QRM
Recognised text
Text below was produced by optical character recognition and may contain errors. Check it against the original.
AMATEUR
RADIO
NEWS , APRIL 1982
0 .
Issued by Tasmanian Division of Wireless Institute Aust: }
Registered by Australia Post Publication No., TBHOO43. §
vasos enterprises pty. Itd.
Well QRM is at last back in your mailbox,this
your local DICK SMITH man %3 ; ? time from the Southern Branch. Our thanks to the
Northern Branch for previous QRM productions,
&
The revival of QRM has been a combined effort lead
by the enthusiasm of Graeme VK7KX, the other QRM
committee members are Peter VK7PV, David VK7ZOT, Rai
VK7WV, Ron VK7RM, Sue VK7NRG, Bill VK7NWR, Pauline
VK7/NPK and Shane VK7BX,
See us for all your electronic comp
onent needs, Of course, for QRM to continue we must input
from you, the members., Please give us your support
We specialize in computer hardware and by forwarding "For Sale'" ads, technical articles,
software. in fact anything of interest to:
”QR}I” i
WIA. Southern Branch,
P,O. Box 123,
SANDY BAY, 7005
QRM will be produced on a bi-monthly basis
at first and depending on the number of incoming
articles and the cost involved, may go back to a
monthly production. We would appreciate feedback
Come and see the from you, the readers as to your thoughts on the
format, layout and contents of QRM, either verbally
EXIDY SORCERER to any of the above committee members, or in
writing to the above address.
perform it's special
type of magic.
;hop7 Collins Court Arcade Hobort Pl: 232443
of the
Ir
The 'Who's Who' page will try to introduce you to some crysta
of the people behind the callsigns each issue, We hope ground
it makes interesting reading and look forward to input was a
from each branch in turn. Tz
It was 12th, July 1927 when next 1
my licence arrived. Call 7CH. closed
No official prefix but at built
| that time Australians were both s
1 using 'OA' and it was late beginn
1928 before 'VK' became for ha
official., Input power 25 watts On
and among wavelengths allowed was re
was one around 30 metres but freely
this was withdrawn in Dec. home b
1928 and 14 Mcs. substituted. ago.
The first rig was a one
Op
valve TPTG (tuned plate tuned yacht
grid) circuit. The HT supply with t
was made up of a series of A Mark
'hedgehog' one to one trans- skeds
formers rectified by 'slop Be
- jars' - a number of jam jars in the
strung across the floor containing lead and aluminium a Life
elements in a borax solution. Regulation was very poor Divisi
and reports on the note not very flattering, but most in 197
others were using the same anyway. The receiver was a Em
Schnell 0-V-1 (No RF stage, detector and one audio.) in 196
On Sunday evenings after the broadcast stations had I
closed about 10p.m., amateurs were permitted to broad- period
cast gramophone records on the broadcast band. Loop itive
modulation was used. A carbon mike in series with a equipm
loop of wire which was pushed into the tuning coil and which
the mike placed in front of the gramophone, Appeals to I feel
listeners usually brought in enough records for the next having
week's session but resulted in perhaps opera one week, depend«
jazz the next and so on, depending on the taste of the
owner of the records.
The era of contests was just beginning, but they
were different from the present day ones. My certificate
for togping the VK scores in the Third ARRL Contest of
gBO shows that messages (of 10 words each% were ex-
anged with 48 stations in U.S.A. during th e two weeks
4
of the contest! These contests were all on CW.
In 1932 1 graduated to crystal control, the first
“some crystals were old gquartz spectacle lenses laborously
hope ground down to somewhere within the band. The transmitter
input was a 245 CO E408N FD and TC04/10 PA.
Transierred to Victoria in 1934 I operated for the
yvhen next 17 years from the Goulburn Valley as VK3Cli, being
1 7CH. closed down during the war years. Prior to the war, home
2t built gear was almost universal, commercial gear being
are both scarce and expensive., By 1946 disposals gear was
ate beginning to come on the market and that not suitable
for ham use was a wonderful source of hard to get parts.
