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QNEWS MARCH 17 2024 - VK4
QNEWS MARCH 17 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. http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/RedcliffeAndDistrictRadioClub/ 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 caf¨¨. 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------* 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
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QNEWS MARCH 10 2024 - VK4
QNEWS MARCH 10 2024 - VK4 ON AIR --------------------------------------------------------------------* 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------* 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------* (J) BUNDABERG http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/BundabergAmateurRadioClub/ 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 http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/IpswichAndDistrict/ Web ¨C 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. http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/RedcliffeAndDistrictRadioClub/ REDFEST 2024 ¨C 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, th
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QNEWS MARCH 3 2024 - VK4
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 --------------------------------------------------------------------* --------------------------------------------------------------------* 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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QNEWS FEBRUARY 25 2024 - VK4
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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------* CLUBBING ---------------------------------------------------------------------* Redcliffe and Districts radio club. http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/RedcliffeAndDistrictRadioClub/ 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
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QNEWS FEBRUARY 18 2024 - VK4
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". http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/GladstoneAmateurRadioClub/ 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
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QNEWS FEBRUARY 11 2024 - VK4
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 te
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QNEWS FEBRUARY 4 2024
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. http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/RedcliffeAndDistrictRadioClub/ 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 http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/BundabergAmateurRadioClub/ 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 j
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QNEWS JANUARY 28 2024 - VK4
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 http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/BrisbaneAmateurRadioClub/ 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 th
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QNEWS JANUARY 21 2024 - VK4
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? ----------------
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QNEWS JANUARY 14 2024 - VK4
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 http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/IpswichAndDistrict/ Web ¨C 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, VK4Z
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QNEWS JANUARY 7 2024 - VK4
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, hea
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QNEWS DECEMBER 31 2023 - VK4
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. http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/RedcliffeAndDistrictRadioClub/ 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 nee
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QNEWS DECEMBER 24 2023 - VK4
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. http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/RedcliffeAndDistrictRadioClub/ 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 http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/upload/ 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 su
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QNEWS DECEMBER 17 2023 - VK4
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 http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/BundabergAmateurRadioClub/ 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
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QNEWS DECEMBER 10 2023 - VK4
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. http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/RedcliffeAndDistrictRadioClub/ "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 wi
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QNEWS DECEMBER 3 2023 - VK4
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 http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/upload/ 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 broadc
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QNEWS NOVEMBER 26 2023 - VK4
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
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QNEWS NOVEMBER 19 2023 - VK4
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 http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/BundabergAmateurRadioClub/ 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 ¨C this is VK4DN ¨C 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. E
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QNEWS -NOVEMBER 12 2023 - VK4
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 http://www.wia.org.au/clubs/vk4/IpswichAndDistrict/ Web ¨C 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 ¨C 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
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QNEWS - NOVEMBER 5 2023 - VK4
QNEWS - NOVEMBER 5 2023 - VK4 ON AIR --------------------------------------------------------------------* WHY DIDN'T 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. 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 presented?¡± 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? -------------------
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