2023 MAY 7 VK NATIONAL NEWS BROADCAST ON VK1WIA ------------------------------------------------------------* THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK THIS LINK IS A VIDEO VERSION OF NEWS COMPILED BY VK5BD BEVAN tinyurl.com/WIA-News-Videos ------------------------------------------------------------* NATIONAL NEWS FOR WEEK COMMENCING MAY 7 2023 IN OUR 28th YEAR OF NON STOP NEWS THIS WEEK:- WIA SECRETARY - DIRECTOR PETER CLEE VK8ZZ WIA DIRECTOR STEVEN GREEN VK2TSG WIA STALWART BECOMES SILENT KEY. PLUS MUCH MUCH MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA I'M EDITOR GRAHAM VK4BB WIA JOIN THE WIA tinyurl.com/yyj87b9y WIA SECRETARY - DIRECTOR PETER CLEE VK8ZZ In September 2022, the ACMA consulted on proposed amateur class licensing arrangements and higher power operation. They proposed changes to the draft amateur class licence to provide access to the 50-52 MHz frequency band for Standard amateur licensees and overseas visiting amateurs with equivalent qualifications (overseas equivalents). The ACMA advised that, pending consultation outcomes, they would make these changes to the relevant legislation, before the amateur class licence is implemented. All submitters who commented on these changes supported the proposal. acma.cmail19.com/t/d-l-zujphl-trephkuj-u/ This is Steven Green VK2TSG, one of your WIA Director's and following on from our Secretary, the draft amateur class licence also reflected their intention to remove access from Advanced amateur licensees and their overseas equivalents in the 3.4 to 3.6 GHz frequency band. This is within bands re-allocated by the ACMA for spectrum licensing under the document - Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation - 3.4 GHz and 3.7 GHz Bands) Declaration 2022 for Advanced amateur licensees and overseas equivalents. This band has also been identified for possible long-term earth station protection zones (or ESPZs). This is defined in frequency coordination procedures for the earth station protection zones (known as RALI MS44). This also means that this Band could not be used within the region where an Earth Station is licenced. The ACMA are now consulting on making these changes to the Amateur Licence LCD and the visiting Overseas Amateur Class Licence. The ACMA welcome your views on the proposed changes by 5 pm (AEST), Thursday 1 June. In other matters, have you registered for the WIA AGM yet? This is available either online or in person in Canberra next Saturday.. At the meeting, the Board of the WIA has resolved to recommend to the membership, that Peter Young VK3MV be elected as an 'Honorary Life Member' in consideration of his many years of exceptional service to the Wireless Institute of Australia. Details of the proposed motion and a short history of Peter's work is available on the WIA News web site, and via the link included in the text edition of this broadcast. wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2023/20230501-1/index.php I look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM... 73 from Steven ,,, VK2TSG VK2TSG@wia.org.au EDUCATION Amateur Radio Victoria will be holding another On Line Tutorial for the Foundation Licence starting Monday 22nd May. Check out amateurradio.com.au And on the education front but in the USA comes news of a specialised STEM Trailer. Alec who is usually heard in YOTA news steps up now with this story The All Things Amateur Radio Association (ATARA), W8ATR, in Ohio, revealed its new science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) trailer recently. The trailer, funded by a grant from the ARRL Foundation, offers visitors a hands-on STEM experience, including a CW oscillator, a display about the history of Morse code, and signage explaining the history of wireless technology and radios. There are set ups for visitors to build an FM radio. They even have a working replica of a spark-gap transmitter. There is also an amateur station with telescoping mast and the trailer has all of the necessary equipment for youth to fox hunt. ATARA Activities Director Diane Warner, KE8HLD, said it was a great day. She stated, "It was exciting to see children's excitement as they keyed their name in Morse code, built an FM radio and watched the waterfall on the radio station's monitor." Ms Warner also thanked the ARRL Foundation, saying, "We have been given a wonderful opportunity to reach youth and adults and show them the wonderful world of amateur radio!" The All Things Amateur Radio Association is an ARRL Affiliated Club. I'm Alec VK2APC. SILENT KEY Cliff Bastin, VK6LZ, longest serving VK6 WIA Divisional President turned 90 this year and has just become SILENT KEY. With this news his Son Mark VK6FIVE. My Dad, Cliff Bastin was 1st Licenced in 1978 as VK5NCB and as member of the VK5LZ E.A.R.C. As a family we began, to life the life of Amateur Radio, with weekends away be it John Moyle or JOTA, we did Fox Hunts and put in strong showings in the annual Remembrance Day contest as well as a host of other Ham activities. During this moved to WA in 1980, and as an aumage to the Elizabeth Club, dad first took VK6NLZ an then KLZ on the way to Full Call and 6LZ. Mum (Christine) took her Technicians and became VK6ZLZ, creating TEAM LZ. In the 1st VK6 Divisional WIA Meeting, held at the Institute of Engineers