> watts On returning to Tasmania in 1951 the o0ld call VKT7CH
llowed was re-allotted and by now commercial receivers were more
3 but freely available, my first being an Eddystone 750 but a
2C. home built transmitter was in use until about 10 years
tuted. ago.
one Operating maritime mobile for many years abogrd the
tuned yacht 'Moorina' regular skeds were kept on 3590 Mhz.
upply with the Hobart boys on numerous cruises, using a Type
of A Mark 3 then various home made rigs. It was from these
rans- skeds that the present 'Sewing Circle' developed.
lop Before leaving Tasmania several positions were held
jars in the WIA and in 1934 I was honoured by being elected
nium a Life Member., On returning, I again became involved in
poor Divisional affairs finally taking on the QSL.Manager job
most in 1973.
as a Employed in the Banking industry from 1925 I retired
0.) in 1968 after four years in Burnie.
ns had I think I have been lucky in being around during a
road- period when radio progressed from the comparative prim-
op itive of 55 years ago to the sophisticated present day
a equipment, Surely there can never be another 50 years
1 and which could show so much progress. Irom my own experience
1s to I feel that newcomers are missing a lot of fun in not
he next having to build their own gear and not having to be
week, dependent on their own efforts to get them on the air,
f the
hey
ificate
st of
ex-
- weeks
The purpose of this column is to inform those inter-
ested in ATV of developments in the North, North West
and South. To do this, of course, requires information
to be passed on to the editor and your contributions,
whether in the form of notes and/or circuits will be
appreciated.,
SOUTH: Construction is well under way for an ATV repeater.
The need for a repeater was discussed recently by several
interested amateurs who felt that without a repeater,
interest in the south would not progress much further
due to the problems of topography which prevents contacts
between a number of stations.
Enquiries revealed that a number of amateurs were
interested and a gathering was held at Ron's (VK7ZRO)
QTH to discuss requirements, Ron had been contemplating
building a repeater for a long time and was enthusiastic
enough to start work on the receiver system the same
week,
To my Kknowledge five stations have or will soon have
the facility tc¢ transmit colour with one B & W station
just completed.
The following stations have either receive or trans-
ceive facilities and there may be othners of which I am
not aware.
VKTRR (T) VKT74TA (T) VKTHK (T) VKT7ZRO (T)
VK7BX (T)
VKTRM (R) VK7ZJH (R) VK7ZAR (R) VKTZPK (R) Vk
The location of the repeater for testing and initial AMA
use will be at Ron's QTH as this is the most suitable
site at present. ANT
A meeting was held at Ron's QTH recently with Tony
VK7AX and David VK7YY and much discussion on ATV and AUT
repeaters ensued. I think everyone left that evening
knowing a little more about activities in other parts
of the state. (oNTAC
VKTRM: For |
oV A
PROBU
WE wi
Pkmef
LAUNC
¢
BurNIE BuRNIE
PH.3(17083 VK ELECTRON|CS PH.311708
57 WEST PARK GROVE BURNIE 7320
2 METRE
ter. PORTABLE
FT 290R
ral
cts The FT 290R is a highly sophisticated compact muitimode
transceiver for the 2M amateur band. Featuring PLL sythesis
in 100Hz, 1kHz SkHz, or 10kHz steps. The FT-290R utilizes a
Liquid Crystal Display for digital readout for the operating
- frequency. 10 memornies, scanning of the band or
memory channels, two VFO's & receiver
offset tuning makes a
significant breakthrough in technology.
So be quick, these are not going
to last! Don't miss out!
