WIANEWS - AUG 17 - 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. When you upload audio email us the txt version. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ WIANEWS WEEK COMMENCING AUG 17 2014. ANZAC 100 To commemorate ANZAC 100 a series of articles is to appear in Amateur Radio magazine by the WIA Historian, Peter Wolfenden VK3RV. Here's a summary of one of them. A continuing effort has been made to record information about all radio amateurs who served their country during all wars and campaigns. This will probably take years. The WIA Remembrance Day Contest perpetuates those 26 radio amateurs who lost their lives in the service of this country during World War II. But who were all the others serving during the war? Wartime Amateur Radio magazines finds early VK2 and VK3 lists. Enlistment in other states was also located. A rough initial count puts it at about 300. Further investigation of wartime ARs revealed that a column by Jim Corbin VK2YC entitled "Slouch Hats and Forage Caps" contained more information, enabling another 150 or so to be added, taking it to 460. Then an editorial in AR magazine in June 1940 mentions that over 700 amateurs we’re serving. Whichever way you look at it, the Amateur Radio response to the call to serve was significant. If we take the lesser figure of 460, discount those too old, or in the essential services, it is probably fair to suggest that over 50 per cent of available radio amateurs became involved directly in the war effort. (Jim Linton VK3PC) AROUND VK VK2 VK2, HOME OF THE GOOD GUYS The Variety Club's "B to B Bash" which this year follows a course from Brisbane to Sydney, were given access to Armidale District Amateur Radio Club's rooms to provide a vital communication link during the current B to B event. Mr Peter Humphreys, communications officer for Variety Club has said "Communications is vital to safety in an event like this". Mr Humphreys also expressed his thanks to Rick Rodgers president of ADARC for allowing access to the club's rooms and 160m doublet aerial during the event. [Maurie VK2MOZ] VK4 ANZAC ACTIVITY A note from VK4 about activations for ANZAC Weekend, 2015. "We have contacted all the amateur radio clubs in VK4 with the suggestion that they contact their local RSL sub-branch and offer to setup an amateur station (possibly both HF and VHF) in their club grounds across the long Anzac day weekend 2015, with the idea that the public be invited to the sub-branch premises with the opportunity of talking to other RSL sub-branches or amateurs both local, interstate and possibly overseas depending on propagation conditions over that weekend, who are out there helping to commemorate the Anzac Centenary. [Alex VK4TE, via Andy VK4KCS] WIA BOARD TALK President Phil Wait VK2ASD vk2asd@wia.org.au Vice President Chris Platt VK5CP vk5cp@wia.org.au Secretary David Williams VK3RU vk3ru@wia.org.au Treasurer John Longayroux VK3PZ vk3pz@wia.org.au What use is an F-call? I once asked an amateur what the best wire was to use for an antenna. He advised me that there are really only two kinds of wire. Free wire and Cheap wire, with a preference for the former, rather than the latter. In the run-up to a recent contest I spent a week building an 80m pyramid antenna. It took around 82 meters of wire to build. I started with using a roll of 12 gauge wire, but that was too heavy for my squid pole. I managed to break it about 4m from the top. I should have left it at that, but I was determined, so I went to my local electronics store and purchased a 100m roll of light duty hook up wire. It cost me about $25. I managed to build myself an antenna that was perfectly resonant on 160m - very helpful - not. By this time it had been raining for several days and my antenna building activities were curtailed. Not because I melt in the rain, but because it wasn't fun being in the rain. At the end of the day, this hobby isn't supposed to be a chore, it's supposed to be fun. I retold my story over lunch when a friend suggested that I might investigate electric fencing wire. Comes in 200m rolls, $25, strong enough to keep a horse at bay, built for Australian conditions. I've spent a little time looking at this and while there are those who tell me that it's a fool's errand, there are plenty of discussions recommending and comparing this kind of material for use as an antenna. So, in the arsenal of possible sources of antenna wire, I can now add electric fence wire to my list of things to try. It's not free, but it's pretty cheap! What weird and wonderful materials have you used to build antennas? I'm Onno VK6FLAB Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking. Another year and the RD is stirring the memories, refreshing the commemoration of those who served in war and came from VK shores. Again this year, there is another international contest drawing amateurs to the air and that is not the only one. It is pertinent to ask, on the centenary of the beginning of WW1, whether there should have been greater emphasis on the RD? Will next year, the centenary of the ANZAC landings, see a revival of emphasis on this contest or is it a fact that the freedom to choose is the very celebration of war service our predecessors would approve? As amateurs we embrace the change of technology and revere our heritage. As much as the symbolism of using collectible military radios, the RD contest is not so much a public acknowledgement of war service as a private exercise for the hobby. This has been it’s history but should we now be looking at a more public demonstration? Recognition of our servicemen/women is growing and is this the time that amateur radio should join this public remembrance? With CW being the originating digital mode, can we extend the range of things that currently enhance our hobby in pursuing the RD Trophy? In other words, could the RD be a public promotion, used as a field day motif, and the history and presence of amateur radio demonstrated in the friendly contest? May the best division win! I’m Geoff Emery and that’s what I think....how about you? ILLW on air now Around Australia and New Zealand are portable stations taking part in