building, just days after arriving in VK6, dad put his hand up to help out as they had just lost their treasurer. This lead to a lifetime of service, being on Council of the Division until the National WIA was formed. Cliff Bastin became in terms of total time in the position the longest serving VK6 President. My Mother Christine also served on council for most of that time as well and they were also both strong members and councillors for the West Australian Repeater Group. During the 80s and 90s He was part of the team that built the Busselton and Cataby repeaters, also scoping out for a proposed repeater on Rottnest Is. he was also a Repeater manager for the Rolystone repeater for a time in the naughties. Sadly just over a month and a half after reaching the milestone age of 90, a short string of infections one after another took their toll; I must now inform that RAOTC member number 1310, and an Ex-G, as well as a valued WARG Life Member has passed to Silent Key, although he'd probably say that his key's been silent for a long time. Sorry... but if you're going to tell dad jokes, it might as well be about your dad. Love you dad, vale Cliff Bastin, VK6LZ. ------------------------------------------------------------* INTERNATIONAL NEWS With thanks to IARU, RSGB, RAC, ARRL, NZART, eHam, AMATEUR RADIO NEWSLINE, eHam, Radioworld.com and the World Wide sources of the WIA. REGION ONE The German DARC is once again hosting its famous HamCamp during the upcoming Friedrichshafen fair in Germany from the 22nd to the 25th of June. There will be 160 beds available for youngsters up to 27 years of age and their attendants. REGION TWO Currently, radio amateurs in the US have access to five discrete channels on a secondary basis and can use an effective radiated power 100 W PEP. The FCC proposes to allocate 15 kHz of contiguous bandwidth between 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz on a secondary basis with a maximum power of only 15 W EIRP (equivalent to 9.15 W ERP). This allocation was adopted at the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference. The US federal government is the primary user of the 5 MHz spectrum. The government's manager of spectrum use, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has expressed support for implementing the allocation as adopted at WRC-15. Doing so would result in amateurs losing access to four of the five discrete channels, and power limits would be reduced however, it would provide access to a new contiguous 15 kHz band that includes one of the current five channels. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is recruiting the second group of students for their program, Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum (and Why Amateur Radio Matters). This program aims to educate emerging generations about the electromagnetic spectrum through an interactive, substantive experience with amateur radio. Funded by a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), the program focuses on broadening the excitement of amateur radio among BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students. NRAO is looking for 20 students, 18-20 years old, with an interest in learning about the electromagnetic spectrum and amateur radio including obtaining amateur radio licenses. The program will begin in September and run through May 2024. If selected, students will: Receive a stipend, $4,000 over the 40-week project and m meet weekly to learn more about the electromagnetic spectrum and how it is used in a variety of STEM fields. They also will prepare to take and pass the US Technician Class amateur radio license test. -------------------------------------------------------------------* HAM RADIO OPERATIONAL NEWS - IT'S A CONTACT SPORT -------------- -------------- NOW CONTEST WISE:- -------------- -------------- -------------- MAY 20-21 Don Edwards Memorial Slow Morse Contest begins the weekend after Mother's Day. 80m section Saturday 20th May 6 to 9pm Sydney time. 40m section afternoon of Sunday 21st of May, 1 to 4 Sydney time. (vk2wi) -------------- JUNE 24-25 WINTER VHF-UHF Field Day. 0100 UTC Saturday 24 to 0059 UTC Sunday 25 BUT in VK6 add 3 hours onto start and end times. (wia.org.au) -------------- JUNE Weekend prior to 2nd Monday of June VK SHIRES -------------- Also make a mental note that the 2023 QRP Day happens June 17 (sourced to iaru r3) -------------- IARU HF World Championship Contest takes place the second full weekend of July beginning 1200 UTC Saturday and ending 1200 UTC Sunday July 8-9 July. All licensed amateurs worldwide are eligible to participate in this contest as the objective is to contact as many other amateurs as possible, especially IARU member society HQ stations around the world using the 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meter bands. (sourced to iaru r3) -------------- JULY 15 - Trans Tasman Low Band Contest Held on the 3rd weekend in July, aims to encourage Low Band activity between VK and ZL 160 80 and 40M are allowed with SSB, CW and Digital (RTTY OR PSK) Contest Manager Alan Shannon VK4SN -------------- AUGUST 12 - 13 Remembrance Day Contest This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased with Japan in the southwest Pacific area. A perpetual trophy is awarded annually to the Australian state or