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VK7AX > BCAST 24.08.25 12:32l 506 Lines 24675 Bytes #11 (0) @ WW BID : 4135_VK7AX Read: GUEST Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 24Aug25 Path: JH4XSY<JE7YGF<LU4ECL<VK2RZ<GB7CIP<CX2SA<VK7AX Sent: 250824/0311Z 4135@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.AUNZ LinBPQ6.0.24 VK7 Amateur Radio News 24Aug25 Text edition: -------------------------------- VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS BROADCAST FOR SUNDAY 24th August 2025 -------------------------------- Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News. This was first broadcast on Sunday, August 24th, 2025 and we bring you the latest from the world of amateur radio in VK7. This week, joining you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News desk is Peter, VK7PD. Tune in as we share updates and insights across VK7, broadcast through an array of platforms and frequencies: On DMR Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C, managed by the digital group. On Medium and high frequency rebroadcasts thanks to our dedicated operators: 1.862 MHz by Graham, VK7GS 3.670 MHz by Ross, VK7ALH 7.140 MHz by Garry, VK7JGD 14.130 MHz by Justin, VK7TW 28.525 MHz by Dale VK7DG and UHF CB Channel 24 hosted by Mark, VK7FMAC and as a trial HF CB Channel 24 (11m) hosted by Stephen, VK7SME both in the Hobart area. If you missed today’s broadcast then you can catch the replay on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 and HFCB24 in Southern VK7. Thank you for tuning in and enjoy the broadcast! -------------------------------- VK Contest News RD contest 2025. A huge thank you to all amateurs who operated and gave out contacts in the RD Contest last weekend. It is time to put your logs in as the deadline is 31 August 2025, at 0300 UTC which is 1:00pm on that Sunday! All contest logs must be submitted electronically in Cabrillo V3.0 format using logging software, either via the VK Log Checker and the link is on the email edition of this broadcast. https://www.vklogchecker.com/ Or, if that is not possible, by emailing your callsign.log to rdlogs@wia.org.au; the manager will acknowledge receipt, and you should verify submission on vklogchecker.com. Handwritten paper logs (maximum 100 contacts) are allowed but not preferred; they must be legible, accompanied by a summary sheet with all required details, a signed declaration, and a contact phone number, and snail mail sent to the RD Contest Manager, 43 Jahn Drive, Glenore Grove, QLD 4342, postmarked within 5 days of the contest. If necessary, .xls, .csv, or .txt files may be accepted, but PDF, DOC(X), MDB, or image files will not. Logs received after the deadlines (electronic: 14 days; paper: postmarked within 5 days) will not be processed, and paper logs will only be returned if a SASE is provided. VK entrants operating outside their normal call area may credit points to their home state by noting this on their summary sheet or in the Cabrillo file’s soapbox field. https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rdcontest/ Info sourced from the WIA website. 73, Richard VK7ZBX ------------------------------- WWFF, SOTA, POTA and IOTA Weekly Wrap-Up The past fortnight included two VK7 activations, with Rodney, VK7HAM, Al, VK7AN, and Peter, VK7ZPE, heading out on separate occasions. Their first activation was at Pipers River Regional Reserve, situated about 50 km north of Launceston, followed by a second at Reedy Marsh Conservation Area, located 23 km northwest of Westbury. Both sites can be activated under the VKFF and POTA programs. Recently, a few questions have appeared online asking whether hunters must submit a log in POTA or VKFF to receive credit for their QSOs. The answer is no—hunters do not need to submit a log. Credit for the QSO is automatically awarded once the activator uploads their log. If your QSO credit hasn’t shown up after a couple of weeks, don’t hesitate to send the activator a friendly email to see if their log has been uploaded, they’ll usually be happy to help! So hunters, relax, tune in, and enjoy scanning the airwaves for any activations, you’ll get the credit without any extra paperwork! 