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QNEWS MARCH 17 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

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DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


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THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



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VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



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CLUBBING






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Redcliffe and Districts radio club.


Greetings from the Redcliffe Radio Club VK4RC
Robert Thomson VK4TFN reporting.

Redfest 2024, is now only three weeks away on Saturday 6th April,
at St Michael's College, Abbey Place Caboolture.

Redfest 2024 is promising to be bigger and better than ever.
Currently we have almost 30 vendors and displays.
Redfest is not just a swap-meet with pre-loved bits and pieces.
This year there'll be even more commercial vendors.

For the technically minded - and that;s all of us - there will be a
demonstration of the new ICOM IC-905 by the Brisbane VHF Group who
will also host a presentation on microwave propagation.

As you know, there's a special focus on the ladies this year.
So, no need for the YLs to stay home in 2024.

Doug is prepping the barbie for his famous bacon and egg rolls, and
the ladies are ready and raring to go with the cafè. Food is available
from 8:00am and the gates open at 9:00am.

Don't forget the major raffle prize -
the ICOM ID-5100A, VHF/UHF digital transceiver.
Tickets are only $5.00.

For more information go to:
redclifferadioclub.org.au


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Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

It was about 70 years ago that the Communist Party in the Soviet Union
produced a
statement which set out their meanings of what language would mean. The
common use
and understanding was thrown out like dirty dish water and diplomats had
to struggle
to decipher the messages given out in the early stages of the Cold War.


One book that most households had on a shelf was a dictionary which was
important to
children doing homework and then became a tool for crosswords and board
games. What
it meant was that language tended to be stable in what it conveyed and
that lasted
over time. You could read a newspaper that was thirty or more years old
and not be
confused by the meaning of words.


In the past couple of weeks we have seen a melee amongst one of the
popular sporting
codes which revolved around the use of the word “monkey”. It seems that
that word
has transformed into an insult when used in certain contexts. We have seen
this
attitude portrayed over the past few years with people finding offence
with words
and objects in a movement that is known as woke.


If you are a user of social media, you will probably have come across the
mindless
minions known as fact checkers and algorithms upholding some universal set of
community standards. Like the guards in the land ruled by a dictator, these
creations seem to lack understanding of what people enjoy such as humour
and irony
and the standards seem to appear like ectoplasm during a phoney seance.
Such is the
world that we live in.


In the past there have been quite explicit rules applied to the type of
language
which was permitted on radio services. These days we can hear expressions on
broadcast radio and TV that would have had a charge of obscenity laid by
the police
a few decades ago.


During my student days I was taught that language was an evolving item in
our social
structure and I have lived to witness much change in what words mean and
how they
are used.


So how does this reflect in our use of language as radio amateurs? My
feeling is
that we should still consider what is respectful to and by our fellow
operators. If
a word or expression can be offensive then we should use an alternative.
This is the
courtesy that amateurs have encouraged for over 100 years regardless of
regulations.


Like good manners are appropriate to the occasion we should remember that
generally
what we put to air can be monitored by people of all ages and backgrounds.
I have
listened to the operator who was drunk behind the microphone use obscene
language
and I have memories of monitoring UHF CB many years ago whilst standards
sank lower
and lower. Sadly, as I travel a major road, I do monitor the notorious
Ch40 and have
to accept that most of the transport drivers use obscenity as punctuation.
If you
hold religious beliefs or are raising young children, this is a great
deterrent to
using a very effective road safety tool.


I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



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Hallo everyone, this is Graham VK4BB reminding you that today,
being the first Sunday of of the month, it's time for the QNEWS
Social Calender for VK4 to go to air.

Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)

Park-fest 4 & 5 of May Bundaberg (vk4kc)

Caboolture Radio Club Hamfest July 11 (vk7jea)

GOLD COAST HAMFEST OCTOBER 13 (Venue to be announced) (vk4DMH)




TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS MARCH 10 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

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DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?
BUNDABERG, IPSWICH and REDCLIFFE CLUBS DID.
WHY NOT YOURS?

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



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VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



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CLUBBING

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(J)
BUNDABERG


Gidday! I'm David, VK4DN from the Bundy Amateur Radio club!

Just a reminder that the WIA Convention Expo and HamFest happening
here in Bundaberg is now less than 10 weeks away!!

If you are interested in setting up a display with items for sale or
to promote your business or special interest, now is a good time to
reserve your spot!

The weekend of Saturday May 4th and Sunday May 5th promises to be an
amazing weekend attracting amateurs from all over Australia!

Make contact with the Secretary of the Bundy Amateur Radio Club to
book your display.

secretary@...

73 from David VK4DN - Bundaberg Amateur Radio club.





Ipswich & District Radio Club

Web – www.vk4wip.org.au
Email - vk4wip@...
For a full list of repeaters - www.vk4wip.org.au

This is Allan VK4HIT with news from Ipswich and District Radio Club.

A total 15 members attended the February 26 business meeting either in
person or via Zoom.

From the WICEN report members were reminded of the need for volunteers for
the Brisbane Trail Marathon on April 28. If you can help with being on a
checkpoint please contact Greg VK4GJW through email ipswichwicen@...

Later this year Ipswich WICEN will also support the Pinnacles Classic June
16, The Guzzler Ultra Marathon July 20 and 21, Lake Manchester Trail
August 18 and Mt Glorious Trail on November 10.

In other club news, members resolved to trial daytime meetings in 2024.
This means four social and four business meetings will move to Saturday
mornings at 10am in April, June, August and October.

The idea was put forward to allow members who can’t make the usual night
meetings to attend at least some of the club meetings. Keep an eye on your
inbox for more information.


Reporting from Ipswich this is Allan, VK4HIT.





Redcliffe and Districts radio club.


REDFEST 2024 – A HamFest for the ladies in our lives.

John Saunders VK4BZ, President of the Redcliffe and Districts Radio
Club, wants to promote the inclusion of women in amateur radio.

The Redcliffe club's annual Redfest, is now only four weeks away on
Saturday 6th April at St Michael’s College, Abbey Place Caboolture.
This year, he announces, the club is going out of their way to include
our long-suffering spouses.

”The majority of operators in the hobby are male, so I’m talking about
the ladies in our lives. And, if you are one of the ladies already in
the hobby, well then this is for you too,” he announced.
John went on to say, “Not only will Redfest have the usual tables of
pre-loved radio goodies, as well as commercial sellers with brand new
bits and pieces, this year, there will be three displays specifically
for the ladies.”

The club will include one gift shop table, the second with handmade
soaps, skin care and bath products, and the third being a quilting
stall.

And of course, The Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association, ALARA
will also have a table at REDFEST 2024.

John was anxious to mention the speciality coffee shop with tasty
treats, good coffee and sit down cafe tables?

So, fellas, invite the lady in your life along. Lady hams, now there’s
even more reason to come to Redfest.

Check out the club website for more details:
redclifferadioclub.org.au.


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Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

Mid week we got to go for a drive to visit some family members who were
taking a
break from the routine of life and enjoying the views across the water in
central
Queensland. They managed to set up and the following day to their arrival,
the god
of storms gave us some heavy rain but it managed to become more furious
and stripped
twigs and branches from the trees in their location. No real harm was done
and life
resumed under the cloudy sky which gave way to a wonderful clear day with
fleeting
clouds and a pulsing sea breeze which we all enjoyed.


It was driving into another local government area with posters along the
road with
different names and images that got me to thinking. Pretty much from the time
amateur radio was formally recognised in this country, there has been an
effective
ban on the discussion of politics on air. It has not only been the very
local but
also it has extended to the overseas and international politics as well.
In so many
ways it has been a good way for our relationships to develop on a person
to person
level regardless of the obstacles that party and other allegiances have
thrown up.


When we look at the events which are happening in parts of Asia, the
Middle East and
Europe, it is obvious that many of us will have reason to support the
survival of
one group of people over another. It may be religion, family ties or
ethics that
turns our attitudes to support one side and disparage the other. Then we
go on air
and we converse with others by means of radio and it is the community of
amateur
radio that binds us, at that time, and not the personal factors that have
set our
attitudes.


Obviously as individuals, we do not set the agenda for elections or the
patterns of
aggression of our politicians but on a daily basis we have the opportunity
to share
those common human values which we consider the mark of mankind. We can
appreciate
the success of another amateur in finishing a technical build and the joy
of a
family in welcoming another member, just as we can identify the sorrow and
pain of
the bereaved.


