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AMATEUR
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RADIO
Bulletin issued by the North, North West and
Southern Branches of the Wireless Institute
of Australia, Tasmanian Division.
P.O. BOX 275
Registered for Posting LAUNCESTON
as a Publication, TAS.- 7250
Category B.
Price 4O~
MARCH 1979
VOL. 8 NO. 3
March 7 Southern Branch - SES Rooms Melville Street, - 8.00 p.m.
March 9 Northern Branch - Clubrooms, 4 Bourke St., - 7.45 p.m.
March 13 North-est Branch - Lakin's Hall, Ulverstone, - 8.00 p.m.
Page 2 SL Bureau Report Page 9
QRM Comment
2 "Scene and Heard" 9/10
Annual Report/Education
North-West Notes 11/12
Northern Branch Notes 3
Broadcast Roster 12/13/14
Membership-Annual Report 4
Southern Notes 15
Northern Branch - President's t Report 5
6 General 16/17
DX Notes
------ 7
State News
8
\
VHF Notes
Page 2
March 1979
Another fascinating (?) aspect of Amateur Radio that nobody bothers
about too much these days is the collection of the various award certificates.
Perhaps ita Deoauae no one really seems to know what are available or how
to obtain them., Col, ff7LZ has agreed to do a small article each month, dis-
cussing the requirements of some of these awards, a.,nd telling us how to win
the - good hunting! and thanks Col. •
It would appear that even with the unrest in Iran, people still think
we are going to have unlimited fuel, however being pessimists (fuel) we would
like articles on inverters, wind generators, alternative power sources etc.
than you,
e nearly won it! the RD Contest; to those who took part, thank you -
Next year, just a little more effort from a few more, and we can have the
trophy on the mantle piece.
To Annette, and her KIM Reg, VK7KK congratulations on the birth of their
son J.shley.
On a personal note, its time for me to vacate the Editors chair, and
give so•one else a chance. I've enjoyed working on @HM; to everyone who
has helped,particularly Joan Fudge, Mike Hennessy, Jim Davies, Bob Grant,
I wish to record ny thanks. Getting the notes on time makes things much
easier. To those who turned up each month to wrap and curse, I thank you
and look for.ard to helping you myself in the eoming weeks,
Mae, VK7CCC
ilNU.AL REPORT -EDUCATION SERVICES
This office has acted as a referral point for individuals and class
instructors requiring assistance. Interstate sources now have a variety of
material available and this means that one must be aware of what's available
and make appropriate suggestions.
Launceston, Burnie and Devonport now have Novice classes run by
Technical Colleges. These have achieved notable successes but as they are
run by non-amateurs depend greatly on support from amateurs with, particularly
CW and on-air experience.
mateus assist with A.B,B, sponsored classes in Hobart and a W.IA.
cless at AOC,P, level continues in Launceston,
The only Youth Radio Group affiliated this year is at Marist College,
Buraie
Reg Emmett, VK 77KK
Education Officer.
Page
March 1979
NOTES ON NORTHERN BRANCH AnIyITI3 - FBUARY, 1272
A well attended. meeting of Northern Branch (26) members discussed a. range
of topics from .IA, stores trading to Group Activities evening; and proposals
were put forward 'lty members and discussion ensured. It is hoped to arrange an
"Activities Night" on a regular basis in the future. On completion or
general business members enjoyed a. very informative talk from Mr. L. Jinks of
Federation Insurance on aspects of Household Insurance in general and in part-
icular the situation in respect to the Radio Amateur within the confines of
the household. Arrangements were finalised for the Club Station to take part
in the National Field Day to be held on Saturday 10th February at Everton
Springs. Mr, & Mrs, Lockett offered the use of their caravan to house the
gear and operators, Volunteers to be on site on 10th as directed by the
Point Project Managers, John (K7CCC) and Ian (VK7IC).
HIPORT ON FIELD DAY_ - SAryDg_ 1otu/spy 11 FURY
A good roll up of regular members resulted, but more could have been
utilised if they bad fronted up, and so eased the work load. Power supplies
nd antennaes wvere set up and brought into commission and gear checked out
in readiness within the terms of the condition pertaining to the Contest.
