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VK7AX > BCAST 03.05.25 08:13z 420 Lines 25330 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 04May25
Path: HB9ON<DK0WUE<DB0ERF<OK0NAG<F3KT<F4DUR<VE3CGR<VE3QBZ<VK3AT<VK7AX
Sent: 250503/0745Z 929@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.AUNZ LinBPQ6.0.24
VK7 Amateur Radio News 04May25
Text edition:
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VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST
FOR SUNDAY 4th May 2025
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Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
This was first broadcast on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 and we bring you the latest from the world of amateur radio in VK7.
This week, joining you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News desk is Idris, VK7ZIR.
Tune in as we share updates and insights across VK7, broadcast through an array of platforms and frequencies:
On DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C, managed by the digital group.
On Medium and high frequency rebroadcasts thanks to our dedicated operators:
1.862 MHz by Graham, VK7GS
3.670 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD
7.140 MHz by Dale, VK7DG
14.130 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD
28.525 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH and
UHF CB Channel 24 in the Hobart area, hosted by Mark, VK7FMAC
If you missed todayâ€Ös broadcast then you can catch the replay on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 in Southern VK7.
Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the broadcast!
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RAOTC News
Broadcast - 5th May
Further to that mentioned on the WIA National News, this is another reminder about the RAOTC broadcast for Monday the 5th of May 2025 at 8 pm local time; thatâ€Ös tomorrow night for those
listening on Sunday.
This month we hear another in the repeat series of earlier broadcasts, this time from October 2002 narrated by Alan VK3AMD.
We hear a book review of a publication by the author F Turner titled “A Service Most Silent”. It describes the hazards of disarming enemy mines in WW2.
The main feature is centred on the vintage receiver, model AR7, once prized by radio amateurs. This story has one unique feature: it includes explicit detail of transporting the said receivers and other radio equipment through combat areas in the Middle East during WW2.
The broadcast date again is Monday May 5 th . Call backs will follow on both networks. Please call in if you are able; this provides the RAOTC broadcast committee with an idea of how many are listening to these broadcasts.
If you miss the off-air broadcasts you can listen to audio files on the RAOTC website: https://www.raotc.org.au/
73, Peter VK7PD
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WWFF, SOTA, POTA and IOTA
Weekly Wrap-Up
Jim, VK7JZ, and Simon, VK7FAF, made their way to Collins Bonnet Summit, the second-highest peak in the Wellington Range. Simon enjoyed the walk to the summit and Jim logged a total of 29 contacts, including 4 CW contacts.
Al, VK7AN, and Peter, VK7ZPE, activated the Tamar Conservation Area, which stretches from Launceston to the Batman Bridge along the Tamar River. However, access is limited to just a few locations.
Several VKFF awards were issued this week. Paul, VK7PJM, earned two Hunter Honour Roll awards for reaching 550 and 575 confirmed hunter contacts. Phill, VK7ID, also received two awards â€ö the Silver VKFF Activator Award and the VKFF Hunter Honour Roll 200.
Matt, VK7MAT, received an email this week asking for tips on how to break through a pileup while hunting. Here are a few suggestions that might help. Listen carefully to the activator and observe how theyâ€Öre handling the pileup. Not all activators operate the same way â€ö some will work the first call they hear, others the last, some go for the strongest signal, and a few may take multiple calls at once. Pay attention to their rhythm and adjust your timing and calling style accordingly. Avoid overly complicated or “creative” phonetics â€ö they can confuse rather than help. Be brief and precise and give your full callsign clearly. Most importantly, be patient. Many hunters give up after just a few tries, but if you wait for a lull in the pileup, you'll often find the activator listening more closely during those quieter moments.
If you have some tips and tricks that have worked for you, drop Matt an email so he can share them in the wrap up.
73, Matt, VK7MAT
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VK7 News
Where is it now?
Does anyone know the whereabouts of the IRE Trophy? The trophy was on display at the Radio and Electrical Exhibition held in Launceston during June 1939.
A report of the Exhibition in Amateur Radio Oct 1 1939 describes the display as centred around an amateur radio station in operation. VK7AB was the station used under the callsign VK7WI. The transmitter consisted of an EL5 tritet crystal oscillator capacitive coupled to an 807 and link coupled to an Eimac 35T running at an input of 50 watts and modulated by a pair of Osram PX 25s in Class AB push pull. The receiver was a normal 10 tube super and the antenna a full wave 40 metre zepp.
