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VK7AX > BCAST 27.12.21 05:02z 488 Lines 22910 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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VK7 Amateur Radio News 26Dec21
Text edition:
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 26th December 2021
--------------------------------
Welcome to the Boxing Day edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 26th December 2021. At the mike of VK7WI this week is Justin, VK7TW.
This broadcast goes out on repeaters all over VK7 and on digital radio - DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C by VK7ZCR.
We go out on medium and high frequency courtesy of the following rebroadcast stations:
On 1.862 MHz by Graham VK7GS
On 3.670 MHz by Peter, VK7TPE
On 7.140 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH
On 14.130 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD and
On 28.525 MHz by Dale, VK7DG
We also go out on UHF CB Channel 15 thanks to Mark VK7FMAC in the Hobart area.
You can hear this broadcast again on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RTC in Southern VK7.
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Christmas Story
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Santa Tracker
On December 24, 1948, the United States Air Force issued a communique claiming that an "early warning radar net to the north" had detected "one unidentified sleigh, powered by eight reindeer, at 14,000 feet [4,300 meters], heading 180 degrees."
The program originated before the actual formation of NORAD and according to legend, a Sears department store placed an advertisement in the Colorado Springs newspaper The Gazette, which told children they could place a call to Santa Claus and included the number. A call allegedly came through to Colorado Springs' Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) Center (the precursor to NORAD) as one digit was misprinted.
Colonel Harry Shoup, who was a Crew Commander on duty, answered the first call and supposedly told his staff to give all children who called in later a made-up "current location" for Santa Claus.
Shoup's staff placed a picture of Santa on a board used to track unidentified aircraft that December, Shoup saw a public relations opportunity for CONAD and he asked CONAD's public affairs officer Colonel Barney Oldfield to inform the press that CONAD was tracking Santa's sleigh.
By 1961, Shoup's version of the story was that he had identified himself as Santa Claus when he spoke to the child on the phone.
By 1960, NORAD's northern command post at Saint-Hubert, Quebec, Canada, provided regular updates of a supposed sleigh operated by "S. Claus" which it identified as "undoubtedly friendly". During the evening, NORAD claimed that the sleigh had made an emergency landing on the ice of Hudson Bay, where Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) interceptor aircraft claimed to have been sent to investigate supposedly discovered Santa bandaging his reindeer Dancer's front foot, after which the RCAF planes were said to have escorted him when he resumed his journey.
In recent history there was the creation of the website used to track Santaâ€Ös journey around the world and 1,200 U.S. and Canadian military personnel volunteering to staff the phone lines with more than 100,000 calls being taken and over 12,000 emails being answered.
In December 2019, the noradsanta.org website received 8.9 million visitors and in 2020, NORAD announced they would continue the Santa Tracker, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and showed Santa wearing a mask…HIHI!
There are even Noradsanta apps for your favourite smart phone!
www.noradsanta.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NORAD_Tracks_Santa
Sourced and adapted from Wikipedia
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VK7 AR News
2021 VK7 Amateur Radio News Year
A huge seasonâ€Ös greetings to all listening to this broadcast and a huge thank you to all our VK7 Amateur Radio News Team.
This includes over 20 people who are involved in creating, reading, rebroadcasting and distributing the VK7 News each week.
For our VK7 Amateur Radio News team who put together, read and re-broadcast each week, there is a new 2022 roster available in the files area of the Groups.io Group.
If you have trouble accessing then please let me know and I can email or post a copy.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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QSL News
Report - from Herman VK7HW Manager of the WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
The current list of QSL Cards held as at 13 December is in the email version of the broadcast.
If you have any questions re QSL cards, please contact Herman by email vk7bureau(at)wia.org.au
Herman would like to thank all the amateurs who have supported him in providing information and distributing QSL cards throughout the state during the year and wishes everyone a safe and happy festive season.
