, a balmy 26 degrees. Mind you, the situation overnight wasnt so great, with constant rain, thunder and lightning. Heres hoping todays welcome change holds. Maybe the omens are good. Whilst preparing the news, a number of our neighbouring boats are heading out for the weekend. Hopefully their skippers are in the know.
Anyway, onto the news.
Repeater news – as mentioned last week our Northern Repeater crew were planning a trip to Mt Arthur last Saturday, weather permitting. As your reporter hasnt received an update, at this distance and in not having received any report, I am not sure if this event happened. If it did, maybe we may be able to provide you with an update next week.
Technical session roundup –We got underway again last Wednesday, 1 May. So now its over to Idris for an account of what transpired.
“It was standing room only in the Clubrooms with the resumption of the Technical Sessions after the Easter break.
Peter VK7KPC came with equipment from the Military part of his collection. This was an operational field man-pack complete with carrying frame, antenna and a large accessories kit, all in very good condition. Manufactured by the Hughes Aircraft Company of America, SSB and CW, 2 to 12 MHz.
It didnt take long for the covers to come off and a steady stream of admirers had a good look at the construction. Thanks Peter.
Ross VK7ALH brought in a Geloso VFO module, type 4/101, a small chassis with a tuning capacitor and three valves. Ross had hand drawn the circuit diagram, and had found a schematic to use the unit in a larger project. A good work in progress Ross.
Trevor VK7TB had used the time over Easter very productively, completing a printed circuit design of his Rubidium standard disciplined master oscillator for his Ten Tec Orion transceiver. He showed us his schematics and final CAD drawings of the PCBs and gave us an overview of the circuit operation. He has only just sent the files to the circuit board manufacturer, so we will have to wait to see the final results.
Kevin VK7HKN and André VK7ZAB were engrossed in downloading Arduino sketches and libraries for Kevins Digital Compass kit. Kevin also had his home brewed 40m transceiver operating using the HF vertical. There wasnt much on the band, but we could hear the lightning strikes in the approaching weather system crashing in the headphones.
Ebenezer VK7AT, Stefan VK7ZSB and BernieVK7BR were discussing the history of AWA, in particular the high standard of the manufacturing and design.
Andrew VK7DW and Peter VK7PD were there with some DX awards to show with Andrew having some SSTV pictures from the ISS.
There was so much going on that I hope I havent missed too much, but everyone was happy to get back into the swing of things.”
Thanks Idris for that update. It appears everyone was eagerly awaiting the recommencement of the Technical sessions.
Coming events
Technical sessions – next session, Wednesday 8 May at the usual time of 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm Club room Archer Street, Rocherlea. Pop in and catch up with fellow amateurs, bring along something that you are currently building or just ask questions? You might also be able to answer some from other attendees. That is what the evenings are all about, anything of a technical or near-technical nature is fair game. Endless tea and coffee along with biscuits is available for a small gold coin donation.
May General meeting – final reminder that the May meeting. It will be a BBQ event to be held next Saturday 11 May. BBQ will commence at noon and the meeting will follow at 14:00 hours. As usual the Club will supply the meat, onions, bread etc. Donations of salads to share would be appreciated, likewise donations of items for afternoon tea. The cost remains at $10.00 per person and that covers your lunch and also afternoon tea. For those just attending the meeting, a gold coin or a small note donation for afternoon tea is always appreciated. I best get the minutes sorted this week for the April meeting. Trouble when you are away is that you get easily distracted in other matters.
Equine event – our first event of the year is fast approaching. NTARC has been asked to provide safety comms at the Lockhart Challenge to be held at Lebrina on Saturday 25 May. This event is being hosted by the North East Equine Endurance Club. This is a one-day ride and we will be providing Safety Comms for the 80, 40 and 20 km events. As this is close to Launceston why not consider coming along and assisting a Community organisation, while utilising your radio skills. Our Safety Communications Coordinator Norm VK7KTN would appreciate hearing from you. Norm can be contacted by
email safetycomms.ntarc @ gmail.com
Coffee mornings – A reminder that our twice-weekly coffee sessions are normally held every Monday and Friday commencing at 10.00 am and running through till about noon or longer if members want to linger longer.
