WIANEWS - NOV 27 - VK NATIONAL NEWS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK Oh... and to contact us with your news because If It Matters To You It Matters To Us! Email nationalnews@wia.org.au http://www.wia.org.au (click news in member area) Submit your audio news TWITTER http://twitter.com/VK1WIA Please... If you are only submitting text and not audio, write your story as you would expect to hear it being read back and NEVER send just links & url's. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WIANEWS WEEK COMMENCING NOVEMBER 27 2011. ACMA Proposes Cost Increases: WIA Costs Not Affected: WIA Office Manager Mal Brooks FK3FDSL reports. WIA Emergency Communications Operator training program: WIA News Editor Graham Kemp VK4BB reports. RMS Titanic special call sign EI100T: IRTS NewsMan Aidan Noone EI7JC reports. THESE STORIES AND MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING NOVEMBER 27 2011. WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI president@wia.org.au Vice President Phil Wait VK2ASD vk2asd@wia.org.au Secretary Sarah Thompson VK3AUD secretary@wia.org.au Treasurer John Longayroux VK3PZ vk3pz@wia.org.au ACMA Proposes Cost Increases: WIA Costs Not Affected A number of amateurs have drawn attention to the ACMA’s current review of certain of its costs and its proposal to increase some costs affecting amateurs. In particular, in general terms, it is proposed to increase the costs of Advanced Standard and Foundation exams or assessments conducted by the ACMA by 68% or 69% Under the Commonwealth Cost Recovery Guidelines the ACMA is bound to review these costs every 5 years and the last time this was done was in 2007. These cost increases will affect only the cost charged by the ACMA and not the cost charged by the WIA for providing the same service. Under its agreement with the WIA there are only two situations where the ACMA, rather than the WIA, will provide any of these exam or callsign services. One is where the ACMA has reasonable grounds for believing that a qualified operator will probably be unable to pass an examination, part of a process leading to the cancellation of a licence. The other situation is where the WIA ceases to provide the services. The WIA has no intention of giving up its functions in respect of the qualification of amateurs or the recommendation of callsigns. Under its arrangements with the ACMA the WIA is bound by the Commonwealth Cost Recovery Guidelines, except that its costs are reviewed every year. The costs taken into account incurred by the WIA in setting its charges include all the direct and indirect costs, such as salaries referable to providing the services, paper, postage, phone costs, insurance, security costs referable to providing the services, storage of records, even the costs of printing the actual certificates of proficiency that the WIA issues. Why are the WIA costs so much less than the ACMA costs? For the simple reason that so much is done on a voluntary basis. All the Assessors and Learning Facilitators, the WIA’s RTO and the many others involved one way or another give their time. Knowing how much it costs the WIA in fact to provide the services is very important in two ways. One is that it is not in the interests of amateur radio for the costs of becoming an amateur to be more than the minimum. The other is that if the WIA is charging less than the actual cost it incurs it means that its members are paying for the shortfall, which will ultimately lead to even further membership fee increases. The cost of an amateur licence is made up of two components, the costs incurred by the ACMA in managing the system, and a tax component. In accordance with the Cost Recovery Guidelines , the ACMA is bound to increase the management cost component by the cost increases it has incurred. That is why it is proposed to increase the cost of amateur licences by $5. As is the case for the WIA charges, the cost increases proposed by the ACMA depend on fact: has the cost it incurs to provide a service increased and if so by how much? The WIA believes that it is unlikely that the ACMA will be unable to demonstrate the cost increase it asserts. The WIA also believes that once again the value of the contribution of so many to the examination system that it manages for the ACMA is amply demonstrated. To date well over 100 emergency communications operators across Australia have been training via the WIA Emergency Communications Operator training program. This program, Certificate II in public safety (SES Operations), is now available "on line" and can be completed as a self-paced program. The WIA registration requirements apply. The process to undertake the course can be commenced by completing the WIA on line application form found on the WIA web site. https://www.wia.org.au/members/emcom/emcomregisteronline/ The on line program will assist those wishing to complete the program but are unable to attend a formal training session our those who have missed a section of the training as well as those who want to complete the program and provide a service to their community. HAMS ACROSS AUSTRALIA. VK2 web service:- http://www.arnsw.org.au/html/news_vk2wi.htm VKG Roundup http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news Email Address : r_demkiw@yahoo.com.au Dave Jones' EEV Blog is one of YouTube's top-rating channels for electronic engineers, with a huge viewership world-wide. Added on November 20 is a half-hour documentary on Sydney's Manley-Warringah Amateur Radio Society. