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?(‘\M T X & VALTLE M
AMATEUR
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Bulletin issued by the North, North West and
Southern Branches of the Wireless Institute
of Ausiralia, Tasmanian Division.
December 1978
vol 8 No. 9
Registered for Posting P.O. BOX 275
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Page 2 QR M December 1978
Q R M COMMENT
Well, here we are at the end of another year, and all in all it has been
pretty good for Amateur Radio = Greater distances achieved with the higher
frequencies, more satellites up, and what looks like a win on Channel 5A., Probab-
ly the greatest achievement was the cohesive effort by Amateurs to have Channel 5A
removed, This is the sort of feeling that should exist all the time for our hobby -
with the greater international pressures which are likely to be applied to take
away some of our frequency allocation, we must educate the masses as to the benefits
to be gained by having an active and useful Amateur Radio movement.
Towards this end we need to have a Club Executive that will keep things
moving. It will soon be time to select the 1979 officials, so start giving some
serious thought to this important matter. Ideally, 70 per cent of the Executive
should be replaced; this will give us a good mixture of experience,30% to temper,
but not inhibit the "get up and go" 70%. We need new ideas, effort and vitality
every year, otherwise we stagnate.
Please give it some thought. To my knowledge, the majority of Northern
Executive, including myself, are looking for replacement - but we are all willing
to assist in any way our replacements, In the NW and down South, the same sort of
thing is likely to apply. Radio Amateurs, of any grade, please give it some
thought!
* R R % * R * #*
WICEN
Have you sent your completed form in yet? ©Please do. For those NW
members, if you send them to Peter Fudge, VK7ZFP, Peter will forward direct to
Hobart.
* % R ¥ RO X ®
NORTH WESTERN NOTES by Jim VKTNOW
The usual monthly meeting of the NW Branch was held at Lakins Hall,
Ulverstone, with an attendance of around 25 members.
Apologies: were received from the following:- Max VKTMX; Allan VKTNAL, who is
presently touring various States in Australia, now at Surfers Paradise, where he
has been worked by several VK7's; Terry VKTTT.
Visitors: Noel Stuttard, VK7ZNS, and also a very welcome visitor from
Gzechoslovakia - Zdena Vondrakova, OK2BB1, Zdena is an XYL and her name is
pronounced as Zen-ah., Her brother is well known in the meat exporting business
in Burnie.
Minutes of the previous meeting were read by the Secretary, Kirby, VK7KC and
carried unanimously.
Correspondence: No outward.
December 1978 QR M Page 3
NORTH WESTERN NOTES (Cont.)
Treasurer's Report: Report was read by the Treasurer, Ivan, VKTNOA/ZOA. The
financial situation is in a healthy state.
Council Notes: by Paul, VK7ZPB, who gave some details of the "VK7" Award, the
type of certificate to be issued and so on.
Paul also stated that personnel are required for training for WICEN., Personnel
would be required to go out on training exerciees and should be able to obtain
leave from their respective places of employment to take part in any such
training and emergencies.
The Secretary suggested that Council write to "Electronics Australia" and
"Amateur Radio Action" with details of the activities of the three branches of
the Institute in VK7.
General Business: Paul, VK7ZPB, was thanked for his effort on the 6 metre
Sunday morning broadcast.
Winston, VKTEM, operated from a mine on 2m.
Best wishes were given to several members who are sitting for the next exam.
Jo0sTeAs Bob, Fred, Allan and Jim gave details of some of their contacts
during the Jamboree.
T.A.,R.C. 1978 Fred, VKTNFR, informed us that the display was most impressive.
Meals were particularly good. Syd, VK7SF, was impressed with the layout -
plenty of room, and equipment was well laid out.
Activities Stephen suggested that the final meeting for the year = on
Tuesday 12/12/1978, be held at the QTH of Jim, VK7NOW,
After a short meeting, some interesting 35m films will be shown by
Jim, Members are asked to bring supper as usual, but no cups will be necessary,
Coffee and tea will be provided. The meeting to start at 20 hours summer time
(8 pom.) Carried unanimously.
At the conclusion of general business, a 16mm sound film was shown by
Jimy, VKTNOW called "The Weather Watchers", and was well received.
"AXT" QSL Cards: Members placed orders for these special QSL cards. One
Southern member placed an order for 180 cards and your scribe ordered 120 cards
for "rag-chew" type contacts running QRP.
This wraps it up for another month, so let me say %o you all on behalf
of the members of the North Western Branch - "A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year".
And finally, during the festive season,”"it's better to leave your blood
at the Blood Bank than on the road", so drive safely and you will arrive safely.
73 See you further down the curly cord.
Jim VKTNOW
o R OE * K ® %
Page 4 QR M December 1978
SOUTHERN BRANCH NOTES
Once again a good turn up at the November Southern Branch Meeting, with 41
present. This was the last meeting before T.A.R.C. and this took up a lot of the
meeting. However, we did process three new member applications from Peter Vince,
Ray Taylor and Greeme Floyd, and will pass them on to Council.