VK ELECTRONICS CAN SUPPLY ALL MAJOR BRANDS OF
AMATEUR TRANSCEIVERS AND ACLESSOR(ES INCLLOING
ANTENVAS
, COAX CABLE ’ AND TEST EQuIPMENT
AUTHORISED AGENTS FoR * —
VicoM [Com |, DAIwA
CoNTACT ~ No€EL STuTTERD
FOR SALES AND SERVICE KENWooOD AUST. - Kkewwoosn
PROBuCT OR ACCESSONY
Bick CTRONI
SMm(TH ELECTR C
ONICS
WE wiLL NEGOTIATE ON
Pfllce'.'. BURNIE 31 (708 CHIRNSIPE ECECTRoONICS
SCALAR INDUSTRIES P[c_
LAUNCESTON CONTACT 44 -5000
MAIL ORDERS WELCOME
-—
TRACKING THE IC-211E & IC-701 LCGETHER ' 4
FOR OSCAR WORK: GE
Yodification is required to tre IC-211E
only:- f‘l\
#8 shown in the diagram take two leads
and an earth EI.E
from the UD and CK tags of thne tagboard
under the
1C-211E to the two spare phono soc<ets
on thne back. F)ty
These are then connected to tne appropri
ate pins on
the 24-way socket on the IJ-701 - i.e. pins 16, 17 &
‘Adapto
Amplif
Batter
Cable
Capaci
Operation is as follows:-
Turning the 211 tuning knob resul:is in both transceivers Diecas
tuning togetner, Turning tne 701 Tuning xnob tunes the Diodes
701 only tnus enabling netting tze Tx and Rx signals
via Oscar and making doppler corrections. Enclos:
The direction of tuning (up or down) on the 701
when tracking will depend on the last direction the Fuses
knob of the 701 was turned. Taus it is possible to
make the transceivers tune in opposite directions as Heatsii
would be required for Oscar 7 mode B and Oscar 8 mode
J when using the 701 with a 70cm transverter. Hook=-uj
FREQUENCY ChAdT
I.C.'s
9 29.502
Usza/m j 435,100
CI75[ 145,97: J925| 145.972 Instrun
USE cw LSBE/CW
145.85 145.95 | 29.4 29.5 29,402 | _
USB/CW USB/CW | Mioraat
“ 45,90 146.00 [435.2 435.1 435,097| , "HCTOPI
USE/CW LSB/CW Multime
Oscillc
VXTAN Power S
WORK
:
GEORGE 162-164 ARGYLE STREET, HOBART, TEL, 242253
HARVEY 76_YORK STREET, LAUNCESTON, TEL. 316523
rth ELECTRIC GHE are pleased to assist the Wireless
cKe. Pty. Ltd. Institute Of Australia (Tasmanian Division)
on in the production of their revitalised
magazine.
17 &
We invite all members to visit our Electronics
Division Showroom in Hobart and Launceston to
inspect our comprehensive stocks, including:-
"Adaptors - AC/DC, DC/DC Plugs & Audio, multi-
Amplifiers - P.A., TV Antenna Sockets pin, antenna,
ocKkets Batteries - Nicad & Sealed BNC -etc.
Lead rechargeable Potentio- Bourns multi-
Cable = Mic, Coax, rainbow meters turn, carbon &
Capacitors - Electrolytic, poly wirewound
tantalum etc. Resistors 1/4 to 10W
eivers Diecast Boxes - Eddystone, ITT all values
tne Diodes Rectifier, zeners Soldering Weller, Scope,
1s bridges Irons Adcola solder-
Enclosures - Diecast, pressed ing equipment
steel, plastic Speakers Ralmar,
Fuses - Glass & ceramic, Magnavox
fuseholders Sprays Freezer etc.
Heatsink - Extrusion & Switches Micro, minia-
Clip-on ture, P/B &
Hook-up Wire - All colours & toggle, slide
sizes & rocker
I.C.'S d National, Terminals Belling & Lee
Philips, Motorola Ralmar &
Signetics Bulgin
Instruments - Panel-meters, Transformers Arlec power &
multi-meters, VU audio,
meters, scopes, Ironcore, &
hire service Ferguson
" Microphones - Ralmar stands, Transistors Motorola,
mixers & Access GeE., R.C.A.,
Multimeters - Digital & Philips
analogue Tools Xcelite,
Oscilloscopes - Hitachi, Trio Channel-lock,
Power Supplies- Arlec, Adtech Ralmar
e
SERE
——————
L——
—————————————
“A WHOLLY TASMANIAN OWNED COMPANY”
VHF NOTES
There have been some rather good openings on VHF and
UHF over the past months.
8.2.82 Monday at 0900 local VK7DA, ZAH, JG worked on
144 mhz VKS's ZFS, ZDR with good 5/3, 5/6 reports. The
signals also had meteor bursts on them which gives an
!
interesting effect. 432 Mhz. was also open with VK3's
ZHP, ACH, ZBJ being contacted at good signal strength.
