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Bulletin issued by the Northern P.O. Box 1010 (
Branches -of the Wireless Institute Launceston
of Australia, Tasmanian Division. Tas. »7250
- JULY 1978
Vel 8 Ne 4
Registered for posting as
a publication Price 40¢
Category B.
i MEETINGS
JULY 14 NORTHERN BRANCH - CLUBROOMS - 34 BOURKE ST. 8 P.M,
JULY 11 NORTHWEST BRANCH - LAKINS HALL - ULVERSTONE 8 P.M.
CONTENTS
PAGE PAGE
QRM COMMENT 2 AMATEUR PROBLEMS - CHANNEL 5A! 8
AOCP REMINDER 2 HINTS & KINKS 9
NW BRANCH NOTES 3/4 AUDIO PATCHING SYSTEM 10/11
LADIES COMMITTEE NOTES 4/5 DX NOTES 12
"SCENE & HEARD" 5/6 GENERAL/OSCAR NEWS 13
ANOTHER USEFUL CIRCUIT 6 REVIEW: PHILIPS UHF CB RIG 14/15
40 MOST WANTED COUNTRIES 7 NORTHERN BRANCH NOTES 16
MODS FOR AMATEUR BUILDING BLOCKS
# RO R K R X R
A dozen (12) good, mixed, not just ordinary, not seconds, guaranteed IC's for
the best (any?) article for next month from other than the usual six people.
Their cost is two articles per dozen. Thanks.
* % % H ¥ Ro ®
Page 2 QR M July 1978
QRM COMMENT
Over the past few months, at least within Tasmania, there seems to
have been less bickering about CB'ers. At QBRM we like to think that this is
due in large to the re-education of a great number of CB'ers towards the
Amateur ranks.
In the Northwest area Morse classes are active at the Burnie
Tech. with theory due to start early July = at Devonport Adult Education AOCP
classes are being run with novice classes due to start soon at Devonport Tech.
Hobart boasts two classes of novice trainees, plus an AOCP class
at Adult Education.
Here in Launceston the AOCP class has 27 members, and 23 in the
novice class., AOCP members please note that classes have switched venue to
the Kings Meadows High School.
All in all nearly 160 people are studying for Amateur exams - with
next years classes filling up rapidly. This augers well for the Radio Amateur
movement which really needs the numbers if we are to maintain our frequencies.
Remember that before CB there were very few avenues of information about
Amateur Radio. If you doubt that statement, think how many of your members are
in some way connected to radio by means of their employment!
' Would you be prepared to give up some time, even one evening
towards assisting with these classes? Then please contact your executive,
they really do need help with the mammoth task of preparing people for these
exams.,
#* % G % * * *
Please read the article by Peter Fudge - VK7ZFP - then, if you
really care about Amateur Radio get a letter off - At this stage it might be
too late, but we must try and change the Government attitude over CHANNEL 5A.
¥* ® K %O *
W.I.A, BROADCASTS
For those who don't know - or forgot! - If the broadcast or call
back is in operation and you have not previously . tuned up, move 5KHz to tune -
that way you should not cause QRM to those already listening.
¥ ¥ K # * ® * %
A.0.C.P. REMINDER
July 3 ¢ Vacuum Tube Principles
" 10 : Semi Conductors
" 17 : Semi Conductors
" 24 ¢ Semi Conductors
" 31 : Power Supplies
Aug 7 : Receiving Systems
FO % * * N 3 *
NORTH WEST NOTES by Jim VK7NOW
Th= usual menthly meeting was held at Lakin's Hall, Ulverstune un June
13th ccmmencing at 8 p.m. There was ancuther very guud attendance -
abcut 31 in all.
It is pleasing to nete the number of newccmers whe ars displaying koen
interest in taking up Amateur Radi. as a hubbys
VISITORS: Included Mrs. Jiuan fFudge, XYL of Peter, UK7ZFP, DON PURDON
f Burnis, whe was successful at the recent ncvice exam and HARRY CUMPSEY,
well-kncwn businessman of Burnie als. fuim2i_Bumuideoe of the N.W.