73, Herman, VK7HW, WIA Manager VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau
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VK7 Inwards QSL Cards held as at 13 December 2021
AAA, AB, AD, AIR, AL, AM, AP, AV
BA, BB, BEN, BYE
CJ, CL, CV, CX
DD, DG, DT, DZ
ER
FG, FJFJ, FTAS
GA, GC, GZ
HCH, HCK, HDM, HOB, HRS, HRW, HVK, HZ
IK, IS
JA, JB, JJ (for new CH?), JP, JW
KBA, KD, KI, KJ, KL, KRJ, KX
LAZ, LDH, LJ, LTD
MAG, MBD, MC, ME, MHZ, MI, MK
NA, NRF, NSE, NTE
PSJ, PW
RG, ROY
SV
TAS, TCE, TED, TK, TU
VAC, VAZ, VH, VKV, VR, VZ
WA, WC, WIA, WT, WX
XDM, XTC
ZA, ZJJ, ZM, ZT, ZZ
Located at NTARC Club Rooms -
AU, AP, CH, DON & KPA
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group is now meeting twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
Here we are, Boxing Day and I suspect there are ongoing celebrations for many, following on from Christmas Day. Hopefully you all enjoyed your Christmas fare and for those that received pressies under the tree letâ€Ös hope they were what you wanted.
This is the last broadcast for 2021 and we are all hoping 2022 will be a better year for us all. That said though, COVID has finally decided to again infiltrate Tasmania, this time in the form of the even more virile Omicron strain, so itâ€Ös a case of masking up, complying with social distancing and lining up for our booster shot.
News this week will be a reminder of upcoming and future events but before that a reminder to all that your 2021 membership expires on 31 December, only 5 days away. Membership renewal payments can be made by direct depositing $40 to our bank account. The details are Bendigo Bank BSB 633 000, Account Number 120432687 in the name of NTARC. Please remember to notate your payment with your call sign. A renewal form can be located on our website that can be found on the email edition of this broadcast.
www.ntarc.net
UPCOMING EVENTS
TestNet and TECHNET – Wednesday 29th December. TestNet/CW course on 3580 from 7pm till 7.30pm….and a TECHNET on 3567 from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm. Your host for the evening will again be Nic VK7WW.
FUTURE EVENTS - 2022
January General meeting – Saturday 8th January 2022. Meeting to commence at 14:00 hours (2.00pm). Afternoon tea will follow.
Club Tech night – Wednesday 12th January. Held at the NTARC Club rooms, 19:30 hours until whenever.
TestNet and TECHNET – Wednesday 19th January. TestNet/CW course on 3580 from 7pm till 7.30pm….and a TECHNET on 3567 from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm. Your host for the evening will again be Nic VK7WW.
Annual General Meeting – the Annual General Meeting of NTARC will take place on Wednesday 9th February 2022 at the NTARC Club Rooms, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street Rocherlea commencing at 19:30 hours (7.30 pm).
Please note that for your convenience nomination forms will be available from the NTARC club room from Friday 7th January 2022, our first day of opening for the coming year.
Members are reminded that they will need to be 2022 financially current to be able to vote at the Annual General meeting, and before they can be nominated or nominate or second someone for office, as only financial members can exercise those privileges.
The AGM will be followed by the February General meeting. More information on this matter in January.
I will be writing to all the NTARC Coordinators soon requesting they start to think about their yearly report. Thank you to those that have already forwarded their report, it is very much appreciated.
COFFEE MORNINGS – normally held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms but we are in recess until 7 June 2022. Catch up time will be from 10.00 am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all when we resume on that date.
These coffee events represent a good opportunity to collect your QSL cards. We currently have cards awaiting collection, so why not pop in and check the QSL box and join us for a cuppa and chat.
Just a friendly reminder, 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, by leaving a gold coin or two, or even a small bank note, in the jar to assist in our on-going operations.
Christmas and New Year closure – in case you missed that last item or have forgotten, the NTARC Club rooms reopen on Friday 7th January 2022.
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, then please email me at the following address news(at)ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 17:00 on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Your continued cooperation in this regard will be greatly appreciated.
We will bring you all such contributions next Sunday morning.
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/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
Seasons Greetings
From the REAST Committee to all members, family and the broader amateur radio community we wish you a relaxing and safe Christmas break as we head into 2022.
We thank you for all your support and look forward to seeing you involved with the club and itâ€Ös activities in the new year.
Kind regards and 73
REAST Committee
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Congratulations
A little bird told the VK7 AR News team that Cedric VK7CL and XYL Janet have just celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary.
A huge Christmas shout out to Cedric and Janet and congratulations on 58 years of marital bliss.
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9 on 9cm Within Sight!
VK7 is inching closer to 9 on 9, that is 9 operators active on 9cm or 3.4 GHz with our now regular net following the very popular 23cm QSO Party net where we have indeed achieved 23 operators participating and an average of around 15 each Sunday.