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysv4SNLwM20 Dave tours the VK2MB clubrooms and interviews members on facets including software defined radio, Jamboree of the Air, repeaters, CW, the Foundation license and more. After less than 24 hour online it already had attracted over 300 views and 23 'likes'. The professionally - produced EEV Blog has numerous other videos of interest to the electronics experimenter, all presented in Dave's unique enthusiastic style. (Peter VK3YE) Display of Electric Vehicles Peter VK2BEU via VK2WI News tells us the Australian Electric Vehicle Association is holding its annual Field Day on the 3rd of December at the Rouse Hill Town Centre. On display will be a number of road-going electric cars which have been converted from petrol models by members of the association. There will also be on display some commercial and specialty electric vehicles. Amateurs with an interest in electric traction can catch up with what’s happening in this emerging field of vehicle propulsion. The date again is Saturday the 3rd of December. The location is the Rouse Hill Town Centre, out the front near the bus station. The hours are 10am to 3pm and entry is free. VK3 web service:- http://www.amateurradio.com.au/news/ Police Roundup http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/ A good week ahead for VK100ARV! With a steadily growing log the Amateur Radio Victoria Centenary special call sign of VK100ARV is headed for another week of action. Thanks to the WANSARC team, Terry Murphy VK3UP, Michele Grant VK3FEAT, Peter Freeman VK3PF, Keith Proctor VK3FT, Scout Radio and Electronics Service Unit, Luke Steele VK3HJ, Joe Walsh VK3XH, Tony Hambling VK3VTH, Stephen Ireland VK3SIR, Sunraysia Radio Group and Peter Cossins VK3BFG for activating VK100ARV. Vk100ARV was buoyed last weekend by activations occurring in two VK3 National Parks: Baw Baw and Brisbane Ranges. The Western and Northern Suburbs Amateur Radio Club are also activating VK100ARV in their weekly 2-metre simplex net in addition to the Clubs earlier successful five day stint. The Sunraysia Amateur Radio Group from Mildura is to give it an airing up until late on Saturday November 26, followed by Tony VK3VTH who can be heard today. (Sunday November 27) Each Monday evening the Digital Slow Scan Television gang led by VK3SIR uses the special call sign. It will be on air this Monday November the 28th both through the VK3RML repeater and hopefully on 20-metres. By this weekend it will have over 3000 contacts in its log. The Amateur Radio Victoria Centenary Award special call sign VK100ARV is worth a bonus Ten points or ordinary two points per valid contact. Check out the roster and rules at www.amateurradio.com.au (Jim Linton VK3PC) VK4 LISTEN TO QNEWS wiaq.com/ftp/vk4_qnews_64.mp3 Welcome to QNews from VK4WIA. I'm Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I've been thinking. Has the time come for us to get rid of our monthly magazine and our weekly broadcasts as well as our club newsletters? Is it time to just depend on RSS feeds and Tweets? Has the cyber technology expunged the need for mass produced information? Some years ago, I can remember people saying that the Internet had replaced the role of amateur radio. Similarly, I can remember that when single sideband was in its infancy, both in land mobile and amateur services that people were forecasting the demise of AM - fondly remembered as ancient modulation. Broadcasting still makes good use of AM as do amateurs who are using newer methods and technology to explore this mode. One thing that news broadcasts and publications provide is an aggregated view a mass of items presented coherently. With the use of multiple platforms our amateur news services do bring the world to our shacks. This is only true if people are prepared to share their local news and not just horde it on their own web site. In doing this they are ensuring that others have to find it and cannot complain that outsiders don't know. This is reversing the idea of the global village. I'm Geoff Emery and that's what I think....how about you? CLUBBING Submitting news items If you would like to submit news items for inclusion in the QNEWS broadcasts, please email your item in text to qnews@wia.org.au Submit audio, read "how to submit items" on the weekly