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VK7 Amateur Radio News 12Jul20
Text edition: VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR JULY 12 2020
(Note.. please remove spaces in email addresses before using)
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 12th JUly 2020
---------------------------------
Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 12th July 2020. 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 by Ross, VK7ALH
On 7.140 MHz by Peter, VK7TPE
On 14.130 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD
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.
---------------------------------
Contest News
WIA Trans-Tasman Low Band Contest
This contest has an aim to encourage Low Band activity Trans-Tasman that is between VK and ZL. It is only on 160, 80 and 40M and allows SSB, CW and Digital (RTTY OR PSK).
The aim of the contest is to work as many VK and ZL prefixes and as many different stations on 160 80 and 40M in a short evening contest.
The contest is held on the Saturday night of the third full weekend and this year is on 18 July 2020 from 0800 UTC (6:00pm) to 1400 UTC (Midnight).
For more information please take a look at the WIA website address that can be found on the email edition of this broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/transtasman/
---------------------------------
VK7 QSL NEWS
Report - from Herman VK7HW Manager of the WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
The current list of Cards held as at 2 July, is in the email version of the broadcast.
The list includes a listing of callsigns for cards received last week. Some of these cards have already been mailed out and/or delivered on an opportunity basis.
Herman has been advised that there will likely be another delivery in the next few weeks or so and will hold off sending any more cards out until these arrive.
If you see your callsign in the list would you please email Herman advising him of the date you acquired the call as he has some cards from years back and Herman is finding some of those operators are new as the original owner is no longer active or Silent Key.
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
---------------------------------
Cards Received 26 June - Some of the cards have already been sent out and/or delivered on an opportunity basis. This list will be consolidated with the main list for next week's Broadcast email.
AM, AP, AU
BO
CEJ
DD, DO, DZ
EG
FG, FRJG
GG, GM
HCK, HDM, HSJ, HVK
JB, JJ, JON
KO, KT
LCW, LW
MC, MHZ
NET, NMH, NSE
OR
PW
ROY
SA
TS, TZ
VZ
WX
ZE, ZGK, ZX
Other cards held :-
AA, AAA, AB, AD, AL, AM, AO, AP, AS, ATH, AV
BA, BB, BBW, BM, BP, BPV
CH, CJ, CV, CX
DD, DG, DK, DO, DQ, DX, DZ
FALX, FAZZ, FG, FGGT, FJFJ, FLAR, FOTR, FTAS
GA, GC, GH, GL, GM, GZ
HCH, HDX, HPD, HRS, HRW, HVK, HZ
IK, IS
JA, JB, JJ, JJJ, JP, JW
KBA, KD, KJ, KL, KRJ, KX
LAZ, LDH, LF, LM, LW
MAG, MBD, MBP, MC, ME, MHZ, MI, ML, MS
NA, NC, NMH, NRF, NSB, NSE, NTE, NWQ
OK
PBD, PSJ, PW
RG
SN, SV
TCE, TED, TK, TS, TU, TX
VAC, VAZ, VH, VKV, VR, VZ
WA, WC, WT
XDM
ZA, ZJJ, ZM, ZT, ZZ
---------------------------------
News from the North
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The SOTA/WWFF parks group at Glebe Gardens is now meeting twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417354410.
73, Al, VK7AN
---------------------------------
Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
All continues quiet on the home front with no new cases of COVID-19 being reported in the State for 55 days, if my memory serves me correctly and provided of course no late notification is received after we put today's copy to bed.
Sadly, the same situation does not obtain on the other side of Bass Strait, where poor old Metropolitan Melbourne really appears to be copping it. As a result, the latest update from the Tasmanian Government announced last Friday advised that due to the current and pronounced escalation of COVID-19 infections in Victoria, there will now be no Tasmanian border restrictions lifted on Friday 24 July, as had earlier been foreshadowed. The current border restrictions will therefore remain in place, with the unfolding situation continuing to be monitored closely. The Premier will now deliver the next border restrictions update on Friday 24 July. Let's all hope the situation in Melbourne can be brought back under control by then, although on today's record high daily confirmed diagnoses in that city, I suspect that might prove a tall order.