The Equipment Store reported that there was Scothcal Developer in stock,
Andrew, TAW eirculated a Wicen questionnaire.
A petition on Channel 5A was circulated for signatures.
Membership rates for 1979 - $20.00 + $1.00 joining fee.
A "starter" talk by TAW on Digital Electronics was well received.
The next meeting is to be a BBQ after a Field Day Broadcast., At this stage, a fox
hunt will be held to the BBQ QTH - more on the Broadcast.
Elections for Southern Branch Office Bearers - WHO DO YOU WANT - SEE THEM SOON,
Andrew VK7ZAJ
* K ¥ ¥ ¥ ok ¥ X
TOA'R.C. = 8 - WEST
As an exercise in public relations, the 1978 Hamfest must go down as
& resounding success.
During the two hours that the Hamfest was open to the public, an estimated 800
people passed through the displays.
The venue for the Hamfest was well chosen and if anybody had any complaint or if
anything went wrong, we did not hear about it.
A very good dinner was held at the College on the Saturday night. Light enter-
tainment music and dancing was provided; the guest vocalist, Cherryl, providing
an excellent act.
Cn Sunday the WAGS provided an overwhelming lunch and to cap off the Hamfest, there
followed a lively auction at which we noted: Two 813's and sockets handed in at
$10.00, an RTTY perforator went for $7.00, a roller inductor for $31.00, and a
double bar radiator for &1.00 - that blew the fuses at TMC's house when turned on.
Activity on the Hamfest station AXTW1 was fairly brisk, there was even an opening
to VK2 on 6 M,
Best commercial display had to be Trio - Xenwood = they did not get a prize, but
they should do some business to make up for it,.
(Cont. P 5)
December 1978 QR M Page 5
T.A.R.C. - 78 =~ HAMFEST (Cont.)
1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes for amateur displays went to microprocessor users. T7PF took
1st prize with his cw reading microprocessor - the other prizes went to 72RO and
7RO,
The Southern boys were startled when 7ZRF set up his display in the home brew
section = and walked off with first prize - Congratulations, Bob, Other prizes
in the home brew section went to 7AW, 7MC, Alan Ruthven and 7ZJG.
The fox hunt prizes went to 7BB, 72DC, T7ZRO and 7ZGP. Comment of the Hamfest was
"not another one" from Peter TPF at winning the technical quiz after winnlng the
first prize for the best amateur display - Well done, Peter.
There were many new faces at the Hamfest, many old acquaintances were remade, and
for those amateurs that could not make it - well, we will see you at next year's
T.A.R.C'
* W ¥ # F ® * *
EQUIPMENT TENDER ~ SOUTHERN BRANCH
The Southern Branch have for sale the following equipment:
As Complete Units:
QY
4 Only 100W M/F Philips Beacon Transmitters
or as individual items the following assemblies:
rD
3
Two door equipment cabinets - 19" -~ on wheels
B PDDAPAN
70 OHM=-200W non inductive load resistors
100W RF assemblies = QB3/300 final
AM Modulators - 2X807 push pull output
Relay Control Unit - houses 15 type 3000 relays
Ident Keyer units
H.T. rectifier power supplies -
Transformer - HT of 1500V, 600V, 250V, 50VDC,
6.3V and S5VAC - All solid state rectifier
Preference will be shown to offers for the complete transmitters, however if
you only want to tender for an assembly it will be accepted and the items
allocated by ballot if too many tenders are received.
All tenders to Graham Johnson = VK7GD - Southern Branch Equipment Store,
50 Bayswater Road, Moonah, 2009. Phone 726412,
Closing date: 22nd December.
LGN I U
Page 6 QR M December 1978
"TOPICAL TOPICS" by Jim VKTNOW
Two interesting stations to look for around 21.160 MHZ every afternoon
around 0500/053%0 are Bill, VK6NDZ, who is a guard on the Indian Pacific Railway.
Bill works "Railmobile" and is heard at good strength using an "Arganaut" running
5 watts P.E.P, into 2 vertical antenna on the side of the guard's van.
Ancther station to look for is Harry, XEI-EFT, in Guadalajara in Mexico. Harry is
on every day around the above frequency and time and speaks excellent English.
Remember the two questions I asked in last month's issue of QRM, on page 57
Regarding the one on, "What year was the first L.P. recording put on the market?
... the answer was as follows:
The Columbia "Graphophone" Co. of U.S.A. introduced an L.P. record in the year —
wait for it == 1898. This was a 5" cylinder recording and was called the
"Graphophone Grand", which played for arocund 15 minutes. We have two of these in
our collection. One is unused. Edison summoned his engineers to hastily convert
a "4 minute" cylinder machine to take his 5" records, but by the time he got it on
the market, the 5" L.P. had become obsolete.
Now for Question No. 2 = '"What year did "Quadraphonic Sound" first appear?"