73, Matt, VK7MAT -------------------------------- QSL News The current list of QSL Cards held by the VK7 Inwards Bureau as at 21 August is in the email version of the Broadcast. Do you attend your local radio club? If so, please email Herman with your Club mailing address, your name and callsign if you would like to collect any cards that arrive for you at your club. Email to westyh(at)ozemail.com.au 73 Herman VK7HW Manager WIA VK7 Inwards QSL Bureau -------------------------------- Sorted Cards held at 21 Aug 2025 ( Any errors in the listing are mine, I sometimes miss culling a call sign) AAC, AAD, AAE, AAH, AAP, AAR, AB, AC, ACE, AD, ACG, ACN, ADE, AED, AG(2014, 2016), AGC, AHT, AIR, AJC, AKK, ALARA (via GH),ALZ, AM, AN, ANC, AO, AP, APZ, AS, ATH, AXZ, AY BA, BB, BBB, BD, BO, BPV, BT, BU, BYE C, CA, CBK, CBR, CC, CH/T, CJ, CMV, CTV, CV, CW, CWB, CX DAN, DBX, DD, DHT, DI, DIK, DM, DN, DO, DP, DQ, DR, DT, DV, DW, DX, DY, DZ EA, EG, EI, EK, EKA, ER FADZ, FALX (alx), FAZZ, FCIA, FG, FGGT, FKLW, FLAR, FMI, FPRN, FRJ, FRJG, FTAS, FTR G, GA, GC, GEL, GGZ, GH, GK, GL, GM, GOP, GR, GS, GU, GZ HCH, HCK, HDE, HDM, HL, HOB, HRS, HSA, HSC, HSD, HSE, HSJ, HSO, HZ IAN, ID, IK, IR, IS JA, JAB, JAZ, JB, JCR, JGD, JOK, JON, JP, JS, JW, JX KAC, KAM, KBA, KD, KDO, KJ, KKR, KL, KO, KPB, KRJ, KT LA, LDH, LJ, LL, LLL, LM, LT, LVH M, MA, MAG, MBD, MD, ME, MEL, MET, MHZ, MI, MJ, MK, MOO, MRS, MS, MV NA, NB, NC, ND, NEC, NET, NFI, NIK, NMH, NRF, NRT, NRX, NSE, NTE, NVH, NWT OB, OR PAF, PBD, PM, PO, POL, PRN, PSH, PSJ, PSZ, PW RA, RB, RG, RN, ROY, RW SD, SG(vi7SG), SIX, SN, SV, SW, SZ TA, TCE, TED, TK, TL, TM, TO, TR, TS, TUX, TX, TZ UT VA, VAC, VAO, VAZ, VDC, VEK, VH, VM, VR, VTM, VZ WA, WC, WL, WO, WT, WUU, WX XTC, XV, XX Y, YN, YUM ZA, ZJJ, ZK, ZM, ZR, ZT, ZX Following cards were left/seen in the box at WAGS 13 Aug 25 - AZ, DG, HH, HVK, HXT, MAT, RR, STO, WN, ZBX, ZTA Apologies to TO, I had an appointment and did not make it to WAGS on 20th. -------------------------------- Statewide SSTV Nights A busy couple of net nights that saw the following participants, VK7s – AX, TW, ZAB, EV, KT, ZCF and ZGK all sharing over one hundred photos. The main themes were: The Steppes Sculptures in the bush north of Bothwell, that celebrates the high country’s sheep-grazing heritage A light sprinkling of snow on Ben Lomond Local and international political cartoons, including world leaders and their pets Recovered weather balloons and Sondes Kazakhstan Airport adorned with Discones The fog horn at the Low Head Lighthouse, including the air compressor Other highlights were: The word of the day from the Urban Dictionary is Exhaustipated, meaning too tired to care about anything The half full or half empty view of things A mechanics wish that women had a OBD2 port A ham using a radio Volcano man Trumps grasp of science The children’s How and Why book of who really spooked the horses Generation X thinking they are not afraid of death No such thing as a quick 10 minute job A nicely built antenna counterpoise terminating plate And 73 from a mad dog with a gun Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PC1K, PD0LBY and PD7JLP in the Netherlands. Remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos. Tony will connect the gateway again next week between 6:30 and 11:30 pm. Note - Ken VK7KRJ’s and Steve VK7OO’s fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites allow anyone who has sent SSTV pictures the ability to check them on their pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania. If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights on Ken’s and Steve’s SSTV websites or on NTARC’s website under blogs. https://vk7oo.tasme.com/vhfsstv/ https://sstv.vk7krj.com/scrolling%20web%20gallery.html https://www.ntarc.net/blogs https://www.qsl.net/vk7ax/sstvgate3/index.html 73 from Andre’ VK7ZAB -------------------------------- NEWS FROM THE NORTH SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston. For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410. 73, Al, VK7AN -------------------------------- Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated www.ntarc.net SAVE THE DATE - Saturday 20 September. Mowbray Hotel - 11.30 am. Kevin VK7HKN will be 70 on the 20 September 2025. To help him celebrate, you are invited to have lunch with him on Saturday, 20 September at the Mowbray Hotel. Lunch will be at own expense. Please, no presents, as your presence will be more than enough and we are hoping to keep it quiet so it will be a surprise for him. It is important that numbers are confirmed, so please contact Lyn VK7FROG either by telephone 0408 549 634 or email norrislyn(at)gmail.com by Sunday 7 September. Looking forward to seeing you there - VK7FROG – Lyn. Thanks Lyn, this is certainly a special occasion and I hope that many of us that have known Kevin over the years will try our hardest to be there for this great surprise. Lyn’s telephone number once again was 0408 549 634. And now for something completely different - word has it that one of our members, who will remain anonymous, has gone back to basics. Nic VK7WW is grinding his own plug in quartz crystal, well not from scratch but trying his hand at shifting the resonant frequency, of a commercially made one, higher to something closer to what he requires. From my memory of watching