We don’t often get the opportunity to sit and talk and share a meal with
other
amateurs but we do get to talk, message and send images and video and
enter the
personal space of others. When we maintain the courtesy that goes with our
pursuit,
we give respect to the other person and by not touching on the subject of
politics
we maintain the politeness that can build into friendship.


So I hold my own beliefs and share them in private when appropriate but in
enjoying
my hobby I like to give the respect to others that I would like to receive.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



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Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


VK4 - Gladstone Amateur Radio Club BBQ 9th March (vk4xmc)

Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)

Park-fest 4 & 5 of May Bundaberg (vk4kc)

Caboolture Radio Club HamFest July 11 (vk7jea)

GOLD COAST HAMFEST OCTOBER 13 (Venue to be announced) (vk4DMH)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS MARCH 3 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



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Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.


Well here it is already, the autumn season that used to herald cooler
weather as we
rotated into winter. The Bureau of Meteorology has released its quarterly
outlook
and we can expect weather that is likely to be drier than our summer but
still
giving us warmer nights than usual. For the night owl operators, that
might suggest
a further degree of discomfort or comfort, depending on individual locations.

One thing that we can do personally or as part of a group activity is make
things.
For many people starting off there is the temptation to develop a first name
acquaintanceship with the bank manager to finance the biggest and best.
What a most
of us should do is get our hands on some tools and some cheap materials
and put
something together. There are many requests for the best antenna for a new
operator
and there are a multiplicity of replies by the experts, well the self
appointed
experts anyway. There is a ton of practical information to be had in the
videos that
increase in number on a daily basis.


For my backyard, I have two aerials for shortwave. One is an off centre fed
horizontal and the other is a non-resonant vertical and both have been
built by me.
Now I am not using the horizontal antenna but the vertical does a good job
for
monitoring and basically it is a junk box special made from a salvaged
fibreglass
pole strapped to a tripod base. I did take the easy way out and used a
commercial
matching transformer but for the sake of a bit of measuring and cutting
and using a
few cable ties, I have a perfectly usable antenna for minimal cost. This
is the
thing I am talking about.


These days we see many new comers wanting to only use commercially made
accessories
and in dodging the experience of making something they are missing the
opportunity
to strengthen their learning. We have all seen the responses to questions
that the
only suitable antenna must be a resonant one. By experimenting with a
non-resonant
design you can find what works at your QTH and what is the most effective
for the
style of operations that you take on. Being able to cheaply and quickly
put together
something as useful as antenna gives a sense of satisfaction and
achievement too.
Terminating feed lines is a skill that is mastered with a little practice
but at
times buying in ready made items might be more practical.


If you are in a club, maybe you can suggest a project where a number of
members can
get together and decide on a time to share the building and testing. For
many of us,
a suitable squid pole will be the most expensive outlay but a club bulk
buy can drop
the costs considerably. Once you have completed one project, perhaps you
can build
into your club calendar a regular schedule for these practicals that put
the book
learning to good use.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



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Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section

VK4 - Gladstone Amateur Radio Club BBQ 9th March (vk4xmc)

Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)

Park-fest 4 & 5 of May Bundaberg (vk4kc)

GOLD COAST HAMFEST OCTOBER 13 (Venue to be announced) (vk4DMH)




TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS FEBRUARY 25 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



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CLUBBING
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Redcliffe and Districts radio club.


Redfest 2024 Update

Greetings from the Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.

Robert Thomson VK4TFN here.

REDFEST 2024, 9 am Saturday the 6th of April at St Michael's College
Caboolture.

Our website is redclifferadioclub.org.au

Breakfast is at 8 and there will be a cafe serving coffee, tea, cakes,
slices and cookies.

Vendors start booking now. $10 per table,
redfest@...

Raffle prize is the ICOM ID 5100A VHF/UHF dual band digital TxRX as
well as lucky door prizes. Tickets $5 each on sale now.

There will be tables and displays especially for the ladies and
ALARA will be there.

Thank you and 73's from the
Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.


--------------------------------------------------------------------*


Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.


This month is rushing to it climax as it marks the Leap Year that heralds the
Olympic Games in a few more months. Colleges and schools have resumed the
order and
the routine of life is only interrupted by the changes in the weather.


I thought I would indulge in some retrospection. My younger self was
intrigued and
engaged by the now antique creation of the crystal set radio. The first
one that I
remember was in a nicely constructed wooden case which was polished to a
high shine
in the style of good quality furniture. My home built unit was on pieces
of wood
salvaged from boxes that had transported fruit and was not polished, just
rough cut
unvarnished wood. But that was the baptism into the indulgence and
enjoyment of
radio and amateur radio in particular.


Recently the control buttons on my TV remote started to fail internally
and after
removing the cover for an inspection and checking the cost of a
replacement, I opted
for the easy fix of buying a new remote. Now this was from a seller in
Victoria and
it ended up taking 8 days for it to arrive to alleviate my increasing
frustration
with the ever more failing unit it had to replace. The tracking was good
until the
parcel arrived at the mail sorting centre for southern Queensland where my
much
needed remote rested for four days out of the 8. It then arrived on the
eighth day
with the fanfare of an SMS and an email but no more tracking. Relief from
the faulty
unit had come at last.


Around the same time, I had been looking at the very popular dual band
hand held
radio which is a toy of choice for many amateurs around the world. What
caught my
interest was the range of amateur bands that it covered on receive and the
fact that
a previous HT of the same brand had given good service. Then an add popped
up for an
on line site with what seemed a fair price for one of these radios. It
turns out the
sales site is located in the State Capital, Brisbane, and with the appeal
of fast
delivery and free postage as part of the deal, I succumbed to the
temptation and
invested in one Chinese made radio.


The tracking was superb as the parcel travelled from mainland China to the
Brisbane
International Airport and thence to the Redbank Mail Centre. Once again it
seemed
that my agony was going to be prolonged as nothing happened until the next
day and
without announcement the radio was delivered to my front door. It had
taken just six
days from when I paid for the radio to when it was delivered beating the
local
purchase by 2 days.


I don’t know if there is a moral to all this other than to stay calm and
not fret
when your goods are being transported by the local postal service. I am
now getting
acquainted with the button presses and getting closer to some old
fashioned SWL type
monitoring.



I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section

VK4 - Gladstone Amateur Radio Club BBQ 9th March (vk4xmc)

Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)

GOLD COAST HAMFEST OCTOBER 13 (Venue to be announced) (vk4DMH)





TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS FEBRUARY 18 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



---------------------------------------------------------------------*

CLUBBING

---------------------------------------------------------------------*


GLADSTONE AR CLUB "Radio_Active".

IRLP Node 6246
gladsoneamateurradioclub@...

G’day from Central Queensland.

I’m Mark VK4XMC, and along with the members and committee of the
Gladstone Amateur Radio Club we would liketo invite you to our
annual fundraiser BBQ Saturday 9th March at the beautiful and
family-friendly East Shores Gladstone Harbour.

Come and see live demos of the latest ICOM radios and get involved in
a foxhunt or two. It's a casual gathering with radios to raffle and a
fast auction.

All inquiries to gladsoneamateurradioclub@...
or find us on Facebook.

See you there!

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

Tomorrow is the day that license fees are no longer required as the Class
Licence
regime comes into force. There is still some confusion about how certain
matters
will be dealt with under this new framework but it seems that the ACMA has
been
quite assiduous in following up on detail. It remains to be seen if we
will end up
with the regulations spelled out in plain language for everyone to
understand, not
just public servants.


I have wondered about the rivalry that contests evoke. Some people seem to
have a
very competitive spirit akin to sporting rivalries whilst others enjoy the
effort of
just doing better than they did before. Short burst activities such as
sprints offer
a relative equality to people within a time zone perhaps but with things
such as
grey line propagation involved there can be both advantage and
disadvantage for
contestants at different ends of the continent. Similarly the application
of time
zones to the duration of the contests can impact the success of stations
and this is
without the considerations of space weatherb influences.


Recent flare activity on the Sun has resulted in noise and blackouts
effecting some
geographical areas and not others. For example, it is possible that Western
Australia could suffer a strike whilst the eastern states are unaffected.
With all
the forecast material available on the internet from multitudinous
sources, it makes
the life of the DX operator on HF much simpler but the immediate effects
on contest
operators can be frustrating periods of inactivity.