Rostered members turned up and took their turns as requested and in
general many contacts were carried out throught the period. All the gear
performed well.
Simplex contacts on 144 MHZ band were most disappointing to say the
least
It was indeed pleasing to see old and new members co-operating in an
endeavour to make a worthy contribution from VK7 in respect to the John
Moyle Memorial Field Day Contest 1979.
Maurice - VE]JA
----- ************
NORTHERN SOCIAL COMMITTEE
The next meeting of the Ladies Social Committee ill be held on 8th
April, 1979 at the home of Noeleen Hewers at 300 pm.
Owing to other committments I will be forced to resign this year and
would like to call for volunteers for the position of Convenor for the
ensuring twelve months.
More ladies are required to participate if the Committee is to function
satisfactorily. Wives and friends of members are invited to attend.
Page 4 March 1979
MgMgET.SHIP SECRETARY 197SZ9 ANNUAL_ REPORT,
This year, I am pleased to report, has been a most successful one for
the VI7 Division. It is pleasing to see the number of Associate Members tak--
ing out either Novice or Full Call status.
The position of Membership Secretary is to remain as a. portfolio of
Council so Council is in a better position to be in touch with the needs of
the membership at large,.
The breakdown of new members for 1978/79 as of the February Council
meeting is as follows:
1. 45 full grade members, made up from 26 novices and 19 full calls.
2. 40 associate members.
3 2 student members
This totals 87 new members for the year.
During the year we lost to the ranks of the W.I.A. m Division:
1. 3 full calls
2,5 associates
3. 5 members to other Divisions.
4. 2 members who became silent keys.
Therefore, the membership of the VK7 Division as of 17/2/79 is a.s follows:
1, 204 full grade members.
2, 79 associate members.
3. 5 life members.
4. 9 pensioner grade members.
5. 6. student grade members.
This totals 303 members of the VK7 Division of the Wireless Institute
of Australia
'While this has been without doubt one of the most successful years as
far as membership is concerned, we should not just sit back and rest on our
endeavours. We must at all times, strive to improve our membership as we
can only survive if our numbers are strong. It is up to those people in
positions of authority in branches or council to ensure that the members are
kept full informed of all aspects of Amateur Radio.
73,
Brian Yeoman, VK7ZBY
Divisional Membership Seereta.r:y
1978-72
March 1979 Page 5
NORTHERN BRANCH PRESIDENT'S REPORT
This report brings us to the end of another year of the Northern
Branch. However, despite the efforts of a very good and active Executive
Committee, attendances at meetings were generally down on previous years.
The A.O.C.P. Classes were once again held by Brian VK7ZBY and our
thanks go to him for his support, his efforts have been shown by the
numbers who are sitting for and passing the Amateur exams.
Theequipment store is to be wound down, as trading through the year
has decreased, possibly due to the fact that people aren't constructing
projects and the availability of cheaper components from other sources.
Our thanks go to Ian VK7IC and the members who attended the store each
week,
A Ladies Committee was formed during the year and successful social
events have been held the most notable being the Wine & Cheese Evening
at the Margaret McIntyre House.
Q.R.M. went state wide late in the year thus increasing the work
load on John VK7CCC. Our thanks go to John and the regular band of
helpers who turned up once a month to wrap and pack Q.R.M. Joe Richter
has also done a.n excellent job in printing the magazine for us.
VK7NB went portable on two occasions ie the Scout Jamboree and
the National Field Day. With a little more organisation we could make
both these events more attractive to the members thus increasing
amateur activity in this area.
The clubrooms still require a lot of work to be done on them and
I feel that next year most of this will be achieved. An activities
night. has been very well accepted with 17 members turning up the first
night and 14 the second night.