Offshore Cruiser Club.
MINUTES of the last meeting were read and inwards currespondence was
dealt with by the Secretary.
SOMERSET J*'C's; An Arts and Crafts and Hublies ExhilLitiun was held
in the Hellyer Regicnal Cillege at Burnie un June 10th and llth. Besides
the very cumprehensive display cf the handiwcrk and hoblbies uf members
of the cummunity, a very interesting display o f HF, VHF, ATV, RTTY, &
vintage radics was put un Ly the Nurth West Branch of the W.I.A.
Kirty, VUK7KC made several cuntacts during the day and Jim, VK7N_U is
cenfident of at least three interested pecple - to whoem he spuke with
during the day - will study fur their nuvice ticket.
Shane and Stephen were thanked, as Activity Officers, fur the effurt
they put intc arranging the display as well as members of the Branch
whe made gear available.
TREASURER'S REPORT: was read by Ivan, UK?NDA/ZOA and was passed.
GUEST SPEAKER: Mr. Ray Gruom, MHR; sent an apulugy fur his inability tu
attend as Parliament was still in sessiun. However it is hoped that
he will attend the next meeting.
COMING ACTIVITIES: RD Cuntest, Jamburee of the Air.
NOVICE CLASSES: A class is now being cunducted at the Burnic Technical
Ccllegey, being attended Ly 2_ persuns. Ancther class is abuout to start
at the Devcnpourt Technical Cullege. It is pleasing tu see su much
interest being shcwn in Amateur Radic and hcopefully very sucn, we can
lecck ferward to an increase of cperaturs un the N.W.Coast.
Q.R.M.: Apulcgies four late delivery were received frum our Editor, John,
VK7ZCC, because sume members of his family were invulved in a car accident.
I am sure everyone sincerely hupes that they are getting un just fine.
Ve were indeed surry tu hear of this.
GENERAL BUSINESS: Membership applicaticn from Dun Purton was accepted
unanimously.
23 Channel CB rigs - cunverted four use on 10 metres
- will be c¢n sale scon at most reasunable prices. Here is your chance
tu break into 10 metres at low cust - ideal rig for mubile work.
TV CHANNEL 5A: Uinston VK7EM expressed concern over the likelihood
of this channel being made available for low power operation soon and
the effect it will have on VHF operators on the 2 metre band. It was
suggested that the matter be taken up at Parliamentary level.
Page 4 QR M July 1978
10 metres has been "patchy" lately but 15 metres during the morning
and early aftermoon presents a goud opening to 'U' and "VE'. For
those of you Novices who have external VFO, some good Split/?requency
QS0's are available.
COUNCIL MATTERS: Our rep, Paul UK7ZPB brought us up to date on W.I.A.
Council matters and suggested a change of time of the weekly W.I.A.
broadcast from Sunday morning to Sunday evening. Occupancy of the
frequency and propagation could be a problem though.
KIRBY VK7KC gave an illustrated lecture on Technical matters and
Production Techniques used in the various stages of producing Iron Ore
Pellets from the crude ors. This lecture was most impressive and gave
us all an insight into technolocgical problems which have to be faced in
a giant complex of this nature. Kirby is a Project Metallurgist employed
by Savage River Mines. Members showed their appreciation of this most
interesting talk.
That's all for this month, and, as they say in the classics,"I'1l catch
you furtner down the COAX."
vy 73
Jim, VK7NOUW.
ADULT EDUCATION is aluways in need of instructors for the courses
they conduct for novices, pay is reasonable. Can you help ?
Contact Brian VUK7ZBL on 42 2545 if you are interested.
¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ F Ok K ¥
LADIES COMMITTEE NOTES
A meeting of the ladies social committee was held at the home of Phyl
Gelston on Sunday afternoon. Those present were Mesdames Emmett, Gelston,
Hendricks, Clements and Grant.
Results of the gquestionnaire concerning social activities were as
follows:- Number of questionnaires returned - 22. Frequency of social
activities:=
(a) 3 monthly (15 votes) (b) monthly (4 votes) (c) 6 monthly (2 votes).
Results in order of preference:-
Theatre Parties 15 votes
Progressive dinner and wine & cheese
tasting 8 votes each
3 River cruise 7 votes
4 Cabarets 6 votes
5 Film afternoon or evening 5 votes
6 Sports 4 votes
7 Family outing 3 votes
8 Swimming 2 votes
9 Soup and sandwich morning or afternoon
picnic, card evening, halloween party,
bingo - all one vote each.
July 1978 QR M Page 5
As a result of this questionnaire the committee will be organising
a theatre party shortly. Other functions suggested were: Wine and cheese
tasting to be held in August or September. Christmas party December. Progres-
sive dinner, February or March, We look forward to your full support at these
functions. Next meeting of the committee will be held on 16th July at the home
of Marg Grant, 0ld Bridge Road, Perth.
LR R L U
"SCENE AND HEARD" by “EARWIG"
Well, after being cajoled by the Editor of QRM to do something to
help, I decided to write this column. It will be devoted primarily to Short
Wave listening, but of course any local snippets that come my way, I'll pass
on for your information.
Short Wave listening has always been my first "love" even though
I have had my "ticket" for several years now and have worked quite a number of
prefixes, I still get that thrill of tuning the dial for the unexpected. Now
equipped with a PLL receiver I spend most of my time in the shack listening.
Maybe its monitoring Air Traffic Control from San Francisco (Oakland) on 8 MHz,
or copying commercial traffic from VIS (Sydney) or 2LB (Awarua) and improving
my CW, or perhaps listening to one of the major international broadcasting
organisations such as BBC, Deustche Welle, VOA, etc. or listening to the
racket on 27MHz. Indeed, the world is now at our fingertips, to use that well
worn cliche,
Some of the stations heard and logged recently have included:-
Tahiti Air Traffic Control to Lan Chile 5635 A3 at 1110 hours UTC
at Strength 7.
VJIM, Macquarie Island 7920 KHz A3J at strength 9, some RTTY inter-
gerence. 1015 UTC. Marker tape.
Korean Central Wireless Station, Pyongyang, North Korean on USB
18500 KHz at 0650; about strength 4-6 QSB-QRM.
Several major international broadcast stations now are transmit-
ting their programmes on SSB., However this seems to be point to point services
from the studio to remote transmitters. It is now known that the signal you
thought was coming from Germany, is in fact, now from a relay base in the
Caribbean, or Africa, which can be very confusing to the newcomer. Some
organisations do identify their relay bases at the conclusion of their program-—
mes., Also with the A3J transmissions there is no phase distortion as with
contemporary AM signals - Listen to these PTP links and compare with the
normal transmissions.
VOA link to their African relay base 7640 at 0640 GMT at strength
(5) 55-8 on LSB.
BBC PTP link to the Atlantic and Caribbean relay on 12180 at
0730 with the World Service on USB, and the African Service on LSB,
Radio Australia PTP to Carnarvon (W.A.) relay on 12190 USB with
their General Programme can be heard most of the time,
Page 6 QRM July 1978
Radio Moscow also carry their domestic "Mayrek" programmes on
various channels in Russian as well as relaying their International Services,
If you want to brush up on your CW try these commercial operators:-
V153 Sydney radio with traffic for ships 1045 GMT on 6460 KHz - 599,
DZJ Manilla radio on 6500 KHz at 1045 GMT - 589,
2LB Awarua radio (NR Invercargill - NZ) 8500 KHz at 0645.