Meanwhile, closer to home we continue to bunker down, making the most of the cards we have all been dealt, although I must admit I now have no idea just who might be holding the Joker! NTARC coffee mornings on a Friday are continuing to be received well by all our members though and it is great to see many attending and catching up with other members. Skywarmer is doing his job well by keeping all attendees nice and warm. He is certainly proving well worth last year's investment in his purchase and installation. We must again thank Ros for arriving early each Friday and getting him fired up, turning the urn on and setting out the morning tea for all to enjoy, not an insignificant task on these chilly mornings.
On any other front, this week must again be lean pickings news wise, as nothing has reached your reporter's several email addresses. So, we will now hand over to the ever reliable Nic VK7BEE, our NTARC Net Coordinator, to fill any gap and bring us all up to speed on happenings of last Wednesday night the 8th on the 80M net and its accompanying Discord session.
"As usual, before the TechNet, Nic VK7BEE hosted a "TestNet" on 3.580 MHz at 19:00.
Alan VK7AT sent CW using a TS120 and 10w. His rig transmits CW on the USB frequency; so I did not hear him whilst listening on LSB until I switched in my RIT control. Alan told us of his CW practice in the "good old days" on 27 MHz, seems all the CBers in the town also heard him, along with many passers-by who couldnt help but hear him through the open windows of parked cars!
Peter VK7PD and Alan VK7AN also called in. Ross (Mr Boat Anchor Restorer) VK7ALH was there with a 1969 FT101B MkII - yes, another one! ...which sounded great and on frequency. Thanks for the photos Ross.
Tech Net for NTARC on 3.567 MHz LSB commenced at 19:30 local time, with Nic VK7BEE presiding as VK7TAZ Net Control. The net had 14 stations and band conditions were GOOD, although it was apparent to the regular stations that propagation was slightly "different"due to the variations in signal strength compared to "normal".
Discord, hosted as usual by Paul VK7KPA had 12 people logging in, with some very interesting photos and comments complimenting discussions on 80m. Pictures of a Balun; a 1296 MHz Yagi; Noise eliminating modules; a VK5 QRM Eliminator kit; "A Warning about a protest on Fairy Bread and how police are expecting hundreds and thousands!" Hi!, and a nice picture of Graham's (VK7KT) foot! ...sent by mistake HiHi!
Peter VK7KPC also quickly logged-in to say "Gday" - he was busy with Scouts and Training.
Net Controller Nic VK7TAZ was running 300 watts pep - he had started to conduct tests on a screened 80m loop he has built, but found problems in the coax cable to the radio. So his report is delayed till next week.
Allan VK7AN spoke about his cold SOTA trip on Mt Knock Up and how he appreciated the assistance of Rodney VK7HAM and Peter VK7PD. Contacts were made with an FT817 and a 67 end-fed long wire covering 40m to 10m, into mainland Australia and New Zealand.
Alan VK7AT made comments about his CW on 3.580 MHz.
Ross VK7ALH, continued with his excellent restored FT101. This is a different one to last week! I think it sounds even better than that one, Ross- excellent effort!
Phil VK7ZPD, posted an interesting link to low noise light bulbs from your local large hardware store. These are "LEDs with a filament!"
Paul VK2TZZ called in using an FT480, still trying to figure out the lack of drive in his 830.
"Could be the driver tube, or the resistor network" was the thinking.
Andrew VK7DW continues work on his satellite antennas, and, his HERMES loop broad band receiving antenna. Post a picture when you can Andrew!
Kevin VK7HKN has solved his signal problems! Using an end fed long wire, with no antenna matching unit, a home brew 49:1 balun and his 50watt amplifier, he has the best signal that we have ever heard, and this was complimented by many!
Peter VK7PD posted a picture of his home-brew 18element 23cm Yagi on Discord, and further information on how well the local 1296 MHz net was developing. A lot of interest has included voice and data contacts with participants Mark VK7KMA, Phil VK7ZPD, Bryan VK7KWB, Andrew VK7DW and Peter VK7PD. Peter was listening to the VK7RAE beacon at Don Heads, from a reflected signal off Mt Arthur.