Of course we all know the answer to this one. The year was 1969, The writer
attended an '"Audio Exhibition"™ held in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne in
1969 where various types of 4 Channel gear was displayed. (We managed to talk a
"JA" representative out of a well-known make of 4 channel open reel deck and so
had the first 4 channel equipment to be used in VK7.) Sc the year was 19697
WRONG ! Columbia, once again, introduced the first 4 channel sound reproducing
equipment in the year 1904. I have a superb picture of this machine with a write-
up.
Just imagine looking at a very early table model gramophone. Imagine the centre
spindle to be around 2 feet long. Now, further imagine 4 records stacked one
above the other - spaced around 4 inches apart. The 4 records were fitted over
a spigot, so that when the reproducer was placed on them, the sound from each
record would be "in sync". Each reproducer was fitted with a huge trumpet which
was suspended on a "4 armed" telescopic stand., So, nothing is new,
Now, a guestion for next month:
"Who introduced the 3 element (triode) tube, and in what year?"
Just a tip. Don't say Dr. Lee DeForest! e will give you the answer next month,
including a photocopy of the original hand drawn circuit of a one tube regenerative
receiver, using a triode similar to the one DeForest used 2 years later!
** R K F R K
FOR SALE BARLOW WADLEY RECEIVER $225.00 OR BEST OFFER
VKTMC =~ Mike
Phone 306175 during week
¥R Sk R R K #
December 1978 QR M Page 7
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Increasing use of chemicals for occupational and leisure activities enhances the
risk of mishap and injury. It is wise to treat all chemicals as potentially
hazardous in relation to bodily contact, vapour and flammaebility.
The following article originated from American Airlines and appeared in Aviation
Safety Digest Issue No. 101, Paul VK7ZPB has passed on this article for QRM
readers.
"At a recent safety conference, an eye specialist described a hazard that could
affect each of us and our families, That hazard is the catalyst or hardener
added to fibreglass resin before the resin is applied. The eye specialist
stated that a drop of this catalyst in the eye will progressively destroy the
tissue of the eye and result in blindness. This will occur even though an
attempt is made to wash the catalyst from the eye. Furthermore, once the
chemical has started to destroy the eye, there is no known way of stopping the
destruction or repairing the damage.
The specific toxic agent involved is methyl-ethyl-ketone peroxide. (MEKP)
In laboratory tests, MEKP in solutions of varying concentrations was found to
-
cause eye problems ranging from "irritation" to severe damage. The maximum
concentration producing no appreciable irritation was a solution containing
only 0.6% MEKP., Material published on the subject indicates that washing an
affected eye within four (4) seconds after contamination prevented injuries in
all cases, but no known chemical neutraliser has been discovered. Suggested
precautions for catalyst users are eye-protective spectacles and the immediate
availability of a source of bland fluid such as water for thorough washing of
ocular tissues.,
One disastrous experience was described. While fibreglassing a chair at home,
a victim had both eyes contaminated by MEKP. Though he made an effort to wash
his eyes out, several minutes apparently lapsed before he found water. The
sight of one eye was lost immediately. The sight of the other eye was lost
gradually over a period of eight years. Its deterioration was described as
resembling that resulting from mustard gas burns during World War 1.
This fibreglass resin danger was previously unknown to those attending the
conference, though many had used fibreglass resin at work or at home. The
hazard may be known to readers also - and to wives and children who may use
a similar kind of resin and catalyst when working with fibreglass or hardeners
used in liquid casting plastic.
BEFORE using any of these catalysts, check their chemical composition and TAKE
appropriate precautions. The cost of a pair of safety goggles is a small price
to pay for the protection of eyesight."
$ % % & % % % =
Page & QRM December 1978
DX _NOTES by Col VK7LZ
As much of my time last month was spent in working on 52 m/hz space normally taken
up by these notes will have to be taken over by Joe 7JG with the VHF notes.
It was pleasing to find that A.RK.A. has now published a new DXCC countries list =
something well overdue - even now we do not know if this list would be acceptable
to the “.I.4. for its DXCC certificate as the ARRL list is the one normally used
by the W.I.A. Listed in A.R.A. is KP4 Deseches Island and this "country" has not
been approved as yet by the ARRL advisory body the DXAC although approval is
expected next year.
ST South Sudan, according to the October issue of QST, has also been accepted for
DXCC recognition as from 4th February 1978. This makes the present total of DXCC
countries available as 319 and an all time total of 365.
FO8 French Oceania is another listing which I cannot identify.
LUTUN, the station operated in the United Nations Headquarters building in New
York, has been officially accepted for DXCC purposes. QSO's dated on or after
February 1978 will count.
The event of the month was the CQWWDX Contest, SSB section. This contest usually
activates many unusual countries, however, the competition is enormous and the
going tough. Stations of interest copied on 2& m/hz were: PJRCO (Sint Marteens
Is.) PJ9KW, PJ9CR, KH4JHJ/KH4 and some South Americans.
On 21 m/hz: PJBCO, PJOCR, PJ9KW, KP4O, HCAHV, H18XDJ, FGREUU/FS (St.