Last Sunday saw the following operators on the air, VK7's TW, ZBX, KAJ, OO. All running the SG-Lab transverters with around 3W out into either the 900mm X 600mm Grids or the old GARC panel antennas.
Mt. Wellington proved to be most helpful in reflecting signals fired at it and as such all operators were able to copy each other easily on FM with 5 X 9 plus signal levels. Some varying amounts of QSB were noticed on some signals, from minimal to quite significant levels. We are planning to perform experiments with SSB and some digital modes as well as the transverters are all capable of being GPS locked this will be interesting.
This is a fantastic result so far and we are hoping to build activity further. There was some work carried out at one station this week and some activity at the REAST club night involving making cables, enclosures and tweaking of RF levels and things so all things being well we are hoping to have at least another 2 systems on the net this Sunday. If you are keen to find out more about the equipment required to become active on this band please contact any of the above callsigns and they will point you in the right direction.
See you on 9cm….
73 Richard VK7ZBX
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Beacons News
Quick reminder that following the recent electrical storm activities in the South the VK7RST GPS Disciplined Digital Beacons on 6m, 2m and 70cm are off the air until further notice.
We will let you know once they have been restored.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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REAST Open Day
Do you have an interest in electronics, radio or technology?
Come learn and have fun!
The Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania (REAST) will be holding a public open day on Sunday January 30th 2021 from 11am to 3pm up at the top of the Queenâ€Ös Domain.
Amateur Radio (ham radio) is a popular hobby and service that brings people, electronics and communication together. People use ham radio to talk across town, around the world, or even into space, all without the Internet or cell phones.
https://www.wia.org.au/discover/introduction/about/
It's fun, social, educational, and can be a lifeline during times of need.
There will be lots going on in and around the REAST clubrooms and we will have lots of different activities for everyone!
Learn how to become a radio amateur - REAST runs regular courses up on the Queens Domain.
https://www.reast.asn.au/
We'll have displays from:
Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association Amateur Radio Contests
Jamboree On The Air & Scouts Australia in Amateur Radio
WICEN TAS South - Emergency / Portable Community Communications
Microwave & Moonbounce
ADSB/Aircraft Tracking
Outdoor Summits and Silos on the Air
Optical and Morse Code Communicators
Digital Amateur Television
Amateur Radio Training and Assessments
Tasmanian Maritime Radio museum and operation
Much more!
There will be many other general displays and interesting and fascinating things that amateurs get up to as well as a Sausage Sizzle (with onion!), coffee and cake available on the day.
Who could pass up an opportunity such as that!
Please share this event with your friends, family and anyone who would be interested in learning about all things electronic, technology or radio!
The day runs from 11:00am to 3:00pm up at the Queens Domain Clubrooms
See you there.
https://fb.me/e/1MR2uxYba
73, REAST Committee
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Training and Assessments
REASTâ€Ös next Foundation Licence course and all licence assessment day is on Saturday the 25th January 2022 from 9am to 3pm.
If you are thinking of coming along then please let Reg Emmett VK7KK REAST Learning Organiser know ASAP that you will be coming along by phoning 0417 391 607 or email assessor(at)reast.asn.au.
Check out the REAST Foundation Licence Training Videos that can be found on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
Checkout the REAST Facebook page events for further details.
https://www.facebook.com/events/718404075716863/
73, Reg, VK7KK
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DATV Experimenter's Night
Our DATV night was a Christmas celebration.
We started the night with the NANOVNA-F V2 and a look at Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR). We looked at a random length of Coax for shorts and open circuits by using the Linear - Low Pass Impulse and Transform function. We entered the Velocity factor which for this coax was 66% as it is a Polyethylene dielectric.
The frequency range starts at 50kHz and the upper frequency sets the minimum distance and Justin went through the formula you use to determine the maximum frequency.
As an example for 100m - 5850/100m*0.66 = 38MHz maximum frequency and if we come down to 25m the frequency becomes 155MHz. You set lower then raise to find better resolution as the NanoVNA only 101 points sample points. You can use the search function to find the maximum value and read off the length. We moved the cursor to the main peak and measured the coax length at around 24m. We then played with the velocity factor to see what it did to the distances calculated.
Justin then added a 75 ohm terminator to imitate a short on the line and had to adjust the scale to show a shorted peak and could read off the distance to the short.
NanVNA-F: https://sysjoint.com/en/content/?144.html
Sourced: W2AEW Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9thbTC8-JtA
We then took a look inside the VK7RST GPS Locked Digital Beacon Controller for 6m, 2m and 70cm. Justin went through each of the components.