So here is the dilemma: conditions are variable and can favour some areas
above
others, the rules could be amended but who can referee the variations and
adherence
or it could be accepted that there will never be fairness and scores simply
represent the results on a particular event. All of this seems very
complicated
except for the last solution and that would require a cosmic shift in
attitude for
some operators.


I would suggest that the current sense of competitiveness really is
misplaced when
there is no “level playing field”. Imagine if at the upcoming Olympics if
some
competitors were allowed to claim running records with wind assistance or
swimmers
no longer had to touch as they turned in their lanes. The hue and cry
would be
enormous as when football teams have an extra player on the field during
substitutions. Surely the same ethical standards should apply when we amateur
operators compete!


I suppose this would be too hot a potato to hold and we won’t see any
practical
response to suggestions like this. However I believe we should all be
striving for
the best in our pursuit of excellence and ensuring fairness in what we do
should be
at the top of the priority list.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section

Gladstone Amateur Radio Club BBQ 9th March (vk4xmc)

Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS FEBRUARY 11 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo


--------------------------------------------------------------------*


Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

In the world of family owned businesses such as pastoral holdings, we
often hear the
term “succession planning” used. It is not simply something to think about
in terms
of Monopoly board finances but something that actually effects each of us in
different ways. As members of clubs, the incorporation documents will
include terms
under which the assets will be distributed in the event of closing down.
Personally
the same need is met by the legal document called a “will” which allows
for and sets
out how the person wants their estate handled and where items are to be
distributed.


Back in club land there is another form of succession and that is the
choosing of
office bearers whose task it is to run the organisation as laid down in the
constitution and articles. When numbers shrink, it is often the same faces
that
populate the top table, year after year, simply because there seems to be
no one
else.


At home, we gather as much equipment as we think necessary to pursue our
recreation
of amateur radio, or fishing or bush walking or vintage car restoration or
wine
collection. We tend to cherish these items because of the pleasure they
bring in use
and the storehouse of memories they have accumulated. They are, in other
words,
important to us. Now it is normally true that when we value items, we wish to
dispose of them in a way that others who appreciate them will get the
chance to
enjoy them too. There is also the commercial reality that it may be
necessary to
recoup money to meet expenses and the auction house gets to set the value
at the
sale time.


Sadly we do see that people do suffer traumas and they do die. If there is no
planning, then the need to dispose of beloved belongings will possibly
fall to
people who don’t have the same regard for the cherished items. With
transmitting
gear, it is wise to ensure that it only goes to people or bodies with the
appropriate credentials, that is licensed operators or clubs run by qualified
people.


We don’t treat our office bearers as commodities like our rigs but
practically we
need to ensure that the membership of our club is maintained and suitable
people get
to learn the mechanics of how the club operates. If an office holder has
to retire
then there is no mad rush to find someone to fill the position just
because the
articles of association require it. If there are people who are familiar
with the
processes and procedures then the transition goes ahead without stress.
The same
situation obviously applies when it comes to the election of office bearers.


As the Class Licence will impose a few new quirks on club procedures for
running
repeaters and the like, now is the time when a good discussion and
understanding of
the requirements should be happening. Perhaps it should also be a trigger
for a
wider exploration of how we can make things better.


I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS FEBRUARY 4 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



--------------------------------------------------------------------*



---------------------------------------------------------------------*




CLUBBING






---------------------------------------------------------------------*


Redcliffe and Districts radio club.


Hi everyone , my name is Steve VK4SJH.

I am pleased to announce that the Redcliffe Radio Club will be
starting the 2024 Amateur Advanced Training Course on 10th February
via Microsoft Teams.

Your instructors will be myself, Steve VK4SJH, Mark VK4EMP and
Ken VK4AKH.

The course will be run every Sunday evening 7:30pm to 9PM using
Alan Jenners VK4KZ excellent notes and other sources. You will find
the instructors very helpful and friendly. If you would like to find
out more details then send an email to
education@...
or go to the Redcliffe Radio Club’s website at
reclifferadioclub.org.au and look under education and fill out your
details including email address and mobile phone number via the online
form stating that you would like more information about the Advanced
course.

If you think that you would like to do the Standard training for the
Standard exam , don’t worry our course teaches at both levels.

73 this is Steve VK4SJH





BUNDABERG


This is David VK4DN from the Bundy Amateur Radio Club.

Just a quick update about the huge WIA Convention and HamFest
happening this year on May 4th and 5th in Bundaberg.

We're thrilled to announce that table bookings are now available for
you to sell your used radio and electronic equipment. This is a great
opportunity to declutter your shack and find good homes for your
unwanted gear. Whether you're into vintage radios, cutting-edge
transceivers, or experimenting with the latest SDR technology, there's
a spot for you at the Bundaberg WIA Convention and HamFest.

The event promises to be a great opportunity to buy and sell new and
used equipment but also an amazing weekend for visitors to the
Bundaberg region. Network with other amateurs from all over Australia
and from as far as New Zealand who will be attending the weekend.

To secure your spot, book your table now. Spaces are limited so get in
early!

So, VK stations, mark your calendars for May 4th and 5th and book your
tables for the 2024 Bundaberg WIA Convention and HamFest.

This is David VK4DN from the Bundy Amateur Radio Club. 73.

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

Apart from the devastation so many people have suffered in the almost
freakish
weather we have endured, in the last several days, there is one thing that
springs
to my mind. The government has been issuing reminders for people to have an
evacuation kit ready for immediate use. This certainly is a great idea and
for many
of the less agile a suitable container that can be moved on wheels will be
a help
also. A recent trip away reminded me just how much we need to transport
and this was
just medical aids, clothing and the like. Documents, photographs,
jewellery and the
like weren’t even taken and the car seemed to be filled.


This is not the point other than to show how many important items have to be
included on a list and prepared for transport. When it comes to clubs the
situation
is compounded as they also have belongings and records to consider. Who
has the
responsibility for ensuring that these items can be removed in times of
emergency
and taken to safe storage? When you consider the cost of replacement, an
average ham
shack can soon accumulate a bill running to a few thousand dollars. If you
have ever
had to prepare a list for an insurance claim you will know how quickly the
figures
can build up.


So obviously, for a club, there needs to be a schedule of what needs to be
removed
quickly in the event of a threat to the items belonging to the club. Are
there lists
of items to be prioritised and containers for transport as well as the
manpower and
means of removal? These are all considerations that can be overlooked in a
club
where no drama is expected. The TV footage I have seen of the overnight
flooding in
parts of southern Queensland show how people can be caught unawares and in
many
cases clubs have premises, leased by local councils, which are subject to
floods. If
this is a known risk, have precautions been taken such as providing
benches or roof
storage which might save items that have to be left behind or when access
is already
lost?


There are many things to consider in keeping the assets of a club safe and
the
where, why and how are going to be determined by local factors. Just
because fire
has never been through an area or it hasn’t flooded in living memory
doesn’t mean
that it can’t happen, as so many of this past weeks victims can attest.


Organisation is a task that really needs to be thorough and preparation
needs to be
based on sound facts. If we haven’t managed to prepare for the worst, it
is really
time to pull the finger out.


I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS JANUARY 28 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



--------------------------------------------------------------------*



---------------------------------------------------------------------*




CLUBBING






---------------------------------------------------------------------*


BARC

or, by E-mail to vk4ba@...

This is Graham VK4CEG for the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club.

It was an excellent first day back at Brisbane Amateur Radio Club. Rick,
S77RP, VK4HC when in Australia, visited from the Saychelles. We contacted
two stations in the Saychelles on 20, 15, 24, and 10 meters using the Club
station VK4BA. Several members all took turns passing the microphone
around. Surprisingly 10 meters was excellent armchair copy from Brisbane.

On the same day, Michael, VK4MWL showed his home built VHF UHF antenna and
explained Satellites Communications. Mike made two contacts through the
International Space Station to VK2 and VK3. Mike's antenna can be seen on
the Brisbane Amateur Radio Clubs facebook page.

This is Graham VK4CEG for the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club.


