QRM
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TASMANIAN =
AMATEUR
RADIO
Bulletin issued by the North, North West and
Southern Branches of the Wireless Institute
of Australia, Tasmanian Division.
> P.O. BOX 275
;| MAY 1980 VOLaM. 10 2 LAUNCESTON.
TAS - 17250
MEETINGS - South 7th May; North 9th May; Nortr West 13th WMay.
EDITORIAL - From the Northern Branch President.
QRM started as a bulletin distributed to Nortr and North-West WlA member-.
It's role was to help us get to know each other better and to 1nrorm otners of
our activities. I believe 1ts prime role 1s still in this cirection. lts
state-wide distribution allows 1t to be a vehicle to dissemlnate other i1nformatior
nowever 1 belleve Northern Branch members want to Keep 1t securely uander thelr
wing, however 1t appreciates peing able to help to keep all VK7's 1n touch.
In the North we see our major goal this year to pe attracting those who aré
presently not participating to take part 1n our activities.
This we hope to do by: .. Makling meeting activities more meaningful. A
short business meeting will pe conducted eacr montr
however major discussions will .,
pe nheld gquarte:
as decided last year. All meetings will, nowever,
include some activity.,
2. Attention will pbe Jiven to improving the clurl
station.
3. More facilities will pe prov}ded in the ~lubrooms.
4. A membership drive will pe instituted.
However there 1s scope for everyone to help. Committee meetings are nela
on the first Friday of each month. You are welcome to come, throw in 1deas and
nelp.
Wwill you help to make the Northern Branch more active? )
73 /&, £_.»
-
V&I
orthern Branch Notes,
The april meeting of the northerrn oranch took place at their Zlubrooms,
‘4 3ourke Street, on Friday l1lth, /ith 27 members and two visitors present, a
welcome was extended to Jan Harper, who vassed the last N,A.C,C.P, 2xam and is
nov 3porting the callsign WT'JN. Conrratulations also go to Peter Butler, VK7VPB
on passing his L,A.(,%.P, exam in Tebruary, and to 0scoe Zrawford "¥7NSC, for
being successful in the A.c.’.F. exam of the same month,
The President VW7 -~ointed out to *“he meeting the format that ~n 1l follow
far Rranch meetings, i.e. the 7 montuly business meetings will remain, and that
the other meetings mll contain limited business plus orzanised activities,
.ectures, etc, T™e 3-monthly dSusiness meetings will also contain some form of
activities, similar to the other month,
Just when we thought that the matter of heating and extra vower points for
the clubrooms had been sorted out, the Launceston City Council dropned the clanger
stating that they would not fund the necessary work due to the low remt that we
cay. To this end, the executive 1s following up other avenues to get this work
done as a matter of urgency.
Advice has been received from Tandy Electronics in Launceston that they are
offering discount cards to “orthern Branch members, Tf you would like to take
advantage of their offer, then contact the 3ecretary, Andre VK7AE, for details,
The meeting concluded 7ith three lectures, the first by Andre VV7AE, on
the subject of operating on FF DX, with the empnasis on statiom location, time of
year, etc, The second lecture was given by 3rian VK7ZBY, on Project ASERT,
nointing out the aims of the nroject, and “inishing with a Jescription of his
ASERT momitoring station at the Launceston Airport, Pinally Joe VETJG, presemted
us with a talk on an A,T.U., similar *o the one used by the Branch club station
TINB,
"he lecture for next month will be one for the A,T.V. fans, as well as
for the uninitiated. Bob 3rant VV7ZRF, is zoing to tell us all about this
interesting subject, sc if vou rish %o expand your knowledge further, don't miss
this lecture, 72
, Brian VF7ZEBY.
ese00> J.D. ELECTRONICS %Y.,
64 Wentworth Street,
NEWSTEAD
Suppliers of Yaesu Amateur equipment, Test Gear and all
Accessories. Antennae and Fittings. Novices check
us now for @ really good deal
Northern Branch iquipment Store,
The Northern Branch 3tore 1s investigatimg the possible interest in providing
in kit form the excellent DJ7VY Tideband pre~amp which appeared im Bditiom 1/1978
issue of VHF COVMMUNICATIONS,
To give you an idea of how good this pre-amp is, the actual measured test fig,s
are shown, Bob Grant VK7ZRF has built this pre-amp and can vouch for the fig,s,
DJTVY PRE~-AMP TxST FIGURES,
FREQDBECY, ACTUAL MEASURED GAIK,
100 Mhz 16 db
]‘.A-O " 1'7 "
200 " 8
300 " 17 »
420 " 17 "
430 " 16,5 db
45¢ 15 db
If sufficent interest is shown in this kit, steps will be taken to produce same,
The kit will be complete iown “¢ “1c La"* mu* and bolt,
All enouires amd orders shoul! be made %o the northern branch store via v.o. box
275 Launceston, or tc *“he =zqupmen* store mamger David Bailey VK7YY,
Northern Branch Clubrooms,
W AN T 5 D
The northern branch 1s looking for a refrigerator for its club roams to help
loock after the liquid interest,s of its members, If you have an old ome you mo
longer require, then the northern branch would like to here from you.