the annual International Lighthouse and Lightship weekend. The Light Vessel 55, on-air as GB0CCC, is the 500th registration. It once provided navigation for the treacherous Bristol Channel and was built in 1885. The annual event helps promote awareness of old maritime navigation structures. The new countries this year are Barbados and Kuwait. The USA is in the lead with an all-time high of 86 registrations, following are Australia and Germany on 65 each, with England having 35. For a full list of registrations see the website illw.net. INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, SARL, Southgate AR Club, ARRL, Amateur Radio Newsline, NZART and the WW sources of the WIA. Software developers at the RSGB Convention The RSGB Convention takes place on 10th to 12th October at Kent's Hill, Milton Keynes and there are some very exciting lectures and workshops planned. On Saturday, a workshop and show-and-tell session for programmers developing logging software, data modes, computer control systems, SDR, remote control and other innovations in radio software has been arranged. All are welcome, and to DX stations contact RSGB for details. Weekend packages that can be tuned to the individuals are available from the RSGB website at www.rsgbevents.org/index.html SARL IN TALKS WITH REGULATOR South African Radio League representatives met with ICASA on Friday for a workshop to discuss various licensing issues. The discussion included reciprocal licensing, expansion of the 160 metre band, increased power on HF and some VHF bands, repeater planning and coordination and updating of the memorandum of understanding which covers the radio amateur examination and other administrative issues. The South African Radio League tabled a number of documents covering these subjects. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa will now look at the various proposals and provide feedback to the South African Radio League over the next few weeks on how these issues can be addressed as expeditiously as possible. The workshop was attended by South African Radio League President Geoff Levey, ZS6C, Hans van de Groenendaal, ZS6AKV, Nico van Rensburg, ZS6QL, and Colin de Villiers, ZS6COL. [SARL] DX Mark down November as being when LW 9 EOC will be operational from San Andres Island, November 26th until December 9th, also to take part in the CQ World Wide DX CW Contest as well as the ARRL 160 meter CW Contest during his stay. No callsign for this operation has been announced, but there is the possibly it could be 5 JZ 0 T. QSL via LW 9 EOC, his home callsign. OPERATIONAL NEWS - DATELINE 2014 WIA REMEMBRANCE DAY (THE RD) CONTEST THIS WEEKEND Aug 16 - 17 ALARA CONTEST Aug 30 - 31 Manly-Warringah Radio Society's Flagpole contest September 20. Amateur Radios International Air-ambulance Week, 9 days from Sep 28. WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP - SPACE * US aerospace firm outlines New Zealand-based space program A United States aerospace company is aiming to make New Zealand one of the exclusive group of countries with a space program by promising a revolutionary new satellite-carrying rocket for a fraction of the current satellite launch costs. Rocket Lab announced Tuesday that it had developed a light- weight, carbon-composite rocket, named Electron, at its Auckland plant and hoped to offer small satellite launches for less than 5 million U.S. dollars, compared with a current average price of 133 million U.S. dollars. The company, which has received research and development funding from the government, was being backed by Silicon Valley venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, Rocket Lab founder and New Zealander Peter Beck said in a statement. The lead-time for businesses to launch a satellite would be cut from years to just weeks and the company already had commercial commitments for 30 launches, said Beck. At 18 meters in length, 1 meter in diameter and weighing more than 10 tones, Electron would be the first vehicle of its class capable of delivering payloads up to 100 kg into low Earth orbit at an altitude of about 160 km. Businesses faced a severe barrier in launching satellites as rockets had remained prohibitively large and expensive, despite the trend for satellites to become smaller, more capable and more affordable, he said. "Along with benefits for commercial enterprises, cheaper and faster space access has the potential to lead to more accurate weather prediction, global high speed Internet access, as well as real-time monitoring of the impacts of human development," said Beck. New Zealand was in an ideal launch position for a variety of different types of orbits and plans were underway to build a space port at several potential locations. Powered by liquid oxygen and kerosene, Electron would have a lift- off mass of 10,500 kg and a possible top speed of 27,500 km per hour. [ANS thanks space-travel.com for the above information] WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS -- ARISS France Will Now Allow Students Third Party Communication With The ISS On July 16, 2014 the French State Secretary for Digital Affairs, Axelle Lemaire, responded to a request by the Deputy of Haute-Vienne Province, Daniel Boiserrie, authorizing French students to participate directly in ARISS educational school contacts under the supervision of a licensed operator. Until now, the French administration was very restrictive. For direct school contacts, the operator read the questions prepared by the students. Even this is "third party", but was tolerated by the French regulatory authority. Most European countries allow students to participate directly in ARISS school contacts under the supervision of a licensed operator. Permission to do so requires varying procedures from country to country, but the issue of enabling "third party" communications can generally be solved. Until now, the only exception was France. Notwithstanding years and years of efforts, French schoolchildren had no access to the mike for direct amateur radio communications with the ISS. The letter from the Secretary of State in charge of telecommunications now changes the game. [ANS] ARRESTS MADE