Incidentally if you want to hear one of the Spark Gap sounds,
listen to XSG Shanghai on 21310 KHz logged at 0250, A very rough AC note.
Well, that's all for this month, please pass any news for this
column via QRM.
"THE EARWIG"
E R R N
WARNING LIGHT FOR BATTERY OPERATED EQUIPMENT
Much battery operated equipment lacks an indicator light, mainly
because of the appreciable power drain, often more than the equivment itself.
This circuit could save damage from battery leakage if the power is not
switched off.
The circuit functions as a2 blocking oscillator; the high voltage
pulses being rectified by the diode and pumping up the charge on the capacitor
until the firing point of the neon is reached. The lamp flashes about every
five seconds,
BOB VKTZRF
|OuF |
+ °°'n' + 8-\
I ' 0-2 mA
AUDIO
INPUT TRANS, NE2
look & 1K I NES!
eTc
2N
Be 337
2N3643
July 1978 QR M Page 7
DELIBERATIONS ON THE 40 MOST WANTED COUNTRIES
I can think of nothing finer than a QSO with China
I would jump and shout "hooray"™ if I contacted Bouvet
In sleep I oft times murmer "Oh Lord please give me Burma"
And I also rave and ramble about the need to chalk up Campbell
And while Jjust thinking of Albania drives me zanier and zanier
It's nothing less than pathos to hear me whining for Mt. Athos
I rant and rave and bawl for St. Peter and St. Paul
And I'd pat my dog and lick him to hear "CQ" from Sikkim
I would give a thousand lire to hear someone from Palmyra
I check daily how the band is hoping for Juan Fernandez
Though I'd change my style and manner just to QSO Serrana
The success would be a dry one 'cos I'd still need to work Taiwan
When I'm old and grey and creaky I'll still need Manihiki
And though I'd stoop to being a forger of QSL cards from South Georgia
That would still not be "fini" since I8d still need one from Guinea
And the whole thing's so much phooey without a two way yack with Nieue
I tell ya, brother, flatly I'd give my wife for Spratly
And would mortify my flesh for a sniff at Bangladesh
I would wear a surgical bandage if it would help me work South Sandwich
And though that would bring me smiles I'd still need the Red Sea Isles
I wake at night so scared that I've missed someone from Heard
And my heart is full of venom for those creeps who don't need Blenheim
And my next door neighbour, Charlie who's just confirmed Somali
And that other pinhead, Frank how did HE work Geyser Bank
I could shout and yell with fury ‘'cos that 1id Jack has just worked Kure
And I still cannot forget I need a two way with Tibet
But one day I'll end my Credo with a fervent joyful "amen"
I'1ll have worked Revilla Gigedo and - guess what? that's right - South Yemen
So on and on I strive toward the final goal
That by the time I'm ninety five I'll have made the Honor Roll!
¥R R K R K X #
SOME MODIFICATIONS TO AMATEUR BUILDING BLOCKS FM EXCITER
In my unit power output was on the low side and some coils resonated with
the slugs right out.
L12 turns were reduced from 18 to 16, then tuned with the slug % in.
L14 turns reduced from 9 to 8. Capacitor changed from 10 PF to 6.8 PF.
Capacitor across L16 changed from 10 PF to 6.8 PF, L16 then tuned much better,
RFC 1 reduced from 12 turns " diameter to 6 turns and spread about %".
The tuning was much more acceptable and power out was a full 2 watts with
12.,6v supply.
BOB VKT7ZRF
Page 8 QR M July 1978
PROBLEMS OF CHANNEL S5A ALLOCATION - ANYWHERE t1tit
Reference a comment from Jim UVK7NCW in N.W.Branch notes.
Have YOU read your June issue of A.R. ?
DID you read the article on Page 7 entitled " THIS AFFECTS YOU."
This article was drawn to the attention of the N.UW.Branch meeting by
Winston VK7EM.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVAL HAS ALREADY BE GIVEN , we believe,
for the use of Channel 5A in some major areas.