WAOLQD Conmtacts,
Jerrie WA6LCU who visited VK7 on the USS Emterprise 3 years ago, semds his best
wishes to all the VK7,s he met and SO,ed when the Eiterprise was in Hobart and
states it was ome of the high lights of his days in the U,S, navy., Jerrie has asked
that it be passed about that he is often on 28 NMhz around 0200/0300 Z amd would
like to meet up with hams in VK7 again, so all you operators on the 10 Meter band
keep an ear open for WA6LCU.
evine News,
is that Graham Rand VK7AQ has at last fowmd another imterest
other than electromics. We believe, as did a lot of other people, that we would
never see the day, but Graham has taken the first step, by gettimg himself
emgaged, Congratulations Graham to you and your fiancee,
SOUTHERN BRANCH NOTES.
The next meeting for the Southern Branch will be held at S.E.S.
Headquarters in Melville St. on Wednesday May 7th., starting time
8pm sharp. As with the previous meeting, the format will be a cut-
down format to allow a shortened meeting time. Thiswill allow a
longer coffee break ie natter session; and more time for the
lecture / film top%c. This month a talk will be given by Neville
Brown from 7HFC-FM, provided this date suits him. While on the
topic of meetings, it is anticipated that a film will be shown at
the June meeting - or rather a videotape, of the 7JIRL dxpedition,
where something like 5000 contacts where made in one weekend.
Ian VK7ZZ, has started the new USEFUL SB library by donating
a book. Other books are to be purchased, and a few retrieved from
the now defunct Divisional library. Any suitable donations are
more tham welcome,; please contact our librarian. Also, any suggestion
as to what should be included will be appreciated.
One topic that will be included at the next meeting is a
discussion on suitable meeting places, should the present one
continue to prove not entirely satisfactory. Any ideas - please
bring them along.
The equipment store SB, has a complete and exhaustive list
of all goods presently carried elsewhere in this edition of QRM. It
is to be hoped that members will read this 1list very carefully -
Paul has put a great deal of work into the store - due to this,
a lot of the items are very competitively priced. Paul is usually
to be found at home after 4pm. most days - phone 287246.
He has also available now from the store some books - copies
of the current ARRL handbook, a VHF/UHF Manual, and also
Two Cubical Quad, by W.I.Orr.
The WAGS barbeque underwent a metamorphosis and became a SES-
WICEN exercise also last Sunday (20th) at Mt. Field National Park.
The exercise was a success, however it threatened to turn into a
reality with the disappearance of no fewer than 9 harmonics fairly
late in the day. Fortunately they were found - having suffered no
more than varying degrees of fright and some very tired sore feet.
They were however lucky the day was not colder.
The next WAGS function is a Bingo/Games night in the beginning
of July - the 4th. Venue at presemt not certain, but fireworks
will be permitted for those of American descent!
Se Vk‘lzsu/wsu
WANTED
ONE 30 uA, 1500 ohm METER.
Please notify Barry VK7NBA Ph. 485125. )
WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA
SOUTHERYBRANCE
STORE
Article Price
Resistor 10 - 3M Ohm
Potentiometer 1K5 -« 3M3 Ohm «50
Potentiometer Trim 10K - 10 Turm 1,00
Capacitors - Ceramic, Polyestor 2,.3PF - 0.22 MFD 11
Tag Tants 1 - 10 MFD 35
Electrolytic Capacitor Packs 2,00
Capacitor Trim - 65PF «50
Ass, Feed Thru Capacitors .03
Diodes 1N914 - 75V
1N4007 - 1000V .12
BYX48 - 300VR 2.00
BYX48 - 300V 2,00
Standard L.E.D., Green
Diode Bridges MDA3504 - 400V 354 4,00
Transistors NSB 319 .24
283819 J fet - ft=hz
2N3904 NPN gen, purpose amp/switch to 100Mhz/100mA <10
2N5086 <45
BF-200 NPN - VEF amp ft = 550 Mhz .70
NSD=202 PNP - 8w power or audio
MPS=3702 PNP gen. purpose 500mi
BC=547B gen. purpose
BC-308B
2N3055 gen. purpose
RF Power SRF 1076 - 470MHz 4W
SRF 1077 - 470MHz 10W
Integrated Circuits LMT741 .45
LM555/NE555 .45
LM380 1630
NE5564 1,98
IM3900 1.60
M709 .85
LM111 4.37
e s A
G 1u .60
Voltage Regulators LM723 75
LM317T 3,30
LM340-5 1.60
78L15 = 15V 100MA
78L12 - 12V 100MA +65
7812 = 12V 1 amp 1s2C
I.Cs Sockets 8 pin e25
I.C. Sockets 14 pin «30
Mounting kit = to suit 2N3055 (mica & bushes? +30
Heat Sinks 10
Balun Cores 15
F29 Slugs 12-200MHz .12
Coil lan Retaining Clipe .05
Coil Aluminium Cans .10
Crocodile Clips (small) 15
Neosid Coil Formers (small) w12
Basses (small) » 12
Bases (double) .18
Sockets and Plugs: PL259 Large Hole 1.00
PL259 Small Hole 1.00
50239 Large Hole Mounting 1.50
50239 4 Small Hole Mounting 1,00
502%9 Double Female 1,00
V.H.F. Plug Bases «90
Double Pole Push/Pull Switiches 1.50
Copper (Fibre-glass) Circuit Board:
Single sided 300 x 300mm 4,00
Books: Australian Call Books 2,95
Novice Rotes 1000 questions 3,00
W.l.A. Neck Ties 1.00
Coax - RG8 = 4/U 50 Ohm (per metre) 1.70
Style 'D' Crystal Sockets .10
ANY ENQUIRIES TO CONTACT VK7ZEA/NBEA
36 Gormanston Hoad, MOONAH, 7009 or Phone
Eol 02 - 28 7246
NORTH WEST NOTES by JIM TK7NOw
The meeting was held at Clut Headquarters on April 8 and it is pleasing to
note the continued large attendance, %% in all.