FOR FLYING SMALL DRONES OVER GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE Radio remote controlled drone aircraft flown by members of the general public are in the news again and not in a very positive light. This with word that New York City police recently arrested two men for operating a pair of small drone aircraft over the George Washington Bridge on Monday July 7th one of which nearly hit a police helicopter. The New York Police’s Aviation Unit helicopter was on patrol around 12:15 a.m. when it spotted one of the unmanned aircraft near the bridge. The drone continued to circle forcing the chopper to swerve to avoid it. Police said that one of the drones which were operated by remote control came within 800 feet of the police aircraft. The Aviation Unit followed the drones north as they landed near Fort Tryon Part a few miles north of the bridge and overlooking the Hudson River. Police on the ground then arrested two men and charged them reckless endangerment. The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet set standards for certifying the safety of civilian drones. As previously reported that agency is currently looking into creating regulations for their use, but there is very strong opposition coming from many sectors that believe these devices are a menace to public safety. (Various published news reports) [ARnewsline Audio] SOCIAL SCENE 2014 Sep 13 VK4 Sunshine Coast AR Club's SUNFest, Woombye School of Arts Sep 14 VK3 Shepparton and District AR Club Hamfest kicks off at 10am. Sep 28 VK3 Melbourne Amateur Radio Technology Group Hamfest Keilor East. Oct 3 VK4 Townsville Amateur Radio Club's Cardwell Gathering 4 day event. Oct 25 VK4 HAMFEST on the Gold Coast. ( hamfest@gcars.com.au ) Nov 2 VK5 HamFest Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society Nov 9 VK3 Yarra Valley AR Group Hamfest 10am Gary Cooper Pavillion. Nov 15 VK7 Miena Hamfest (My-enah) Nov 30 VK3 SPARC HamFest at Rosebud ( howardjones155@gmail.com ) ============================== NEW WIA NEWS BROADCAST FEEDBACK =============================== Name : Alan Callsign : M1AFQ Feedback : "Hi I try to listen to the news weekly if I can usually through VK4TPT-L but on the occasion I cannot I go to the web site and listen, and this last week i have to say it did sound very nice I prefer listening to your news to my own. very nice thank you. Alan M1AFQ" -- Very Nice to hear from distant listeners, and in following up on this piece of feedback we wanted to thank Ray VK4TPT for making the news reliably available to hams around the world on 'the Echolink'. Interestingly, Ray's online profile shows this retired two-way radio technician to be an interesting character who both plays and teaches the didgeridoo! Ray's also involved with the Maryborough Electronics & Radio Group run the Fraser Coast "F Troop" net. So, thanks again Ray for making the broadcast available, and 'G'day' to our new friend Alan M1AFQ! We close this weeks Broadcast feedback with an interesting thought from one of the team who 'vibrates the vibratables in the ether' and brings the broadcast to the ears of our listeners every week: Name : Barry Callsign : VK6WF Feedback : "Morning to all, trust you're all well. 38 callbacks this morning. From Onslow in the North to Esperance in the South East. Best 73 - VK6WF Barry" Barry's email signature says: "Light travels faster than the speed of sound. This is why some people tend to appear bright, until they decide to speak." THAT FINAL ITEM: ELON MUSK PLEDGES 1,000,000 TO TESLA MUSEUM And finally this week, it looks as if the creation of the Tesla Science Center and Museum in Shoreham, New York, has gotten another step closer to reality. This thanks to a well known entrepreneur who truly believes in celebrating the past as well as planning the future. Amateur Radio Newsline's Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, has the details: -- The effort to build a science center and museum in honor of the legendary scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla has received a special gift. This after it was announced that Elon Musk, the entrepreneur and inventor behind electric-car company Tesla Motors and the aerospace company Space X had pledged $1 million to the Tesla Science Center Museum in Shoreham, New York. The back story goes this way. Matt Inman is the originator of the web-comic The Oatmeal. In 2012 he created a tribute to Tesla titled: "Why Nikola Tesla was the greatest geek who ever lived." Inman also started the fundraising campaign to purchase the Shoreham Wardenclyffe Tower which was Tesla's former laboratory in New York, and convert it into a museum. The campaign raised $1.37 million in 45 days, far surpassing the $850,000 goal. The land to build the museum was successfully purchased in 2013 by Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe. This is a nonprofit group that had been trying to acquire the property for 18 years. But getting the property was only the first step. This past May, Inman did a cartoon review of the Tesla Motors Model S automobile. At the conclusion Inman referred to the company's namesake and included what he called a teensy request to Elon Musk. While Musk had contributed to first fundraiser, monies were still needed to perform the extensive renovation of the land and build the science center and museum itself. Within hours of the comic being posted, Musk sent Inman a message on Twitter that simply said that he would be happy to help. Ironically, Musk's donation came just in time for the celebration of what would have been Nikola Tesla's 158th birthday. For the Amateur Radio Newsline, I'm Cheryl Lasek, K9BIK, reporting. 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. Each item will only be broadcast once, if you want a couple of mentions, please submit different slants to keep your event 'fresh ‘and always if the news room is to read your item write in the 3rd person. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ============================================================================= WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide. 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