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

It is hardly a mystery that the weather has loomed large in most peoples’
minds with both a moderate heat wave effecting comfort and sleep for many
in the east of VK4 and then we have the promised cyclone. The disruption
to lives of people in the areas targeted by the tropical low with its
deluge of rain and winds is both a mental issue and a physical one with
stress and property damage being issues that
reflect the personal impacts of so-called “acts of God.”

However, the shops are not only sporting early entrance to Easter with
buns and chocolate eggs but the earlier festive day, the 14th of February,
now sporting items to tinkle the keys of the cash registers and point of
sale terminals. Love may have been the motive for the majority of popular
music but it is surely the reason for
Valentine’s Day to also be the anniversary date of the change over to
decimal currency back in 1966. Love may make the world go round but the
almighty dollar keeps us motivated in survival mode.

Regardless of these traditional things, there is coming change which will
impact all amateur licences on the Australian register and that is the
introduction of class licensing. Like many, we have received the letter
from the ACMA telling us of the immediate effects on our own licences.
From posts to various groups, it is patently obvious that the language
being used is causing much confusion to many people who
have also received this letter.

One of the useful publications for many people who have to put into
writing the things that others need to be aware of and that is the
Australian Government Style Guide. It is a book that is readily available
and often is used as an adjunct to course work in college courses. The
premise is that the language we use should be
appropriate to our audience and it seems this letter misses the mark. I
find that I peck at the material which The Australian Communications
Authority has provided us as my mind tires in interpreting bureaucratise
into plain English, these days. I had hoped for a smaller set of
instructions in plain language but it seems the subject matter
has been rendered into prolix language for what reason?


On the ground, or in the shack, there will be little change to what we
radio amateurs do so really there should be little cause for concern. The
annual dip into the wallet to pay a licence fee is being abolished so many
people will find it easier to join the WIA and receive the benefits of
being a member as a result.


We live in hope of better days ahead and to those who are surviving the
weather conditions, you are in our thoughts.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS JANUARY 21 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.


Soon we should know if the weather is giving us another featured event
with the
formation of a new cyclone on the east coast. It seems that the el Nino
pattern has
confused many into thinking it must be dry. Like so much about the natural
world,
the climate sciences are dealing with unthinkable numbers of variables
when they
look for patterns and then develop predictions over long and short terms.


In some ways it would seem that predicting space weather for electromagnetic
spectrum users is an easier task in that the dynamics can be better observed,
clarified and outcomes predicted. The fun for us radio enthusiasts is
being able to
pick the results that we experience and the calls we get in the log as a
result.


Now that the educational world is resuming classes, many people will be
resuming
patterns left behind for some weeks and others will be engrossed in new
experiences
whether as new students or as new parents fledging their off-spring. Life
that is
predictable within a framework tends to be more comfortable to the human
psyche and
we all look forward to that stability.


As the pattern of life resumes after a nominal holiday period, forward
planning
should be on the minds of hams with change of propagation patterns with the
revolving seasons and contests to engage the competitive spirits amongst
us. I
wonder how many have their calendars marked for events they hope to enjoy,
this
year?


Around my part of the world, the mundane seems to be overwhelming the need
for
relaxation. As I have mentioned before, the grass keeps growing in the
warm and
humid weather. I spoke with one person during the week who is having to
get behind
the lawn mower up to three times a week. There seems to be a reason for
enjoying
apartment living even with the limitations in mounting antennas which that
lifestyle
imposes.


It seems that as we age, unless we have inherited an estate worthy of a
lord, many
of us have to learn new survival skills by downsizing our belongings and
activities.
We move into smaller accommodations, perhaps with restrictions on what we
can erect
and even whether we can pursue recreations that have given us pleasure in our
younger lives. This is the benefits of belonging to social groups such as
radio
clubs where issues can be discussed and hopefully solutions found.

The lifestyle benefits of senior enclaves are portrayed on expensive TV
ads but the
limitations are often profoundly missing.


Perhaps we should, as a dispersed community, be looking to ways of supporting
different sectors of the amateur cohort. Rather than take the approach
that we are
all one group with one pursuit in mind, maybe we can try and gear
activities towards
the different age groups we seek to encourage and support.


I suppose what I am suggesting is that we need some imaginative thinking
to sustain
amateur radio

today.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS JANUARY 14 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx
VK3FPL/4 PETER LORD 17 DECEMBER vk4eo


Peter Lord, VK3FPL/4 moved some 25 years ago to Queensland for his
retirement, living at Gilston in the Gold Coast hinterland.
He was active on all bands to UHF, with many HF skeds to friends
bank home in Melbourne.

Born in 1929, he was an official photographer and film-maker at the
1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, and soon set up a leading film
processing company employing hundreds of people. He invested in a
diverse range of businesses, including one which made high-quality
pipe organs for churches and recital halls. A genius master craftsman,
Peter seemed able to make or fix almost anything, with a well-equipped
workshop in the garage under his home.

Well into his 50s, Peter was actively involved in motorcycle racing,
competing with some success at the Easter races at Mount Panorama,
Bathurst.

Peter’s house bristled with antennas, almost all of which he had
constructed himself, the centrepiece being a tall aluminium tower
with VHF Yagis and a huge 40m beam.

Time catches us all in the end, and Peter was alert and active until
his passing aged just shy of 95 years on December 17.

He will be sorely missed by his wife of 50 years, his family and a
great many friends.

The bands will be quieter without his cheery voice.

Vale Peter Lord, VK3FPL.

( From Chris Edmondson, VK4EO )



--------------------------------------------------------------------*

CLUBBING

---------------------------------------------------------------------*



Ipswich & District Radio Club

Web – www.vk4wip.org.au
Email - vk4wip@...
For a full list of repeaters - www.vk4wip.org.au


This is Allan VK4HIT with the first despatch in 2024 from Ipswich and
District Radio Club.

The club’s final business meeting of 2023 was held on December 11. From
the WICEN report members were reminded Brisbane WICEN will be supporting
the Southbrook Horse Ride on March 16 and 17. If you can help with being
on a checkpoint please contact Greg VK4GJW through email
ipswichwicen@...

Later this year Ipswich WICEN will support five events starting with the
Brisbane Trail Marathon on April 28, followed by the Pinnacles Classic on
May 26. Other events are in July, August and November.

John VK4MUD advised members that once again he would be opening the club at
1400Hrs and using the club radios and equipment on Saturday January 20. He
will also be operating the gear on the Australia Day Contest on January
26. Members are encouraged to drop into the clubhouse on these dates.

Changes are afoot to the technical operating conditions for VK4RAI.
Station manager Rob VK4AB will activate a 91.5hz CTCSS input tone soon.
Program your radios now to be ready for this change. Secretary Greg VK4GJW
will advise all members when it is activated.

And finally, the first business meeting of the year will be held Monday
January 22. Attendance can be either in person at the clubhouse or via
Zoom.


Reporting from Ipswich this is Allan, VK4HIT.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.


It seems to be that this year is off to the proverbial flying start as we
are already
14 days into January. I suppose the feeling of time passing by is hastened
by going
into the supermarket and seeing the display of Easter hot cross buns. Be
that as it
may, I wonder how many of us have our calendars market with the amateur
activities
we want to enjoy for this year?


On that point, the current issue of Amateur Radio magazine has a great two
page
calendar of contests as the centre fold courtesy of Alan, VK4SN. If we
just want
this information for personal use or as an aid for our club activities,
this is the
very useful Christmas present. I still miss the release of the annual
callbook which
contained so much of this kind of material. Every so often I see someone
trying to
verify details from years back and inevitably it is the callbook sitting on
someone’s shelf that has the answer. Perhaps my hope is in vain but I
would like to
see it resume publication notwithstanding the somewhat specious claims of
loss of
privacy that caused the ACMA to end its licensing.


I have been trying to keep abreast of the weather forecasts and it almost
seems that
we are in a recurrent pattern, this summer. The heat of the days and the
frequent
showers provide a constant reminder as the grass seems reach higher for
the clouds
each day. In some areas there have been random but strong storms bringing
deluges
and currently there is a focus on the Gulf of Carpentaria where a low
pressure
system could spawn another cyclone.


Over some time I have invested in what are called power banks as a support
when we
need to use medical equipment and the mains is off, in particular and
hopefully also
use some for playing radios away from home. There have been some good price
reductions from various outlets and hopefully a lot of us have taken the
opportunity
to grab a New Year bargain. The most versatile unit I have includes USB
and 12 volt
outlets along with a modest sine-wave inverter. Perhaps with the capacity
of a club
bulk buy, people could get the benefit of further discounts on buying
units like
this.