MINUTES of the last meeting were read by the Secretary and confirmed.
CORRESPONDELCE = A letter was received from the Forestry Commission advising their
approval for the lease of a site on their property at Mt. Duncan in the Dial Range,
as a site for the new ATV and VHF Repeaters.
A letter was received from the P and T Department, setting out details of
requirements for the repeaters.
GENERAL - At the conclusion of the lunch break at the Mini Ham Fest at Port Sorell,
a very nice presentation was made to Max VK8MX, who is regretfully leaving the
district. lMax also won the raffle, which, would you believe was a Digital Watch,
80 with the Ham Clock, Max now really has "Time on his Hands",
NEW CALLS - Ivan Ling VK7NOA/ZCA and Vince Henderson VKTNVE now have full calls,
Andrew, an Associate, now nas a limited call,
REPEATERS = A4 report on the new ATV Repeater was given by Tony, VKTAZ, It was
announced that Jim VKTN(W had donated the large Solar Panel to be used to keep
the batteries charged.
Peter, VK7Bg, gave details on the 2M VHF repeater and outlined details for
the initial testing to be held on Saturday May 12.
Itean be said that the tests were a complete success, A party lead by
Winston, VKTEM, carried all the equipment to the transmitter site - no mean feat.
Pictures varying in strength, were received over an area from Burnie to
Latrobe - all t-is on Low Power too! With the equipment finally installed, excellent
results can be expected.
QSL DEPARTMENT - Don VK7NDP advised that this section is operating smoothly.
TARC 1980 = Don has got details well in hand,
COUNCIL - Ivan VK7NOA/ZCA spoke briefly on the AGM, and discussed the result of
the Council meeting.
Ivan stated that QRM is running at a loss and discussed ways that this may
be overcome, He also discussed some comments made by Northern members to over-
come this.
CHAIRMAN - told the meeting about a phone call from Andrew VK7AW, regarding some
arrangements for a police/wicen exe-cise scheduled for June. It was decided to
refer this matter to Inspector Lello at Burnie, to see what course of action be
taken,
ACTIVITY - At the conclusion of General Business, Steve VK7Z Silver MIC, gave an
illustrated lecture on Heat Sinks, which included such matters as temperature
difference, heat flow, thermal resistance etc. Steve was thanked for his effort.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a delicious supper was served by the
Devonport members.
This wraps it up for another month.
73 Jim VEKTNOW
Amateur Advisory Committee
The second meeting far the year of the Committee was held on the
19th April. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and
confirmed, Business arising- action has finally been taken,in
another state,to stop the long standing abuse of the Regulations
by a particular Amateur,
The normal channel of action is for & letter from the AAC
be sent to an offendiny station,or if in another state to that
state's AAC, If this feils the Committee can go to P&T Super-
intendent for him to take action. In the above case it took
two Telex messages from the Superintendent(Tas) to get results,
A local matter relates to a recent WICEN exercise. It was
reported that apparently cross band contacts were made to non-
Amateur frequencies due to technical problems. No action will
result from this as it was decided that the overcoming of
communication problems,such as experienced,was part of the
exercise.
Another matter brought up should be noted by Branches
now that they all have Station licences. These station operate
under club conditions,and while this allows non licence holders
to operate the station,the log should be endorsed by the licenced
operator supervising for each session., Of course the station
should only be operated under conditions appropiate to the operator
or supervising operator' licence,
l A date for the next meeting was set but due to a clash with
a Zoucil meeting it may be changed.
P.D.FRITH VKT7PF
AO9 - Amsat Oscar
This is the name to be used for the next Amateur satellite
due to be launched May 23 between 1100-1400 hrs. UTC from French
Juiana. Refer to the article in ®eb. AR for basic information.
The final testing puts the General beacon om a frquency of 145.8046
mhz. and the Engineering beacon on 145.9834 mhz. The 435 mhz.
translator receiver will probably have a working NF of about 4 db,
requiring 500-1000 watts ERF at maximun height with a right
hand circular polarised aerial. A RHC aerial is also needed for
ground reception on 2 ¥. Don't let the high power requirement
put vou off thinkine about using AO9. The height when around
our lattitude will be arourd 11 000 km.100W ERPi.,e. 10W with 10
db gain aerial- will sive us about 13 000 km. maximun range.
The input to the satellite will be centred on 43%5.215 mhz.
with the output centred on 145.9 mhz. with a b/w of 180 khz.
The launch will be broadcast by WAGGFY using 28 8380 or
24 280 or 14 280 khz.. As well W1AW will give out bulletins
on normal broadcast frequencies., After lainch do not try to use
the translator until the final orbit is achieved in 2-3 weeks.