Reaction to our member's concern was disappointing and perhaps we on
the coast may not be directly affected yet by this channel introduction.
I am most concerned.
For our peers on the mainland and those of us who like contact with them
during openings, it will be a crucifiction.
It is imperative that we lobby our parliamentary members by both means,
fair and foul, to reconsider the advisability of lisencing the 5A Channels
anywhere in the Commonwealth. There are many otherchannels available inthe
U.H.F. spectrum, as yet untouched and now should be developed for these
purposes. This is the obvious way to enlarge Australian TV Channel
allocation.
We all recall the fiasco of Channel 0 allccation in Melbourne and
Brisbane in the first 2 mHz of the international 6 metre band (50-
54 mHz) limiting us Amateurs to 52-54 mHz, Initially it was thought
that CLEAN TRANSMISSIONS would be permitted on air even if overload or
other interference to TV receptions occurred.
SUCH WAS NOT THE CASE.
Refer Kevin VK7ZAH, he has a very specific story to tell.of his experiences.
The Amateur is required to AVOID transmission during hours of peak
viewing time even if he is innocent.
DON'T think it can't happen to you.
State your opinion and have it recorded somewhere, at yourbranch
meeting, in Q.R.M., in A.R. or ultimately with your local M.P.
Do NOT let it rest.
Peter UK7ZFP
July 1978 QR M Page 9
HINTS AND KINKS
This months Hints and Xinks are for the ladies.
SEWING; to prevent breakage when stitching seams in canvas and
other heavy material. Rub soap along the line of stich this will
make it easier going for your sewing machine,
STAINS ON RARE CHINA: Those who take pride in their collection of
rare china ani wicsh to remove coffee or tea stains from the hair-
line cracks can try this method. First apply ordinary baking soda
slightly moistened to the area that is stained. Let stand for
about one hour ani wipe off. If one application does not remove
the stain completely, repeat the treatment.
£{EEP OUT THE COLD: window screens are converted to temporary
storm windows by coating them with clear lacquer. This fills the
mesh but still allows licht in. In the spring this can be removed
with thinners. Caution is to be taken if screens are of the fibre-
glass type and a small piece of scrap screen should be tried first.
PAINT REVQOVER: hardened paint and varnish can be removed from
brushes with vinegar.
REFRIGERATOR: wash the inside of your refrigerator with lukewarm
water and borax to keep it sweet and clean. To absorb the olors
put a piece of caarcoal on one of the shelves.
DEODORIZED TEAPOT; 1if a teapot is used infrequently try dropping
a lump of sugar into it after washing and <rying. Then even though
the teapot 1s tored on a shelf for weeks at a time a musty odor
will not be apparent.
KXZEPING FLOWERS: fresh flowers may ve preserved almost indefinitely
by dipping them in a solution of collodion, thinned with ether.
GRASZ STAINS: to remove grass stains from clothing sponge the
stained portion of the fabric with ammonia and water before washing.
DRESSER TOP STAINS: tne finish on the tops of dressers, night
stands etc is protected if a sheet of wax paper is placed under
the scarf. Spilled cosmetics, medicines and other liquids will
not soak through the paper.
STORZD LINEN: is less likely to turn yellow if it is wrapped in
black opaque paper and kept in a cool place.
CLEANING FLASKS: a tablespoon of uncooked rice and a cupful of
warm water poured in a vacuum flask will get it sparkline clean.
shake the bottle vigorously. The rice and water mixture is
especially effective in cleaning a vacuum flask which is used for
coffee,
Page 10 QR M July 1978
AN AUDIO PATCHING SYSTEM
ot long after I became involved in the relay of the VK7 Divisional Sunday
morning broadcast from VK7WL/P I realised that I needed something better than an
acoustic patching system with all its related problems.
The system used and described here is about as simple as onme could be and yet
I have found that it is capable of doing any function that I wish of it.