Max VK2XOR called in with 5watts QRP, but conditions didn't allow a good contact. Thanks for trying Max!
Peter VK7ZPE with an IC7300, made transmissions on his long wire and an internal horizontal loop attached to hooks (where the Christmas lights hang!) around the ceiling of the room. His loop is 18m of twin speaker cable and he has wired it so that it is, in effect, a two turn loop! Wow! It is less noisy than his long wire and is quieter. At this location he was several dB stronger on the loop, and it is only 3.5m from the ground. Great experiment Peter!
Kerry VK7PAK/P in Stanley, was using his mobile antenna from a warm cosy caravan.
Ross VK7RC happened to "pop" into his cold workshop, switched on the radio and hearing the net called in to say "gday"
Paul VK7KPA slipped away from the Discord "channel" for a quick hello.
And now for next week:
Nic VK7BEE will report on his shielded loop antenna for 80m and post pictures on Discord.
CW VOLUNTEERS WANTED!
Nic has also asked for volunteers to send CW on a hand key, so that he can record them as part of his development of a Morse code reader for the MAXIMITE/MICROMITE Computers.
Beginners and out-of-practice operators with brass-pounders are particularly welcome! Even if you don't know or remember Morse code! Practice sending your callsign and a string of Vs before next week, slow speed with mistakes...all are welcome!
Nic is writing a program in BASIC (You remember that! Don't you? Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) that learns to read the characteristics of each individual operator's "fist".
CW operators in the past were often identified by their "fists" when using "brass pounder". This is because each operator would have slight differences in the length of their dit or dah, or perhaps the spacing between characters.
These days, Computer CW Readers have no problem reading Morse code because most of today's Morse code signals are computer generated, or use a rig's inbuilt keyer - both which produce perfect spacing. But the same CW Readers have difficulty reading hand generated Morse on a conventional Morse key.
More of this later. See you next week,
73 de Nic VK7BEE
Thanks once again for your report Nic and for the fantastic effort you are putting in to make this weekly on-air happen and also to Paul for the on-line component.
Coffee mornings - currently every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Catch up time is from 10.00 am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all but please remember, we are still required to comply with the current Covid-19 virus restrictions.
Please remember that aside from the good company, freely offered philosophical views, maybe less than expert political analysis, tall tales, funny stories and genuinely good fare on offer, these coffee events in the past have been normally a good opportunity to collect your QSL cards. Currently we have a few cards awaiting collection from past deliveries.
As I remind all each week, please demonstrate your appreciation of all the effort that goes into operating the club, its facilities and the other services we provide, especially in these abnormal and very trying times, enjoying the company, coffee, biscuits and cake and leaving a gold coin or two, or even a small bank note, in the jar to assist in our on-going operations.
Once again, this must be all from NTARC for this week. Please bear with us as we attempt to bring club life back to normal, while balancing the need for continuing caution and with all complying with the social distancing requirements.
Finally
A reminder to all members that if you have any items of news you would like added to our weekly roundup, no matter how trivial - it is certainly always good to have something new with which to entertain the troops - then please email them to either of the following
addresses ntarc.emails @ gmail.com or ypmaxwell @ bigpond.com
Please note that it would be appreciated if any items for the weekly news good be sent in Times New Roman, 12 pt Font format.
For some time to come, with the exception of the occasional club emailed newsletter, the weekly broadcast news segment will continue as 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.
We will bring you all such contributions next Sunday morning. In the interim, why not tune into the NTARC 80M Net next Wednesday night, or if you do not have HF capability, fire up the computer and check into the Discord side of that net. I can assure you both will be buzzing with activity.
