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VK7AX > BCAST 11.07.19 05:11z 456 Lines 23603 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 07Jul19
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From: VK7AX@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.OC
To : BCAST@WW
Text edition: VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 7 July 2019
(Note.. please remove spaces in email addresses before using)
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Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 7th of July 2019. This broadcast is brought to you by VK7WI, and read today by Justin, VK7TW.
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 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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SILENT KEYS
Charles Spiegel, VK7KS
We have the sad task of reporting the passing of Charles (Kaspar) Spiegel, VK7KS. Charley will be remembered particularly by the more senior members of our fraternity as he was active back in the fifties in the days of Jack Batchelor, Bob Omay etc. Several members have written to the news editors, and we will note their comments…
Andrew, VK7AW brought the notice to our attention, as did Robin Harwood, who says "I met Charles through Jack Batchelor, VK7JB. He was a near neighbour and Charles came up after the old VK7WI broadcast that was transmitted from Jack's station. I occasionally ran into him on the radio and the last time I think was on VK7RAA when Charles journeyed up to the midlands for gliding"
Charles was one of several southern hams who had the gliding bug, and was we believe, a gliding instructor.
Bill Maxwell, VK7MX writes "Sad to hear of Charles' passing. He had the distinction of being the last World War Two veteran working in the Tasmanian Branch of the Dept of Veterans' Affairs and therefore among the last of those veterans in the Department nationwide - albeit a veteran of the Kriegsmarine, the other side, as I recall. I have fond memories of my conversations with him, in the Department, in years long past."
Richard, VK7RO says "The call sign VK7KS first appears in the 1959-1960 callbook. Charles worked for the Hydro. He told me that when he first came to Tasmania, he lived in a little hut at Bronte Park. Later Charles worked at the Hydro laboratories in Moonah. I remember in the early days of repeater 2 on Mount Wellington he would announce that he was mobile and on the way from Moonah to the Hydro-University computer centre at Sandy Bay. My guess is that he was conveying a large box of punched cards! Charles stopped using amateur radio when the repeater required tones to activate it. However, he frequently used Skype to talk to old friends. Charles lived in Red Chapel Avenue and in recent years I sometimes met him walking at Sandy Bay beach."
Winston Henry, VK7WH writes "Charles Spiegel (ex VK7KS) passed away on the 1st of July, at the age of 91. Although I had not worked Charles on air since I returned to Ham Radio in 2010, Charles lived only a few streets away from me in the 1950s and, as you would understand, was the strongest signal on the band. I could even copy him 59 on my crystal set!
A true Gentleman, he was always helpful and generous with his time to encourage young people to join our hobby."
Mike, VK7FB adds "I too met Charles when visiting Jack VK7JB to present the short-wave listeners notes around 1959/60 and loosely kept in touch with him until, as Richard says, he stopped calling in on the Sunday morning call backs when tone was introduced to the repeater. I really missed his weekly check in and cheery comments. I remember some years ago he contracted cancer but defeated it and obviously enjoyed many more years."
A Memorial Service and Celebration of the life of Charles will be held at the Theatre Royal, Campbell Street, Hobart on Thursday the 18th July at 2.00p.m. No cards or flowers, please.
Vale Charles
The VK7 News Team.
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Ron VK7VDL Silent Key
I first met Ron some years ago at Meet the Voice at Ross.
He came up to me, introduced himself and said, “Here is a
little present for you Cedric, I heard you on the net a few
months ago when you were mourning the loss of a 6 inch
Faber Castell slide rule. Well I would like you to have this
one”. Such was Rons generosity that he refused any payment
and I still have the slide rule and use it to keep the hand in.
A couple of other hard to get bits came my way from Ron all
with the same price tag. One is a dummy load built in his
typical solid style, works like a dream and has never let me
down. Also I acquired from Ron a silver plated SO239 tee
piece.
His power supplies were said to be examples of first class
home brewing and always well over specifications for the job.
For example, if you needed a 20Amp supply to do the job Ron
would build you a 40 Amp Supply and so on.
The Ron philosophy was, and rightfully so, if it was twice as
strong as it needed to be it was under half the load and should
never give you issues.