territory with the best performance. The name of the winning State or Territory is inscribed on the trophy, and that State or Territory then holds the trophy for 12 months. The winning State or Territory is also given a certificate, as are leading entrants. (wia.org.au) -------------- August 26 - 27 A.L.A.R.A. CONTEST Contest is always on the last FULL weekend of August. All licensed operators throughout the world are invited to participate. Scout and Girl Guide groups are encouraged to participate using their Club's equipment and callsign. YLs work everyone; OMs work YLs only. Combined phone and CW run over 24 hours: Saturday 0600 hours UTC till Sunday 0559 hours UTC All HF Bands except 160m & WARC Bands. ECHOLINK will also be accepted. (alara web site) -------------- DX WINDOW -------------- These Aussie special calls on air are worth listening for, VI 2023 HRH 1st to the 31st of May celebrates the coronation of King Charles III The next 4 are in play to years end. VI 10 VKFF celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the VKFF group. VI 100 MB celebrates the centenary year of the Manly-Warringah Radio Society VK 90 AR for the 90 years of the WIAs journal, Amateur Radio Magazine. VK 100 ZL celebrates the Centenary of the First Tran-Tasman Radio contact between Australia and New Zealand. Again until December 31 and speaking of VK100ZL, a special event callsign ZL100 has been issued for 3 months to the NZART to commemorate the event, commencing 26 April 25 July. -------------- SPRATLY ISLANDS. DX 0 NE until Tuesday May 9. Activity on 160 to 10 meters using CW, SSB, and FT8. QSL via IZ 8 CCW. (eHam) -------------- Listen for the special event callsign A 60 AP, which is on the air until the 31st of August. The suffix stands for the Emirates "Astronaut Program," which prepares crews of UAE astronauts for missions that include the International Space Station. QSL via EA7FTR. (ARNewsLine) -------------- -------------- INDIA Special event station AT2 G20 is QRV until June 2 to promote greater international cooperation through amateur radio in conjunction with the G20 summit to be held in New Delhi September 9 and 10. QSL via operator's instructions. (arrl) -------------- -------------- DR 100 XRAY will be active until the end of June. It's a special callsign commemorating the 100th anniversary of the death of Wilhelm C Roentgen [ pronounced RUND-GUN], the physicist whose discovery of X-rays earned him the inaugural Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 and revolutionised diagnostic medicine. QSL via the bureau, or direct to DJ 6 SI. (rsgb) ------------------------------------------------------------* BOOK REVIEW Amateur radio operator and intelligence studies professor at Charles Sturt University, Dr Hank Prunckun (VK5XB), has had a book on "spy radio" published. As we know, secret intelligence operations that used covert radio methods did not end when the Berlin Wall fell. Radios are still utilised by spies operating in denied areas and by various underground groups. This is because intelligence officers who serve overseas under non-official cover and the agents they recruit need to communicate with those directing their mission. Operations officers need reliable yet secret channels to receive instructions and send back data; their agents need the same methods to ask questions as issues arise, so these urgent matters demand dependable equipment. While operatives who work from embassies under official cover have the luxury of using secure computer links to transmit their cables, those under non-official cover need other devices. This is where Hank's book finds its audience. Titled Espionage Black Book Seven: Spy Radio Explained tinyurl.com/bdcsrh9z Hank posits that although the theory of secret communication is straight-forward, covert communications systems are technically advanced. Accordingly, to understand the topic, Hank takes the reader through the scientific basics of radio spycraft. Released in April by Australian publisher Bibliologica Press, his book is available from any online bookseller. ------------------------------------------------------------* WORLD WIDE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWS SUMMITS ON THE AIR, WORLD WIDE FLORA, FAUNA PROGRAM, PARKS ON THE AIR and other ADVENTURE GROUPS. hema.org.uk/index.jsp minesontheair.com/about-mota parksontheair.com/ sota.org.uk sotawatch.sota.org.uk/en/ facebook.com/SotaAustralia/ wwffaustralia.com/ Where has Australia's commitment to International Marconi Day been parked? Well in the US and one PARK in particular they commemorated and celebrated that day in 1903 when the first public two-way wireless communication occurred between the United States and Europe. A message from President Theodore Roosevelt was sent to King Edward VII from the South Wellfleet site, now preserved within the Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts. For International Marconi Day 2023, the Marconi Cape Cod Radio Club activated the site with their club call sign, KM1CC. Their event featured a special guest, the Director of the US National Park Service Charles "Chuck" Sams III. The Director operated third party from the site for a scheduled QSO with W 1 AW, the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station at