Bartholemy Island), 9K2FX, ZL3H1/C, 4X4UH, PY2GZY, CX4AP, KG6J1Q, KZSED,
7K1DR, 225BG, HP1DX, OY4VU, CE3XV, KVL4KV, H4LDX, LUSMBC, HC8A, VU2TS,
UF6VAG, GW4BVN.
On 14 m/hz the QRM was rugged so little listening was done here; most of the
stations listed above were heard and 4U1UN was QSO'ed for a new country.
7 m/hz produced: N1GG/VP9, HH2CG, 12MAU, CT2ARA, ZL3H1/C and EAQCR, plus
G, DL and EA, in less than one hour. & and JA's were also in abundance.
Although the Mellish Reef and Chatham Island expeditions are now ancient history,
all amateurs spoken to had nothing but praise for their operation. Both were
QSO'ed here on 1.8 m/hz.
VK7HL ‘recently QSO'ed ZD8RG on Assention Island and promptly passed the word along
to the gang, however propagation packed up so we all missed out. Watch for him on
the P29JS net or on 21.220 m/hz around 0800%Z.
UK1PAA is now operating from Franz Josef Land but is mainly on C.W. No times or
frequencies known.
SERRANA BANK could be put on the air in January 1979 by a group of W's,
KV4 - DESECHEO ISLAND is also expected to be actlvated in January bya group of
five operators for 14 days.
GSL Info: 382,fiVillageStation, New
LU1UN for CQ contest QSO's only to P.O. Box
York City, N.Y. 10014, For sll other SC's to: United Nations Staff Recrea-
tion Council, Amateur Radio Club, United Nations Box 2, New York City, W.Y.
10017. ZD8RG vis K8V10 2Y1V via LASNM.
* % & ¥ % % ¥ =%
December 1978 QRM Page 9
DOUBLE SIDEBAND K.F. CLIPPER FOR THE IC202
Appromately 6 db improvement in average PEP output can be made to the IC202 by
providing 10-15 db of R.F. clipping. This is more effective than using the
3-10W linear which is available for this transceiver.
Clipping is accomplished in the balanced modulator I.C. by driving it with
approx. 8V p.p. of undistorted audio.
To do this, use 741 flat pack of amp &s shown; insert the amplifier in series
with R67, 330 ohm on the main board. The lead of R67 can be snipped in two
quite easily so that no disturbance of the main P.C. board is necessary.
The prototype was constructed in a total space of 1" x ¥" x %" in height with
the four leads + ve, - ve, input and output protruding from one end. It was
then covered with a piece of plastic tape and installed into the set immed-
iately above R67. Because of small volume of this unit the cover may be
re-installed without any clearance problems.
The amplifier provides about 20 db of gain and the level of R.F. clipping can
be controlled, by the use of thé microphone gain trimpot already in the set.
The author has used the unit quite successfully but suggests a check should be
made if using a linear that splatter is not present. To overcome this problem,
reduce the mike gain.
73's Phil VK3ZRL
22K
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QRM December 1978
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December 1978 Q@ RM Page 11
6 METER AMPLIFIER FOR 1C502
John, VK7ZGJ, has forwarded the circuit diagram of a very useful 6 meter linear
amplifier for use with the ICS50Z.
Essentially, the layout follows that used in the DSE linear amplifiers with bias
circuit details given for the 2N55390 and 2N5591 transistors when used as linear
amplifiers so as to obtain optimum performance.
Adjustment of the amplifier is straightforward; the most important step being to
adjust the input tuning at low drive level for minimum V.S.W.R. at the input.
Once this is accomplished, output tuning should be undertaken. The input tuning
should again be checked. Any sign of instability in the amplifier being attrib-
uted to a possible mismatch at the input.
* ® ¥ ® ¥ * * %
80M Q.R.P. PART II
This month Winston, VK7EM, continues with part II of his descripticn of his 80M
GeR.P. rig. Here are his noctes on the transmitter circuit:
Close tolerance components must be used in audio phase shift network (1%).
Bias stabilising diode must be thermally bonded to output transistor heat sink.
Driver emitter purposely unbypassed.
Audio leads from phase shift stage are phased for L.S5.B. operation, or can be
switched with D.P.D.T. switch for selectable sidebands.
ALIGNMENT
1. Ensure adequate R.F. drive to balanced modulators (2V P/P).
2. Check standing current of output stage (approx. 8C mA).
e Adjust tuned circuits for resonance.
L, Connect 50 S 1load.
5. Adjust carrier balance pots for almost complete null in
output.
6. Apply pure single tone of suitable level to mic. socket.
Adjust items marked O for best sideband suppression,
waveform on C.k.C. should look like unmocdulated carrier.
/e Apply two tore signel (or unbalance one modulator with
single tone applied) and check for 2-3 watts P.E.F. out.
8. Adjust mic. gein for optimum drive.
(Cont. P12)
Fage 12 Q December 1978
w0
=
. Adjust L1 in receiver for resonance on '"transmit".
Nel
Transmitter then sees high impedance.