I will not be standing for re-election due to business commit-
ments and would finally like to thank all office bearers and members
who have contributed to the
t3
success of the branch during the term of
ay office,
•
73's
Joe Gelston
VZJG
***********
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETili_G - .AFTERNOON FOR THE GIRLS
Peter VK7ZFP and Joan invite all wives and companions of members
attending the Annual General Meeting to spend the afternoon at their
home, 22 Elliott Street, West Ulverstone. A get-to-know afternoon will
be the format as so many KIL's miss out on contacts. Transport available
from Lakins Hall.
Also limited changing facilities are available for those members
and wives who will be returning home after the social evening. For
those who have this need please indicate on the registration form.
Page 6
DX NOTES
Unfortunately most of the supposedly sure fire DXpeditions
scheduled for the last couple of months either haven't eventuated or
have been "fizzers",
::BOUVET ISLAN.D. This sad story has been tld so many times that its
pointless going over it again however the latest is that Willy de Roos
VK9IRYMM could not land on Peter Island to operate as 3YBZ and is
. now en route to Bouvet so we may eventually get this island operational.
SPRATLEY ISLAND. 'Whether the unrest between Vietnam and China will
cause any problems for this venture is yet to be found out, however
listening on the air to arrangements being finalised it is apparent
that all systems are on go and the 27th March, is the sailing date from
Brunei to Amboya Cay,
ST. FELIX. HC5EE advises that this operation was called off last October
due to a licensing mix-up, however K1MM is expected to arrive at HC5EE's
Qm on a business trip and expects to clear up the problems so St. Felix
could be activated in the near future.
SERRA BANK. Due to a transportation problem this expedition has to
NA
be postponed however alternate arrangements are under way however some
of the members have used up their holidays and this adds further prob-
lems
SOMALI 601FG left Italy on the 21st February for another visit, he will
be in Somali for 0 days and it is said that all QS0's must be in English
and hisfrequency to be 14.205 MHZ.
MALDIVE ISLANDS. This operation will have possibly ceased before these
notes are read, however if you did 950, 87AF or 8Q7AG, 2SL to WB4ZNH.
As this is the end of my period as the writer of these notes I would
like to take the opportunity of wishing our readers - if any - good
hunting. .
MINI HAMEST
ANNUAL PICNIC DAY FOR
NORTH & N.W. MEMBERS
EE; April 1, 1979
WHERE: Port Sorell
TIMI± From 11.00 a.m.
WHAT TO BRING: Family Food
Fun Friends
¥Es±cgE
Previous years have shown this day to be a really good Family Day.
Page 7
March 1979
STATE NEWS
1, New Members - welcome to
John :Baldock Derwent Bridge VK7NJB
Harry :Bracken North Hobart VK7BR
Lloyd Cherry _ Leslie Va.le VK7LC
Stephen Charles l3urnie VK7NBB
Robert Davies Lega.na Associate
Kenneth Davern Launceston Student
Lewis Davies Launceston VK7NLD
John Gates Howrah Associate
Fred Harland South Hobart VK7FC
Geoffrey Harper Bellerive VK7NGR
Brian Hutchinson Penguin VK7Nlil3
Ian Hutchinson Penguin VK7NNN
Peter Ralph New Norfolk VKTNPL
:Brett Williams Heybridge VK7NB
2. A.ma.teur_J.tbrisory: Committee
The following volunteers have been accepted by P. & T. for this
years committee.
Mr. F. Beech VK7BC
Mr. R. Emmett VK7KK
Mr. J. Vansteveren VK7JV
Mrs .. s. Morgan VK?NSU/VK?ZSU
Mrs. H. Dowde VK7ED
Mr. I. Nichols VK7Z2
Nr. G. Johnson VK.7GD
Hr. J. Cordell VKTNJC/VK.7ZJP
**********
-------
GELSTON
----~--------
COMMUNICATION
- PLDSSEY
TWO WAY WIO SALES & SERVICE
Your Local VICOM AGENT
40 Lavender Grove
P.0. Box 1311
Electronics
Phone: 44 3882
LAUNCESTON. 7250
See us for your next purchase. In stock RIN6O- Ranger 2m aerials
$,4.8 .. 00
Two metre 10 element crossed AG 1I $85. 00
Here you get two aerials for the price of one.