The patching system shown consists of two audio transformers T1 and T2.
Transformer T2 has winding impedances of 600 ohms to 20K ohms while Tl has impedances
of 600 ohms to 15 ohms., Transformer T1 is for connecting to low impedance program
sources such as the audio output of a receiver while transformer T2 is for commecting the
program source to a high impedance load such as a tape recorder or transmitter, As
shown the two 600 ohms windings are connected together and a™U" meter is connected
across these windings, The "VU" is suitably calibrated in decibels and makes for a
visual indicationof the level of audio signal passing through the patching unit.
As stated, the meter used is a proper "VU" meter but any suitable metér will do,
for only an indicatiom is required and once the necessary levels are determined, then
only some means of monitoring that level is required.
The need for monitoring the signal level is important, as in my case, the
re~transmitted signal is, onm occasions, relayed once again by other stations and
therefore it is desirable that the signal transmitted be as cunstant as possible,
in level, for the re-transmitting stations.
The audio signal upon leaving T2 is fed to the signal source select switch Sl
via a resistor divider comprising R1/RV1. This switch selected the program source
being either microphone input, patch input, or auxiliary input. The signal level
to be fed to the transmitter via the patch input is adjusted to the required level
by the potentiometer RV1, while the "VU" meter monitored the incoming signal (in my
case "0" DB), This high impedance input is suitable filtered to prevent RF
interference.
Switch 352 is simply a manual transmit function and is connected to the
transmitter P,T.T. line,
As mentioned before, this circuit is as simple as one could be, but it does
the job very well as experience has indicated.
One addition to this will be the inclusion of a constant output amplifier,
which is still under development at this stage and when completed will be described
at a later date.
Brian VKTZBY.
Page 11
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July 1978
QR M July 1978
Page 12
DX NOTES by COL VKTLZ
Although we are, according to the theorists, passing through the
winter low in DX activity there still zppears to be sufficient of the more
succulent DX to be had, although you may have to work a bit harder for it.
Unfortunately what follows is one man's impression of conditions on the
bands so consequently it can only cover a very small portion of the DX
spectrum, Perhaps I have an inferiority complex but I cannot help feeling
that if I list a vast amount of rare DX that I'm boasting and on the other
hand if all the other DX'ers - that don't tell me of their experiences -
have lists of exotic countries worked that I didn't hear - then well I'm a
dil and shouldn't be writing these notes., With this in mind here goes.
First it must be apparent to all that evenings are now prac-
tically a write off, however, judging by the local call signs copied during
the day there must still be plenty of DX worked.
The DXpedition by P29JS and F6CYL to Cocos Keeling Island got
under way on schedule in spite of equipment problems and were QSO'ed by
several VK7's on 14, 21 and 28 MHz SSB and CW and I'm glad to be able to
report that this included some of our novices.
3B9DA on Rodriguez Island was also worked by local hams. Alex
could appear signing 3B7DA from St. Brandon Island early in July.
Have heard mention of activity from Sable Island during July
by a W1,
The Mellish Reef expedition is still scheduled for August and
this will certainly give many of our members a new country.
San Felix Island is another possibility in Cctober by the same
team that activated Juan Fernandex last year.
The best of the calls espied here during the month were:-
28 MHz SSB - RA9CGC, UAGUTV, XE1KB, VK9YL, VK9YS, 7Q7LVW
also ZS's.
21 MHz SSB - CM2RX, TR8BLE, VK9YL, VK9YS, 9J2BO.
14 MHz SSB - CN8AK, EL3A, FP8DX, GJ2LU, HV3SJ, KGAMM, PJACR,
TU2FH, VK9YL, VK9YS, VP91B, VSS5DX, VYRCA,
ZLAQL/A, 2S3AW, 3B9YDA, STSZR, TX2KAR, 7X2LS,
9H1EY, OH4H, Also EAB8's and ZS's.