‘hecx the beacon on 145.8046 for information via CW or RTTY
bulletins as listed in Feb AR. VZTPF
opera;orb57 ' Mike VK7MC is
Where are all the 2 Meter S.8.B.
home listening to the north-west
becoming frustrated. He sits at
to Danny~VK7DA. Is everyone
beacon. He occesional gets to talk
the band too?
else just listening on this part of
~ ADVANCED ELECTRONICS
H
58A THE QUADRANT, LAUNCESTON, TASMANIAN, 7260 - P.0O.BOX 328 - PHONE: 31 7075
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| AUNCESTON 7250
TAS
IN STOCK FOR 1MMEDIATE DELIVERY.
ICOM 1IC240 2 Meter FM Transceiver. 2265.00
HEATHKIT Bi-directional Wattmeter 100Mhz-IGhz $220,00
Drake 6 Meter low pass filter £30.00
Aircraft scanning receiver four channels fitted gI80.00
AWA I8 channel SSB CB Transceivers 290.00 each
Marine transceivers 27.88 mhz (two) $45.00 each
Two meter movbile aerials Scalar pY.50 - .5/78°
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Coax Cable RG2I3 RG58CU Connectors £?0vae{€ )
RADIO equipment EX DCA
Variable Capacators Transformers RF Finals suitable for
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36363% 3 9 36 96 3 I 9 I I I I I I I S I I I I I I I I K 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I3 I I I I I I I I H I I I KK II X
VHF Notes by Joe VK7JG
During March Peter H44PT worked into Venezuela, at about the
same time during a ZL/W5 opening Tony VK7TW heard WB50HF on
50,110 Mhz but because of conditions no QSO on 52 Mhz,
Vk'/TW also heard K6HCP on 30 March, but because the the MUF
didnt rise apove 51 Mhz the American was worked by ZL's but
not VK's which seems to be the normal conditions.
In April the MUF began to rise as ZL/VK television audio was
heard several times in W land as well as Mexico. XEIGE Geoff
in Mexico almost had a contact with Tony VK7TW, Tony heard
Geoff calling ZL40Y on 50,100, he then called Geoff on 28.885
and had him listen on 52,005 he heard Tony but conditions
were not good enough to exchange a signal report. However both
Geoff and Tony are trying every morning at 2200 GMT.Again on the
8th April Geoff was heard by Tony and worked by VK2BA.
Other 6 Meter DX so far during April has been ZL to VEI,ZL to
C6ACY in the Bahamas, ZL to W4,W5,and XEI so you can see that
there would be plenty of DX if we had the lower portion of the
6 Meter Band. 7 April VK2/3/4 worked into KG6 at 2300 Gmt.
Continued.
VHF notees continued,
Beacon News.,
3 April 256 beacon heard in VK6,the same day that 256 heard the
5B4CY beacon on 50.498 Mhz,and to confuse the matter even more
VK5/6 heard the 5B4CY bpeacon as well,
4 April FY7FH 50.038 was heard in South Africa.
VEISIX beacon on 50,088 was heard in VK2 during april.
W7KMA peacon was heard by VK7KJ during Marcn so Tom has since
moved his beacon up to 51.793. The new beacon was heard for some
time around 2400 GMT on the 2nd April in VK2/3 area.
Tom's beacon runs 20 watts into a four eilement yagi directed
toward VK/ZL area.
Y th April VK7TW / VK2B4 heard XEIGE on 50.1 Mhz vut no QSO.
I0 th April VK7JG heard XEIGE 539 at 22232 worked by VKZ2BA.
KH6EQI beacon Heard oy Tony VK7TW 589 KH6IAA contacted on
28.885 but due to numerous JA stations on the pand KH6 could not
hear Tony.
At 0938 VK7DA/JG worked VK@AMF on 52.050
II April once again XEIGE was heard by VK7TW at 2330 in gqso with
VK55V ... XEIGE was sending on 50.09Y5 and heard Tony VK7TW on
52.003 but because of poor signals at 52 Mhz no contact was made.
(try tomorrow).
Z1 worked into Peutro Rica KP4EIP and Mexico as well as the States.
At 2218 ZL Television was ten over nine in W6.
I2 April Very little nappened, although VK< reports hearing
stateside stations none were worked.
At 0640 ZS6LN in South Africa was copying the KHOEQI beacon 539
for apout an nour. KH6IAA tried to work ZS6 although he was
running 50 times more power than the beacon no contact was made
due to his QTH being some 200 miles south of the Beacon., This
just goes to show why VK2/3/4 work a lot more DX than we do in VKY
I3 April Very little activity at 1930 the YV5ZZ beacon was heard
in ZL, 2113 ZL2/4 worked XEIGE 2122 TI2 bpeacon heard in VK4.
2218 721 worked Wé6.
I4 April 1930 Z ZL4 worked into KP4 W4 and NP2
2300Z XG6 Guam worked into VK4/2
2330 XEIGE heard working into VK3/5 signals peaked to twenty
over nine Geoff was so0 strong that you could hear his carrier
leakage. At 2341 He was worked by VK7JG, TW, LZ all 5/9
reports. Strang as it may seem no other signals from outside
Australia could be heard at the time.
The following day Geoff was again heard by VK7JG but no contact
made.
16 April KH6EQI beacon heard 539 at 0956Z, since then things
have been very quiet.
Two Meters VK7DA has almost two pages of VK3/% worked on
2,6,7Ccm, cduring the very good inversions we experienced
during the month .