6JS6 valves coat cable and connectors
Page 8 March 1979
VHF NOTES
Due to work committments the gear in the shack has not been turned
on over the last month. So I have very little to report.
Daniel reported that 6 has been open to JA on several occasions
with very good signals. Don't forget the equenox period when some good
JJX should be available.
The beacon VK7RNT was off the air for the first time in 3 years,
due to a faulty fuse holder. While the unit was out (3 days). The
P.A. heatsink was replaced and a new antenna fitted.
2 metres has been open on several occasions with Kevin VK7ZAH being
the most active station in this frequency in the North.
We will be looking for a new writer for this column for the next
12 months. If you can contribute please let us know.
73,
FOR SALLE : EGUIENENZ EX THE LAI IK7CK
KW VICEROY (MKIII) Transmitter $150
KW 500 LINEAR Amplifier (813) $129
Drake 2 Receiver (Mods to 2B) with Transformer $150
Type A Mark III. Suitcase Radio, complete with spares and hand-
book. Even a key (see Review A.R. Nov.78)
collector's item that works. Offers?
Ferroca.rt VTVM with U Probe and Date $30
Dow key aerial c/o relay 6V AC $20
Four gang tuning cap with copper tube coil and reduction gear $5
~
Two Selysin motors 3 $4
ARRL Handbook 1951 $2
Radio Handbook 1941 ed. $3
.lRRL .Antenna Book 1949 $1
Approx. ninety copier A.R. late 1960's, very good reading $3
Enamelled copper wire approx. 16g 1lb $4
Enammelled copper wire approx. 18g 21 $4
Good solid desk mike stand (needs insert) $5
GP power supply $3
Box of odds and ends wire insulators, relay valves etce Offers.
Apply to VK7BC. QIHR.
Excellent balld conditions and the number of new stations active
have resulted in a record year in the total of cards handled by the
Bu.reaue Comparative figures for the past four years a.re:
Outwards Inwards rot.
L
1975 2392 4362 6754
1976 4777 4623 9400
1977 8054 7413 15467
1978 15133 14021 29154
I have included the 1975 figures as they were the lowest for ten
years and will give a. better idea of the rapid increase.
Although there was another rise in postal rates average postage per
card increased only slightly to 1.38f/l due to the larger quantities being
handled.
all 669 articles were despatched, postage amounting to over $210.,
Of those sending cards 50 were in the South (approx. 8200 cards), 19 from
the North (5700), 6 North West (1000) and 3 Country (100).
of cases more cards could be ta.ken in the preparation of
I have noticed some that do not even etate that a QS0 baa
taken place, Oters omit the date, mode, time etc. Time is requently
shown by the 12 hour clock system and often essential details have been
altered.
·Buteau business is now taking considerably more time so the
co-operation of all in presorting, counting cards et:c, would be apprec-
iated,
My thanks to the Branch QSL Officers, Col Wright, Harold Hancock,
and Bill Reid for their assistance, and to my wife who usually clears
the PO, Bo and must have carried home over 12,000 cards this year!
Chas. Harrisson VK7CH
9SL Manges.
by-"EA.RWIG" •
Iran has been in the news lately and their prograr.mnes have been
somewhat irregular due to the civil strife in that country. Listen for
Tehera.n on 15084 Khz at about 0530z which is a relay of their domestic
Service, 'There has been quite some changes to their programme format
since the Khlomeicy faction has gained power with programmes of a
"revoluntionaey" theme being aired. These broadcasts on 15084 are in
Persians whilst English language broadcasts have been reported at 2000z
on 9022 Khz beamed to Europe.
March 1979
Page 10
"Sceegg_Heard cont'd.
American Maritime Communications Station KPH located near San
Francisco was heard at 0415z on approx. 1,000 Mhz sending their Traffic
List and also taking a list of ships with traffic9 Tb.is station is
oper.ted by RCA Communications, who also operate WCC near Cape Cod, ?-18.ss.