Included in the display was a wooden plaque. It was a trophy presented by the IRE ( Institute of Radio Engineers of Australia) now part of Engineers Australia or was it by the IRE which is now part of the IEEE. It would be interesting to know which. Where is this trophy now, to whom it was awarded and for what?
If the item can be located or you know anything about it can you let Linda VK7QP know on email: luther8(at)bigpond.com. I have a poor photograph that accompanied the article in AR but that is all. I would like to have a better photograph and any other detail that is available. It would be added to the history that was compiled in 2023 to celebrate the centenary of WIA in Tasmania.
73, Linda VK7QP
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Statewide SSTV Nights
A busy net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – ZGK, AAX, KT, ZAB, AX, OO, ZCF, EV and TW all sharing over forty photos. Some photos didnâ€Öt make it north, so remember to use a CTCSS tone of 141.3 Hz on VK7RAF.
The main themes were:
Street Art in Devonport and Geelong
Some of the Lego brick creations from the resent Brixibition in Launceston. These being an automotive workshop, 4 wheel drive vehicles, classic sports cars and aircraft
Rivers in Tasmania and the Netherlands
Motor vehicles from hot Holdens and Fords through to heavy dump trucks and prime movers
Other highlights were:
A neat PCB based RF common mode RF test panel
A completed K3NG designed CW keyer that uses an Arduino Nano
A remotely mounted and DC powered Raspberry Pi Zero with an SDR dongle setup
A couple of cartoons. Firstly a “proverbial “train wreck” election campaign with the fuel discount going up in smoke. And the other, how to deal with idiots and not end up in jail
A cute kitten adopted by a similar coloured dog
And a “toot toot” from a West Coast Steam loco
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and some VK7s conducted QSOs with PC1K in the Netherlands. Tony will connect the gateway again next week at 7:30 pm.
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites allow anyone who has sent SSTV pictures the ability to check them on their 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 SSTV websites or on NTARCâ€Ös website under blogs. Please remember to use your own photos or those that are copyright free.
SSTV VK7OO Tasmania Australia (tasme.com)
VK7KRJ's 2m SSTV scrolling web gallery
Blog 3 â€ö NTARC Inc.
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
For last weekâ€Ös club room technical night, just to be different Ross VK7ALH didnâ€Öt bring in any radios from his collection or current jobs on his work bench. He turned up with an antenna, but surprisingly even that wasnâ€Öt meant for amateur bands! It was for the AM band, remember that band segment set aside for AM broadcasters, the one that covers 531 to 1602 KHz. Also remember this is written by a person from the North of the state where our beloved Australian Broadcasting Corporation stations have been moved onto the FM band, thus leaving the AM band destitute during daylight hours.
This antenna was manufacturer in Australia by “PKâ€Ös Loop Antennas” who describe it and I quote “An Outdoor AM Loop Antenna with remote tuning for use on buildings constructed with steel roofs and frames (like sheds or caravans) or those with reinforced concrete. The loop mounts outdoors and a single coax cable connects it to the tuning control box. There is an output for a wired connection to your AM Radio / Receiver. The tuning system is sharp and peaks right on station, boosting weak signals whilst rejecting interference and enhancing reception quality.”
A quick check confirmed the loop diameter was about 400mm and was made from 32mm Heavy Duty corrugated electrical conduit. The two ends of the sturdy loop terminated on either side of an IP56 rated electrical box, which also incorporated an aluminium mounting bracket. This was certainly designed to be weather proof. After Ross removed the cover plate on the mounting box the small printed circuit board was revealed, it carried a couple of electronic components and two IDC headers, the type you generally plug ribbon cables into. This was no exception and had a 17 conductor ribbon cable plugged in on one side that disappeared into the conduit loop, back out the other side and plugged into the other IDC connector.
On a closer inspection of the printed circuit board each the IDC connector pins was offset by one from its mate in the other connector. Effectively stringing each conductor loop onto the end of the preceding one as it looped around and around, electrically making one continuous wire of about 21 metres in length. A very sturdy little unit, thanks Ross.
For a more in-depth dive into these antennas follow the link provided in the text version of this broadcast.
AM Radio Loop Antenna
Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB had a very nifty and small power supply module measuring approximately 65 by 30 mm.
The fixed output is 5 Volts DC at current up to 5 Amps and is available from an input DC voltage range of 5 to 30 Volts. The output is available on both the USB connector and screw terminals. To make it even handier the input can be via 2.1 mm DC plug or screw terminals. The USB connector has proven to be very convenient when remotely powering a Raspberry Pi 5, Pi Zero or Heltec Meshtastic module as it alleviates the need to solder or use connectors on the header pins for power.