It was not uncommon during a conversation with Ron whether
it be on air or off talking about one thing and another, as we
do, for Ron to come back with something totally out of left
field like, the value of a resistor he was going to use to
complete a circuit, or what size capacitor he has needing to
complete a project.
I think our conversations must have been a little boring for
him and that sort of comment was Rons way of changing the
subject. Those of us who knew him in the amateur radio
community just grinned to ourselves, for we accepted him as
is, and he us.
Ron was a straight shooter type of guy, not a lot of grey with
Ron for when he made his mind up it was written in stone
unless proven otherwise
Finally, Ron loved helping people when he could, and he did
frequently. I guess there are few amateurs who have not been
on the receiving end of Rons generosity at some time in the
past.
Vale Ron VK7VDL Silent Key
Cedric VK7CL and Leigh VK7FLAR
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QSL NEWS
Herman reports a small number of cards were received on Wednesday 5 July.
These have been sorted and added to those listed in the email version of the broadcast. Herman says that unless requested otherwise by those who have mail out arrangements, if there are only 1 or 2 cards for a station, Herman intends to hold those cards until there are enough to make a mail out more cost effective.
If you have any questions about QSL Cards being held, Herman can be contacted by
email vk7bureau @ wia.org.au
73 from Herman
AB, ABY, AC, CAN (FOR RT0C), AD, AG, AN(9N), AP
BBB, BO
CC
DD, DG, DW, DX (for E7/VK4DX), DZ
EE, EFA
FG, FLAR, FRJG
GK, GN, GM, GR, GZ
HAH, HCK, HDM, HRS, HVK
JB, JJ , JJJ
KH
LC, LH, LLJ
MA, MBD, MD, MHZ, MO
NC, NF, NRF, NSE, NWQ
PSJ
RN, ROY
TCE, TS (for VK9LS), TU
VH (VI7ANZAC), VIP, VR, VZ
WC, WLH
XDM, XX
YUM
ZA, ZGK, ZX
VI7COW, VI70HI, VI7JIS, VI7KCD, VI7LER, VI70MI
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WIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020
Call for Presentations
At the WIA Annual Conference in Sydney it was announced that the 2020 WIA Annual Conference will be held in Hobart on the 8-10 May 2020.
The theme is Antarctic Gateway and so the tours and visits during the weekend all revolving around Antarctica and Radio.
This is a request for anyone who would be prepared to give a presentation on the Saturday afternoon on any aspect of amateur radio, Antarctica, radio, electronics, experimentation or all of the above.
The presentations slots are 30 to 40 minutes in length with 5 to 10 minutes of questions at the end or throughout the presentation.
If you have a topic and or presentation or just an idea for one then please contact Justin VK7TW at
vk7tw @ wia.org.au to discuss.
Look forward to hearing from you.
(73, Justin, VK7TW)
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH WEST
NWTR&TVG
Notice of General Meeting
The next meeting of NWTR&TVG will take place at the Scout Hall in Ulverstone on Saturday the 3rd August at 2pm
It was announced to members present at the last meeting that Kevin VK7HKN was going to do a presentation but that has again been delayed by circumstances beyond Kevin's control to another time to be arranged when his issues are settled,
The usual small plate for afternoon tea will be most welcome and Shirl VK7HSC will supply tea and coffee as usual.
It will be the normal club meeting followed by afternoon tea and a socialising opportunity for all to enjoy for the rest of the afternoon.
Friends are welcome to attend if they would like to. Your presence is welcomed.
So, looking forward to seeing you there,
Shirl VK7HSC, President
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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
We open this week with some good news in that the son of Hearth Vader has arrived. Yes, our new slow combustion heater was delivered and installed on Tuesday 2 July. He has been named Skywarmer, which I think is apt enough given that he is carrying on the lineage. Somehow Lukewarmer wouldnt have sounded right and of course, would have had entirely the wrong connotation, since we wanted the room to be a lot warmer than that!
Like all new arrivals a christening was required and this was carried out on Tuesday night under the guiding hands of Idris, André and Stefan. Like any christening, baby photos are required and some lovely photos were taken of him burning brightly. With that in hand he was ready to commence his official duty the following evening for our Wednesday night technical session. On Friday he was once again put to good use with all those attending coffee morning giving the ok and agreeing what a great asset he is for the club, keeping us all cosy and warm.