Best of DX 73 till next month
Joe VK7JG
STATE NEWS Reg Emmett VK7KK
Council Meeting
17th May, 1.00 p.m. Ivan Lings, VK7ZOA, North Motton
2lst June, Reg Emmett, VK7KK, Launceston
Aprils' meeting was a six hour session = thanks to Sue Morgan for
providing a welcome meal.
Remember, visitors are welcome to Council meetings = they aren't to
be thought of as"closed meetings."
Broadcasts
Council has suggested that a variation in broadcast organisation be
tried as a means of improving distribution and collection of news. Instead
of the weekly rotation it is suggested that the South accept responsibility
for May, North-West for June and North for July.
Where broadcasts from one area follow each other in this manner it may
facilitate experimentation with format.
Divisional Officer
A number of positions remained unfilled after the A.G.M. Members are
being approached to fill positions of VHF, Education and Intruder Watch Officers.
Peter Frith, VK7PF, has agreed to continue as Repeater Co-ordinator and
Graeme Johnson VK7GD as Awards Manager. Brian Morgan VK7RR is to be P & T
Liason Officer.
Devil Award
Ten awards have been given to 21lst April. One each to Germany, Japan and
North America, the rest to VK7's.
Remember to keep the publicity going.
UHF Repeaters
As was mentioned previously all other states received a donation of a
number of VHF transceivers from Phillips. VK7 was missed off the map again,
but Council is actively chasing two avenues for procuring some units suitable
for 70cm repeaters,
Licence Issuing
In a recent QRM I stated that P & T were issuing licences over the
counter in Hobart. This system is not qguite ready to go yet - apologies
for setting your hopes high! It won't be long.
NOVICE NOTES VKT7TNAGEG
After my first attempt in the March issue it does appear my pen pame was not
understood so the identity is given in case all those novices with a few bricks
to throw now know where to cast them.
Firstly your executive has decided to put ou a special night iu June to demonstrate
some of the activities of Amateur Radio. At least some positive actiom appeas-:
vo.e in tic pipeiimne with the aim of improved antenuas, iucludimg a beam and
rotator to be installed into our clubroom.
The activity on our last meeting was very w«ell attevded with at least six of
ur novices attending and interesving discussiouns took place to the beuc... of all,
With reference to the broadcas t on Sunday mmrmimgzit moraiang it will be on
28.350 Mcs toiiowed by a call back of those interested iv vakiag place. On
Sunday 20th April last the first broadcast took place in Launceston og this
frequency and on call back VK4NMP and VE4NJV of Brisbame reported 5/9 plus
as well as VK2DAE of Coogee also reporting signals. Unfortunately there was
a NIL report by locals- perhaps lack of knowledge. Those novices with 2 metre
receivers can still enjoy a talk back on cross band with VK7ZBY at the comclusioun
of the talk back on repeater 8.
Io case you have not heard the AOCP course is being sponmsered by the Adult Education
commencing on the I0th Jume. If you are interested iu updating your liceuse
telephone or Register with the A. E. C. in York St. Donmt delay..c.ccccvvee
. Congratulations to Jan Harper on receiving her call and statiom licemse. I am
still waiting to contach her on air and next time you call QRZ please wait a while
someone may be trying to catch up with you.
It may be a surprise to you all to know there are approximately 26 Novice operators
listed as being resident in Launceston. A few are active but in the main the
majority are QRT. Has interest gonme or could it be revived with a little persomnal
contact 7
If anyone has any ideas that may assist in & revival I would like to hear.
I am no Billy Graham (apologies to Mr Graham) but I would like to give it a go....
NAUGHTS AND CROSSES (VK7TNAC)
FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SAL
o
=
Ideal for Novices Bellcom Liner 10 Transceiver,
28,480 - 28,720 Mhz, including VXO, 12 watts BEP output
Not & coverted CB rig , Mint condition , as new § 125.00 QNQ.
Kenwood TS820 Including digial readout. Mint codition, approx 5 months
old, $ 850,00,
SP820 Extension speaker § 50,00
CYW217 Daiwa antenna coupler with power & SWR meter built-in to cover
1.8 = 30 Mhz, Direct coupling also built=in §135.
For all of the above apply to —: VK7NAB on phone (003) 317914,
One HY=-GAIN 2 element quad Model 24
all details to =~z Mz T, Bally
e '}C‘Awlsdl‘f?'-
"HISTCRICAL NOTES" by JIM VKTNOW
Historical Officer for Tas. Div., #.1.4A.
_ommencing next month = or when space is available, I propose to submit
some interestin~ articles on the Historv of Radio, both in Australia and
Overseas.
~
I nave a most fascinating story about "The Radio Friest" the Late Father
Shaw. I have in my possession, 2 hand written letter from Dr, dumble - now a
very old man - telling of the exploits of Fr., 3Shaw luring Jorld .ar ', This
even includes suspected murder,
To my knowledgze, no Electronics Journal in australia has ever printed this
story, so I am giving it to "R but I want copyright protection.
#lso in the story of Roy Corderman '7Z. - now 86 years old = the man who
rut the first broadcast station on the air in "SA - including full details of
his mobile installation - perhaps the first in the world, These iletails are
contained in a 4 page nanli written letter.
and finally some definite information to prove that Telsa and NCT Marconi,
was the father of radio.
Do you remember *he "Zenith .ransoceanic S/W Portable", In its day, it was
famous., I have an autographed account showing how it came to be developed by the
man who did it! Howard C, Lorenzen WTBI.