Daniel Vk7DA was hearing carriers from VK3 ZHP and ZBJ
on 1296 Mhz. at 6-10 dB out of the noise. Dave VKT7HR
worked VK3UD on 144.1 SSB.
5.2.82 Friday at 0200 local, Joe VK7JG accessed
several VK4 repeaters and also had contacts on 2 SSE.
52 Mhz. was open until approximately 2400 with VK7ZAR
working JA5 & 6 callareas with 5/5, 5/9 signals. Some
JA stations were using 3 Watts PEP to dipoles. QOther
stations worked were VK2 ZI, DDC, 8GB, 1RK. The VK2WI
beacon on 52.450 is having trouble with the keyer but
should be back on shortly.
20,2.82 saturday at 0958 GMT, VK7ZZ was over run
with JA stations. Ian worked 29 in all call areas
JAl,2,3,4,5,6., This went on till about 11.30 with sigs
very good 5/9 copy. Ian was the only station on in the
South! Where are all the keen VHF operators? 52Mhz. has
not closed.
2,3.82 Tuesday; there was auroral activity with
VK7's KJ, 2Z, ZPK being active on 52 Mhz. Several
VK2 and VK3 stations were worked by this means.
Joe VK7JG in Launceston was also worked.
On the 4th. there was another auroral display
late at night but there were no signals on six.
The southern repeater VK7RHT (also 0G ===/--¢ of
late!) was off the air from the 15th. for a few
days; the final stage had a ventilated 6/40.
Just to prove that strange things happen on VHF,
f——
VK?KXA was heard on channel 40, For further inform-
ation on this extremely rare station contact VK7KXA
QTHR: We've heard a rumour that awards may be issued
for this one!
David Chadderton VK7ZOT.
10
GELSTON COMMUNICATIONS PTY. LTD.
40 Lavender Grove, - TWO WAY RADIO SALES AND SERVICE -
Launceston.
' oW N
Phone us for your next purchase, v‘ l.A.A \v‘-
Your local
VICOM agent
THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS:
BARLOW WADLEY MK II $120:00
SONY ICF - 2001 Digital Receiver $199:00
FL 2100 LINEAR Best Offer
FTV 650 6 METRE TRANSVERTER Best Offer
P.0. Box 1311, Launceston : Phone (003)443882
INFORMATION WANTED:
I would like the following information on Tasmanian
lledium Wave broadcasting stations.
start of on-air transmission,
original wavelengtn / frequency,
original power and any increase,
any change of wavelength, when and why (e.g. 7ZR,
7BU, 7SD)
close down date (i.e. 7UV, 7DY)
types of aerials, radiation patterns
types of transmitters
change of transmitter site
early broadcasts( commercial and amateur)
change in call-sign
any other relevant information.
This request comes from Fred Reid, VKT7FD,
8 lMcRae Place,
BUKNIE.
1
ADVANGED ELEGTRONIGS
1AM 5OWMNAOO HIOD «+ 0 - =
SA The Quadrant, Launceston.
RN E%___
)
P —
e
aD IC-720A
Bil
Jin
Ton
Pet
Come and talk to Graeme VK7ZGA about
ICOM - KENWOOD - YAESU
and all amateur gear.
k VIC 20 Colour Computer,
-COMMODORE
Now in stoc
PO. Box 328. Ph. 317075
1OGIC PROBLEM
Jhen time is no problem and You are feeling cool-
headed
and patient, try sorting out the information
given below
to form 5 files, each listing the name, locat
ion,
antenna and power output of these amateur radio
stations.
CLUES:
1. The rhombic is connected to a transmitte
r witn 30 W
output and the Yagi, which is not in Canberra,
belongs
to Peter.
2.Tom lives in Hobart but doesn't have a rhombic
antenna.
3.Neither Mike or the Sydney station have transmitter
outputs of 80Watts nor do they have vertical anten
nas,
4. The Perth station does not have a Quad or a Yagi
and
his name is not Jim.
5. The Melbourne stations output is 400 W and Mike does
not live in Canberra.