the process, it was achieved by the use of wet and dry 1000 grade sanding paper, using it dry and laying it rough side up on a very flat surface like the protective glass screen from an old television set. The crystal is drawn across the sanding paper in a figure eight pattern, while judiciously using light finger pressure and rotating the crystal ninety degrees every couple of dozen figure eight laps to even out any finger pressure irregularities. Then re assemble the crystal into mountings and compare its new frequency to the original tested reference frequency. Then repeat the previous grind and test process again and again and again….. until hopefully the desired frequency is achieved. A perfect example of less is more, and in this case less quartz crystal is a higher resonant frequency. Hope you take a few pictures along the way and let us know how things turn out for you Nic. Now from the last technical night, Colin VK7ZCF brought in his latest acquisition, a brand new Icom IC-705. It came complete with a well-padded black carry bag, not the back-pack that is quite commonly seen, but more like an older style camera or video conventional bag. While fitting very snugly into the bag and definitely being safe, it still allows easy access to the front panel antenna socket. For the demonstration it was complete with a suitable 2 Metre “whip” antenna plugged in. With the extra capacity of an external Lithium battery located within the bag, the 705’s available power output is upped by a couple of watts, making the bag combination good to go with near instant operational deployment. After Colin’s rather nice and much higher powered back-pack rig construction earlier this year there definitely does seem to be a portable theme happening. Thanks Colin. As requested by members…. Yes! NTARC club rooms will be opening up to watch the REAST “How to use your NanoVNA” presentation on Wednesday the 10th of September. Doors will be open by 7:00 pm, with the live REAST - YouTube channel on line by 7:30 pm. See you there. Now last but certainly not least, Peter, ex VK7KPC achieved a third place in the VK Shires Contest held in June this year. It was in the Single Operator 10 Watt All Mode section. This may have been the last of his VK7 place getting for Tasmania as Peter is now officially VK5KDO. However NTARC will still claim his certificates in the club members “Brag Folder”. Well done Peter, we shall await your next certificate as a VK5. As always pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs https://www.ntarc.net/blogs UPCOMING EVENTS On Air Test and Technical Net session - Every Wednesday, Test-Net and CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a Technical Net on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW. Club Room Technical night - The next session will be on Wednesday the 3rd of September and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea. Special Club Room night session- Wednesday the 10th. September, live stream of REAST “How to use your NanoVNA”, doors open at 7:00 pm. Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon. Finally – If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address news(at)ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast. That’s all folks, 73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc. -------------------------------- NEWS FROM THE SOUTH Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania https://www.reast.asn.au/ https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/ https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/ 27MHz (11m) HF CB Retransmission Shout out to our new 11m rebroadcasters in Christine VK7CCE and Stephen VK7SME. We have a new patch box installed and so the rebroadcast on 11m will hopefully be improved. So, take a listen on 27.235MHz LSB (HF Channel 24) around the Hobart area and give them a call and let them know a signal report either on 11m or on the repeater. 73, Justin, VK7TW -------------------------------- Wednesday Experimenter’s Group (WEGs) Last week’s WEGs DATV Night was packed with diverse information. We mainly focused on the Remembrance Day Contest Wrap-Up with Justin VK7TW, Richard VK7ZBX, Murray VK7ZMS and Steve VK7OO in the studio. We each ran through the frequencies each person used and then the rig setup each person used, we looked at some analysis of results and we even outlined VK7ZMS' sleep cycle strategy. We covered the logging programs used and the fact that if VK7 wins in 2025 it will be 10 years that the state has won the RD. We finished with learnings and observations from the RD with preparation being the key. Please please please put your log in! https://conryclan.com/projects/art/#/rd-check Log upload here: https://www.vklogchecker.com/ Justin VK7TW then went through how he reverse engineered a Kenwood MAT-100 ATU using picaxe technology. https://picaxe.com/ We go into a two week recess as next week is the Presentation night and we are back the following week so see you then. 73, Justin, VK7TW -------------------------------- August Presentation Night Weather Balloon Chasing https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-weather-balloon-chasing/ Next week will see our August presentation night and it will be all about the sport of Weather Balloon chasing from Steve VK7OO with support from Anders VK7TCP and Steven VK7SH There are hundreds of weather balloons with radiosondes launched every day around the world to help Meteorological and Aviation understand what is going on in our atmosphere. These balloons are one use devices and the balloon eventually bursts and the radiosonde comes back to earth on a parachute. They have a lithium battery and we will have some examples of them at the presentation. They transmit on the 75cm band and can be picked up using a modest receiver and antenna. Some amateurs have even repurposed the transmitters for amateur beacons on 70cm. They are tracked through a citizen-science project called SondeHub that Steven VK7SH has been deeply involved with. https://sondehub.org/ There is also a historical club linkage with radiosondes with Rex Moncur VK7MO developing some early valve based radiosondes back when he started with the Bureau of Meteorology. When: August 27th, 2025 from 7:30pm Where: Queens Domain Clubrooms and Stream on the REAST YouTube Streaming. https://www.reast.asn.au/event/reast-presentation-weather-balloon-chasing/ See you there or on the stream. 73, REAST Committee -------------------------------- September Forum Night How to get the most from your NanoVNA https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-how-to-use-your-nanovna/ Everyone’s got a NanoVNA in their shack (except Rex…HIHI!)… but are you really getting the most out of it? Join us for the REAST Forum Night on Wednesday, September 10th, where we’ll demystify the mighty little NanoVNA! This session is all about practical usage, so bring your questions, your NanoVNA, and your curiosity. Whether you’re tuning antennas, measuring filters, checking feedlines or just trying to figure out what those squiggly lines mean—this is your chance to get hands-on. There’ll be live demonstrations, open Q&A, and plenty of shared tips and tricks from fellow hams who’ve gone deep with their NanoVNAs. No PowerPoint—just pure, practical knowledge. Kicking off at 7:30pm at the REAST Queens Domain Clubrooms and also streamed live on the REAST YouTube channel. Don’t miss it—time to unlock the full potential of that pocket-sized powerhouse! https://www.reast.asn.au/event/forum-night-how-to-use-your-nanovna/ 73, REAST Committee -------------------------------- September Presentation Night How to use the RSGB EMR Calculator https://www.reast.asn.au/event/how-to-use-the-rsgb-emr-calculator/ Join us for an insightful REAST presentation night on September 24th, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM at the Queen's Domain Clubrooms, as we explore the practical application of the RSGB Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) Calculator. This powerful tool enables amateur radio operators to model common antennas in typical household backyards, providing essential calculations for power, antenna type, and spatial arrangements. The EMR Calculator generates exclusion zones and other important parameters to ensure that your setup complies with safety standards, particularly when operating high-power systems. This presentation is especially relevant for those considering high-power experimental licences. Phil VK2ASD from the WIA Education Committee, along with Justin VK7TW, will guide you through the process of using the EMR Calculator, offering real-world examples and practical tips. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced operator, this session will help you understand how to apply the tool effectively when submitting applications for high-power experimental licences, ensuring your station meets safety and regulatory requirements. The event will be held in person at the Queen's Domain Clubrooms and streamed live on the REAST YouTube Channel, allowing all members to participate regardless of location. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and ensure your amateur radio operations are both safe and compliant. https://www.reast.asn.au/event/how-to-use-the-rsgb-emr-calculator/ 73, REAST Committee -------------------------------- REAST Training and Assessment Update https://www.reast.asn.au/information/amateur-licence-assessments/ Are you looking to join the world of amateur radio or upgrade your license? REAST has you covered with regular Training and Assessment Days for all license levels! Key Dates: Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on 30th August 2025. Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, next is on 20th September 2025. Stay updated with the full schedule on the REAST Events Page. https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/ Do you need to secure your spot or ask a question - email: reast.assessor(at)gmail.com and your inquiry will go directly to the Learning Organiser, who be in contact. If you are coming along to next week’s Training and Assessment day and you haven’t let Reg know then please do ASAP as we have to get together the assessment packs. We have learning resources available including our Foundation Licence Training Videos that are a must-watch for beginners. Find them on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment Playlist. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn Practice Makes Perfect so, prepare with the WIA Foundation Trial Exams and the link can be found on the email edition of the broadcast. https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php Whether you're starting your journey or leveling up, REAST is here to guide you every step of the way. 73, Reg, VK7KK -------------------------------- Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months: VK7 Regular gatherings: Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640MHz commences at 6:30pm AEST. Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South. Plus VK7AX International SSTV Gateway connected to VK7RJG for the duration of the net. State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area. Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B. Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute. REAST - WAGs - Wednesday Afternoon Group from 12 noon in the REAST Clubrooms Queen’s Domain. REAST - WEGs - Wednesday Experimenter’s Group on the third, fourth & fifth Wednesday nights of the month from around 6pm in the REAST Clubrooms Queen’s Domain and streamed. REAST - 6m AM Net on 53.1MHz Everyday from 4:30pm SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston. NTARC TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW. NTARC Technical night session - Wednesday 3rd September from 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea. NTARC Coffee Mornings are held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon in the Rocherlea Clubrooms. NW VK7 – Wednesday from 8:00pm local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on 2M VK7RMD and Allstar Node 56780 NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB VK7 Events: REAST - 27th August - Weather Balloon Chasing - from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming. REAST - 10th September - How to get the most from your NanoVNA Forum Night from 7:30pm in the QD clubrooms and streaming. REAST - 24th September - How to use the RSGB EMR Calculator with Phil VK2ASD - in the clubrooms and streamed. VK7 - 15th November - Miena Hamfest - Community Hall Miena from 10am -------------------------------- A reminder to those people rostered for next week’s broadcast: Newsreader: VK7WW Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC 160m: VK7GS 80m: VK7DG 40m: VK7ALH 20m: VK7JGD 10m: VK7VKT UHFCB24: VK7FMAC HFCB24: VK7SME DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group -------------------------------- A huge thank you to all people and organisations that assisted with this broadcast. -------------------------------- That wraps up this week's edition of the VK7 Amateur Radio News. We hope you found it informative and enjoyable? You've been listening to VK7WI, or if you’ve just tuned in, you've just missed our live broadcast. But don’t worry if it’s not Tuesday night then you can catch the rebroadcast on Tuesday night at 8:00pm on repeaters VK7RAA in Northern VK7 and VK7RHT and UHFCB24 and HFCB24 in the South. We encourage you to share your news, stories, and updates with us. Email your contributions to vk7arnews(at)gmail.com. For more information about the broadcast and to join the discussion, visit our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.IO Group. groups.io/g/vk7arnews. Remember, the deadline for submissions is 21:00 on the Friday before the Sunday broadcast. Stay tuned for callbacks on the frequency you’re currently listening to. Relay stations will use their own callsigns during this time. On behalf of the entire VK7 Amateur Radio News Team, this is Peter, VK7PD wishing you 73 and good DX. -------------------------------------------------------------- (Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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