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VK7AX > BCAST 21.06.26 04:05z 441 Lines 25059 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 13162_VK7AX
Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 21Jun26
Path: HB9ON<DK0WUE<PD0LPM<VE3CGR<VE2PKT<PY2BIL<HB9ON<VK7AX
Sent: 260621/0345Z 13162@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.AUNZ LinBPQ6.0.24
VK7 Amateur Radio News 21Jun26
Text edition:
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS
SUNDAY 21st June 2026
Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 21st day of June 2026, your gateway to whatâ€Ös happening across the airwaves in Tasmania and beyond.
Coming to you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News Desk is Justin, VK7TW with the latest updates, stories, and insights from our amateur radio community.
Weâ€Öre broadcasting far and wide thanks to our dedicated team:
DMR Talk Group 5 & D-Star Reflector 91C via the Digital Group
MF & HF relays:
476kHz - Trial transmission NW VK7 - Brenton VK7HP
1.860 MHz – Any takers
3.670 MHz – Ross, VK7ALH
7.140 MHz – Garry, VK7JGD
14.130 MHz – Dale, VK7DG
28.525 MHz – Tony, VK7VKT
And locally in Hobart on UHF CB Ch.24 - Mark VK7FMAC and HFCB24 with Luke (no Callsign).
Missed it live? Catch the replay Tuesday 8pm on repeaters VK7RAA (North), VK7RHT, and on UHFCB24/HFCB24 (South).
Stay tuned, and enjoy the news!
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WIA Content News
VK Shires Contest Log Submission
Reminder that logs for the VK Shires Contest need to be submitted by 0000 UTC TODAY the 21st of June.
Details can be found on the email version of the broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/wavks/
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VHF/UHF Field day
The annual WIA VHF-UHF Field Day is running this weekend from 0100 UTC Saturday 20 June through to 0059 UTC on Sunday 21 June, providing almost 48 hours of operating opportunities across the VHF, UHF and microwave bands. Unlike many contests, distance is everything in this event, with operators exchanging six-digit Maidenhead grid locators to maximise their scores. Whether you're operating from home or heading portable to a hilltop, there are categories to suit everyone, and logging can be completed using either VKCL or N1MM Logger+ download links are available in the email version of this broadcast.
Download N1MM Logger+ here: https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/
Download VKCL 4.15 here: https://www.vk4sn.com/Contests/Contesting
In VK7, activity is expected across a wide range of frequencies and modes, with FM operators likely to gather on 52.525 MHz, 146.5 MHz, 439 MHz, 1296.15 MHz and several microwave bands, while weak-signal enthusiasts will be active on 50.15 MHz, 144.15 MHz and 432.15MHz USB. With more than 50 Tasmanian operators equipped for 23 centimetres and many active on higher bands, the Field Day offers an excellent opportunity to dust off the gear, test your station and make some long-distance contacts as winter settles in.
Hope to see plenty of VK7 callsigns in the log over the weekend.
https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/
73, Richard, VK7ZBX
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Tassie Ham-E-Con Radio Conference
Bookings are OPEN!!
The countdown is on for Tassie Ham-E-Con 2026, and bookings are officially open. This year's theme, Hack the Ether: Education, Ingenuity, Connection, captures the spirit of amateur radio at its best, where experimentation, innovation and lifelong learning come together. Humans have spent more than a century finding increasingly creative ways to throw signals through the air. This conference celebrates that tradition while looking firmly toward the future.
Join amateurs, makers, educators, communicators and technical explorers from across Australia and the world for a fully catered weekend. The conference program is built around four major streams: Hack the Mind exploring education and learning futures, Hack the System showcasing ingenuity and experimentation, Hack the Culture focusing on community engagement and connection, and Hack the Future examining leadership, purpose and where amateur radio goes next.