With him now nicely settled in we would like to thank our members for their continued support at coffee mornings and meetings as without your ongoing donations this purchase would not have been possible. We would also like to thank member Ian Hart VK7IH for donating Hearth Vader to us many, many years ago. Hearth Vader has stood the time but due to ongoing use and the back plate being burnt out and water damage, causing rust to his rear, when our ceiling leaked, it was time to upgrade. As the old saying goes, gone but not forgotten, Skywarmer will now take over the reins of keeping us warm.
We now hand over to NTARC President Idris VK7ZIR for his report on the clubs latest technical session, held at the clubrooms at Rocherlea this past Wednesday evening.
Round up of Wednesday 3 July technical – “Theres nothing quite like a roaring log fire on a chilly winters night. Such was a cold night last Wednesday for our Technical Session, and an early attendance was required to stoke up our new wood fire, only installed the day before. It was given an inaugural experimental burn the previous evening and performed really well. So, with the fire putting out plenty of heat, and this one has a fan, people started to arrive into a nice warm room.
On removal of our previous heater, dear old Hearth Vader, it was found that all was not well with him, as a large amount of rust was shed on removal. So, the idea of relocating him to the large hall to live out retirement with light duties wont happen. He will therefore be consigned to heater heaven. We understand he wishes to be cremated!
Therefore, the new unit will carry the mantle “Son of Hearth Vader” and following the Star Wars theme, shall be known as “Skywarmer”.
Ok, enough of the sentimental stuff, our turnup was lower than usual, primarily because some of our regulars are off travelling on the big island or abroad, and some dont like to venture out in the cold.
So, with coffee cups charged, all were gathered around the big table, and many topics were discussed from political and medical subjects with even bits of radio thrown in.
Peter VK2MPK was there with interesting video footage of an altercation between a log truck and a large length of poly pipe, on the way to the wind farm site. Apparently, the pipe came off a vehicle ahead of the log truck and pierced the trucks windscreen, causing said truck to veer off the road and lose its load. Thankfully, no one was hurt and the vehicle with the offending pipe was nowhere to be found.
Ebenezer, VK7AT, had a few stories to tell as usual, and Bernie VK7BR had brought some of his now-famous sandwiches, which went down very well..
All enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and are looking forward to next week when some new projects will make their appearance.
73
Idris, VK7ZIR"
Thank you Idris and it sounds like all had a very enjoyable evening.
Coming events
Technical sessions – The next session will be on Wednesday 10 July and will commence at the usual time of 7.30 pm, running through to around 10.30 pm, at the 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.
July BBQ meeting – Saturday 13 July. As mentioned in previous weeks, this will be a non BBQ event. Instead, we will be having soup and sandwiches. Sandwiches will be catered for by Subway and I can now advise that the pots of homemade soup will be Tomato vegetable courtesy of Ros, Potato and Leek being made by President Idris and Pumpkin made by Stefan with Chicken and Corn being made by Yvonne. If someone would like to make another pot of soup then please let me know by email at either of the following addresses ypmaxwell@bigpond.com or ntarc.emails@gmail.com or, let me know at coffee sessions as to what you will be bringing. The lunch will commence at noon and the meeting will follow on at 14:30 hours. We have decided to hold the lunch and meeting in our small meeting room and utilize the warmth of Skywarmer. As usual the meeting will be followed by afternoon tea so donations of cakes, slices etc would be appreciated. As usual the cost will be $10.00 pp and that will cover both lunch and afternoon tea. For those just attending the meeting and afternoon tea a gold coin donation would be appreciated.
Social non meeting dinner – Wednesday 28 August. Venue The Commercial Hotel, corner Cimitiere and George Street Launceston. Meet time 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm dinner. A la carte menu. If you are planning to attend could you please email me at either of the following addresses
ypmaxwell @ bigpond.com or ntarc.emails @gmail.com
or let me know at coffee sessions. So far I have 7 acceptances, the table has been booked under NTARCs name with 25 places but that can be extended. A copy of their menu can be found at the club room. The menu is extensive and very good value. Meals are on the medium to large size so I can assure no one will go home hungry. For those that enjoy dessert they also have a very good selection.