So if you are interested in some of the history of our hobby, I will do my
best to write some interesting articles.
vy 73
Jim VKT7NOW
F+S. 1f any readers ave any details of historical interest I would like them
to write to me,
#* F * ¥ * A F X & w FE K ¥ = o K * % + s R N R A ok KON K KK X K KX
WICEN NOTES from VKT7AW
Since the last JICEFN notes in March «aM, members of the Southern WICEXN
group nave assisted with communications at the Scout Association Regatta, held
at Snug Beach over the March long weekend. &4 good time wes had by all, and
some valuable experience was gained, especially by operators in the communica=-
tions caravan (courtesy of VK7HK) who at times had calls coming in to them
from three different directions.
By the time you receive this issue, the WAGS picnic at “ational Park will
have come and gone. The Regicnal Officer (South of the State Umergency
Service, Mr., Brian Brand, and several other officers of the S.E.S., have
accepted an invitation to inspect WICEN field equipment and operations durin:
that afternoon (April 20). An RTTY schedule has been arranged between Hobart
and National Park, and HF and VHF links will be established between the two
sites. Depending on the weather and the fitness of participants, there is also
a proposal to walk in a portable two-metre repeater to one of the nearer peaks
of Mt., Field National Park.
The experiments in underground communications continue. Thanks mainly to
the efforts of VK7's HY ani 2M, we now have two 1,8 MHz transverters, which will
be strapoed to the top of converted Gemtronics transceivers (operating om 10
metres and vill previde an output power of about 3 Watts pep., On Sunday May 4
WICEN NOTES Continued
the units will be taken underground during an outing with some Caving Club members
and Police S.a.R. squad members, It is noped that good 2-way communications can
be established with a base station at or near the cave entrance. The aerial for
the portatle rigs is a single turn of twin=flex (two turn loop, worn over the
shoulder and across the chest,
»ICE. wes recentl: invited to participate in tne juarterly Folice/Bush-
walking Federation .eetings, wnich are held to discuss matters concerned with the
involvement of volunteer groups in Zearch and sescue incidente, VKT7AW and VKTREK
attended. liatters discussed included such basic essentials as the types of
ration packs available for firld parties, updating of corntact lists, and the
organising of the S.a.1, Symposium, This Symposium is apparently held annually,
and this year tne venue is Launceston, the davte June ~,7 and 8., w~orkshops
are co- ducted on various aspects of :...2., activity, and WICEN was asked to lead
a workshop in radio communications. Anyone interested in attending the Zymposium
should contact VK74, or TK73K as soon zs possible, The cost is something miserable
about *2 per night for a bed.
e other meeting which I attenied as “ICEN repre-entative was the State
Disaster Communications rlanning Committee. There w s nothinz discussed at this
meeting (for the larch quarter of special concern for -ICEN, except that I am
using the meetings as an opportunity to xeer S.E.5. infeormel of our capabilities,
e.gs in cave communications, portable repeaters, etc, If anyone is interested in
more detai =, please contact me as I have complete records of all meeting attended,
as well as a copy of the Communications Sub-Plan of the State Disaster Plan.
Finally, new wICEN Co=-oruinators have been e.ected for the Northern and
North-Western Branches. Ken Kirkman, VK7ZKT and Bob Simpson, VK72JS, are the
respective office bearers. Thcse in the Morthern Branch who returned the
questionnaires of a year or so ago can expect to hear something in the very near
future. 4ny others who are thought to have the slightest interest in this area
will probably also be spoken tc. North Western members will be aware of some
movement, and Bob hes indicated that he will be giving more attention to WICEN
in about six months.,
# 4 A b ok F X K K s X X K K £ F R OK KR F K EF XX X R F R KK X XK KK R R K
DX NOTES from VK7LZ
Although there are still reports of Dipeditions it is unfortunate that in
this instance they will have become ancient history before these notes are being
read, if they all eventuate your log could read something like this -
April 13, TI9's from Cocas Island - This in fact did take place as they
were worked by 7BC on both 7 and 14 MHz,
April 16 Mount Athos, for 7 days by a group of SV's,
April 24 X6LPL/KH2 on Johnston Island.
The Gloriosa expedition which was due to commence operations on april 16 had
to ve cancelled due to the fact that permission to land on the island could not
be obtained from the French government,
PJ2FR is doe to operate from AVES island shortly. The previous attiempt was
aborted due to the Venezuelan navy landing the team on a different island in
error. (Guess someone forgot to turn the hour glass over).
During the xonth the C§ WFX contest attracted a lot of interest for the
SSB boys however there were very “ew Dipediticns active and generally it was a
non-event =z ‘=r as producing anyth.n. 2x0° ° [rom normal non-amateur countries,
DX Notes continued
TVMHz has produced some really good DX and VK7's have reported contacts with
VK9XT, YB2CR, HC1HC, 9M3AGT, YV3AGT, wATAGC, EAGHA several ZA8's, VE's, G's, GW's
plus FY, CA, P2, LU, HK, GI and CE - all on 3SB and all were «S50'ed between 060C
and 1100Z.
14MHz has shown plenty of activity being open to wmost of the continents
daily but I've had no reports of anything exceptional being SD'ed, the best I
noted were: D4CBC, -Viw/a, U2Ga, TZ44«S, 2L2UW/C, IL2BCF/L, 9GIUI.