Please remember that aside from the good company, freely offered philosophical views, maybe less than expert political analysis, tall tales and genuinely good fare on offer, these coffee events are normally a good opportunity to collect your QSL cards. At the moment I am not sure if we have any cards awaiting collection but why not drop in anyway. If there are cards there for you then that will be a bonus.
Please demonstrate your appreciation of all the effort that goes into operating the club and its facilities and other services we provide by joining us at these sessions, enjoying the company, coffee and the cake and leaving a gold coin or two, or even a small bank note, in the jar to assist in our on-going operations. I dont know of any other venue in Launceston where you can get endless coffee, tea and eats for a donation of this miniscule amount.
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 the following address
ntarc.emails @ gmail.com
However, while I am absent on holiday, it would be appreciated if any news could be sent no later than 17:00 hours on the Friday prior to broadcast, to allow its insertion into the NTARC segment. There are very real difficulties in compiling the weekly news contribution when away from home QTH, not that there arent when at home. In the field though, they are much more demanding. During my absence therefore, the reality must be that if I do not receive contributions by 17:00, I will be obliged to simply insert a note that no report has been received on that particular item before the cut off. I trust that this will be understood.
As always, I look forward to seeing you at Rocherlea but not for some weeks.
73, Yvonne, VK7FYMX
Secretary NTARC Inc
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
www.reast.asn.au
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
Remaining Member Packs Posted
Approximately thirty 2019 member packs were posted out this week and should be hitting your mailbox soon. We'd like to thank all members who were able to pick up their pack from the clubrooms as it greatly helped in reducing the postage costs.
Murray, VK7ZMS, REAST Secretary
VK7 Amateurs Making Worldwide News
Southgate Amateur Radio News is one of the larger dedicated news websites for the hobby and in this past week not one, but two VK7 amateurs hit their headlines.
Rex VK7MO has been reviewing the Icom IC-9700 for working weak signal modes and the news isn't good. Rex has released a report along with a video which was picked up by SARN.
Hayden VK7HH has also been working on making some amateur radio YouTube videos and his recent comparison of the new weak signal FT4 contest mode versus FT8 has certainly got people interested, again attracting international notoriety
Congratulations to both Rex and Hayden! Links to both articles can be found in the text edition of the broadcast.
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2019/may/ft4-versus-ft8.htm
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2019/may/ic-9700-vhf-uhf-transceiver-review.htm#.XMxFho4zYrg
Reast Antenna Build Day
REAST is planning an antenna build day in the not too distant future (more on that in the next couple of weeks). We're hoping that the day will be a great opportunity for members and non-members to get together in a shared learning environment and be able to walk away with an antenna they can go home and plug in and start using. With test equipment available you'll be able to dabble with a dipole, fidget with a fractal or alter an end fed!
Speaking of end feds there will be a limited number of ready-to-assemble antenna kits for sale for those who would like a project to walk away with.
An end-fed half wave antenna that can be used on 40-20-15m will cost $35
A VHF/UHF handheld Moxon antenna for working LEO Satellites will cost $25
If you are interested in pre-ordering a kit, and guaranteeing availability please contact Ben VK7BEN by
email at vk7ben @ wia.org.au
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REAST Presentation Night Wrap-Up
We were privileged to have Andrew Klekociuk from the Australian Antarctic Division give us a presentation on a potted history of Australian atmospheric research in Antarctica, from studies of aurorae, the ionosphere and magnetosphere, and cosmic rays to modern work on global climate modelling and related topics.