Tassie Ham-E-Con 2026 takes place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026 at the iconic Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre on the UTAS Sandy Bay campus. Pre-conference and post-conference activities have also been planned, making it a full weekend of radio, learning and networking. The preliminary program is now available and registrations are open via the conference website: https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/tassie-ham-radio-conference/
73 from the Conference Organising Group.
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WWFF, SOTA, POTA, LLOTA and IOTA Weekly Wrap Up
The monthly WWFF statistics for May paint an impressive picture of activation activity across the VKFF program in Australia. During the month, 54 VK amateurs activated a total of 251 references and logged 20,688 QSOs, an average of 667 QSOs per day. Looking at the band breakdown, 40 metres was the most popular band for Phone and CW operations, while 20 metres proved to be the most popular band for Data modes.
Lisa, VK7SGZ, Bruce, VK7SKY, and Travis, VK7VXT, headed to the Mount Wellington summit for a SOTA activation. This marked Lisa and Bruceâ€Ös first-ever SOTA activation. Despite challenging band conditions, they each managed to make four contacts, enough to successfully activate the summit and earn 10 SOTA points each. A fantastic result and the perfect way to begin their SOTA journey.
Al, VK7AN, Peter, VK7ZPE, and Rodney, VK7HAM, made their way to the North Scottsdale Regional Reserve for an activation. The team logged 29 contacts, including a DX contact with Larry, F5PYI, in France. A great way to spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoors and chasing contacts.
73, Matt, VK7MAT
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Statewide SSTV Nights
A quiet net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – AX, ZAB, OO, ZBX and ZIR, all sharing twenty five photos.
The highlights were:
Pets and wildlife
The Winter Feast 2026 and the tall ship Lady Nelson all lit up for Dark Mofo
If you are too happy at your job, you may get drug tested
If you ever get an email about pork, ham and salt - donâ€Öt open it, itâ€Ös Spam
23cm EME testing with a transportable dish
An Australian manufactured Wheatstone Bridge
And the latest device, a DeWalt battery powered toilet
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PE1NMM and PD0OKP in the Netherlands and F6EQZ in France. Please remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos.
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites that allows anyone testing, to send a picture and the ability to check their transmission on these pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights on Kenâ€Ös and Steveâ€Ös websites or on NTARCâ€Ös website under blogs.
https://vk7oo.tasme.com/vhfsstv/
https://sstv.vk7krj.com/scrolling%20web%20gallery.html
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
https://www.qsl.net/vk7ax/sstvgate3/index.html
73 from Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets 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
Back in early May, Stuart VK7ES brought along a brand‑new Vici VC480+ milliohm meter, a compact unit about the size, looks and feel of a modern multimeter. In fact this piece of test gear is very easy to mistake for a multimeter. Except for the fact it only measures resistance, and uses four‑terminal sensing, and operates on principles similar to a classic Wheatstone Bridge.
In contrast, last Wednesday Technical Night, Idris VK7ZIR arrived with a much older example of the same measurement concept - a B.G. Instruments MechTest WB-100, built in Greystanes, New South Wales, late last century. Unlike Stuartâ€Ös modern unit, this one couldnâ€Öt be mistaken for a multimeter. Its size and control layout were more reminiscent of an AVO valve tester, giving it a distinctly “mature” test‑bench feel.
Despite its age, Idrisâ€Ös WB-100 was in remarkably “as-new” condition, and it quickly became the centre of attention. Comparing the two instruments - one modern, one vintage - offered a fascinating comparison of how test equipment design has evolved while still serving the same fundamental purpose.
A big thank you to Idris for intervening and saving it from the jaws of the “Rubbish Skip”, which allowed us to view such a pristine example. Both units were superb representatives of their respective eras and made for an engaging and educational show-and-tell session.