It was a 599 signal.
The Solomon Islands are heard at 1020z on 5020 Kha. This station is
located in Honiara and programmes are in pidgin and in English. VQ,05
is operated by the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation and the signal
here was 5434 on the SINPO scale.
Radio Pyongyang in North Korea is being monitored here on several
frequencies in the 9 Mhz band. On 9420 Khz, it is transmitting programmes
in Spanish at 1040z from its 240 Kw transmitters beaming to central and
South America. Sinpo 55444. Also Pyongyang is also broadcasting in
Russian on 9977 KHz at the same time with a reading here of 44344.
Radio Japan was logged at 1030 z with its General service in English
a.nd Japanese. It was heard simultaneously on 9585 and 9505 Khz and both
have excellent signals here
;
If you want to hear Radio Nederland actually broadcasting from
Holland and not from their relay bases in Bonaire, or Madagascar, tune to
9895 Khz at 1040 z and you might be able to drag Hilversum through the
severe RTTY and c/w on the frequency and hear their program in Dutch for
Europe.
And now for some real DX! Those who reside out of Launceston and not
in the Service area of 7N'f will hear this one. Suva, Fiji was heard
signing off at 1100z on 711 Khz with the National Anthem. This trans-
mitter is only 2 K and was heard under the 10 pm news. You will
possibly hear this one with a loop or ferrite rod to null out 7NT.
Incidentally I also note that 2BL has moved to 702 Kz from 740 and 2FC
has sifted from 610 to 585. Also NE is no longer the band edge as it
has shifted to 1566 and 3 WVL Warnambool is now on 1602 making it the band
edge. ...
Now for some aviation listings logged recently. The Air/Ground link
between Aircraft in the Northern Pacific and Anchorage and Tokyo can be
heard at approx. 8935 Khz at 09-12002 SSB. Sinpo 5333. Some Teletype
interference. Aviation Weather Broadcasts are also heard on 8905 Khz.
At 09()5z Oak.land Radio was heard giving the U.S. West Coast Air Terminal
Reports and Forecasts and this DSB signal was 54545 After Oakland
signs-off then Tokyo comes on the same channel with reports of Japanese
Air Terminal Reports and Forecasts. Also on DSB with a reading of 4333.
The Russians have an aviation Weather Service also. It is the AH
mode with reports in Russian on 8855 Khz at 0910z from an unknown QTH.
54454. Shannon Air Terminal in Ireland also broadcasts the Major
European Terminal Reports and Forecasts on 8825 Khz at about 0915z in
English. 54545.
Well that is all for this month, 73's and Good listening DE
March 1979 RM
The meeting for February, 1979 was held in Lelin's Hall
Ulverstone on February 13th. The near record attendance of 38 is
indicative of the growth of and the interest shown in, the North
West Branch.,
In the absence of he Chairman, Brian VI7ZBY, Ma; VKTMX, took
over hhe chair and judging by the way the meeting was conducted, one
gained the impression tha.t he had fulfilledthls role before.
MINUTES of the last meeting were read by the Siticretary and carried.
CORRESPONIENICE. Inwards - several letters were dealt with and passed.
It as felt; that "R" would not be put on che levs stalls for
sale, although it was thought that this would increase circulation.
It was left in the hands of a member, who is an Amateur and also a
NEWSAGENT, to make investigations of possible sales, and report to
the meeting next month.
TREASURER'S HEPOR•
Presented by Ivan VI'TNOA/'ZOA, Accounts weze passed for payment,
Pal VKZPB advised that he had nothing to
VK7ZPF advised of activities and equeste that WIEN forms
be handed in as soon as possible.
ACTIVITIES
- activity Officer Stephen, advised the meeting that he was
obtaining a suitable film to be screened at the appropriate time.
Joan, XL of Peter VK7ZPF, informed the meeting that her home
would be made available to ladies attending the A.GM, - for the pur-
pose of changing etc, and if necessary, would also arrange transport
from the Hall to her home for those ladies int;erested.