Andrew is a Principal Research Scientist at the Australian Antarctic Division where he has conducted research on the Antarctic atmosphere for over 30 years. He grew up in Tasmania and gained a PhD in physics from the University of Tasmania. He has hobby interests in astronomy and environmental monitoring.
Andrew covered some early history and moved to research origins including cosmic ray measurements from 1950s and the Geophysical Year 1957/58 through to 2007. Solar particle propagation and atmospheric effects that create a proton model to study chemistry changes and specifically ozone changes in relation to climate change. Auroral studies from early days with film and then photometer measurements, airglow studies, ionosphere and magnetosphere studies.
In the 1990s there was a renewal of atmospheric and space physics research - Davis Station is the focus with relatively good weather. These include Polar Lidar, Davis Rayleigh/Mie/Raman Lidar, MST Radar, and radiosondes. Each of these covered different parts of the atmosphere. We had a great virtual tour of the Davis Base in 3D. Some of the radars map meteor scatters and they penetrate the upper atmosphere. The Lidar even captured a large asteroid dust cloud after it vapourised. Studies are done of very high ice crystalline noctilucent clouds. The Division made the first ozone studies and has a long term record. Optical spectrometers measure chemical changes to make long term mesopause temperature measurements.
The current research that is going on includes clouds and precipitation, stratospheric ozone and gravity waves.
Andrew concluded that the research came from humble beginnings, have had challenges of adapting and changing directions and there is a need to keep up with the technology and becoming more collaborative and more tech savy.
There were some interesting side trips about Andrew's personal experiments with SDRs, ground dipoles, measuring Schumann resonances and his other hobby interest in radioastronomy.
A huge thank you to Andrew for coming along and presenting what research the Australian Antarctic Division is undertaking. Thanks also to Warren VK7WN for organising this wonderful presentation.
For those who missed the presentation- it will be available on the REAST YouTube channel in the near future.
(73, Justin, VK7TW)
DATV Experimenter's Night
This Wednesday from 7:30pm will see the re-launch of the Digital Amateur Television studio. We will be transmitting RF on 445.5MHz DVB-T 7MHz Standard Definition. We have some setup to complete on the streaming but we will be endeavouring to stream the night via the REAST YouTube channel. So if you have a TV, Set-top box or USB DTV Dongle that you can tune to 445.5MHz and do a scan for a DVB-T signal and you can see the Queens Domain then you have a good chance of receiving the DATV Experimenter's Night Signal. Look out for VK7OTC.
https://www.reast.asn.au/special-interest-groups/amateur-tv/
See you Wednesday May 8th from 7:30pm and we will be taking callbacks on Repeater 2.
See you there.
(73, Justin, VK7TW)
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TECHNICAL ARTICLES
Motorola and partners launch new NZ network
Wednesday, 01 May, 2019
A new digital communications network has been launched that aims to provide New Zealands businesses with secure voice communication, extensive coverage and access to feature-rich applications.
The OC3 (Orion Converged Communications Core) will be powered by Motorola Solutions MOTOTRBO Capacity Max technology, providing secure voice communication, extensive coverage and access to feature-rich applications.
Modelled on the Orion Network in Australia, New Zealands Orion Network is being established by CSE Genesis, a division of CSE New Zealand Limited, and TL Parker Ltd, in association with Motorola Solutions.
Motorola Solutions General Manager of Radio Channel for Australia and New Zealand Dan Leppos said the new network represents a major advancement for the company in New Zealand.
“With New Zealands services sector continuing to thrive and strong employment and GDP growth forecast in coming years, advanced communications will be essential to securing the countrys long-term prosperity,” Leppos said.
“New Zealands Orion network and OC3 suite of advanced applications draws on our successful partnership in delivering Australias largest commercial digital two-way radio network.
“Each year we invest around US$500 million in research and development to deliver purpose-built technology for mission-critical industries. New Zealands commercial organisations will benefit from that investment by accessing the Orion network,” he added.