WIA news page. http://www.wia.org.au/members/broadcast/upload/ Remember the sooner you submit material the more the likelihood of it being broadcast in the very next edition of QNEWS. BUNDABERG Well it’s good news from the Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club about its recent October weekend of celebrations. The club’s 50th Anniversary Reunion Luncheon was held on Saturday the 8th and then on Sunday the 9th we hosted the WIA Qld President’s function. The weekend began with an early morning tour of the Mt Goonaneman VK4RBU Repeater site. The visitors had a brisk walk up the mountainside and it was a pity that low level cloud shrouded the site and obscured the grand views. That cloud soon turned into a violent rain and electrical storm so it was a quick dash back to town for the Reunion Luncheon where the B.A.R.C. president hosted almost 60 guests. Due to the storm the venue suffered some long power outages but with only a slight delay the Chef managed to put together a sensational lunch and the day was enjoyed by all. Our raffles and prizes were mostly won by visitors so we spread good cheer far and wide. The Sunday event was a working President’s day which got underway after the WIA News. The Qld club representatives had a chance to hear from, and present reports to, the WIA President Michael Owen, WIA Boardmember Ewan McLeod and Mike Charteris from the Queensland Advisory Committee. The weekend closed with a fine BBQ lunch for those attending the President’s Meeting then it was time for many depart for home although we hear some travellers stayed on for a few days. Thank you to all who attended and helped us celebrate our 50th. There are plenty photos of the weekend events at the club’s B-A-R-C website, that’s barc.asn.au This has been VK4UD with the Bundaberg news IPSWICH This is Allan VK4FABR with an update from the Ipswich and District Radio Club. Last Monday November 21 an extraordinary general meeting of the club was held to elect a new president and vice president. A good representation of nearly 20 members were in attendance and after a number of nominations from the floor a show of hands, Darrin VK4FVRX was elected as club president, Glen VK4FARR as vice president, while Jamie VK4JY has taken on the role of secretary with Darrin’s move to president. As this was an extraordinary meeting our trusty treasurer John VK4IE continues in the role as there was no requirement for that position to be put to a fresh vote. The club like to thank honorary vice-president councillor Andrew Antoniolli for chairing the meeting, WIA director Ewan VK4ERM for attending and representing the WIA and former president Derek VK4MIA and vice president Paul VK4FPDW. Members and visitors can keep up to date with the latest club news, repeater information and other events and contests on the club website – vk4wip.com Reporting from Ipswich, this is Allan VK4FABR RADAR Greetings from the Rockhampton and District Amateur Radio Club, the RADAR Club. I’m Les VK4VIL. Last Saturday night, the Club held its annual Dinner, which, keeping with tradition, had a Christmas theme. Attendance was great, with almost 70 people present on the night. Bill, VK4XZ from the Sunshine Coast travelled by tilt train for the event, taking home with him a flash multimeter prize donated by Gary VK4FGZA. Other attendees on the night represented Gladstone, Mackay and Central Highlands clubs. As well as the great raffles led by Gary and Gordon VK4GM, guests realized some real bargains from a super auction and Bob VK4HRC tested our knowledge with a brain twisting quiz. There was something for everyone, including presents and giveaway for the children, who added to the atmosphere. Congratulations to Clive VK4ACC who is customarily responsible for arranging the event. Clive also added to the Club’s coffers by donating a dual band hand held as a prize. Definitely a top night. December’s general meeting is the Club’s last event for 2011 and is affectionately known as “ladies night”. Male members of the club are encouraged to bring their partners along, with an informal social following the basic, essential business. It’s interesting to note that female members usually take their partners to all general meetings, Hi Hi. Well done, ladies. Until next time, or next year, this is Les VK4VIL on behalf of the Rockhampton and District Amateur Radio Club. EDUCATION YOUTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF AMATEUR RADIO www.hamcollege.com.au CRARC Foundation/Upgrade Weekend held 19th/20th November, VK1 successfully saw 5 New Foundation Licensees , two were very capable 12 year olds who are itching to get on the air. They also saw 6 successful upgrade candidates and 1 new Advanced licensee join the ranks. A job well done by all!