6. Jim has 150 W but he doesn't have a vertical
antenna.
. The G5RV is not in Perth and it is not Mike's anten
O
na,
Melbourn
Canberra
Vertical
Hobart
V) i . V%
.
"B
Jim
Tom EEENENS AT
T A
EEEESEEEY EEEEY
/
a
80 W known clues and crosses
30 W ===== ===== for elimination.
G5RV
Quad
The next issue of QRM will reveal
Yagi the solution and an explanation
Vertical of how to work it out. In the mean-
Rhombic time, have a go! It's just logic!
VK7NPK
HOBBY ELECTRONICS
W
O
o
8
o
»
g
o
—~
-
®
-
o®
Ph. 476674
14
Modify your GEMTRONICS 3325
If you have a uemtronics 3325 that has been con-
verted to 10 metres, and has channels 21-23 fitted
with 28.550, 28.560, 28.570 and 28.590, then you may
be interested in an inexpensive method of filling in
most of the gaps between these frequencies by fitting
an extra crystal and obtaining another four channels.
Fitting a 13.290 Mhz. crystal in the appropriate
socket should give the following frequencies on
channels 17 to 20:
17 28.543 - 28.547 19 28,563 - 28.567
18 28.553 - 28,557 20 28,583 - 28.587
The only modification needed to pull the crystal
is to short out the fixed capacitor and trimmer in
series with the crystal socket, and solder an 18 pf.
ceramic capacitor across the crystal.
We tried pulling the crystal up in frequency but
had no success. The crystal used is the same one that
provides channels 21-2%3 . (Available from Harvey- VK7HK) |
The clarifier on my rig changes the frequency on
transmit and receive by 2 and -1 Xhz. from the
frequencies noted above,
If you are contemplating adding further channels to
your Gemtronics, you should check the frequencies of
the mixer crystals as the ones quoted in the pamphlet
provided with it are incorrect. (Refer A.R. April 1979)
VK7RM:
QSL BUREAU NOTES
Unclaimed cards are held at the Bureau for the follow-
ing and will be destroyed on April 30th. unless claimed.
VKTAG ER HY MD PS WH NTD ZBA
AZ FI IR NC SL NBI NVL ZzDI1
BA FM Jc NZ TA NCW NWB ZIF
BS GF JW PH TD NPJ NXZ ZJJ
CKK GM KD PL X NSR ZAJ
Call at 95 Wentworth St., Bellerive;
Phone me on 44 2854;
or write if you want yours saved.
Chas. Harrisson
VK7CH QSL Manager.
15
LOW LEVEL PATCHING UNIT Resi
i |3 P10 ¢
Written by Shane Burgess, VK7BX Capa
Disc
s Gree
Many members have said that they are unable to do Tran
Broadcast Relays because they do not have patching NSB3
facilities. ThlS simple design should overcome those * BF2C
problems at minimum cost. B(C54
' BD173
The circuit is simply a voltage divider with the . 2N3C
low level audio being picked off on the wiper of the pot. I.C.
The speaker shown is to enable the incoming signal to be TM74
monitored. The capacitors on the input and output are for . LM3S
DC isolation, i.e. to prevent a DC current flow to earth DM74
and/or the other transceiver or receiver. Volt
il
C2 should be soldered directly to the potentiometer 100n
and a shielded cable earthed at one end only (as shown) SWI1
run to the low level output socket. The PTT switch need CAP!
only be installed if your transceiver does not have a COAJ
PTT switch on the front panel. SOCK
TAG
The output should be wired into a microphone plug ' ¥
according to the microphone plug wiring diagram in your avai
owner's manual. The whole unit inside of the dotted line Sout
should be built in an all metal box to minimise hum and n
RF interference. ghan.
ea
e R e | Mino
f | Bran
i PTT ' Cont
tiew LEver In !