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 but currently we have no cards awaiting collection.
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, 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 timely insertion into the NTARC segment.
Residing as we do in a rural location and despite what the company or Government might claim, our NBN service is very poor. This week the Internet has been up and down somewhat spasmodically but on the whole performing better than it has been. Must have been the complaint call to our provider. Im sure they will hear from me often and the annoying thing is we are located approximately 14 kms south of Perth and deemed beyond the supposedly magical maximum 11 kms distance from the nearest fixed wireless tower, despite the flat terrain, so we have no choice but to rely on the NBN satellite, parked somewhere over New Guinea. This brings its own difficulties, particularly in poor weather. Getting the NTARC segment to the boys in Hobart in time can often be problematic, so the earlier cut-off gives everybody involved a little breathing space. Your continued co-operation will therefore be gratefully appreciated.
As always I look forward to seeing you at Rocherlea.
73, Yvonne VK7FYMX, Secretary NTARC Inc
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/
REAST Forum Wrap-Up
Last Wednesday night saw a great roll-up for the GPS Disciplined Oscillator GPSDO Forum. The night started with a presentation from Rex VK7MO and Justin VK7TW.
Rex started off with a comparison of Crystals and Crystal Ovens and GPSDOs from HF through to Microwaves.
This led into where GPSDOs are useful and into how GPSDOs work along with inevitable "but". This relates to the quality of the oscillators and this led into a discussion of the various different types - TCXO, OCXO and DOCXO.
Rex was then able to show the tests he had done on the various models that He, Justin and Larry VK7WLH own and the relative stabilities.
Then there were slides on the relative stabilities at 10GHz and cost, warm-up characteristics, and into the IC-9700 and the issue this unit has experienced in recent times. Rex also showed the mark one and two designs of Glenn VK1XX's locking board for the IC-9700.
This led into an interesting discussion on stability for digital modes and a comparison of optimum stability and each digital mode requirements for HF, VHF and Microwave frequencies.
There were nine different GPSDOs that Rex and Justin bought along on the table at the front of the room and each of these where described during the presentation and relative advantage and disadvantages.
A slide was put up from Ken VK7KRJ who uses a Trimble Thunderbolt in his shack with a temperature controlled fan for stability. Peter VK7KPC also sent in some pictures of the ProgRock from QRPLabs and the GPS locking module for the ProgRock, thanks to Ken and Peter.
Jet VK7FJET bought along the designs he has for a GPSDO he is building from Scratch. Jet also bought along a neat little box that he has built to compare two GPSDO 10MHz signals, thanks Jet.
There were many great questions and these were hopefully answered. The session was streamed and recorded and this file will be made available very soon on the REAST YouTube channel.
(73, Justin, VK7TW)
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REAST August Presentation
Save the date
We are fortunate to have Ian Macintosh along again to give us a presentation and demonstration of Oculus Rift Virtual Reality (VR) technology.
Last time Ian gave us a presentation he had build his own Notebook computer and that was a fascinating talk.
Ian is back on August 7th from 7:30pm with a presentation and demonstration of Oculus Rift Virtual Reality technology.
See you or should I say your virtual presence would be appreciated….HIHI!
(73, Justin, VK7TW)
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REAST Foundation Training Day
The next Foundation Training day is scheduled for Saturday 13 July. Assessments will also take place on this day and other Amateur levels can also be accommodated.
Training days are scheduled every 2 months.
Contact Reg VK7KK at assessor @ reast.asn.au, 0417 391 607 if you wish to register.
(73, Reg, VK7KK)
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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:
NW Coast – August 3rd - General Meeting from 2pm at the Scout Hall, Ulverstone
NTARC – July 13 – BBQ Meeting from Noon and meeting from 2pm – Clubrooms Archer St Rocherlea
REAST – August 7 – Oculus Rift and Virtual Reality Demonstrations with Ian Macintosh – Queens Domain clubrooms from 7:30pm
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weeks broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7ZIR
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and NWTR&TVG
80m: VK7ALH
40m: VK7TPE
20m: VK7JGD
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.
You have been listening to or just missed VK7WI, 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 Justin, VK7TW.
(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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