As always pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Club Room Technical night session - The next session will be on Wednesday the 14th May, at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Coffee Morning - held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all there. So why not pop in check the QSL cards and join us for a cuppa, there is endless tea and coffee along with biscuits available for a donation.
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 them to the Secretary at the following address news(at)ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Thatâ€Ös all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, 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/
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REAST ADX Build Update
Last Wednesday night (30 April 2025) saw a few more people test and calibrate their ADX Transceivers.
We also had an exciting time in the newly refurbished DATV Studio with new 4K capable High Definition PTZ cameras installed and Open Broadcast Studio configured. We are grappling with a small sound issue at the moment and working through resolving that issue in preparation for our presentation night this Wednesday.
Please note we will not be broadcasting on RF DVB-T for a while as we work through how we remotely feed the DVB-T transmitter at our new site at Broughton Ave.
73, Justin VK7TW
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May Presentation Night
The Tasmanian Trail on an Electric UniCycle!
A huge thank you to Allen VK7KAN who has agreed to give us a presentation on his recent expedition from the top to the bottom of Tasmania on an electric unicycle.
Allen has completed his trip and is keen to let us know about his adventures with his brother who rode an electric mountain bike.
For those who donâ€Öt know, the Tasmania Trail is a 480km multi-use trail that runs from Devonport to Dover.
Many of you met Allen at the ABC Studio tour as Allen is one of the Technical Services team and is taking a well earned rest and seeing Tasmania up close and personal!
It happens this Wednesday 7th May from 7:30pm in the QD Clubrooms and streamed.
This should be a great presentation and will be our first to be streamed with all video inputs at full high definition!
https://www.tasmaniantrail.com.au/
73, REAST Committee
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REAST Forum Night – Antenna Confessions Edition!
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/may-forum-night-antenna-confessions-edition/
Wednesday 14th May 2025 from 7:30pm in the Queens Domain Clubrooms.
Hey antenna wranglers and feedline fanatics - itâ€Ös time to get real about whatâ€Ös swinging in your backyard. This Mayâ€Ös Forum Night is your chance to tell all about your antenna of choice â€ö whether itâ€Ös big, small, stealthy, floppy, or held together by hope and cable ties.
What we want:
Your favourite antenna (or the one you tolerate)
The good (DX glory),
The bad (SWR horror stories),
And the downright ugly (weâ€Öve seen things…).
Dipoles, verticals, loops, Yagis, fractals, coat hangers â€ö no judgement, just good stories, laughs, and maybe some inspiration or sympathy.
Bring your tales, your pictures, your bent aluminium, and letâ€Ös share whatâ€Ös working (or not) at your QTH. No PowerPoint perfection needed â€ö just you and your antenna antics.
Come for the stories. Stay for the laughter. Leave with new ideas (or at least some validation).
See you there!
73, REAST Committee
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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!
Key Dates:
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, starting 31st May 2025.
Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on 28th June 2025.
Stay updated with 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(at)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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Digital News
Worldâ€Ös Largest D-STAR Net
Join the Worldâ€Ös Largest D-STAR Net – Every Sunday on Reflector 91C
The International D-STAR Net, hosted by Steve (KC9SIO), is the largest of its kind and welcomes check-ins from around the globe every Sunday at 7:00 PM US Central Time (which is Monday 00:00 UTC during Daylight Saving Time - 10 AM AEST).
To participate, connect to D-STAR Reflector 91C (REF091C). Early check-ins are encouraged and begin an hour before the net starts.
This wide-reaching net is a great opportunity to engage with fellow D-STAR users, share updates, and connect internationally.
For more information, check the QRZ page for KC9SIO.
73, Phil, VK3PG
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Technology News
Ultra-wideband antenna designed for stealth aircraft
Chinese scientists have unveiled a breakthrough in stealth aircraft technology, designing a compact, ultra-wideband antenna that integrates directly into aircraft surfaces without compromising radar invisibility or aerodynamic efficiency. Developed by researchers from the Southwest China Institute of Electronic Technology and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, the new circular ring antenna is a game-changer for modern combat aircraft that require low radar signatures and sleek, tail-less designs.
Traditional antennas are bulky and protrude from the surface, increasing detectability by radar. While current embedded antennas are limited in frequency range, the new design offers a significantly wider rangeâ€öfrom 150 to 600 MHzâ€öwhile maintaining an ultra-low profile of just 0.047 times the wavelength. This is achieved by extending the current path, making the antenna electrically larger than its physical size, and using tightly coupled dipole elements in a circular configuration to deliver consistent signal strength.