ARRL Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut. During the 40-meter QSO, Sams relayed his appreciation for the history of the site, stating, "This historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its global importance in communication history." He also noted his time in the United States Navy and how critical it was to have two-way radio communications from ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship. (eHam) WORLD WIDE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWS ATV (Every pixel tells a story) - tinyurl.com/WIA-News-Videos THAT LINK IS A VIDEO VERSION OF THIS NEWS COMPILED BY VK5BD BEVAN SSTV Transmissions from ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY May 7-13. Here is a chance to go for an award in the SSTV award program with the ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY satellite! the Schedule is: Start of SSTV transmission: Today 07 May 00:00 UTC End of SSTV transmission: May 13, 2023 00:00 UTC. Frequency of MCA "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY" 437.850 MHz GMSK 2k4 USP FEC, GMSK 4k8 USP FEC, GMSK 9k6 USP FEC, SSTV; Telemetry of the MSC "ORBICRAFT-ZORKIY" - r4uab.ru/satdb/orbicraft-zorkiy/ In the 6 days, the satellite will broadcast 6 (six) different images in Robot 72 mode. To receive a diploma, at least 3 (three) of any images must be received and decoded. Each image must be received at least 70% and have an acceptable quality, the logo and call sign of the satellite must be distinguishable. For image decoding, it is recommended to use RX-SSTV or Robot36 software. An application for a diploma is sent to e-mail. radioamateur@sputnix.ru (ans) WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - FINAL FRONTIER AMSAT-VK Secretary - secretary@amsat-vk.org XW-2A Satellite Decays The popular linear transponder satellite XW-2A has decayed from orbit some 8 years after being launched in September 2015. The record distance achieved on XW-2A was a transatlantic QSO between EA 4 NF in Spain and VE 1 CWJ in Nova Scotia - a distance of 4,751 km. (ANS) For nearly 27 years the Japanese Fuji-3 Oscar 29 satellite remains the most widely used linear transponder satellite and an ideal starting point for beginners. However, the period of permanent illumination of the solar panels powering OSCAR-29 is over again. For now the transponders will be powered up each morning, and will run until the solar panels receive too little light. (irts) WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- VHF AND ABOVE. NEW WORLD DISTANCE RECORD ON 430 MHz The day after Christmas 2022, Bernie van der Walt, ZS4TX contacted Thomas Worthington, NH6Y on Maui Island, Hawaii on the 430 MHz band. They used Q65, a digital mode from the WSJT suite of protocols, with signals reflected off the moon. The contact was confirmed on the Logbook of the World, along with previous contacts on 50 and 144 MHz. Tom had also worked Bernie on 144 MHz when Bernie was 7P8Z in Lesotho. Hawaii is very close to being antipodal from South Africa. After a series of enquiries, it has become evident that the distance of 19,054 km is a new world record, beating the 1989 record of Ian White, G3SEK (now GM3SEK) and Graham Alderson, ZL3AAD by about 84 km. Graham had incrementally improved the record from 1985 to 1989 with several contacts into Europe. Bernie ZS4TX is pursuing the ultimate goal of a DXCC award on the 70CM band. He's already confirmed contacts with almost half of the required 100 countries. (sarl) ------------------------------------------------------------* 2023 Social Scene Clubs are welcome to submit text with audio for this section Details of all WIA affiliated clubs and societies can be found on the WIA website, including email addresses and website links. Just a couple of weeks back we told you of the VK5 SARC sellathon well that club sure has been working hard, not only catering for those with 'moths' in their purses but those making contact with the clubs repeaters, here is Nathan, VK5DAD from the SCARC. Our 70cm repeater and APRS digi-peater have both had a call sign change from VK5RSC to VK5RSV. Our 2 meter repeater Vk5RSV on 146.675 now has a sub tone of 91.5 on TX and RX. Our IRLP is currently having an over haul and will be back up ad running on the 2m vk5RSV repeater in the future. 73 all Nathan Vk5dad from the SCARC NEXT WEEKEND VK - WIA AGM May 13 at 10:30am AEST70 Canberra (vk8zz) A hybrid event conducted both in person and by video conference and able to be viewed on an internet streaming platform. Celebration of the Centenary of Organised Amateur Radio in Tasmania all of June with a special WIA News Service from VK7 June 18 VK2 - OXLEY REGION 47th Annual Field Day at Wauchope 10th and 11th of June (vk2zhe) VK5 - SERG CONVENTION/FOX HUNTING CHAMPIONSHIPS also June 10-11 (vk5dj) VK4 - SUNFEST SEPTEMBER 9 (vk4an) At Mountain Creek State Schools massive air conditioned auditorium, just off the Sunshine Motor Way. Mountain Creek is tucked in to the west of Mooloolaba VK - ALARAMeet2023 4/5 November in HOBART (luther8@bigpond.com) VK3 - Rosebud RadioFest at Eastbourne Primary School Sunday, November 12 (vk3pdg) The Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Club proudly present their tenth Rosebud RadioFest, to be held at the Eastbourne Primary School on Sunday, November 12th, 2023. The Rosebud