Once gain the various reports on Sunspot Cycle 25 indicate a volatility which
provides a lottery of operating conditions. Now there are suggestions that
the cycle
should peak this year and not 2025 as was previous thought. For many
operators who
have never experienced the joys of radio in a sunspot maximum, it is the
time to put
a signal on air and like fishing, see what bites.


For all those who are fighting the aftermath of the storm season, here is
a reminder
from the weather bureau; it looks like the monsoon could be starting so
the north
may well have some interesting times.



I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS JANUARY 7 2024 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit
VK4MRC ROD CARDELL 17 DECEMBER vk4kx


VK4MRC

It is with sadness that we report the passing of a real gentleman
and former member of the Sunshine Coast Amateur radio club known
affectionately to all as Doctor Rod VK4MRC.

Rod Cardell was well liked at the club and in his community and
died December 27th in Nambour after ill health, his funeral was held
on January 3 attended by family, friends and club members.

Dr Rod a retired doctor and former Ansett Pilot, was born in Brisbane
on the 4th of July 1932 and was a child of WW2, living in the shadow
of Mt Louisa Townsville in Far North Qld from 1942 to 1945 adjacent to
the Stock Route Airstrip which became a US and Australian Air force
base during the war. He had many great adventures and put them to
paper in 1991 when he wrote the book, “Wings Around us” which includes
the story of how his father refused to sell his house to make way for
the Air base, so it was built around them.

He is missed by his children, grand children, club members as well as
the local community.

Vale Dr Rod VK4MRC.

(Bernie VK4KX)




--------------------------------------------------------------------*



--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

The fireworks that marked the New Year Celebrations are now just a memory
but the
world around us continues with infinite variability. The possible peak of
activity
may be upon us for sunspot Cycle 25 with solar flares, radio blackouts and
amazing
DX, if I am understanding the reports. The weather has been going to be
wet for days
but the skies cleared and people have been looking forward to basic
services such as
electricity, telephones and the internet. Areas that suffered from storms
and deluge
with extreme damage to housing are ironically getting water back to their
homes as
the localised flooding recedes.


At my QTH, we had storm activity and woke up the following day, New Years
Eve, with
no internet. With the brilliance of design of the NBN, this also meant no
home
telephone and our main service provider and the one I use as backup were all
unavailable. A day without on-line entertainment was little more than an
inconvenience but it indicated how many advisory services are now geared
to delivery
via the internet. We had no access to immediate weather advice or means of
accessing
it other than via good old fashioned broadcast, free to air, services. It
seems the
outage was localised as it has not been mentioned on any service that I
have used.
We woke up for New Years Day with the service restored but stories run in
the news
are indicating there are many people who have been without services since
Boxing Day
and they live not knowing what is happening in the community that sustains
them. For
these people, it would seem the planners have put all their eggs in one
basket and
then dropped it.


It is interesting to listen to the electricity supply people saying that the
quickest way of restoring power to many areas is to set up small networks
that can
be serviced by transportable generators. Then as if this is the ultimate fix,
hearing from one spokesperson that this solution will save householders
from having
their own generators. Sorry mate, but since when has redundancy of
services been
unnecessary? Householders might not have the means to replace
telecommunications but
they should be able to protect themselves with readily available equipment.


I wonder what involvement there has been in the whole weather born
situation from
radio amateurs and whether radio clubs have been able to assist during the
Christmas
to New Year period. I am not aware, at this stage. Have you been effected
or has
your club suffered loss or been involved? This is the news that should be
shared
widely. There is a spirit of generosity within our community but for it to be
demonstrated, the needs have to be known.


There has been some interesting activity during the recent heatwave in the
south of
the State with VHF signals being received in places quite distant from
their source.
The magic band of 6m has been opening to areas not usually worked from
this part of
the world and 10m is like a happy sprite that gives great enjoyment in
between naps.


Welcome to 2024 and may its progress be more worthwhile than its birth.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS DECEMBER 31 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit


---------------------------------------------------------------------*

CLUBBING

---------------------------------------------------------------------*


Redcliffe and Districts radio club.



Redfest 2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.
Robert Thomson VK4TFN here.

We have a date for REDFEST 2024
It'll be the 6th of April, the first Saturday.

Our website is www.redclifferadioclub.org.au


So, hope you had a merry little Christmas and still keep your eye out
for that Kris Krinkle fella. He spreads merry mirth and good cheer
everywhere he goes.

You must remember: if you're going drink, don't drive or
if you're going to drive, well then don't drink.

We'll see you all in the new year, it starts tomorrow!

73 from the Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.

Thank you
Robert Thomson
VK4TFN


--------------------------------------------------------------------*


Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.


Whilst we are in the festive season, there are so many this year who will
have
bitter memories of the ending of 2023. From the north of the state where
the cyclone
caused devastation to the south where extreme summer storms have caused
momentous
damage and further loss of life we have been subjected to the strength of
natural
disasters.


It was around 20 years ago that various bodies were releasing studies
which gave a
foreboding scenario for the years ahead. As I recall, the Army projected that
changing weather would call for its resources to be deployed around the South
Pacific region and the insurance industry found that the strength of
natural weather
phenomena was going to increase in the future. Sadly these projections
appear to
have come true.


My sources show that at least two households of amateur operators
associated with
National WIA News have been impacted by property damage from the Christmas
and
Boxing Day storms. I can only assume that there will be others of the amateur
community who will have had to call their insurance company too.


As we move into the New Year and a new management structure in February,
we should
not lose sight of the warnings that have preceded the current events. Some
of the
language used has caused offence with language literalists claiming that
the weather
and climate is always changing and then there is no such activity as “climate
change”. Whether that term is correct or not hardly matters when the
things that
have happened have been warned about and we are experiencing the results now.


I would say we need as individuals and members of families and
organisations that we
need to make the best preparations for what will happen, regardless of
what it is
called, the best preparedness that we know how. I would think that clubs
can spread
the message amongst members and take their story to their local community.
It is not
new and the US has shown us how with programs sponsored through the ARRL
and other
groups. It is not a case that we should be alarmist but rather a
considered display
of facts and demonstrated responses that work is what is needed.


As there has been a fall off of volunteering since the COVID lock-downs it
is more
important than ever that those of us who can contribute actually get out
and do a
bit. As we have experience in a recreation which has developed for over
100 years,
it has demonstrated that growth can and does happen by evolution and not
simply
revolution, as some would have it. The fact that hams have not, in this
country,
been noted for their involvement in community work should be no barrier to
heading
in that direction.


After all, we all have family and friends and we all make up our
community. In
helping others we are in fact helping ourselves and helping the next great
flowering
of amateur radio.



I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April 6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS DECEMBER 24 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit




--------------------------------------------------------------------*
CLUBBING
---------------------------------------------------------------------*


Redcliffe and Districts radio club.


Redfest 2024

Merry Xmas from the Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.

Robert Thomson VK4TFN here.

We have a date for REDFEST 2024
It'll be the 6th of April, the first Saturday.

Our website is www dot redcliffe radio club dot org dot au

So, have yourself a merry little xmas

And keep your eye out for that Kris Krinkle fella.
He spreads merry mirth and good cheer everywhere he goes.

You must remember: if you're going drink, don't drive
or if you're going to drive, well then don't drink.

We'll see you all in the new year.

Merry Xmas and 73's from the
Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.

Thank you
Robert Thomson
VK4TFN





--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

Now is the time for us to be sharing Christmas wishes and for many this
will have a
special poignancy. There will be people missing from the festivities who
last year
shared our lives and who enjoyed the pleasure of company of their family and
friends. There will be those who are needed to work and support others in the
community and there are those who suffering the ravages that the weather has
wrought. To each and every one, we send best wishes and season’s greetings
with the
hope that next year, our lives will be enriched and comforted.

It isn’t usual to cast a sombre note but in the aftermath of Cyclone
Jasper, we are
seeing the results of extreme weather with people seeking to recover from the
various losses that they have suffered. Once again we have seen the media
reports of
communication failures with infrastructure damaged or inadequate for the
abnormal
weather. Some 20 years ago, the topic was how do we harden the mobile
network as the
reaction to terrorist attacks was foremost. These days it seems almost as
if we
should accept the inadequacy of the communications network instead of
seeking to
strengthen its capacity.