73, Yvonne VK7FYMX, Secretary NTARC Inc
---------------------------------
NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
Domain Interior Renewal
The following is from Roger VK7ARN with some interesting recollections. Reading that the interior fittings of the REAST clubrooms are to be temporarily (in some cases) removed, ready for the yet to be finalised new look, reminded me of making and fitting the wall bracket for the "big screen". The screen has quite a history, unknown to most. It is a long term loan from Roger VK7ARN. Prior to settling down, up on the wall at the Domain, it was floor stand mounted and lived in a wooden case in Woodbridge. That is until the water delivery truck ran over it, smashing the box irrecoverably. Fortunately, the screen itself survived, though the stand was somewhat mis-shapen. Rather than clutter up my shed, the Domain seemed to be a much better home for it, but that required a wall mount. Off to the steel supplier and out with the welder, followed by the metal paint then up to the Domain to securely attach it to the wall, in its current position. Can't remember how the screen was lifted on to the bracket, but it must have taken at least two able bodied amateurs to get it up there - where it has remained since. I believe it has only once suffered the usual projection screen indignity of being mistaken for a white board and doubly mistakenly marked with a permanent marker pen.
Prior to its life in Tasmania, it was well travelled; thus the wooden transport case. It was purchased in Sydney as part of a transportable training kit, put together with overhead projector, VCR player, large TV monitor, video camera and other equipment, in order to avoid the usually exorbitant hire costs at venues, and often problematical hired equipment. This gear, together with outdoor experiential learning equipment, was transported in a trailer from Sydney to training and conference venues. Most often, these were in the Blue Mountains, but the Domain "big screen" has travelled on its trailer across the Nullarbor twice and as far North as Kalbarri. It has also journeyed on its trailer by sea across Bass Strait.
To avoid storage difficulties at the office in Circular Quay, I kept the trailer and contents at my then home, where the map turns green, north of Sydney. All good things come to an end, so when the company amalgamated with another and the Sydney office closed (plus my job, ten years away from Tasmania and a total of 28 years Goldfields group service), much of the office equipment was put up for auction to departing employees. As the screen and other equipment was stored at my home, on my personally owned trailer, I was the only bidder so got the lot at a bargain price.
REAST became a beneficiary of this transaction, becoming the probably final resting place of the screen and the Sony video camera.
So, when next you look at interesting things on the big screen, you can now appreciate its well traveledness and repurposing, much suited to amateur radio tradition
As a footnote, the TV ended its days at the QTH of VK7JGD and the trailer saw many WICEN duties before being retired to Tullah.
73 Roger VK7ARN
---------------------------------
A big thank you!
The members of REAST truly appreciate the efforts that Paul VK7FPCL has put into keeping the rooms at the Domain sanitised between gatherings. Many Thanks Paul!
Deconstruction Day is near
On Saturday 18th July from 10am till 2pm we are looking for a merry band of helpers to assist in getting the main room ready for redecorating. There will be some unscrewing, unbolting, all the fun stuff with a yummy lunch provided. Could you please let Tony VK7VKT know if you can come along and what equipment you may be able to bring such as cordless drill, ladder etc. Your help will be very much appreciated.
Creating a new space
After the redecorating occurs, the club will be looking for its members to provide feedback as to how they want the space to look, what features it will have, generally your mind's eye on how the main room and radio shack room will look like. Have any ideas? Shoot us a message and let us know. We will really appreciate your thoughts.
73's, Tony VK7VKT on behalf of the REAST committee
----------------
DATV Experimenter's Night
Our DATV Experimenter's Night last Wednesday night was in the clubrooms and was a hybrid night with a group watching proceedings in the clubrooms and the interview taking place via Zoom.
The interview was with Reg Emmett VK7KK. Reg started by showing his OBE - or Over Bloody Eighty certificate! Reg covered his early life growing up in Hobart in the 1950s, working at Watson's Radio and attending Hobart Technical High School then attending Uni and studying to become a Science and Maths teacher.
Reg started teaching as a science teacher and worked his way to become Head of Science and taught at the following schools - Latrobe High School, Taroona High School, Deloraine High School, Kings Meadows High School and finally Rokeby High School before retiring in 1995. Following his retirement he continued to teach science at Rosny College and remembers a keen science student in Ben VK7BEN. Reg married Annette a teacher at Kings Meadows High School in 1975.