RadioFest is one of Australias premier Amateur Radio events, and features a vast range of fascinating exhibits, all contained in the auditorium area. Outside you can view other related exhibits. As always, a wonderful programme of educational forums will be held in the rooms adjacent to the auditorium. Our major door prize draw will take place at 12 pm, with many great prizes up for grabs. The Rosebud RadioFest is fully catered, and a sit-down caf area is available. There is plenty of parking, all free. Doors open to the public at 9:30 am. Entry is still just $6.00 per person and under-12s free of charge. Tables are available at $10 each and can be booked online at our RadioFest webpage rosebudradiofest.com Enquiries may be made to Mark, VK3PDG on 0407-844-063. Regular updates can also be found on our Facebook page, as well as the Hamfests Australasia Groups Facebook page. This Rosebud RadioFest will be conducted according to all current Covid guidelines. I am Andrew, VK3CAH, on behalf of the Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Club VK5 - Amateur Radio Experimenters Group Radio & Electronics Sale November 26 (vk5qi) Reception Reports WIA News rebroadcasters often give Short Wave Listeners a welcome to the broadcast as they commence call-backs straight after the Local News. Local news follows National news in all states. It would be great if those SWL's would email their reception reports and location to callbacks@wia.org.au Submitting news items If you would like to submit news items for possible inclusion in the VK1WIA broadcasts, please email your item in text to nationalnews@wia.org.au and don't JUST send url's links or posters, but take the time to pen YOUR contribution. To submit audio, email nationalnews@wia.org.au and send BOTH the audio and the text We would appreciate items certainly no longer than 1.5 mts in length as we only have a half hour. Remember the sooner you submit material the more the likelihood of it being broadcast in the very next edition of WIA National News. Each recorded 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 it in the 3rd person. (First if YOU are reading your own item). If you are mentioning your own name / call in the story, say something like "and myself, Pat, vk11abc" Promote your local rebroadcast; details on wia.org.au/members/broadcast/contribute/ A reminder when supplying HamFest info we obviously can't plug DEALS from commercial traders "on air", but we at the WIA will put your supporters 'goods' in this text edition "no worries." We will not give blatant 'plugs' to raffles, be it raffles at the event or "on-line". ------------------------------------------------------------* Oh... and to contact us with your news because If It Matters To You It Matters To Us! Click the links below to download the most recent edition of National News, BUT this is ONLY the backup site! WIANEWS backup thanks to Brendan VK4BLP can be found on wiaq.org.au BACKUPS OF THE BACKUP!! thanks to Tony VK7AX www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/ wia.org.au/members/broadcast/wianews/ (This is the link to the original text version and original audio on wia site) ------------------------------------------------------------* WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide. TWITTER twitter.com/VK1WIA Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed prior to the actual broadcast date, e-mail nationalnews@wia.org.au Call-backs follow the RF editions, but also for text readers you may lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who knows, you might even get a "cheerio call". Thanks to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who utilize their time and equipment in bringing you this weekly broadcast. Who and where are they? wia.org.au/members/broadcast/where/ Promote your local rebroadcast; details on wia.org.au/members/broadcast/contribute/ The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of interest to WIA affiliated clubs and active amateurs residing in Australia and the globe. We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of Australia and participation in the activities of local clubs. Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who submit material and do not necessarily reflect those of the rebroadcasters, nor the National WIA, but IF broadcast, are done so in the spirit in which they were submitted." If you would like to see the call-backs reported each broadcast, OR have call-backs to contribute to the National News call back tally then please send through your call-backs to callbacks@wia.org.au How do I join this National News List? (subscribe for an automatic weekly feed.) Email to vk1wia-news-join@lists.wia.org.au from the email account that you wish the emails to go to. How do I leave this National News List? (unsubscribe your weekly feed) Open mail program which sends mail from the address you want to unsubscribe from. Send unsubscribe to the list unsubscribe address vk1wia-news-leave@lists.wia.org.au You will be sent a confirmation mail and must follow the instructions given in that mail to complete the unsubscription. Once your unsubscription has been processed, you will probably receive a message confirming your unsubscription from the list and at that point you should stop receiving messages. ---------------