We then showed the Jac De Bruin PA3DZL - 10GHz Power Amplifier with output of 25.7W with input power of 30-50mW that operates at 10.5VDC and 11A when at full power. These are repurposed commercial units that Jac's club re-purpose, thanks Jac.
Justin then showed the GPD Micro PC which is about the size of your palm and is a fully functioning powerful notebook for portable digital operation. The specs include 64bit with and Intel N4100 processor 1.1 / 2.4GHz CPU, 8Gb memory, 128Gb SSD, 6 inch display, batteries that last about 6-8 hours, 3 x USB 3 and 1 x USB C, HDMI port, 10/100/1000 Ethernet port, an RS232 port - yes a real DB9 pin RS232 port and the whole unit weighs 440gms.
We then took a look at the latest Low-Key Magazine and went through the various sections and articles in the magazine.
There was a reminder of the future events and activities and we finished with a STOP PRESS.
WIA Virtual AGM is being held on May 7th and REAST is hosting the virtual AGM - Antarctic Gateway ThemeWe get back underway this Wednesday night the 22nd December from 7:30pm with a special Christmas edition.
We will be featuring more on the NanoVNA and coaxial measurements, using the GPD MicroPC and the IC-705 for portable digital operation and some Christmas and New Year treats.
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/c/ReastHobart/
73, Justin, VK7TW
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Space News
ISS SSTV in late December
The ARISS team will be supporting Slow Scan TV (SSTV) operations from the International Space Station during the period of Dec 26-31
The images will be related to lunar exploration. The transmissions should be available worldwide on 145.800 MHz FM. The planned SSTV mode is PD 120.
Planned start and stop times are currently listed as:
Start - Dec 26 about 18:25 GMT
Stop - Dec 31 about 17:05 GMT
The signal should be receivable even on a handheld with a 1/4 wave whip. If your rig has selectable FM filters try the wider filter for 25 kHz channel spacing.
Check the ARISS SSTV blog for the latest information
http://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/
ARISS SSTV Award https://ariss.pzk.org.pl/sstv/
The signal from the ISS should be receivable outdoors on a handheld with a 1/4 wave whip although tracking the ISS with a small handheld beam will give better results. If your rig has selectable FM filters try the wider filter for 25 kHz channel spacing.
You can get predictions for the ISS pass times at the link on the email edition of this broadcast
https://www.amsat.org/track/
Useful SSTV info and links https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/
Sourced from the SouthGate AR News.
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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.
NTARC – Friday coffee session – Rocherlea clubrooms Launceston from 10:00am
NTARC TestNet and TECHNET – Wednesday 29th December. TestNet/CW course on 3580 from 7pm till 7.30pm….and a TECHNET on 3567 from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm.
NTARC - Club Tech nights – Wednesday 12th January 2022 from 19:30 hours in NTARC Clubrooms.
NW VK7 – Wednesday from 2000 local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on VK7RMD
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 09:30 UTC (20:30 local) - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB (upper sideband).
REAST – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following after the Sunday broadcast on 1296.15 MHz FM.
REAST – WAGS – Wednesday Afternoon Group meet in the Queens Domain Clubrooms from 12 noon.
REAST – DATV Experimenterâ€Ös Nights from 7:30pm live in the club rooms also on DVBT RF and YouTube Streaming
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640 MHz commences at 6:00pm AEDST.
Events:
NTARC - 8th January 2022 - General Meeting from 2.00pm in the Rocherlea clubrooms with afternoon tea to follow.
REAST - 30th January 2022 - REAST OPEN Day from 11am to 3pm
REAST - 6th February 2022 - Annual General Meeting - Queens Domain Clubrooms from 11am followed by BYO BBQ
NTARC - 9th February 2022 - Annual General Meeting from 7:30pm in the NTARC Club Rooms, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street Rocherlea
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7RI
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to N W T A R C, West Coast Radio Group, Cradle Coast Radio Amateur Radio Club, VK7AX, and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7TPE
40m: VK7ALH
20m: VK7JGD
10m: VK7DG
UHFCB15: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star: Reflector 91C VK7ZCR
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You can hear this broadcast again on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RTC in Southern VK7.
A huge thank you 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(at)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.
On behalf of the VK7 Amateur Radio News Team itâ€Ös 73, Seasons Greetings and Stay Safe from Justin, VK7TW.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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