21 MHz had plenty of openings to southern africa around 0500Z but they were
only the usual ZA, 9J and ZE regulars, CP6EL was also heard regularly in the
ANZA net.
Again 28MHz has been rather erratic, if you were there at the righttime you
could be lucky, to use an anglers expression "there was 2 lot of water between
the fish",
A22DwW, CN8CN, CT2CB, ZASEC, HBOLL, HV3SJ, HZ1HZ, CHOAV, OHBJR/OHO, SVIIW/A,
SVIJG/A, TIVCF, 4S7VZ, 4UINTU, 4U1UN, 4X4UE, 4X4VL, 7X4MD and a 9Y4 were amongst
the more interesting reported.
Chris A22DW is due to leave Botswana in July but has promised to put on a
VK7/AZ field day before he goes <RT to return to Tasmania.
TZ4A9S in Mali put on a special performance for VK & SZL's on two occasions
recently and was .SC'ed vy at least seven VK7's, CON6BC is his «SL manager and in
the past his returns have been very prompt so lets hope the massive stack of .Sl's
waiting for him on his return home won't discourage him too much,
ZL2BCF/A on Campbell Island was a good catch for some of our more recert
amateurs,
<ST advises that the country status of the Gilbert and Bllice Islands has
been changed for DXCC purposes however there will be no deletions or additions tc
the DACC listings and in the new DXCC countries list they will be shown as
follows: VR1, T3K - ~. KIRIBATI (gilbert znd Ccean Is.)
VR1, T3F - CE T. KIRIBATI (Br. Phoenix Is.)
VR3, T3L - 3, KIRIBATI (Line Is.)
73 & Good Dx
Col VKTLZ
FOOTNOTE = Zrom rrank VK7BC comes news that the Gloriosa expedition did finally
get unierwar on or around the 18 April under the call sign FROACC/G and that
from Gloriosa they are zoing to Comorios Island D68,
—_——m
FOR SALE FOR SAL: FOR 3ALE FOR SALZ FOR SALE
t
Info-Tech M300, trimode Keyboard, RTTV features, 4 speeds, AFSK &
FSK,
CilD, RY,Brown Fox,
Also lfodel 200Z Trimode Converter,
Both as new, half price,
VKTHV, JTHR,
Phone 002 284622,
Simple Audio Mizxer,
- 1f vour interested in audio work, then this mixer is for you. It,s as
simple as & mixer can be and yet will forfill mos* needs, The Lupeadancg,s
in and out are 600 ohbms., Thanks go to Bob Grant VK7ZRF for the informatiom.
e
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* TRS-80 Tractor Feed Printer &
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TRS-80 32K Business System. Approx-
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make this system ideal for many small
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larger businesses. The versatile
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Tractor Feed Printer uses continuous
stationary, or pre-printed forms such
as cheques and invoices
"HOME BREW" SCANNER for the I1C22S
Firstly I accept no credit for the design of this scanner, but I should
receive some praise for being game enough to construct the prototype., The
requirements which were decided on were as follows:
1. To scan only ten channels, as it was convenient to use only one 1C (CD4017
has 10 outputa) scanning the most common repeaters and snough to boot for a few
simplex.
NOTE - Scanning repeater and simplex, without playing with the offset, can only
be achieved in conjunction with the auto-simplexer, GQEM OCTOBER 1979 article by
VKTZAT,
2. Adjustable scan - hold time,
3. Visual indication - by use of a led for each channel. ( a led was con-
sidered easier to glance at while driving instead of trying to read a display).
4. Being able to TX on the channel to which the RX has =topped on without
having to operate the channel selector.
5. The ability to lock-out or over-ride a particular channel, (in case someone
is having a rag chew that you don't want to be subjectec 1o,
This unit is housed in a box the same size as the 225 by 25mm deep (one
inech for the old fashioned). It could be built into a much smaller box, but this
size was used to allow for future additions and expansions. (microprocessor?)
The front panel consists of 10 switches each with 2z led undernmeath. The box
was mounted directly to and underneath the 225 which was also fitted with the 24
pin accessory socket. (ex 1COM)
The layout is left to your own means as I used a chunk of vero-board, I
also made a new diode matrix although the existing one in the 225 could be used.
Operation
Position 23 on the selector switch is used to supply +9V to the scanner.
The CD4001 oscillator pulses the CD4017 to switch the ten outputs which timing
rate is varied by the IMR pot. (RV1)
The oscillator is stopped by the 74COC when it in turn is activated by the
+VE from the collector of 12 on receipt of a signal (or “rom the PIT) which also
has 2 variable time delay. INM pot (RV2)
The only minor problems that has been experienced iz that the scan will
'hold' on a channel that has been locked-out only if the mute is set too fine,
One other addition to the prototype is that one of the channels has been
wired to an 8 pin I.C. socket mounted to one side of the case. Into this plugs
an & pin DIL switch which enables me to program z particular channel without
opening the box and soldering in the necessary diodes.
his unit has been in operation for about 9-12 months without any ill-effects
to the unit or operator. VK7ZAT Adrian has also used is circuit and put the
scanner inboard in the 22S case without the lockout facility, removing the channel
dial and replaced it with a numbered display, (follow rticle may soon appear).
