TARC 1985 AR Magazine Feb
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from AR magazine 1985 Feb pages 6 to 7 - VK7 CELEBRATIONS The 1985 Tasmanian Amateur Radio Convention will be held over the Queen's Birthday weekend the 8th to 10th of June 1985. This "Hamfest" as it is more usually known, is under the organisational auspices of the Southern Branch of the Tasmanian Division of the W1A and will be centred around Hobart. The " Hamfest " will provide an opportunity for amateurs to share their hobby with other enthusiasts and hopefully with the public at large. The theme of the "Hamfest" will be "Amateur Radio. Yesterday. Today and Tomorrow." 1985 is the 75th Anniversary of the WIA's foundation and is also the 60th Anniversary of the formal establishment of the Tasmanian Division. This year is also the 40th Anniversary of the re-activation of WIA activity in this State after the suspension of amateur activity for the duration of World War One. It is therefore intended to make this " Hamfest " the focal point of the celebrations of these anniversaries. A number of historical (and maybe hysterical) re-enactments of some wireless communication landmarks are proposed. To begin with permission has been sought to activate briefly a "spark transmitter"to recreate the "POP MEDHURST"experiments of 1901. It is interesting to note that as early as 1896 Australia was to the fore in wireless experimentation. The Chief Electrical Engineer of the Victorian Postal Department, a Mr H W Jenvey. played an important role in the early development work. Professor W Bragg gave a lecture (entitled 'telegraphy without wires'), at the Adelaide University on 21st September 1897. During the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York in the vessel R M S ' OPHIR ' in 1901. the naval escort vessels HM Ships ' St George'and 'Juno' established the first marine radio communication in Australia with shore stations at Quccnscliffc lighthouse. Victoria in May 1901. and at Longbeach lightstation. Sandy Bay. Tasmania in July 1901. Local Government and Service clubs arc supporting this venture. In the northwest of Tasmania work is proceeding on a trans Bass Strait net to re-enact the establishment of the first land station licensed in 1906 and located at Devonport. The initial step lowards inaugurating wireless telegraphy as an official communication medium in Australia was taken with the passing of the Wireless Telegraphy Act in 1905. The first fixed land station was licensed by the Post Office on 7ih June 1906. Located at East Devonport. Tasmania, it was owned by the Marconi Wireless Telegraphy Co and was used to communicate with a similar station later established at Point Lonsdale. Victoria. On the 12th July 1906. when both stations were fully operational, the Governor-General of the period sent what is believed to be the first Australian official wireless telegram to the Governor of Tasmania: "The Commonwealth greets Tasmania and rejoices a1 the establishment of the means for knitting the people of Australia more closely together- Northcote. " The organisers of this proposed net are open for ideas on the actual mechanics of marking this historic event and await the avalanche of advice and other constructive comment. Contact Barry Risely VK7KAD who will pass on your ideas. In the northern part of the state it is hoped to recreate the early trans Bass Strait VHF experiments when on Sunday 5th March 1950 VK's 7PF, 7DB. 7AM and associate Rex Summers operated from Ml Barron using 144 MHz portable equipment and attempted to contact VK's 7DH and TAJ. Although the transmitter caused the team problems due to lack of voltage from the generator, the reception of signals from 7AJ/7DH at S8 and 7LH from Western Junction at S7. Part of the equipment used on Mt Barrow is still available and will be brought out from retirement for the occasion. The "Hamfest" wili not be just a nostalgic journey into the past but will, if all plans succeed, be an up to date display of amateur radio techniques and equipment. The NW coast UHF A TV group, the RTTY, Satellite and Computer Groups will be displaying their equipment and skills. Trade exhibitors have been invited to attend. There will be some informal social functions on site and the whole weekend will be a season for special awards and certificates for amateur radio activities. All are asked to give support, assistance and participation to ensure this "Hamfest" is worthy of celebration 75 years hence. Ken VK7DY is QTHR in the callbook and is the Hamfest Convenor. Contact him today. The above notes supplied by Barry VK7KAD. Publicity Officer. TARC 85