- Congratulations!! Help grow amateur radio Know someone interested in becoming a radio amateur? The next quality Foundation Licence weekend held by Amateur Radio Victoria, at Ashburton, is on the weekend of December the 3rd and 4th. Contact Barry Robinson VK3PV 0428 516 001 or email foundation@amateurradio.com.au A new Radio Shack out at Terri and Brian’s Birkdale Brisbane home belongs to PW (Peter William). VK4FYMC is also into the Army Cadets, Australian Cadet Unit 136 Redlands Congrats P.W. The Shack is now officially open! DISCUSSION POINT What use is an f-call? I've had my license for about a minute and a half, but one thing I realised today is that I'd never heard of Amateur Radio in any meaningful sense until a month before I got my license. I'm technically minded, have worked in broadcast radio for many years, I'm heavily involved in Information Technology, do Research and Development daily and talk to many people about skill development, training and communication. I've been self-employed for over a decade, but I'd never heard of Amateur Radio. Imagine that. One realisation I came to is that I'm not alone in this historic lack of knowledge about Amateur Radio. I think that going out on Field Days with a club, going into the community, finding other like-minded individuals and getting them excited about Amateur Radio is going to open up a whole new group of Amateurs. For me, I've already started creating a list of clubs and communities I'm aware of, or even a member of and I've started thinking about how to communicate about this hobby, what it means for the individual participating and for the community in which that individual lives - because let's not forget that Amateur Radio is also about the wider community. Amateur Radio, what a hobby. Tell your friends. I'm Onno, vk6flab INTERNATIONAL NEWS NOW FROM THE IRTS/ARNEWSLINE/RSGB ============================================================================= IRTS NEWS DESK RMS Titanic RMS Titanic, the world’s largest passenger ship at the time, sank on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, following a collision with an iceberg, at approximately 0245 on the morning of April 15th 1912. 1,517 people lost their lives in the tragedy. The sinking will be marked by several special event stations at ports associated with the ships maiden voyage. These include Belfast, Southampton, Cherbourg, Cobh, Cape Race, VO1MCE and a maritime mobile station, VE0MGY, at the site of the sinking. The call sign EI100T has been issued for the year 2012 and will operate in co-operation with the Cobh Titanic 100 Committee. The main events will happen over the weekend of April 13/14th and EI100T will also be operated regularly throughout the year. A special award will be announced before the end of December in conjunction with the other special event locations. Enquiries and QSLs to EI4HQ QTHR. ============================================================================= NEWS FROM ARNEWSLINE USA HAMS LAUDED IN THE WAKE OF EARLY SEASON ALASKA STORM Ham radio has been highlighted in the November 12th issue of the Alaska Dispatch. This after an early season storm hit the most-Northern state. Amateur Radio Newsline's Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, has the details: According to the news article, when it became clear the Bering Sea storm was going to be a major severe weather incident the National Weather Service got word out to Alaska's amateur radio network that it wanted help. And as crashing waves pounded beaches, the people who live in the remote, isolated villages along the storm's path stayed connected via a web created by Alaska's ham radio community. When other communications failed, ham radio operators came to the rescue. Throughout the storm, they were the eyes for scientists and weather forecasters in Fairbanks and Anchorage who otherwise would have been isolated from the severe weather conditions they could predict but not see. Carven Scott, is a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Anchorage. He told the newspaper that it was hams that were providing critical observations as the storm blew past. Scott noted that the N-W-S does not have much in the way of meteorological observation equipment in the western part of the state but hams kept his agency alerted to the latest conditions in remote areas. This included such data as how fast the wind was blowing and from what direction; wave height; whether it was snowing or raining; and the temperature. Scott says that these seemingly small details from various villages made a big difference for the weather service in its predictions. Scott credits Richard Courtney, NL9H, as the ham radio operator who came up with the idea of an alliance between Alaska's ham community and the weather forecasters. Scott said that he had for some time thought that amateur radio would be a good communications supplement. With the Bering Sea storm approaching the Alaska coast, Scott said that they decided to give it a shot. Scott told the newspaper that through the ham radio network he and