For those of us who have been spared the harshest winds and heaviest
rains, we can
seek the best comfort in the celebrations under wet or overcast skies with
the hope
that tomorrow the storms will abate and the DX will be 5&9.

I hope you find the presents you wanted beneath the tree and the people
you love
surround you.

From the QNews team, we wish you a Merry Christmas.

…..and that’s what I think.




I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP


-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Redcliffe and Districts REDFEST April6 (vk4tfn)

WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS DECEMBER 17 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?
IPSWICH AND BUNDABERG CLUBS DID.

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt
VK4SL SYD LYON 9 DECEMBER vk4hit



Life member of Ipswich and District Radio Club Syd Lyon VK4SL
passed away peacefully on Saturday morning 9th December.

Syd was very well liked by all and he was a true gentleman of the
Amateur Radio fraternity. There will be a service for Syd Lyon at
St Paul's Church Ipswich on Monday 18th December at 10am.
There will also be a video stream.

In the text version of today's news you'll find a link to view the
live stream

tastefultransitions.com.au/sidney-lyon/

Vale Syd Lyon VK4SL.


(from Allan Roebuck vk4hit)





--------------------------------------------------------------------*

BUNDABERG




Hi all! - David Here! - VK4DN from the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club.

Just a reminder that if you are planning to attend the WIA Convention
here in Bundaberg on May 4th/5th next year, you will need to think
about booking your accommodation very soon.

Vacancies are being booked out quickly due to the fact that its also
the Labour Day long weekend. Head over to bundabergregion.org website
to make your booking.

Also if you are planning to travel to the weekend event with your
caravan or mobile home, there are many options available in and around
Bundy.

Contact us if you need any assistance with finding accommodation or
where to setup your camp.

Cheers - from David VK4DN - Secretary - Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club.


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

What a week it has been with radio and weather filling a period of
shopping in the
run up to Christmas. It seemed that the radio world was in for change with
the
release of the documents from OFCOM paving the way for modernisation of
amateur
radio in the United Kingdom. All the while the Cyclone Jasper was making
its way
towards our northern coast, proving the general accuracy of the models
being by
weather forecasters. Then to climax the week, ACMA released the procedural
documents
which will come in to force in February, 2024 bringing changes to amateur
radio in
Australia.

It seems that progress is upon us and is coming whether we feel we are
ready or not
and some of the comments that people have been posting on-line indicate a
level of
confusion as to the nitty gritty implications of a class licence system.
Whilst the
explanatory notes run to over 100pp it can be hoped that the suitably drafted
regulations will be shorter and more fit for purpose than the current LCDs
which
seem somewhat bombastic to many users. Plain English that can’t be
misinterpreted
has been the hallmark of good government publications; let us hope that it
can
happen in this instance too.

Now that I have raised the issue of clarity of expression I will share
some thoughts
on the broadcast coverage of the cyclone that I have witnessed this week.
Anyone
that has been trained in reporting situations is usually trained to be
accurate,
objective and emotionally removed from the situation. When the approach to
the
cyclone’s crossing the coast was basically settled, it seemed on air
presenters were
ferried into locations within the areas expected to be effected. That was
good news
coverage preparation but then the reports started to go to air.

I remember the amateur storm watch net in Brisbane where people like you
and I
called in with information which could inform others as to the progress of
events.
There was no histrionics but just largely factual messages about fallen
trees,
flooded roads, damaged property and loss of electricity. Safety was at the
heart of
this net. In contrast to what I have witnessed from some media outlets is
a tendency
to hype up the situation and catastrophise the situation but to what
purpose. One
would expect that clear and undramatised reports would benefit the
community the
best.

Having lived through cyclones, it can be that the nerves are stretched and
you
really want the facts, the whole facts and nothing but the facts on which
to make
important decisions at that time. Metropolitan audiences also have friends
and
relatives in the effected communities and they can be gathering
information to give
in the next hurried phone call. I think we all understand that the simple
truth
shared with the least emotion is going to be the best help and when we radio
amateurs are involved we act with integrity to do our best.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?


-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
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only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
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-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS DECEMBER 10 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt


NOTE

We have not produced a 32k version of QNEWS for some time and as of
January we no longer will send a file called wianews_32 out so if you have
an automated system please change the file you download to wianews_64



Redcliffe and Districts radio club.



"Merry Xmas from the Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC.

Robert Thomson VK4TFN here.

You see:

There is this fella Kris Krinkle
Whose eye has a bright merry twinkle.

For merry mirth and good cheer
He spreads far and near

To all with a generous sprinkle.

So have yourself a merry little xmas
and remember if you're going drink, don't drive
or if you're going to drive, well then don't drink.

and we'll see you all at REDFEST 2024 in April.

Merry Xmas and 73 from the
Redcliffe and Districts Radio Club VK4RC."

Thank you and 73
Robert Thomson VK4TFN



--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.


It was perhaps a warning of the things to come when large parts of the
southern
hinterland was battered by storms. In blissful ignorance, we watched and
listened to
the wind, rain and thunder and thought how much good the soaking rain
would bring.
It came as a shock to see the stories carried on the afternoon and evening
news with
graphic views of damage and enormous hail. It had passed us by that day.

However, the development of Cyclone Jasper has renewed caution and
preparation along
much of the Queensland coast and much speculation as to its track and
severity. It
is a lottery that no-one wants to win and the presents these systems bring
are far
from the welcome treats we look for around Christmas.

Naturally the government authorities have initiated the necessary contingency
planning in the event that Jasper creates a path of onshore destruction.
Where there
are active WICEN units, they will be on standby or already activating to
assist
various response bodies in their areas. Then what about the rest of us?

It is a topic that I have continued to address for some years, now. That
is how does
the radio hobbyist integrate into a support network to be an effective
assistant in
times of emergency? Does the individual need to be part of an organisation
or can
they safely contribute to ad hoc nets? To the last question, some years
ago there
was a regular storm net run on the 147 Brisbane repeater where anyone with
relevant
information would call in. This was a great innovation for motorists,
commuters and
others seeking local information to best negotiate the prevailing
situation. I don’t
know if it still operates but it was much appreciated in its time.

The point is, I think, that all of us with experience and amateurs who
have passed
an exam to get on air are capable of providing assistance in an emergency.
Yes our
use of pro-words might not be to professional standards and we may lack
any formal
training but the time spent in contesting and exchanging numbers has given
the
experience to pass information. There are CB based groups such as CREST
and ACREM
who can offer experienced operators too.

Hopefully all the campers will have the batteries charged, the generator
fuelled and
everyone will have adequate survival supplies to weather a couple of days
of severe
weather. If you have neighbours who are elderly or infirm, ensure they are as
prepared as can be with food, water and medicines at hand. It is times
like this
when Jasper can shake the tiles from the roof that we can be of the most
help to
those around us. Radio is a wonderful hobby but it is also a powerful tool
when
needed and we can all do our bit in the next few days.

I’m Geoff Emery and that’s what I think….how about you?









-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS DECEMBER 3 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc


--------------------------------------------------------------------*




--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

Last week I had a struggle to get words together and this week I have been
visiting
the hospital. Whatever the issue was seems to have largely passed but the
other
amateur in the house wasn’t so lucky managing to have some chemical
imbalances and a
positive COVID19 swab. Let’s hope that the run up to Christmas is a lot less
traumatic as the clock runs down.

From what I am seeing from the weather watchers is that both space and

terrestrial
weather are going to be unsettled over the coming week. The Sun seems to be
entering a very active phase and the weather patterns on earth are going
to help
increase the band noise level. So we can hope to snatch the openings when
they
happen and the electrical noise is relatively subdued.

One of the important tools that we all have to use is that of discussion.
Some might
call it debate and others may call it argument. The great thing is that
when people
converse on a topic and pull and tease at the subject, it gives those in
the group
the chance to input ideas and have others share their ideas too. In the
world of
science, this has been part of the practice of developing theories and
building
ideas or concepts into a firm basis for constructive use. This is not to
say that
the conclusion is 100% accurate because in the light of further knowledge,
the
understanding may change.