Mid-year Club get-together and meal - The venue has been booked, locking in the date and time. It is to be held on the 15th of July, which is a Wednesday night, with the venue being the Iron Horse Bar and Grill located at 468 Westbury Rd, Prospect Vale, Launceston. Those who wish to attend please register the number of places required by e-mailing the Secretary or filling in the registration sheet at the club rooms. Menu is a-la-carte. We will be arriving at 6pm for a 6:30 meal. A link to the Iron Horse location and menu information is available in the text version of this broadcast: Iron Horse Bar & Grill Menu
Just for information, the main access to the restaurant is via a wheel chair and walking friendly gentle ramp.
As usual pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast.
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Air Test and Technical Net session - Every Wednesday night, Test-Net and CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a Technical Net on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic, VK7WW.
Club Room Technical night - The next session will be Wednesday the 24th June and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Mid-year Club get-together - Wednesday 15th July at Iron Horse Bar and Grill. 6pm for a 6:30 meal.
Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon.
Finally - If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH WEST
North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Club Inc.
Licence Upgrade and New Amateur Radio Operators
On Saturday, 13 June, the North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Club conducted amateur radio training and licence assessments.
Learning Organiser Brenton VK7HP and ACMA Assessor Andrew VK7XR oversaw the training and examination session.
Dan VK7DAN sat for his Advanced Amateur Licence assessment and was successful in achieving his upgrade.
In addition, three Scout Leaders undertook the Foundation Licence assessment and were all successful, becoming newly qualified amateur radio operators.
The club congratulates Dan on attaining his Advanced Licence and welcomes the new Foundation licensees to the amateur radio community.
73, Eric, VK7EV
News Officer, NWTARC Inc.
--------------------------------
NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radical Possibilities of Transmission
Sisters Akousmatica present Waves are Waves
The Sea Hag is casting spells at the mouth of Timtumili Minanya/River Derwent this winter solstice. Tune in to a one-off listening session, commissioned for All the fires come alive, from the Battery Point foreshore.
Head down to Battery Point jetty this Sunday afternoon and follow the instructions on how to listen in.
Today - Sunday 21 June 2026 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Battery Point Jetty, Purdon & Featherstone Reserve, 2C Derwent Ln, Battery Point
Sisters Akousmatica @radioqueens is the collaborative radio project of Julia Drouhin and Pip Stafford who have been exploring the radical possibilities of transmission since 2016. They work around, with and for radio – divining the airwaves in the between spaces where things are blurry and borderless. The Sea Hag is their latest project – an art community vessel that can host performances, residencies and other experiments at sea.
For more information take a look at the Instagram post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZofDHcj1IM/
73, Pip VK7SEA and Julia VK7HAG
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Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
REAST Survey Live
The Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania is currently conducting its periodic member survey, inviting all members to give their views on a wide range of club topics and to provide input into the coming years activities.
The Survey runs from 15th of June to 29th of June 2026. REAST Members have been sent an email with a link to complete the survey online and there are printed copies of the survey form available in the clubrooms.
Questions can be directed to Tony VK7VKT on email - anthony.lathouras@gmail.com or Dave VK7CB on email david.bowerman@gmail.com.
73, Dave, VK7CB
REAST Secretary
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July Presentation Night
Amateur Radio in Menâ€Ös Sheds: Community Outreach Through Science, Technology and Connection
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/july-presentation-community-outreach-mens-sheds-and-amateur-radio/
This presentation on community outreach through amateur radio is highlighting how Menâ€Ös Sheds can use our hobby to reach a wider group of people and deliver real community benefits. While many Menâ€Ös Sheds are best known for woodworking, metalworking and practical workshop activities, not every member wants to build a birdhouse, restore furniture or weld a trailer. Some are drawn instead to technology, science, electronics, communications, weather, computers, space and lifelong learning. Amateur radio provides a natural pathway for those interests while supporting the core Menâ€Ös Shed goals of social connection, purpose, wellbeing and participation.
The presentation will show how a Menâ€Ös Shed amateur radio program can include much more than simply talking on the air. Activities can include satellite tracking, receiving weather satellite images, software defined radio, digital modes, mesh networking, emergency communications, citizen science, radio astronomy and simple electronics projects.