73's VK7EM
12v
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23 ool g V! Diodb& 5ofl_DGD
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80 M. QRP
VKT EM
December 1978 S RM Page 13
"THE LISTENING POST" by "Earwig"
Have you heard the station calling itself "The Voice of the Malayan Revolution-
ary Forces'", and wondered what you were hearing? Well, this station is a
clandestine station, and its transmissions are in English, Malay and Cantonese
and was logged here at 0945 until 1010 GMT. Its programmes are supporting
Malayan communist guerrillas who are still fighting in remote jungle areas near
the Malay-Thai border and in the Northern Borneo jungles against the Malaysian
forces since the end of Vorld war II. However, the transmissions seem to be
coming from the People's Kepublic of China as it is a frequency that Peking has
utilized in various Asiatic language programmes. The programmes do have a strong
pro=China bias and in fact one segment of the programme logged at the time was
produced in Australia by students from Malaysia whose sympathies are with the
guerilla movement and the Communist Party of Malay at 3CR in Melbourne. Listen
for it on 15770 Khz between 0930-1045Z. SINPC reading 55445.
Also, you can hear the other sice from Kuala Lumpur on 15285 from 1030 GMT. The
programme is in Chinese and quite strong here with slight interference from Radio
Moscow on the same frequency.
i new country logged here recently was Finland. It was logged at 0930Z on 21495
Khz in English with a programme for Z.L. Asia. However, its signal was only fair;
SINFO 34223,
According to the BBC UYorld Radio Club, Uganda has been monitored on 15225 Khz at
approximately 1800 GMT. The transmission was in English. It is inaudible here
in Tasmania at the present time. 4lso, the BBC have heard Bangla Desh on 9580
vetween 060C and 0930 with programmes in English/Bengali directed to Europe.
It does appear that Radio Peace and Frogress has ceased transmission or has been
curtailed since Moscow launched its world Service.
A station, believed to be in Saudi iAravia, is being heard here from 0600Z on 15060
Khz. The broadcast is in Arabic znd is quite strong. 55434. Also Israel can be
heard daily in English at 0500 on 11655 Khz with a news broadcast relay from the
"D" network. The signals are excellent; 555455 from 0515 an identical programme
is aired, but in French.
A new American broadcaster has emerged on SW, It is the U.S. National Public
Radio Network and is on the air from 2200-230CZ with a news/current affairs
format similar to the ABC "AM" programme. It is on 15430 Khz on a frequency
normally used by the Armed Forces letwork, but there was no AFN ID's during the
hour long broadcast from Vashington. However, AFIi programmes were heard from
2205 on the same fregquency.
Low for a few exotic DX sniprets. [ Laotian regional station was heard in the
U.K. on 6600.8 Khz at 2250Z. It is extremely unlikely that we would be fortunate
to hear it at this time to hear the only &W outlet from Laos. Also Campuches
(Cambodia) has also been heard on SAC3 but its broadcast are very erratic as there
does not appear to be any regular scheduled programmes from Fhnom Penn. Kuwait is
being logged at 0900Z in Arabic on 21405 Khz.
hs from 23rd lovember, AM broadcasts
on the MV world wide will be going over to
S Khz channel spacing. Local stations will be shifting freouency between
+/= 4 Khz. The only frequency change locally I know of is 7EX going to 1008 (1C10)
and at this stage I don't have any other changes., Flease let me know of any
frequency changes made by your loczl stations so we can pass it on to the column's
readers.
(Cont. F 14)
Fage 14 Q December 1978
G
0
ke this will be the last RM published hefore the Christmas and New Year period, may
I extend my best wishes for the Yuletide season and hope that 1979 will bring all
that you may desire.
73's "The Earwig"
- - - * % * % %
MINUTES OF MONTHLY MEETING COF NORTHERN BRANCH CF VIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA
HeLD AT CLUB ROOMS, BCURKE STREET, LAUNCESICN CN FRIDAY 10TH NCVEMBER 1G7
The President, Joe Gelston (VK7JG) in the chair, welcomed all members and noted
the following apologies: KXevin Hendricks, Lucy Lockett (Mrs), Ed Hewens and Ed
Bevis.
Attendance: 26 members
lMinutes of the previous meeting were circulated for perusal; Moved Brian (VK7ZBY)
that minutes as set down be confirmed, seconded Lindsey (VK7ZLD), carried.
Correspondence:
Cutwards - Confirmed that a letter of thanks to Ladies Committee for conducting
the #ine and Cheese Tasting evening was dispatched.
Inwaras and Accounts were tabled for information and discussion ensued.
Treasurer's Keport:
Ireasurer, Tony (VK?7TP) presented the lonthly Trading Summary showing bank balance
currently $1,528.95.
I'he following accounts verified by Tony for payment: Fost Box No. 275, H.E.C.
MNt. Barrow kepeater 4/c, and suppliers n/ce for Store purchases etc., Moved Tony
(VK7TF) and seconded Bob (VK7ZKF) that accounts presented be paid. Carried.