Joan received the thanks of all those at the meeting.
Tremendous, Joan!
GENERAL BUSINESS:
Name Ta@ - Jim reported that VICOM ere not interested in quoting
on small numbers. Paul VK7ZPB, will .follow this matter up with
another company.
Page 12 March 1979
NORTH WEST :BRANCH NOTES cont'd
New Memberships - Applications were received from Stephen VK7NBB and
:Brett VK'71U3W. Carried unanimously.
AXL.Q.§L Cards - Are now to have.
Mini Ham Fest - It was decided to write to the Northern Branch advising
that this event is to be held at P.ort Sorell on Sunday 32nd March (April
Fool's Day) commencing at 11.00 a.m. (2400 GMT). A Committee bas
been tormed to look after arrangements.
At the conclusion of General :Business, Max VKTMX gave an interesting
talk entitled "Hints and Tips to the New Opera.tort&"
Tb.e many years that Max bas had in Amateur Radio and the wealth of
experience gained - proved invaluable to the new operators. Stress
was placed on general procedure, "Cross Band" operation, Playback
and Recording of Transmissions Third Party Traffic etc.
A ta.sty supper served by Terry VK7TT and helpers the finishing
touches to a most successful evening.
Until next month then, good DX and we'll see you further down the
Curly Cord.
Vy 73
************
VK~ l3ROADC.AST _ROS'l'E.R : APRIL TO SEPT.
Co-Ordinators
North-West VK7TT Telephone Work 302221 Home 252073
It
918288 n 441466
North VK7ZBY " '-..../
South VK7GD tt
" 306460 " 726412
Re-broadcast Frequencies
North-West Repeater 3, 52.525 ME FM.
North It 8
South 2, 28.570 MEa A.M. 144.1 MHz A.M.
52.525 MHz FM. 435 ME FM.
Re-broad.cast Stations
North-West VK.7s AX, m, MX, PB, HO, NVH.
North vxTs ZBY, PF, HE, NJD, RH, G», KK.
South VK7 JG, PS, BJ, ZAJ, Z, RR, HK,
ZTA, AW, N(Z)XJ MAD, PA, RM, NHT,
NRT, GM, PH.
Home Telephone Numbers of all Originating Station_!
North--west T, Tongs VK7'1'T 252073, K. Hancock VK7KH 312164
M. Ives VI7MI 3278973, S. Medrored VK7SF 313943.
March 1979 QRM Page 15
SOUTHERN NOTES
These will be very brief this month as your southern scribe is
moving Q.TH, from Mt. Melson to New Town in two day's time ••··••
For those who may have missed recent WIA broadcasts, here is a
list of the 1979 Office Bearers for the Southern Branch.
President: Andre VK7ZAJ
Vice Presidents: Ian VK722
Paul VKTPI
Immediate Past President: Harvey VK7HK
Secretary: Helene VK?HD
Treasurer: Lionel VK7SL
Stores: Until April - Graham VK7AD
From April - Lex VKTZXJ/NXJ
Repeater Committee: Phil VK7SS, Andre VK7Aw,
Brian VK7RR, Dick
Beacon Committee: (As last year) Allan Ruthven,
Peter Cox VK7ZPA, Andrew
VKT7ZAJ
WICEN Co--Ordinator: Andrew VK7AW
.S.L. Cards: t3 Bill Reid
The 6 metre beacon is progressing well and is expected to be
operational within two months on 52.370.
A WICEN exercise was organised for the weekend of 2-4th March at
St. Helens in conjunction with the Scout Regatta& Participants were
Harvey VK7HK, Greg VK7FT; and Helene VK7HD.
Amateur Advisory Committee: The first meeting for this year was
held on Saturday the 24th February All amateurs and listeners should
feel free to report any infringements of the rules and regulations
governing transmission within the Amateur bands; either to any member
of the A.A.C. or directly to the Chairman. Remember these are our bands,
and if we don't police them some other authority may have to.
Sue Morgan
KZZS/NSU
Page 16 QRM March 1979
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