CSE New Zealand Managing Director Harry Singh said the network is designed to meet the needs of any organisation with industrial and critical infrastructure.
“The Orion network will provide converged voice, data and video applications that integrate seamlessly with cellular networks. The infrastructure includes a nationwide radiocommunications network that can connect with other public and private broadband LTE and Wi-Fi networks, creating a bridge between data and voice services,” he said.
“The network will enable users to access a single platform of technologies to unify workgroups across their entire operations, regardless of the device they carry or where they are located,” Singh said.
TL Parker Limited Director and owner Garry Parker said the Orion network is suited to a broad range of organisations, from utilities to transport and logistics operations, government departments and beyond.
“Secure and reliable communication between workgroups makes a big difference, especially in times of emergency to keep employees safe and informed as events unfold,” Parker said.
The network has already been rolled out in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and will be progressively extended across the nation for completion in 2020.
When complete, the network will also provide trans-Tasman connections linking the Orion network in New Zealand with all Australian states.
Read more: http://criticalcomms.com.au/content/radio-systems/article/motorola-and-partners-launch-new-nz-network-763643651#ixzz5mrhFFSLb
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Solar Hybrid Solutions with EFOY Pro Fuel Cell
With the Southern Hemisphere winter quickly approaching, the perfect solution for delivering 100% site uptime with minimal service requirements is the use of an EFOY Pro fuel cell in a solar hybrid system configuration.
As soon as PV panels stop delivering sufficient energy for the site due to periods of bad weather or poor solar harvest, the EFOY Pro fuel cell bridges the required system energy gap. The fuel cell connects directly to the battery supplying the load, and monitors its state of charge (SOC).
This means site operators can reduce the size and complexity of off-grid solar systems reducing battery sizing, panel arrays and the need for unreliable and costly diesel generators.
Featured Highlights
Choice of EFOY Pro 800 (45w), EFOY Pro 2400 (110w) or EFOY Pro 12000 (500w) Models
Suitable for 12 volt, 24 volt or 48 volt sites
100% Reliable off-grid power – Anytime, Anywhere
Lightweight and Compact footprint
Reduce operating costs for remote sites
Quiet and environmentally friendly - suitable for environmentally sensitive areas where diesel generators cannot be used.
Long Operating Life, Maintenance-Free – due to the high energy density of methanol, EFOY Pro fuel cells can provide off-grid power for many months without the need to replace fuel cartridges.
Methanol Cartridges available in 5L, 10L, 28L and 60L
EFOY Pro Fuel Cell are available in stock for winter through Powerbox Australia and Powerbox Pacific.
https://info.powerbox.com.au/criticalcomms0419
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
Regular gatherings:
SOTA Group – Monday and Friday Coffee Sessions from 10:30am at Glebe Gardens Cafe 166 Henry St, Launceston
NTARC - Monday and Friday Coffee Sessions from 10am, Technical Sessions on Wednesdays from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm in the clubrooms Archer Street, Rocherlea, Launceston.
REAST – Wednesday Afternoon Group meets from Noon and the Experimenters Nights from 1930 in the Queens Domain clubrooms.
REAST – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following after the Sunday broadcast on 1296.15 MHz FM.
Events:
RAOTC - May 6th the Radio Amateurs Old Timers Club of Australia broadcast 1930
NTARC – 11 May - BBQ event from Noon then meeting from 2:00pm - clubrooms Archer Street, Rocherlea, Launceston
NWTR&TVG Special and General Meeting 1400 Ulverstone Scout Hall
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weeks broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7FB
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and NWTR&TVG
80m: VK7ALH
40m: VK7TW
20m: Any takers?
10m: VK7VKT
DMR: Talk Group 3809 VK7ZCR
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This broadcast is repeated on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RTC in the South and VK7RAA in the North.
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.
Next week the National WIA news can be heard at 0900 followed by the VK7 Amateur Radio News at 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 Idris, VK7ZIR.
(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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