Stores Keport:
Submitted by lan Clements and detailed his recent visit to Federal Cffice whereby
Ian was able to clarify several cutstanding orders in the book line. The avail-
ability of shelf lines were noted (and 2 number of points raised there should be
of benefit to all Members.
Federal Report:
Peter Frith (VK7PF) played the Federal Tape received from FPeter wolfonden (Exec.
Vice President) dealing a2t length with Channel 54, submissions and outlining
remarks by David Joule (Queenslanc Fed, k.F.) Secretary of the Farliamentary
Committee set up to advise the Minister on the technical ramificaticns of the case.
- (Cont. P 15)
December 1978 G RM Page 15
T.A.K.C. Report:
Joe Gelston reported on the highly successful conventicn held recently at the
Ft. Nelson Campus T.C.A.Z., covering Field Activities, Home Brew and Commercial
Displays of Equipment and commended the sound orgenisation behind the project.
Bill Tanner (VK7TE) spoke of the lack of publicity on the project. However, =
good attendance of the general public was noted during the "OPEN SESSION" of
the convention even so.
QR M Report by John (VK7CCC)
There has been a delay in going tc print on the above and packing night is set
down for Wednesday 15th lhovember - vclunteers please.
J‘O.T‘ Arko
Keports by Robin (VK7RH) with the 18th Launceston Sea Scouts of a very success-
ful turnout on 22nd and 23ré Cctover 1878,
Also from Graham (VK7ZGG) that both he and Ed (VK7HE) had catered for several
groups in a like manner, over the same pericd at 2 portable location, in the
North.
Christmas Festivities:
Froposed barbeque for 9th December 1078 at the Kings Meadows High School Gym.
See QRM Magazine for details.
Other Matters:
Raised by Membere for Club participation were National Field Day and ®.I.C.E.N.
bxercise for consideration in conjunction with the proposed Mini-Clympics for
Handicapped Feople in 1G7%.
At the conclusion of the general business, members were entertained by Peter
Frith with a fine collection of tape excerpts of past, present and working
satellites, both of the U.S5.4. Coastguard, as well, Amset Oscars Nos. 7 and 8.
Peter detailed the launching procedures and outlined by means of the chart the
formula for determining the aveilability of the "Oscars'.
Cperation in Modes "A"™ and "B" were explained as well as brief details of the
new Russian Satellites (27) currently in orbit around the earth. Thank you,
Feter.
Supper was served and this concluced the evening.
Fage 16 QR M December 1978
MICKO-PRCCESSOR PROGRAM FOR GENERATING RANDOM CALLSIGNS FOX C.W, PKACTICE VK7JV
LIST
10 REM, random letters and numerals for morse code
20 REM, practise, in blocks of 5 by 5
30 REM, written in PTC EXTENDED BASIC by
40 REM, JOHN VK7JV
110 FOR A=1 TO 6
120 FOR I=1 TO 5
130 FOR J=1 TO 5
140 GOSUB 280
150 PRINT CHR(X):" ";
160 NEXT J
170 FOR J= 1 TO 5
180 GOSUB 280
190 PRINT TAB(20) :CHR(X):" ":
200 NEXT J
210 FOR J= 1 to 5
220 GOSUB 280
230 PRINT TAB(40) :CHR(X):" ";:
240 NEXT J : PRINT
250 NEXT I : PRINT :PRINT
260 NEXT A
270 GOTO 320
275 REM, line 280 decides if it is to be a letter
276 REM, or a numeral.
280 Y=INT (4*RND(@) +1)
290 IF Y>1 THEN 310
300 X=INT(10*RND
(@) +48) : RETURN
310 X=INT(26*RND({@)
+65): RETURN
320 INPUT "DO YOU WANT MORE? ", Y$
330 IF Y$= "YES" THEN 110
340 END
To eliminate duplication on a single block line the
following could be added and changed
300 and 310 remove RETURN and replace it with GOTO 315
315 FOR C= 1 TO 5: IF J(C)=X THEN 280: NEXT C
317 J(J)=X : RETURN
December 1978 Page 17
RUN
Q M 3 L
D T X S W C Q W D B H
Z B W E Y Z A P ¢ A 6
H 9 R H F H W K E W 4 B I G B
Uu O W F 7 6 H B U Y 6 G 4 G N
R G V V G 4 W 6 W Y
W R B H 9 6 P 9 T E
o
J Q 2 8 C g S R E
Q s T
4 U X X 9 Y Z F S
B W 9 X 9 W N T J M O
T L H J 8 Q 5 A R 3 L D X N H
Y D E P H B D N W J A N M 3 7
W 9 P ¢ 8 D J 2 B Y
P. C J. G G T C O U
H Q 2 D L 1 G Z D ¢ W B T 7 0
Z F 6 7 E U @L 2 P 6 8 I
R O 4 N V M v Y C Z2 B
6 R U K O J L Q X 4 u M 3 A 7
2 B L G P 7 W V M N
M S G T 5 v 2 L 6 O
P J W M 8
X Q0 9 A (¢ 6 1 J L G T A P B 5
7 Y S M O F L C K
7 H L I
A T V U I P 5 O Y B 4 X T U K
W F D P X 4 B Z2 I
W
K O
FR V 4 C J X M V K U
I 9 G M X Q D L T J 4
I M N P J S O V G 2 D
U
I K 2 L Q 9 S Vv T N J M X
Page 18 _ QR M December 1978
SAFETY EAZARD - POWER TRANSISTORS
Certain types of power transistors, particularly Ceramic Heat Sink VHF types, have
a safety handling requirement.