To combat edge-related signal loss, the team added a short-circuit wall that reflects and shapes current flow, and they used resistors to absorb unwanted reflections. A frequency-selective surface beneath the antenna also reduces interference from ground reflections, especially at higher frequencies. These innovations collectively boost efficiency and bandwidth while keeping the design stealth-friendly and compact.
The result is a state-of-the-art antenna suited for next-generation military aircraft. With eight elements and a wide 12:1 impedance bandwidth, it maintains excellent omnidirectional coverage and minimal energy loss across all frequencies. This marks a significant step forward in seamlessly integrating communication and navigation systems into future stealth platforms.
https://www.criticalcomms.com.au/content/radio-systems/article/ultra-wideband-antenna-designed-for-stealth-aircraft-1436287353
Sourced from Critical Comms Web E-Zine and summaries by Arthur Inglis.
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Technology News
GNSS Breakthrough for Urban Navigation
Navigating city streets lined with tall buildings has long posed challenges for GPS accuracy, but a team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking solution. Scientists from Shenzhen University, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Wuhan University have unveiled a smartphone-based global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technique that dramatically improves pedestrian navigation in so-called "urban canyons." These dense environments often block or reflect satellite signals, causing standard GPS to falter. The new method, known as "sidewalk matching," enhances positioning precision by using existing smartphone sensors and pedestrian mapsâ€öno expensive 3D models or AI training data required.
The technique addresses a major flaw in traditional GNSS systems: the inability to determine a pedestrianâ€Ös position with street-level accuracy in areas surrounded by skyscrapers. By analysing satellite signal strength and orientation, the system filters out non-line-of-sight errors, while a built-in algorithm identifies which side of the street has more direct satellite visibility. This is reinforced with pedestrian dead reckoningâ€öusing the phone's accelerometer and gyroscope to track movement and validate GNSS readings, particularly at complex intersections.
Field tests in Hong Kong showed impressive results, with the sidewalk matching technique achieving positioning accuracy of under 5 metresâ€öfar superior to the 18-metre-plus errors commonly seen in standard systems. The combination of smart signal filtering, motion tracking, and contextual awareness offers an innovative yet practical way to help pedestrians confidently navigate urban spaces in real time.
This advancement opens the door to safer, smarter cities. From improving ride-hailing precision to boosting pedestrian safety and enabling greater independence for visually impaired individuals, the new system could soon become a standard feature in smartphones. As cities grow taller and denser, innovations like sidewalk matching promise to keep navigation accurate and accessible for everyone.
https://www.criticalcomms.com.au/content/transport/article/gnss-technique-helps-pedestrians-navigate-urban-canyons--1368369253
Sourced from Critical Comms Web E-Zine and summaries by Arthur Inglis.
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
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.
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 - WAGs - Wednesday Afternoon Group from 12 noon in the REAST Clubrooms Queenâ€Ös Domain.
REAST - WEGs - Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group on the third, fourth & fifth Wednesday nights of the month from around 6pm in the REAST Clubrooms Queenâ€Ös Domain and streamed.
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 Club Room Technical night session - The next session will be this Wednesday the 14th May 2025, at the usual time of 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
Events:
REAST - May 7th - Electric Unicycling the Tasmanian Trail with Allen VK7KAN from 7:30pm - QD CLubrooms and streaming
REAST - May 14th - May Forum Night - Antenna Confessions - Queens Domain Clubrooms from 7:30pm and streamed
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7WW
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7ALH
40m: VK7JGD
20m: VK7DG
10m: VK7VKT
UHFCB24: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group
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A huge thank you to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast.
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That wraps up this week's edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable?
You've been listening to VK7WI, or if youâ€Öve just tuned in, you've just missed our live broadcast. But donâ€Öt worry if itâ€Ös not Tuesday night then you can catch the rebroadcast on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 in the South.
We encourage you to share your news, stories, and updates with us. Email your contributions to vk7arnews(at)gmail.com.
For more information about the broadcast and to join the discussion, visit our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.IO Group.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews.
Remember, the deadline for submissions is 21:00 on the Friday before the Sunday broadcast.
Stay tuned for callbacks on the frequency youâ€Öre currently listening to. Relay stations will use their own callsigns during this time.
On behalf of the entire VK7 Amateur Radio News Team, this is Idris, VK7ZIR wishing you 73 and good DX to all.
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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