His Brother Wilf VK7ZAQ got him into amateur radio with early VHF on 6 and 2m and he got his amateur licence in 1958 with callsign VK7ZAO. It was all homebrewed valve equipment which Reg showed pictures of. Reg had pictures of the VK7 Communicator which was a VK7 designed 2m AM crystal locked rig and many were built in VK7. Reg also showed a solid state homebrewed design and commented that many were built. Wilf made the first 23cm contact across Bass Strait.
Kings Meadows formed a meeting place and focal point for amateur radio in the North. Adult Education classes were held teaching the Novice Course and Reg ran the WIA Youth Radio Club Scheme and contributed material for the scheme that was used Australia-wide.
Reg outlined the formation of the VHF Group who were a young group of Z Calls who pushed the boundaries with the technology and the WIA Southern Zone group. Many a fox hunt and hill topping expedition happened in the VHF Group.
They used to get 20-30 people along to the WIA clubrooms in 47 Liverpool Street! Reg was very involved throughout his life with the WIA in Tasmania and appears on the WIA Honour Roll in a number of roles including Federal Councillor. This involvement was acknowledged with a WIA Life Membership in 1999 and Reg joked he was the only life member on the honour roll still alive!
Reg outlined how the WIA Branches were formed with a motion put to the Executive Group in Hobart to form up the Southern, Northern and North West Branches of the WIA Tasmanian Division which persisted until the Division was subsumed into the WIA National Organisation in 2004.
In retirement Reg and Annette became very involved in Rotary and Rotarians Of Amateur Radio (ROAR) and have traveled the world on different missions to help build cyclone proof building in Fiji to ROAR events in Chicago in the US. They are still heavily involved in Rotary.
A huge thank you to Reg for sharing his life with us and this interview is available on the REAST Youtube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE6U3GhLZVg
We took questions on R2 and the YouTube Chat channel.
Our DATV Night this Wednesday night will return to our usual format of reviews, projects, interviews, news and views, So, come up to the Queens Domain clubrooms on a Wednesday night from 7:30pm and see what we get up to. If it is too cold to make it up to the Domain why not take a look on RF or the YouTube Streaming channel and we will be taking questions via Repeater Two (146.700), DMR Talk Group 3807 and the YouTube Chat channel.
And a reminder that we go out on RF on 445.5MHz DVB-T 7MHz Standard Definition. So, if you have a TV, Set-top box or USB DTV Dongle that you can tune and scan 445.5MHz 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. We also stream the nights on the REAST YouTube channel.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/live-stream/
https://www.reast.asn.au/special-interest-groups/amateur-tv/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64To_tq1E7PfK1pqtX_vRw/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
We get underway with the DATV Experimenter's Night from 7:30pm this Wednesday 15th July 2020.
73, Justin, VK7TW
---------------------------------
Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
Regular gatherings:
SOTA/WWFF Group - Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NWTR&TVG - Club meetings cancelled till further notice.
NTARC - Coffee mornings - Fridays 1000 to 1200 NTARC Club Rooms.
NTARC - Technical Net - Wednesdays 3.567 MHz LSB at 7:30pm local time
REAST - MICROWAVE QSO Party - following after the Sunday broadcast on 1296.15 MHz FM.
REAST - DATV Experimenter's Nights - Working from the Shack Series from 7:30pm live in the club rooms and on RF and Streaming
Events:
Sewing Circle Net - commences at 17:00 on 3.640 MHz.
VK7HH - "Ham Radio DX" YouTube channel any time
REAST - YouTube channel for heaps of great videos
---------------------------------
A reminder to those people rostered for next week's broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7FB
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and NWTR&TVG
80m: VK7TW
40m: VK7ALH
20m: VK7TPE
10m: VK7JGD
DMR: Talk Group 5 and
D-Star: Reflector 091 VK7ZCR
---------------------------------
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.
---------------------------------
That concludes our VK7 Amateur Radio News Broadcast for this week.
You have been listening to or have just missed 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 Idris, VK7ZIR.
--------------------------------------------------------------
(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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