With this type of transistor, the ceramic heat sink portion contains Berylium
Oxide as the major ingredient and it is used for its thermo couple properties.
The danger lies in the instance of the oxide being released by damage or by
tampering with the device. If the oxide is reduced to a powder and inhaled, it
is extremely toxic.
Should these transistor types be broken open for any reason and it must not be a
deliberate action, the fractured parts, dust and chips are to be placed in a poly-
thene bag without touching the exposed Beryllia. The contaminated area is to be
cleaned down with a damp tissue which is then placed in the bag and the whole
disposed of by burial in the ground.
Some transistors carry warning labels and some data handbooks make mention of
the hazard but this is not always the case. If any doubt exists about a trans-—
istor, the above precautions should be followed.
Stripline type transistors, such as the 2N5641 and 2N5642, require special care
during handling and assembly. The following points should be noted:
(i) The devices should always be mounted so that the ceramic
to metal joints are never in tension. The device should
be secured to the heatsink before soldering the leads.
(ii) The leads must not be used to prevent the device rotating
while tightening the stud nut. & flat is provided on the
device stud, and this should be held with a2 spanner or
pliers. Torque on stud nuts must not exceed 6.5 lb=in.
(iii) Avoid using an excessive amount of heatsink compound, but
always use a small amount between the stud and the heat-
sink,
(iv) The devices contain Beryllium Oxide, which is extremely
toxic if inhaled or injected into the humen body. Take
care not to break the package; if it is broken, dispose
of it by burial, not incineration.
(v) Handled properly, the devices present no danger.
73's Paul VK7ZFB
¥ %o R X KR
Decempber 19Y/8 ) W oo Page 1Y
VEF NOTES by Joe VKT7JG
If activity for the past month is any indication, six metres this summer should
provide some interesting DX contacts. To date all Ji call areas have been
worked, most of VK along with P29 and ZL, with JA's teking up the majority of the
contacts in the last four pages of my log book. As yet Bill, VK9ZM has not been
worked although he has heard VK2's and TK3's,
Having my workshop and shack in the same room does have its advantages, especially
during the daytime openings. On 23/11/78 six was open for several hours from
0100Z to JA.
I had a long QS0 with JATMK and he told me that the band was open from JA to
KG6KGO and KAGAOE - VK, ZL3 and 4. Incidentally, the KG6 was operating on
50611 Mhz., I had 2 listen around 50-50.5 but heard nothing but JA's.
Two metres has been very quiet with Kevin, VKT7ZAH, keeping daily seED8 with
VK3BKF on almost all occasions. 432 Mhz contact is also made. On 24/11/78 a
slight inversion was experienced znd Ray, VK3AWQ worked Kevin using 3 watts from
an IC202 as well as severzal other stations,
Tony, VK7TP had his first 432 Mhz contact during the week using a home brew
transverter.
That's all for now - see you in February.
¥ OH R R K ow N R
NEW YEAR'S EVENING BARBECUE
Start around 4 p.m. Location -~ QIH of VK7CCC - See map below. Drinks for
everyone, all supplied free - Bring your own food, salad, cutlery, glasses,
etc. Soft music. See you all there. !.3. If you get full, camping
facilities
areavailable.
445000
64 Wentworth Street,
NEWSTEAD
Suppliers of Yaesu Amateur equipment Test Gear and all
- Accessories. Antennae and Fittings. Novices check
us now for a really good deal.
alalolol
ADVANCED ELECTRONICS
5A THE QUADRANT, LAUNCESTON, TASMANIAN, 7250 - P.0.BOX 328 — PHONE: 31 7075
Page 20 QR M December 1978
ADVANCED ELECTRCNICS
A new store called 4dvanced Electronics has opened in Launceston. It is
managed by Rick Becker who is assisted by Roger Wooley. It will fill a
need long required by radio hobbyists.
The component man can go in and select his choice from a very large range,
as many or as few as he requires. He marks these down on forms which are
supplied, which saves time and effcrt at the final tally. Virtually a full
range of Silicon Valley components are carried as well as a lot of the hard
to get variety.
All sorts of tools, test gear, toroid kits, kits for kids - you name it -
Agents for Kenwood amateur radio gear as well as the usual superb range
of musical equipment, As an opening special, ask about the price of a
TS520 {! Every month we hope to have that "special item" available.