If you go back to the early days of study of the thing we call
electricity, you will
see that different explanations were given as to why phenomena happened.
As more
knowledge was discovered, new explanations were created and we gave up the
aether
theory as the fundamental particles came to light. We talk of electrons
and other
atomic particles and as study goes on we have the Higgs Boson and possibly
a range
of particles left or brought by Schrodinger's Cat.

Now I am not suggesting that we will take on a rapid DIY course on sub atomic
physics but what I am trying to demonstrate is that by using the
information that we
have and by sharing our thoughts on a subject, the field becomes much more
open and
the solutions much broader than we first might have imagined.

When we apply courtesy to our fellows, the discussions can remain
considered as well
as spirited but the outcome is something that can be owned by all in the
group.

Perhaps this is the way that families that feel stressed over hosting
Christmas
guests should also approach the Festive Season. Truly live up to the
spirit of good
will and friendship and let the awkward memories just go. It is a practice
that can
work in many situ

I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPPations.


-------------------------------------------------------------------*



Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS NOVEMBER 26 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc
VK5QD x VK4AFO
AUB McKIBBEN 21 NOVEMBER vk4yt



The committee, members and friends of the Tablelands Radio and
Electronics Club Inc were saddened to hear of the passing of
Aubrey McKibben VK5QD on Tuesday the 21st of November after a short
but fierce battle to overcome brain tumour.

Aub was a founding member of the Tablelands Radio and Electronics
Club Inc. and was present at the very FIRST meeting back in July 1988
which was held to test the chances of forming a radio club. Aub was
active in the club for some time as President and took part in many
club activities before moving to VK3, and then onward to VK5 in more
recent times.

Aub was a gentleman always willing to offer advice or help where ever
he could.

As a Ham, Aub was known to many people all over the world. He had a
distinct voice which was easily recognised on air and he was a fine
operator. He mostly used a Kenwood TS530S which he purchased new and
had kept in great condition.

He was a great believer in the use of “Open-Wire Feed-lines” and had
written several articles explaining the advantages that they offered
over other methods and was always willing to discuss and teach others
regarding this subject.

A short time after being diagnosed Aub posted several pieces on his
QRZ page and I encourage you all to take the time to read the
biography as it really brings out the nature of a wonderful man.

I believe the world in general and also that of Amateur Radio will be
much poorer as a result of the passing of Aub. To Aub’s wife of over
forty years and to his family, we extend our deepest condolences.

Vale, Aubrey McKibben VK5QD
(Ben Pearce VK4YT Media officer for Tablelands Radio and Electronics
Club Inc.)


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

We seem to live in a secret place which the rain god struggles to
find and penetrate. We haven’t missed out entirely and the lawn is
sprouting where the soil moisture has risen. Of course this is a
benefit to the HF operators as the more water the soil can absorb,
the better the ground wave signals will be. Once the last of the
storms have exited, the lower bands should be a joy to work on.

Of course, if you have been paying attention to the forecasts from
the weather bureau you will be prepared for the storm crashes
emanating from the speaker or headphones with the expectation that
the storms along the east coast and inland could continue for a few
days yet. Hopefully the rainfall is beneficial to areas in need as we
live in the la Nina weather pattern.

It seems the regulator is still stirring the edges of the amateur
community with redistribution of spectrum for the mobile phone
service. This is the reason that the WIA is so important. It
negotiates with the ACMA and has delegates included in the
Australian contingent to the World Radio Conference where internationally
the allocation of spectrum is decided. A lot of this
work goes on behind the scenes, so to speak, and it would benefit us
if more publicity was given to these important activities.

As the time comes for the introduction of the Class Licence, I am
hoping that a simpler set of guidelines comes to replace the current
LCDs. The British regulator had a convenient solution with about 14
pages of “regs” that could be downloaded and printed with your PDF
licence form. We can but hope that the new processes and structures
are for the assistance of the clients and not simply shifting the
workload from the regulator.

There are lots more topics that we could discuss but a form of the
dreaded lurgy has infiltrated my system and getting my thoughts
together has been a challenge.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that's what I think, how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



2023 Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS NOVEMBER 19 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc


--------------------------------------------------------------------*
CLUBBING
---------------------------------------------------------------------*



BUNDABERG



David, VK4DN here from the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club.

WIA Convention is happening in Bundaberg on May 4th and 5th next
year and we would love it if you could attend!

This is by far the #1 event in the calendar year for Amateur Radio
in Australia! It’s being held at the new State-of-the-Art Multiplex
convention center and it promises to be an amazing weekend - full of
interesting activities!

We have the 2024 WIA Conference and AGM:
Interesting discussions about the future of Amateur radio in
Australia / Election of the WIA Board / Award presentations.
The annual WIA Gala Dinner: Enjoy a tasty buffet meal and take some
time to meet with other amateurs from all over Australia.

Guest Speakers:
Two days of interesting talks about the many different aspects of
our hobby. A commercial EXPO over the weekend where you can discover
cutting-edge offerings from industry-leading companies in Australia
with great equipment for sale and lots of “Show Specials”.

Bundaberg Hamfest 2.0:
Buy and sell new and used radio and electronic equipment.

BARC Open Day:
Where you can immerse yourself with hands-on demonstrations featuring
state-of-the-art radio equipment such as computer controlled
satellite tracking systems and software as well as vintage radio
equipment on display.

We have also scheduled a contact with the International Space
Station!: Communications with an astronaut on the ISS, involving
students from the Bundaberg State High School. We will have Soldering
Workshops for the kids with interesting kits the youngsters can build
and take home! Lots of great giveaways and raffle prizes over the
weekend.

If you’re planning to attend, make sure you book your accommodation
soon. Bundaberg is an “RV-Friendly Town” and there are camping areas
available if you are coming with your motorhome or caravan.

If you are flying into Bundaberg , mini bus shuttles will meet you at
the airport and take you to your accommodation and to and from the
venue.

Mark the date in your calendar! May 4th and 5th 2024

We look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 Bundaberg WIA National
Convention!

73 – this is VK4DN – from the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

People are counting the days to the great Christmas festival and the
sharing of
presents to celebrate.
It is getting close to the time when special goodies can be bought from
overseas and
have assured delivery to be put under the Christmas tree. I mention this
because our
postal service is issuing reminders and cut off dates which have prompted
some quite
acerbic responses from sections of its client base. I think maybe we are
listening
to the voices of experience.

Around the southern parts of the State we have been experiencing storms of
varying
strengths but still causing damage more than benefiting people looking for
good rain
to replenish water storages
and preserve some soil moisture. Even in the quiet town where I live, it
is becoming
obvious that grass is an expendable luxury as the grounds gets drier.

I gather that many clubs are organising the end of year get-together
functions and
collecting numbers for catering. This is good but as in many years before
I still
wonder where are the venues with summer programs in this age of 7 day
shopping? I
like to remind clubs that here is an opportunity to fill the gaps in for
people who
don’t get away for the weeks of school and college holidays. Parents and
grand
parents who care for young family members are often looking for some
stress relief
after the Christmas activities and what better time to introduce people to
electronics and communications as recreation.

If there are the people available to facilitate building and learning in a
fun way,
why aren’t we seeing more engagement with the community?

Along these lines, there is an issue that comes to many of us as the time
flies by.
The trove of things we use to use slowly becomes a collection of things
just to be
stored. By that I mean tools, materials and components required for
pursuits that we
can no longer properly use. Now what if they were turned into sets that
could be
loaned out to people or used at workshop sessions. That way new people can
gain
experience with items and be supervised in learning the correct use. As
many clubs
have librarians they could also have a toolbox supervisor and donors would
know that
others were getting the benefit of their gifts.

Over the years I have heard many new comers to electronics ask to be
taught how to
solder properly. With a collection of donated materials these pleas could be
answered within the club.
When we stop and think there are many things that end up in boxes and
tucked away in
sheds that can benefit students and teachers in promoting amateur radio.
If we turn
our minds to some of these issues we can provide a positive message to the
detractors, many of the curmudgeons are within the hobby sadly, and
hopefully pass
on the benefits of experience and training to create enjoyment for a new
selection
of hams.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that's what I think, how about you?



-------------------------------------------------------------------*



2023 Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


Ipswich Christmas BBQ, Kholo Gardens picnic area from 10am
November 25


WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*

QNEWS -NOVEMBER 12 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

--------------------------------------------------------------------*

DID YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?
IPSWICH AND DISTRICR AR CLUB DID.