his colleagues learned that river ice in Koyuk was backing up and spilling onto the banks. Also that roofs had blown off and water was surging in Nome, and rain and snow were falling in several other villages. The story also highlights the work of Martin Ruud, WL7MR, in the city of Nome. From Tuesday night as the storm approached through the following Thursday morning WL7MR forwarded messages from islands and other coastal communities. The newspaper says that Ruud had draped sleeping bags over his windows to protect himself and his equipment in case a wind gust shattered the glass. Outside, a 160-meter loop antenna stood ready atop four telephone poles the city of Nome gave to him for free, knowing he could put people in contact with the outside world when other methods failed. For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Bill Pasternak, WA6ITF, in the Newsroom in Los Angeles. The entire story of ham radios role in this major Alaskan winter severe weather outburst can be read on-line at tinyurl.com/alaska-storm ============================================================================= RSGB VOICED BY G4NJH Logbook of the World delay reduced Logbook of The World http://www.arrl.org/logbook-of-the-world is continuing to accept and process logs, including logs from this weekend's ARRL November Phone Sweepstakes Contest. Currently, the processing delay is at 30 hours, down from 45 hours last week as heard in the audio version of the vk1wia newscast. As of November 23, there were approximately 857,000 QSOs in 3335 logs still waiting to be processed. If you have already uploaded a log, please do not upload it again; by so doing, you will only add to the queue. Do not send entire logs that contain previously uploaded QSOs; use the date range option when signing logs, selecting only those QSOs in a specific date range to upload to LoTW. By following these guidelines, you'll help LoTW process the backlog at a faster pace. Thanks again for your patience. Christmas posting deadlines loom The Christmas posting deadlines are fast approaching for overseas book orders from the RSGB. The first deadline is 1st December for Rest of the World airmail orders, that includes those in VK/ZL then 3rd December for Western Europe. Air mail orders to North America and Western Europe must be placed by 8th December. All these dates can be found on the RSGB website within the RSGB Shop. ============================================================================= WEIRD AND WONDERFUL Cold War Echo The Russia Today YouTube News Channel carried an interesting story about the mysterious Russian 'Buzzer' station on 4625 kHz. Cold War Echo: Unravelling mysterious radiowave UVB-76 Among the hundreds of radio stations in Russia, there is one that is seemingly out-of-this-world. Instead of music or news, these broadcasts are of mysterious voices and noises which have radio enthusiasts baffled. It leaves some wondering what's the message behind these noises. RT's Yegor Piskunov's tuned-in. (audio courtesy of southgate news) SPECIAL EVENTS AND ON AIR CONTEST COLUMN - D A T E L I N E 2011 Nov 26-27 WIA Spring VHF-UHF Field Day is THIS weekend. 2012 January VK Ross Hull Memorial VHF UHF Contest March 17-18 VK JOHN MOYLE MEMORIAL FIELD DAY June Long Weekend (vk4 time) VK Shires Contest. July First full weekend NZART Memorial Contest August VK Remembrance Day Contest August 18-19 WW International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend. SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS, DX and BEACON AND NET ADVICE (A note from Nina DL2GRC - VK2INZ this in text edition only) "You may have heard that my company Bosch was founded by Robert Bosch senior 125 years ago. We organised a special call sign In Memoriam of Robert Bosch's 150th birthday (which would have been in September 2011) - which is DK150RB. OM Holger and I will bring it on air this Sunday, 27th November, between 7:30 UTC and 11 UTC. (4.30pm Sydney daylight saving time.) From 7:30 UTC till 9 UTC we will turn our beam towards VK to work VK-Stations on 20/15meters. PSK31 or Olivia would be also possible. We will be at the station of the Bosch headquarter in Stuttgart. (vk2dot) Possible amateur radio activity from Myanmar (Burma) Simon, HS0ZIB/G6JFY, says that his QTH in Thailand is only a few hours’ drive to Myanmar, and he has regularly visited the country. His hotel/guesthouse businesses have enabled him to obtain initial contact with authorities from the Myanmar Ministry of Post and Telecommunications about an initial, "demonstration" DXpedition. Simon mentions, "The recent political changes in Myanmar have increased the possibility of operating an amateur radio station from Myanmar. My own position enables me to operate on a regular basis, if this were allowed." Good to see a non-professional shall we say dx activity instead of the all to frequent dx pedtitions that often run into problems and end