QSL INFO
FP8DX, Box 41, St. Pierre and Miguelen Is.
KG4AMM via KIMM, VKRGM via VK30T.
ZL4QL/A via ZLAAV
CM2RX, Box 1, Havana, Cuba
KK
X RF O #
July 1978 QR M Page 13
OSCAR NEWS
Oscar 8 has now stabilized quite well and with the aid of
"Amateur Radio"™ and the Oscar tracking tables published by Peter VKT7PF
in QRM May 1978 there is now no excuse for not hearing this "bird".
Over the last few weeks VK7LZ has worked VK1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7.
ZL1 & 3 also VKOGM at Casey base Antartica all on mode A. Graeme VK®GM is
now fairly active and has been QSO'ed twice by Col with good signals both
ways, watch for him on passes from 190" W,
QSL vig VK30T with a self addressed and stamped envelope for a
quick reply.
¥RO H ® R ¥
NEXT MONTH: Deadline for material = 20th July - An article on how to set
up an electronic keyer, properly - More on TV systems - plus more, even
YOUR article, which we really need.
#O W ¥ N X R R
STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS!
It would appear that the current government is about to back
down on another promise - they are having a "re-think" about 1982 and the
cessation of CB activity on 27 MHz - Those $25 licence fees must be agreat
f,—mwm& - -
‘help towards their Salary increasesi = oo
» H,_
H* ¥ H ¥ HO Hx ¥
GELSTON COMMUNICATIONS
For all 2-way radio service = suppliers of amateur equipment -
Agents for VICOM (J-Beam antennae), EMONA and EMESCO., See "AR" for products
sold, including digital panel meters, fluke meters, calculators, digital
watches, CRO's - Orders accepted for the new DRAKE "DR7" transceiver 250w
SSB with options "AU + 7" and "DR7". The unit is a 0-30 MHz general
coverage receiver, 150 MHz frequency counter and the "S" meter serves as a
200w waH meter. All amateur bands plus any 8 500 KHz segments. Refer page
94 EA June 78 for details. Approx. price around $1750. This includes AC
power supply. Phone 443882.
JOE GELSTON VK7JG
* % R OH R K K
FOR SALE
FT101B - $650.00 includes G3LLL speech processor.
SE501 27MHz Transceiver - $80,00
VK7JG QTHR
Page 14 QRM July 1978
VHF NOTES by JOE VKT7JG
Just a few lines this month as very little has been happening.
Two metres has been very gquiet, with six much the same way, although six
has been open on several occasions to VK4 and ZL. Now is the time for mid-
winter 6m openings so keep an ear close to the band. Although no ZL stations
were worked their TV has been watchable (!) several times.
*ORI
R ¥¥ X ®
A LOOK AT THE PHILLIPS UHF CB RADIO by PETER VKTPF
You may have already seen reviews of this recently released
first - a 40 channel UHF radio wholly designed and built in Australia. I
intend to point out some technical data of interest to amateurs. Firstly
the specifications:
Input voltage 10.8 to 16.2 volts DC. Consumption receive
muted 250 ma, at rated audio 550 ma., Transmit 1.5 amps.
Polarity of supply - floating., Mode - FM. Dimensions
22.5 cm deep, 16 cm wide, 5.5 cm high - weight 1 kilogram.
Freq. range 476.425 MHz (Chan 1) to 477.4 MHz (Chan 40).
Channel spacing 25 KHz., Receiver audio output 2 watts,
selectivity 40db + or - 25 KHz., Sensitivity - 12db S/N at
.5 uv. Mute range - low .4 uv, high 1 uv. Transmitter -
RF output 5 watts, spurious out of band - 1 uw, Maximum
deviation + 5 KHz.
The case is a plastic two piece and the set has similar controls
etc. as say an IC22 except the mute is switched between high, low and off.
The other major difference is the lack of usual channel change knob. When
switched on it comes up tuned to what apparently is a call channel of Chan 11.