--------------------------------------------------------------------*

THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

QNEWS thanks to Tony VK7AX can be found on
www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/
203.31.7.19/wianews/

QNEWS audio ready to download thanks to Brendan VK4BLP from
www.wiaq.org.au

Also search QNEWS (make sure it IS the Ham Radio QNEWS)
in your podcast.



--------------------------------------------------------------------*


VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc


---------------------------------------------------------------------*



CLUBBING


Ipswich & District Radio Club

Web – www.vk4wip.org.au
Email - vk4wip@...
For a full list of repeaters - www.vk4wip.org.au


This is Allan VK4HIT with news from Ipswich and District Radio Club.

As this bulletin goes to air in most locations on Sunday morning, Ipswich
WICEN group is again providing safety communications to runners taking
part in the rescheduled Mount Glorious Trail event.

Following this event Ipswich WICEN will take a break until the next event
next year being the Mount Glorious Trail on April 28, 2024.

At the club’s October business meeting we might have set a record for
approving new memberships. A total of five were endorsed as new members.
Welcome to the club, Paul VK4PMC, Brett VK4DSN, Alan VK4AJG, Mike VK4MAQ
and Christopher VK4CAP.

John VK4MUD will open the clubhouse on Saturday November 18 at 1400Hrs for
anyone who would be interested in using and working the club’s HF
transceiver and beam, and possibly working some local stations and DX
stations as well. If your new to amateur radio, call in and see what you
can work.

In other news from Ipswich – the Christmas BBQ will again be held at Kholo
Gardens picnic area from 10am on November 25. Members, friends and
visiting amateurs are very welcome to attend. BBQs are available and it’s
BYO food, drinks and chairs.


Reporting from Ipswich this is Allan, VK4HIT.


--------------------------------------------------------------------*


Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

To re-use the old TV program title, well “That Was The Week That Was”. If
you want
to upset many amateurs you turn off the bands and when the CME induced
flare hit the
HF Bands were placed in recess. Then just to prove the point that private
infrastructure isn’t a mighty as the advertisements portray it, the second
largest
telco had a very furrowed brow and red face on Wednesday when all it
services were
removed from functional to failed in the early morning of that day. It
really must
have been serious as the Minister for Communications actually appeared on
radio and
television to suggest that Optus “has to do better”.

Moving along now….I wonder how many of us have considered the benefits of
incentives? I mean not only the awards, contest places for those who are
fondly
known as paper hangers but to the average amateur whose interests lies in
other
areas of this wide cluster of pursuits. I know that we have a series of
awards given
out by the WIA but what about local recognition and providing an
information stream
to encourage people?

At times I think we can be too parochial and restrictive in what is made
available
to people and we need to recognise that there are many more amateur radio
operators
than there are club members or members of the WIA. It is well and good to
provide
ways for club members to get recognition within the club and even to read the
honours lists and be able to say, “Hey, she’s one of us, she’s a ham” when
we see
they have been gonged. However is there a way that we can do this and
include all
the local amateur cohort in the recognition?

Personally, I think that being able to nominate others for recognition is
important
and being able to share with the community is of great benefit to our
hobby as well.
When it is within the boundary of a small organisation it may be less
effective if
the majority aren’t embraced in the scheme.

Should we be able to set up a way of recognising people and potentially
put their
achievements out to the local media, even get pictures of them receiving a
token
such as a plaque or certificate which can feature in the local media and
perhaps
Amateur Radio magazine?

Now I am not suggesting that this replace any methods of recognition that
clubs give
their members but can we do this as well? There are many things that can
provide a
sense of camaraderie and maybe a presentation of the Golden Sausage to the
member
who is felt best supported the sausage sizzle fund raising is as worthy of
praise as
a President’s award and maybe it would get more involvement in social
activities
amongst members.

What I am trying to do is encourage the brain storming that suits people
locally and
which encourages participation in more facets of amateur radio. I think
that is a
good thing…. How about you?

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP



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2023 Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section

GOLD COAST HAMFEST NOV 12


Ipswich Christmas BBQ, Kholo Gardens picnic area from 10am
November 25


WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



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QNEWS - NOVEMBER 5 2023 - VK4 ON AIR

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WHY DIDN'T YOUR CLUB TELL ANYONE ABOUT AMATEUR RADIO THIS WEEK?


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THE FOLLOWING NEWS CAN BE HEARD FROM OUR AUDIO SERVICE
Available in Audio RIGHT NOW

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VK4 SILENT KEYS @ WIA YEAR FROM MAY 13 2023

SK CALL SK NAME DATE ADVISED BY
VK4OD PETER HARDING 10 JULY 2023 vk4bab
VK4SOA SYD ABRAHAMS 18 AUGUST vk4eka
VK4KCC GRAHAM ANDERSON 9 SEPTEMBER vk7ev
VK4CCF JEFF STINSON 1 OCTOBER vk4zz
VK4FZAK MAREE CHURCHILL 8 OCTOBER vk4djc


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Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking.

It seems almost as if the weather was destined to happen. As I mentioned a
few weeks
ago the weather bureau had forecast dry and hot conditions and sadly those
predictions have proven to be all too true as we mark off the calendar
with just
seven weeks to Christmas. To all those who have been impacted by the hot
dry weather
and the fires we can offer our condolences, support and gratitude to those
engaged
in fire control. It is a time when community is so important in supporting
each
other.

I suspect that many of us have noticed that the social media is a frenzied
environment which aims to trap people into a form of addiction, if the
comments we
read are a guide. There is the bevy of faces that pop up daily and weekly
telling us
what they have done or enjoyed or ranting about what has offended them and
we the,
perhaps, unsuspecting audience provide many with a wonderful income stream
for their
efforts. Now this is not to deny that there are several whose efforts
present fact
and debate which is stimulating as well as enjoyable. Then there is the
inevitable
question that we must ask ourselves and that is “what is the basis for
what is being
辫谤别蝉别苍迟别诲?”

We radio amateurs align ourselves with a range of techniques which follow the
traditions of scientific enquiry born out of the Enlightenment. We build our
understanding of the physics, chemistry and natural sciences by observation,
experimentation and debate of the results. That sounds very formal because
we are
participating in activities which satisfy our curiosity and over time
confirm or
query what we see as book learning. There is a logic in what we do and
surely we
must apply that to our research also.

What I mean is that we should realise that many of the self promoting
gurus who seek
to entertain us on internet video are really self promoting rather than
presenting
all the facts on a matter. We see dozens of videos showing a certain
design of
antenna being trialled in the field and depending on the band conditions
and other
factors, it may appear more effective that another from a different
manufacturer.
Time was that people would reach for the trusty “bible” or radio handbook
and they
would learn what differentiated a particular design from another. These
days it is
all to common for comparisons in performance to be made on the basis of
brand and
not good design or engineering.

What we are experiencing is an evolution within the fields of recreational
electronics from the beginnings when home brew equipment was the standard
to the era
when manufactured gear is dominant and home brew tends towards the
peripheral and
ancillary items that embellish our stations.

So what I am feeling is that the first call on information is becoming the
internet
where it is too easy to be given opinion at the expense of sound
knowledge. Don’t
let the entertaining video guru spoil the education we all get from
amateur radio.

I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think....how about you?

-------------------------------------------------------------------*



2023 Social Scene

Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section


VK - ALARAMeet2023 TODAY 4/5 November HOBART (luther8@...)


VK4 - GOLD COAST HAMFEST 8:30AM NEXT SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12.


VK - WIA AGM held MAY 4-5 2024 in BUNDABERG. (barc)



TO SUPPLY QNEWS ITEMS:-

Send SCRIPT to qnews@...
send audio to

QNEWS Tips to get MORE out of your weekly newscast on VK4WIA

If you would like to submit club news items for inclusion in
QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to:-

qnews@...

THEN submit audio:-

To submit audio email qnews@... and ask for the current
password then read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on




Remember the sooner you submit audio material the more the likelihood
of it being broadcast in the very next edition QNEWS. Each item will
only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please
submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh .‘

Subscribe: [email protected]
Group Owner: [email protected]
Help: [email protected]

TO CEASE GETTING THIS EMAILED SERVICE:-
Unsubscribe: [email protected]

-----------------------------ENDS------------------------------------*