up (hopefully) refunding their supporters! Southgate ham heading for Ascension Island Southgate Amateur Radio Club member Steve White, G3ZVW/AF6SU, will once again be active as ZD8N from Ascension Island (IOTA AF-003, WLOTA 1491) until 2 December. He has been off the island for almost three years. Activity will be on 80-10 metre CW, SSB and the Digital modes. He is also expected to participate in the CQWW DX CW Contest this weekend (26-27 November). QSL via his home call sign G3ZVW. A quick reminder to members and visitors of the Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club. The club conducts two nets each week on the 146.7MHz VK2RPM 2 metre repeater. The mid-week net takes place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday nights. The weekend net takes place at 8:30 am on Sunday mornings. (vk2wi) We have had Lighthouses, Museums, Railway stations Mountain Tops all as venues for special awards well now comes word of R.S.O.P.A. Rest Stops On The Air And there must be literally millions around the world! Jon, N5JLD and John, KF5FEI activated the Burleson Texas Rest Area as part of the Rest Stops On The Air on 24 November. The rest stop was located on Interstate 35W @ exit 31 Grid Square Em 12 il North Bound, South of Burleson at Milepost: 33 Might we suggest to find out more about "Rest Stops" you contact Jon N5JLD www.n5jld.net AWARDS Awards on offer to all The Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award and the much sought after Amateur Radio Victoria Centenary Award certificates are now available and on display. The Keith Roget Memorial National Parks Award updated certificate features a back-drop of one of the Victorian National Parks that has been kindly provided by avid VK3 National Parks activator, Peter Fraser VK3ZPF. Award Manager, Tony Hambling VK3VTH, advised that a total of 17 National Park activations occurred over the four days taking in last weekend (November 18-21). So successful was the National Parks activation weekend that it will be repeated in 2012. Meantime the limited-edition Amateur Radio Victoria Centenary Award has an historic montage and defining text that tells how the state-wide organisation began 100 years ago. The rules and images of these two exciting awards can be found in the "Award" section of the Amateur Radio Victoria website www.amateurradio.com.au (Jim Linton VK3PC) MEDIA WATCH www.cq-amateur-radio.com/WorldRadio.html VK Club Bulletins http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aarnie/ Another look at the December edition of Amateur Radio magazine The VK9HR Lord Howe Island DXpedition as explained John Chalkiarakis VK3YP. Western Victoria hosts the JOTA and JOTI reports Ash Clark VK3SSB. Paul McMahon VK3DIP has a four element six metre Yagi, Justin Giles-Clark VK7TW looks at modern communication technologies, and the New Zealander behind the build-a-thon comes to New South Wales. In the 17th instalment of Foundation Corner, Ross Pittard VK3CE discusses the basic digital communication, or Morse code. The WIA Summer Field Day and Ross Hull Contests, John Martin VK3KM has details, plus news on the Expanding World of VHF & UHF. Regular columns are there too from ALARA, AMSAT, Contests, DX News and the Spotlight on SWLing. Amateur Radio magazine, a WIA journal and membership service. It's also available at selected news agents. I’m Barry Robinson VK3PV and you are listening to VK1WIA WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ATV (Every pixel tells a story) - Video arvideonews.com hamradiotube.com youtube.com qdg.org.au Free SSTV Online Book Martin OK2MNM has made his new book "Image Communication on Short Waves" available free on the web. You can either read it online or download the chapters in PDF format. Image Communication on Short Waves can be found at http://www.sstv-handbook.com/ You can join the MMSSTV Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MM-SSTV/ WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- FINAL FRONTIER AMSAT-VK UNOFFICIAL HF Net. 2nd Sunday each month. April through October 1000 UTC 3.685 MHz November through March 0900 UTC 7.068 MHz ARISSat-1 MAY DE-ORBIT IN APRIL 2012 According to predictions from Mineo Wakita, JE9PEL, the ARISSat-1 satellite is due to re-enter Earth's atmosphere in early April 2012. Launched from the International Space Station on August 8, the satellite is traveling in a low orbit and is steadily losing altitude. The rate of orbital decay may be accelerated by increasing atmospheric density caused by increased solar activity. With that factor in mind, some ARISSat-1 decay predictions suggest re-entry as early as February 1. ARISSat-1 remains quite active, sending voice messages, digital telemetry and Slow Scan TV images. Amateurs have also been able to enjoy contacts through ARISSat-1's linear transponder despite the fact that the UHF antenna was apparently damaged prior to (or during) deployment. AMSAT-NA