This can be changed instanly to a pre-selected channel of your own choice with
a small switch or else moved up or down by a paddle switch under the LED
channel readout. A duplicate switch is mounted on the microphone for ease of
operation and in either case a change of channel is indicated by a "plop" in
the speaker.
Inside, the set is built on only two circuit boards. One horiz-
ontal with most of the components and a vertical board behind the front panel.
The components used appear to have been selected on the basis of what was best
for the job rather than using purely Philips parts. Some of those used are
new to us and will be of interest for use on 70cm band.
The circuit design uses a single conversion receiver and the
transmitter is a master oscillator PA type. The master oscillator operates
on the output frequency for transmissions and as first oscillator on receive.
It uses a small length of co-ax as a tuned circuit. To control this oscil-
lator a two stage PLL is used. As you will see from the block diagram, it is
mixed with the output of a crystal oscillator reference chain to produce an
output in the range of 4025 to 5000 KHz., The first PLL keeps the oscillator
locked so as the output of mixer is equal to the signal generated by the
second PLL. This generates 25 KHz steps from 4025 to 5000 KHz. To mcdulate
the transmitter after an audio amp, clipper and active filter the speech FM
modulates the TX crystal in the reference chain. I would like to have seen a
more integrated PLL circuit as, although it could be an advantage to us, it
would be quite easy to alter channels. I believe this has already been done
for CB use.
July 1978 QR M Page 15
The receiver uses a plastic version of BFy9o in RF and mixer
stages. The selectivity is determined by what appears to be two mono-
lithic crystal filters. The limiter discriminator uses a TOA 1047 IC. This
has a signal level output for S meter which, as usual, doubles as a power
output indicator. The high mute circuit uses signal level, the low mute uses
noise reduction.
The transmitter has 5 stages after the MO and ends up with a BLX68
PA and diode T/R switch.
Performance - On the bench the unit reviewed met the specifications.
The "on air™ tests were of course confined to listening. The audio quality
and output were very good and from comments and general listening the range
being obtained appears to be greater than 27 MHz sets, even in hilly country,
I was very impressed with the set but disappointed that the design
wasn't such as to discourage extension of frequencies. This can only bring
trouble.
Tx. 52:488 TX. 472-4 Chl. 4025
RX.S5/-299 RX 461-7 40. 56060 Khz
! , Ch.
*3 %3 - n Sel.
DC.
UHF
osc.
"H!l) 2-5 wh2
;
R.F AMP
i
* % * K O® I # #
HEARD
Some very good CW by Tony, VK7TW, suitable for copying to get the
novice speed, or purely to upgrade your competence - around 28540 KHz.
¥ W R X W ¥
Page 16 QRM July 1978
!
¢
NORTHERN BRANCH NOTES MAURICE VK7JU
The June meeting was well attended with over 30 members and visitors.
Chris, VKTUX on leave from Botswana also put in a welcome appearance. We wish
him a safe return there some time around July.
Tony, VK7TP reported very active trading by the store - current
bank balance $1648.00.
Membership applications were received from Frank Morse, Alan
Sherriff, L. Bassett, and A, Simpson.
A letter of thanks was received from the Northern Tasmanian
Equestrian club, conveying thanks to the NB WIA for the assistance provided
during the field section of the 3 day event held at Relbia. This was conduc-
ted as a WICEN exercise,
Shortly it is hoped to organise a "working bee" at the clubrooms
Bourke Street, to complete outstanding projects - BE WARNED, and please, o
PREPARED, i
At the conclusion of general business a very interesting programme
was provided by means of video tape and TV - glorious colour. This comprised
recent Amateur radio segments shown by local TV. This was followed by tapes
on radar tracking of satellites in orbit for defence surveillance and early
warning systems currently in use in Australia. Our thanks to Reg, VKT7KX.
H ¥ K K K K K K X K N K
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