These activities help reduce social isolation, encourage mentoring and skills sharing, support STEM engagement and build community resilience. The key ingredients are management support, a dedicated radio space, antennas, equipment, mentors, regular activities and a clear learning pathway.
Get those elements right, and amateur radio can become a flagship outreach activity for Menâ€Ös Sheds, proving once again that our hobby is not just about radios, but about people, learning and community connection.
When - Wednesday 1st July 2026 from 7:30pm
Where - Queens Domain Clubrooms and Streamed.
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/july-presentation-community-outreach-mens-sheds-and-amateur-radio/
See you there.
73, REAST Committee
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Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group (WEGs)
https://youtube.com/live/zz6sUAuPdjU
Last Wednesday in the studio saw Rex VK7MO take us through his experiments with Differential GPS for very accurate pointing. Rex took us through the use of the device, compared it with his previous GPS pointing arrangement and went through the impressive test results. Thanks Rex.
Justin VK7TW then took the audience through some of the Windcamp accessories for the Elecraft KX3.
https://www.windcamp.cn/products#
Justin then moved to a homebrew Meshcore Yagi designed using the VK5DJ Yagi Calculator and some junkbox items.
https://www.vk5dj.com/yagi.html
We finished off with an Australian Space Weather Report, training and future events.
Wednesday evenings kick off early, with members drifting in from about 6pm, many armed with takeaway containers or home-cooked dinners.
This coming Wednesday night we have a more in depth look at the Differential GPS, the latest DUBUS and AR Magazines and much more.
The DATV Studio broadcast begins at 7:30pm and goes out live on the REAST YouTube Channel. Around it unfolds the usual controlled chaos: lively debate, hands-on experimenting, gear tinkering, coffee consumption at industrial scale, the hatching of elaborate “cunning plans,” and the kind of wide-ranging amateur radio mischief and global problem-solving that somehow only ever truly makes sense inside the clubrooms.
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/
See you there or on the stream.
https://youtube.com/live/zz6sUAuPdjU
73, Justin, VK7TW
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REAST Training and Assessment Update
https://www.reast.asn.au/information/amateur-licence-assessments/
Are you looking to join the world of amateur radio or upgrade your license? REAST has you covered with regular Training and Assessment Days for all license levels!
If you are thinking of coming along to the next session please let the Learning Organiser know ASAP.
Key Dates:
Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on Saturday the 27th June 2026.
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, next is on 25th July 2026.
Check out the full schedule on the REAST Events Page.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/
Do you need to secure your spot or ask a question - email: reast.assessor@gmail.com and your inquiry will go directly to the Learning Organiser, who be in contact.
We have learning resources available including our Foundation Licence Training Videos that are a must-watch for beginners. Find them on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment Playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
Practice Makes Perfect so, prepare with the WIA Foundation Trial Exams and the link can be found on the email edition of the broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php
Whether you're starting your journey or leveling up, REAST is here to guide you every step of the way.
73, Reg, VK7KK
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EME News
The weekend on the 14th of June at 01:08 UTC a contact was successfully made between Jim VK3ZAT and Richard VK7ZBX on 10GHz EME. This was Jims' 1st contact on 10GHz EME. Jimâ€Ös transverter and tracking system are home brew, as is the SSPA that combines 2 modules from PE1RKI, the LNA being a Kuhne unit. Jims' system is a 1.2M prime focus dish with a 25W SSPA and is a portable system that has taken him 3 years to complete. Richard was very happy to be Jimâ€Ös first contact i.e. initial #1 and for me Jim was initial #73 on 10GHz.
Richardâ€Ös system is a 1.8M prime focus dish with 20W SSPA. The exchanged signals where Richard received Jim at -18 and Jim received Richard at -21 using Q65 sub mode D.
After the contact Jim also worked Nikolai UN6PD in Kazakhstan which made him very happy. Pretty amazing when you consider the round trip was just over 715,000 KM and the contact involved was 20W and 25W. Who needs big amplifiers?