Faom Ri“/”. uF Dise Ceramic : I : 54 F
Exr_Sleaxer : g : easi
| sect
,'/‘Ffl,x Cy-am[(_ | bart
EKLoy I o e
~
Low Lever Qur i
75 TRANLEIVER MIC H
012 PHOKE FarcH
| LOCKET S
QUIPMENT _STORES - SOUTH_ NORTH
Resistors; The following books are
- 10 ohms - 3M9 ohms i-iwatt. now available:
Capacitors; 1982 Callbook=-
Disc .001 -~ 820 pf. ARRL Antenna Handbook-
Green caps .001 - .1 Cubical Quad Handbook-
Transistors; Better Short Wave Reception-
NSB319 2N3819 2N5086 Beam Antenna Handbook-
BF200 NSD202 NPS3702 Shop & Shack Shortcuts-
BC547B BC308B 2N2222 Antenna Anthology-
BD139 BD140 TIP3055 I.C. Handbook-
2N3055 Solid State Basics-
2. Cilss ARRL Ham Radio Operating
LMT741 LM380 NES556A Handbook=-
LM3900 LM709 LM111 Hints and Kinks-
DM7410 RSGB Morse Code Instruction
Voltage Regulators; Book-
7812 12V 1A. 78L1Z2 12V
100mA. 7815 15V 100mA. Other items of interest
SWITCHES ~ FEED THRU'S include;
CAPACITOR PACKS <« BOOKS World Prefix Maps, World
COAX RG-8 - PLUGS PL259 Atlas, W.I1.A. Badges, Car
SOCKETS S0-239 - 1LOG BKS. Sticksras
TAG TANTS - 1uF - ,1lufF -4.7 Plugs, connectors, transis
Kenwood Dip Meter is tors, resistors, capacitors,
available for free loan to
Southern branch members.
Channel 5A - 8 Element Yagi's Contact VK7ZBY - Brian
Cheap enough to stack. $25 ea. Brian Yeomans.
Minor conversion for 2 metres
Brand new. NORTHERN BRANCH
Contact Southern Branch Store
54 Foot Galvanised Steel Tower
easily transported in 6ft.
sections: $200 or consider
barter with H.F. Linear Amp.
Contact Southern Branch Store.
e Qur Contact VK7VV - RAI Taylor
vER MIC Home Phone - T727743.
ATCH
CKET * SOUTHERN BRANCH
17
to Buy
~ Wanted
New call sign requires H.F. and 6 Metre gear. Prefer
solid state 12 V but will look at others.
Cscilloscope also required. Will be at T.A.R.C.
Contact Arthur VK7KTV: RSD 1745, Penquin. 7316,
FOR SALE
Yaesu 901 DM fF Transceiver with original packing.
Shure 444D microphone insert dual impedance.
Shure 444 microphone insert high impedance.
Icom Electret IZSM2 desk mike,
Jontact Bill VK7UW: 184 Main Rd., Huonville: Ph. 641320
IC 701 TRANCEIVER plus matching Power Supply and
Desk Microphone :- $900 O.N.C.
Phone 284622 VK7HV
CONMPUTER - Superboard II with Power Supply in aluminium
box.
Dabug II monitor, 8K RAM, Misc., extras - very little
use. $400.
RTIY DE¥ODULATOR:~ ETI (VK7TM) Design, bar LED tuning,
variable shift, power supply, in aluminium case. Can
be used with above computer. Modulator PCB included in
box. $60.
Will sell separately if computer is sold first,
Ron VK7RM (002) 232808 QTHR.
AUCTION
Immediately following the next Southern Branch meeting
we will be holding an auction sale.
It is intended that any person wishing to auction
equipment should bring it along to the meeting.
We would like to see some higher priced equipment
rather than the traditional junk box clear out.,
ve suggest that for those people without the 'necessary'
in their pockets, a 10% deposit should be made and the
valance paid in 30 days.
Please come along with your better class of junk and
try your luck.,
ee s
18
:,7200nraker~°'——ANTENNA SYSTEMS
541320
WE'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES!
ium If you're building your
own antenna, you need
good strong marine grade
tempered aluminium tubing
g, that will withstand the
elements,
We supply cut lengths in
imperial and metric sizes,
all sliding fits, and we've
got the range and the stocks
g
S0 you won't have to wait,
TELEPHONE: MOONRAKER AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.
(002) 439733 28WELLINGTON ROAD, LINDISFARNE,
TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA, 7015