CANNER TO ST 1€225 DESIGN VKT7ZAo
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Home Brew Scanner for the IC225 continued
Pinally I suppose I must acknowledge the desizner Ivar VE7ZAC although he
did have inspirational help from one or two others.
* K ¥ X % K F K E ¥ £ w ¥ * £ £ F * # £ K ¥ F ¥ ¥ K & & & B & 4 F¥ X ¥ ® F F * #
"SCENE AND HEARD" by "EARWIC"
During the month of March, band conditions have beern particulary exceptional
mainly on the higher frequencies., On the 31 March, the =0 flux was 199, and
many stations above 25 Mhz, were heard including low powe: 2-way F.M. stations
in Malay/Filipino dialects on 31.200 Mhz at 0447z. 1 L8 many Radio Paging systems
AN am~
in America and Asia heard on 30.02 Mhz and 31.45 Mhz. 4t various times, several
low power Beacons can be heard on the ten meter amateur band., 3B8MS at Signal
Mount, Mauritius was heard for up to 10 hours. Listen on 28,210 Mhz at 0445z for
this continuous c/w beacon. Cthers have been heard: GE3SX on 28,213 Mhz, Salzburg
28,205, and DKOTE 28,2755, all heard at about 1120z, DLIGI incidentally was also
heard at 2249z, which is very unusual as European signals are not normally heard
at that hour on this band.
A new seasonal propagation period will be commencing from the first Sunday
in May. This will allow the broadcasters to make frequency alterations and pro=-
gramme changes in line with fluctuations in propagation. Many new outlete and
transmissions will be logged especially during the daylignt hours on the lower
frequencies. The higher frequencies will be dropping out mueh earlier.,
Radio Moscow's North American Service in English has been noted on 11,730 Mhnz
at 0300z, Programme content differs from their World Service format, concentrating
on propaganda to American audiences., Yet the transmitter on this channel isn't in
the USSR or Erope, but Cuba. The North American Service uses up to 16 channels
simul taneously, It is fair to good signal strength.
On the 17 March, the BBC World Service was heard on 28.230 Mhz at 1130z, This
is the only time I have heard this "birdie" and I suspect that it was & mistuned
transmitter for the BBC have very high technical standards as = rule.
Also logged this menth are Radio Vladivostock on 5.012 Fhz at 1000z, Sinpo
4543%4, Radio Pyongyang, N. Korea in English at 0945z on 2973 Ehz Sinpo 45434.
Trans World Radio, Monte Carlo on approx. 9.500 Mhz at 0700z with religous pro-
gramming in English.
Well that is all for this month. Don't forget to send your loggings to me
C/- Box 275, Launceston TAS. 7250,
73's DE "EARWIG"
#* Ok K % ¥ Ok KX ¥ X A O K OF K KR K K OF F K H K HE T R KX A K K R ®E R R
FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE TOR SALE
One HEATHKIT HA-14 HF LINEAR AMPLIFIER, 80 to 10 metres.
Features instant warm-up tubes (2 x 572B), built-in VSWE meter, and separate power
supply. This amplifier is =specified at 1000 Watts p inmput, but the ET has been
reduced so that an FT200 (or similer modern black boxes, will drive it to 400 Watts
pep output.
Price: $3E0 (or make a clos
Y o s & so
p \: Al or
</
“e¥e DRANCH A lWV, To3T from MI., _UNCaN held on 12
Stations at the transmitting site were sinston 7K7&l, Noel 7ZNS, Tan
TNNN, Wayne sibson, ctephen Russel and Solin sfuller. Hquipment comprised
a 3anyo .amera, VHF Comm, exciter and linear amplifier running 1-2W (yet
to be measured), 16 element broadside antenna and a 12V battery. With that
lot the party tock 1% hours to reach the summit and transmissions lasted
from 1100 = 150C hours.
l'obile receiving stations were [ony T7AX, Yartin TM¥ and Ian 7ZIE., CUther
fixed field stations were Ivan 73Z0A, Peter 73, Don 7NCF, Bruce T7NDY, Jim T7NOW
and Adrian 7ZAT.
It was generally agreed the exercise was very successful, pictures being
noise free on the whole and slight noise in the Devonport area.
From my contact
74X
¥ O£ X K X R OF X £ ox ok n % K o om X x A ko R OX K XX K X R xR R KX ¥ R
WANTED TC BUY, SELL AND TENDER
To Buy
2 Meter F.M. equipment (1) Transceiver with scanner facilities
preferred.,
(2) 2 Meter Linear
(3) 2 Meter Hi-Gain Yagi.
Contact ¥r. W.lM. Baily VKTNZ2Z Phone 002 64 1320
¥R R K K A X R R K
To Sell
2 RCA TM35 Picture saveform monitors $75
Contact Vr., David Chadderton VK7NAD/ZCT Phone 002 4% 87%6
* H Ho F K X K ¥ *
To Tender
Two section crank-up tower complete with guy ropes and turnbuckles.
One only rotator (KR400)
TH3 Junior Tri-band beam.
Will not break up and no tender necessarily accepted.
Contact Mr, H.E. Hewens VKTHE
4% Faulkner Road,
Launceston “hone 003 39 1863
BfiCK Pficé
PH. 31 1708 VK ELECTRONICS
VKIZNS [ NNS 57 WEST PARK GROVE BURNIE 7320
VK ELECTRONICS ARE PROUD To ANNOUNCE THAT WE
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