has a competition to see who can record the last bits of telemetry as ARISSat-1 makes its final plunge. To decode the CW or BPSK telemetry you must use the ARISSATTLM software for Windows or Mac OS. The CW signal is transmitted at 145,919 MHz and the BPSK signal appears at 145.920 MHz, plus or minus Doppler. (sarl) WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO IARU REGION 3 Emergency Centre of Activity (CoA) frequencies 3.600, 7.110, 14.300, 18.160 and 21.360 MHz The Super Murray Marathon is a canoe race held along the Murray River between Yarrawonga and Swan Hill. Each year WICEN Victoria provide communication and logistic support using HF and 2 metre equipped portable stations at intervals along the banks of the river. This year, WICEN Victoria would like to invite all WIA Accredited Emergency Communication Operators to join the event and gain valuable training in emergency communications and message handelling, and also to have some fun. If you don't have portable HF that is OK, as they can still find a place for you to fit into the team. You do not need to be a member of WICEN but you do need to be a WIA Accredited Emcomms operator. The five day event, held between December 27 and 31, is run by the YMCA as a fund raiser for their various activities in the area. During the event youy will be camping as a group at three camp sites provided by the YMCA at Cobram, Echuca and Swan Hill. Camping is easy as the YMCA provides all the food at a very reasonable cost and the YMCA has an event volunteer registration system that helps with catering, camper numbers, T shirt sizes and other admin issues. A working with children check card is now required, but the YMCA will facilitate this by sending out the application forms to those that register on their website. The card is free for volunteers and will be helpful in the future for JOTA and other amateur radio activities. If you are interested in training with fellow amateurs and enjoying the best the Murray region has to offer during the holiday time, you can get further details by contacting the WICEN event organisers. Graham Mason VK3KMG Mobile 0417 539 710 Ambulance to be used during severe weather A report carried in Alabama's Gadsden Times says the tornadoes back in April are a reminder of the need for more eyes on the sky during severe weather. Now a group of amateur radio operators will be able to have more technology in the field with an ambulance that has been donated for their use. The Amateur Radio Emergency Services, part of SKYWARN, serves all of Northeast Alabama as trained storm spotters and many of its members usually are in their vehicles driving toward the storms while everyone else is trying to get away. Joey Davis of the group said amateur radio operators have been around for many years, monitoring and reporting weather conditions. An old ambulance from Gadsden-Etowah Emergency Medical Services was donated to the organization’s group in Cherokee County. They plan to equip it with radar and computer equipment that will help them better identify areas affected by the storm. He said the group will be in areas affected by storms and also will have first-aid kits, bottled water and hand sanitizer for those affected, as well as the ability to charge cellphones. Read the full story with pictures, in the Gadsden Times http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20111120/NEWS/111129996 SOCIAL SCENE 2011 Dec 4 VK7 REAST Christmas Car Boot Sale and end of year festive day: 2012 15TH IARU REGION 3 CONFERENCE hosted by V.A.R.C. in Ho-Chi-Minh City, Vietnam. JAN 23-FEB 17 YEAR 2012 World Radio Conference WRC-11 Geneva 23rd January TO 17th February 2012 FEB 12 VK3 CentreVictoria Hamfest, Kyneton Racecourse FEB 26 VK2 CCARC WYONG FIELD DAY APR 14-15 VK WIA National Field Day. MAY 3-18 VK5 YL International 2012 Australia (vk5tmc@bigpond.com) MAY 25-27 VK3 WIA Annual Conference Mildura JULY 14 VK4 Wide Bay Hamfest. West Maryborough Scout Hall Nov 12 VK3 SPARC HAMFEST (ROSEBUD BY THE BAY) WIA Annual Conference Mildura May 25th, 26th and 27th 2012 Details for the WIA 2012 Annual Conference being held in Mildura are on wia.org.au Host club is Sunraysia Radio Group, led by Garry Briant VK3KYF and Noel Ferguson VK3FI. WIA Members who register for the event will be able to participate in a range of fascinating and memorable activities. Submitting news items If you would like to submit news items for inclusion in the VK1WIA broadcasts, please email your item in text to nationalnews@wia.org.au to submit audio read "how to submit items" in the weekly news page on wia.org.au Remember the sooner you submit material the more the likelihood of it being broadcast in the very next edition of WIA National News. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================= WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide. 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