Make use of the notice board supplied free of charge for any use pertaining
to our hobby - Wanted to Buy, Sell, etc, Next Meetings = anything along
this line. If you as a licensed amateur would like to devote some free
time on a Friday night or Saturday morning furthering the W.I.A. cause, by
means of advice to prospective amateurs, then let Rick know, This also
goes for any items you need that aren't on show, and for constructive
criticism. This shop is for our benefit as well as the owners. Theirs
is the bigger gamble -0OuRs is moré to lose. Let's use it. Look for the
full page advert in February q R M.
In addition to all the above, Advanced Electronics is also your local
Dick Smith agent, with prices on z par with the mainland.
For the best home brew equipment - Advanced Electronics in conjunction with
Kenwood Australia = are giving an annual prize of an amateur radio clock -
this year's recipient was Bob Grant, VK7ZRF - Well done, Bob!
*O K K K K R *
NEXT YEAR'S NATICNAL FIELD DAY
Volunteers wanted - at present VK7CCC will be having a station at Evandale.
Date: 23%-24 February 1978. Names to the Executive if interested.
*O¥ K K A F K R
December 1978 <« R M rage 21
GELSTON COMMUNICATIONS
Your 1oca1vVICOM agent - See me for a good deal. This month's specials:s
o 2 metre ringo ranger AR + 2 48,00
_3 2 metre & wave mobile whip and base 38,50
Jaybeam 10 element crossed 2M Yagi 490,00
MR2G lo-band FM pocket receiver - no xtal $175.00
Co=axial cable 3G58 -~ cu mil spec 50c yard
RG213 81,40 yard
Yaesu FRG7 receiver $260.00
TH6DXX 6 element beam $299.00 + freight
TH3JNR 10/15/20M 3 el. ' $219,00 + freight
TH3 Mk 3 10/15/20M $239,00 + freight
JeT GUNN PTY LTD50 BRISBANE St. LAUNCESTON
Telephone 329201
DOMESTIC & BUILDERS HARDWARE
MARINE & PLUMBING SUPPLIES
PAINT & TOOLS
SEDDON PRESS
35a GRANVILLE St. LAUNCESTON 7250
Telephone 316191
FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING
‘ BUSINESS AND PERSONAL
QSL CARDS
——
T DHa LS Chillcolt & Sons
ALL CLASSES ELEC¢\15AL.I”STALLATICKS #ND
REPAIRS
INDUSTRIAL AND DOMESTIC MAINTENANCE
SALES AND SERVICE OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
89 OLIVE St,, NEWSTEAZD PHONE 311677
AFTER HOURS 444434 or 318659
& RN - December 1978
page 22
STATE NEWS from Keg mmett, VA7KK
"mateur AdvisOrv Committee
P
P. & T, have reguested nominations for Y
next years' committee. If _ou cre willing to a@ssist please hand -
your name to any Divisional Councll member., Hames will need tc be L
submitted early in January.
Yiilkinson Award
A nominaticon has been forwarded on behalf of inston
Liichols VL7xM. This award ilssued in memory of Ron Vi3AXC is presented
annualy to someone masing an importasnt contribution to Amateur Radio.
uirston'- exploits in ATV i1t was felt would be most appropriate,
est of lucxk ‘Winston.
Lieyv braft -Regulations
All Cou 1C er: hove 2 copy of the arzft
[
for the new Amateur xegulations rint of tne regulation
hen aboo& will be maade without = pting all the variations but if
vou're interested asg to see thie new rules
Trio-aenwood Awarc
You will have seen elsewhere in 'GRI' about the
orasentation of thils awarc ] vest home-prew ecuipment at TARC-
each year. Thanks are certai to snenwooa for the trophy ana
the annual aonatlon of a L r ock. Council will be framing
some rules governing the awsrc of these trophiss.
ew Members
Vielcome to
sLeven Davis Geilston Bay ; David Bligh Penguin
Peter Virnce VK7NPV LHowrah Rai ma"1o“ VK7NET kMoonah
Changes to Broadcasting 3Stations
1t is most important that changes
in stations perticipating in re-broadcasting sunday broadcasts are
passed onto originsting stations. Also remember that substitution
of alternative stations may me=r. that F. & T. have not been
notified of their narticipation.
Notices of lotions
These are now invited for the Annusl lieeting to
be held in Ulverstone in mid-larch. To the secretary PO Box 1010 L'ton.
AX7 Cards
Graeme Johnson, VA7GL, is handling these. kn \.ulries to Graeme.
~
U
Yominations Please :
Nominations are reguecsted for the following
pos
osi
iti
ti ons;; Div
i isi
visi onal Counci1 llor '
Fed=rsl Councillor * gpecify below
Alternate Feceral Councillor
Nominations should be receivea by the secretary by 20 January, 1979
- ————— " o — —————— " {— o7 o s- " oo D T i (o Tt s S o oS S e S ot s o
.- 5
i nominate __ Call vligh —+-——m——m=——=- to g
i
tie position of —=======-B
e ee .
signed ———-m——---——-o- call [proposer)
signed —-———m—=————-—-- call —-==-= ---(seconcer)
. - \
I agree to accept nominatlion —--—-—---—-=——————- (nominee)