Thanks to Jim for a great contact, I hope it's the beginning of many.
Please note - the moon beacon DL0SHF on 10,368.024 GHz was also copied over the weekend at its usual level of -6 at my QTH.
Thanks always to Per and the team that keep this valuable resource on the air.
https://pa0ehg.com/dl0shf_beacon.htm
73, Richard, VK7ZBX
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SPACE NEWS
New Sat Track Tool - Oscar Tracker
A new satellite tracking tool is attracting attention in the amateur radio satellite community. Developed by Peter Goodhall, MM9SQL, OscarWatch Tracker is a free multi-platform application designed to help operators track and work amateur radio satellites from a single, map-based interface. The software supports popular FM satellites such as SO-50 and the International Space Station, as well as linear transponder satellites including RS-44 and FO-29, providing real-time tracking, pass predictions and Doppler-corrected frequency management.
OscarWatch combines a range of features often spread across multiple applications. Operators can view satellite ground tracks, footprints and sky plots, plan upcoming passes, export schedules to calendar applications and coordinate mutual satellite passes with other stations. The software also includes integrated transponder databases, live frequency calculations and optional support for automatic radio and rotator control. Supported equipment includes a range of Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood radios, along with popular Yaesu GS-232 and EasyComm-compatible rotator controllers.
Available for Windows, macOS and Linux, OscarWatch is under active development with regular updates adding new features, languages and hardware support. While it is not intended to replace logging or telemetry decoding software, it provides a comprehensive pass-assistance and station control solution for both home and portable satellite operators. Amateur radio operators interested in satellite communications can learn more and download the software from the OscarWatch Tracker GitHub repository.
For more information and download see the link in the email edition of the broadcast - https://github.com/magicbug/OscarWatch-Tracker
Sourced from the AMSAT News and summarised by Arthur Inglis.
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
VK7 Regular gatherings:
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640MHz commences at 6:30pm AEST.
Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South. Plus VK7AX International SSTV Gateway connected to VK7RJG for the duration of the net.
State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area.
Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B.
Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute.
REAST - 6m AM Net on 53.1MHz Everyday from 4:30pm
SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NTARC TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
NTARC Technical night session - Wednesday 24th June from 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
NTARC Coffee Mornings are held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon in the Rocherlea Clubrooms.
NW VK7 – Wednesday from 8:00pm local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on 2M VK7RMD and Allstar Node 56780
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB
VK7 Events:
REAST - 1 July - July Presentation Night - Amateur Radio in Menâ€Ös Sheds: Community Outreach Through Science, Technology and Connection with Bob VK7BS in the QD Clubrooms and Streamed.
NTARC - 15 July - Mid Year Club Get-Together and Meal - Iron Horse Bar and Grill - 468 Westbury Rd, Prospect Vale, Launceston from 6pm.
VK - 7-8 Nov - Tassie Ham-E-Con Amateur Radio Conference - UTAS Sandy Bay
--------------------------------
A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7ZIR
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7DG
40m: VK7ALH
20m: VK7TW
10m: VK7JGD
UHFCB24 & HFCB24: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group
2026 Roster -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTod4MGlJRjXxi2vuDrHngoytZebSMph/view?usp=drive_link
--------------------------------
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported this weekâ€Ös broadcast of the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
Thatâ€Ös it for this week! If you missed the live transmission, remember you can always catch the rebroadcast Tuesday at 8:00pm on VK7RAA in the North, VK7RHT, and UHFCB24/HFCB24 in the South.
Got news, stories, or updates to share? Weâ€Öd love to hear from you! Send them to vk7arnews@gmail.com by Friday 9pm. You can also join the conversation on our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.io page.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews
Stay tuned now for callbacks on this frequency, with each relay station using their own callsign.
On behalf of the VK7 News Team, this is Justin, VK7TW, wishing you good DX, and a great week ahead!
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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