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VK4ZZ > NEWS 23.08.25 07:50l 890 Lines 40303 Bytes #6 (0) @ WW
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To : NEWS@WW
ZCZC
News from the North
from 17th August 2025
sent to undisclosed recipients
this is also sent Packet Radio world wide
as YYYYMMDD News from NE Australia
- Invitation to a Technical Seminar
- News from Central Queensland
- News from North Queensland
- Townsville Nets Callbacks
- Regional Activities
- Buy Swap and Sell and Australias Most Wanted
- Regional Communications Support Events
- ACMA Amateur Radio Assessments Information
- Holiday planning
- Wireless Institute of Australia Civil Emergency Network
- Regional Nets
- ANZA DX Net
- North Queensland Internet Gateways
- WIANews sources
- Invitation to a Technical Seminar
IEEE Northern Australia Section &
the Power & Energy Society
invites you to a Technical Seminar at
3pm Thursday, 4th September 2025.
by
Bill Schlesinger
Regional Manager, Oceania, Erico & Eriflex
at
Room 506-102, James Cook University, Douglas Campus
Or online at :
https://jcu.zoom.us/j/89936907494?pwd=IiyX0xRVhO8vKab2CvGUXCazvyeM3p.1
Password: 823677
Lightning and Surge Protection
Abstract
AS1768 was updated in December 2021 and is now aligned with the
IEC lightning & surge protection standards. These documents detail
requirements for the design, installation, maintenance, and testing
of lightning protection on common structures, and surge protection
for low-voltage electrical and electronic systems within those structures.
The update included a number of changes that have had a significant impact
on the way in which lightning and surge protection systems
are specified and designed here in Australia.
This seminar will outline these changes and provide the attendees
with the skills to undertake lightning protection risk assessments,
write specifications, and complete detailed lightning protection designs.
Programme
- Lightning protection
- Introduction to the AS 1768 standard
- Scope, relevance & alignment with IEC Standards
- Risk assessment procedures
- Guidelines for determining when and where protection is required
- Surge protection
- Explanation of the IEC concept of Protection Zones
- Selection & sizing of surge protection devices
- Application of surge protection solutions for low voltage,
signalling & data systems
- External lightning protection systems
- Explanation of the Rolling Sphere Design method
- Bonding versus isolation.
- Typical design challenges.
- Application / installation examples
- Q&A
Bill Schlesinger has been working for nVent ERICO for 35 years as an
electrical engineer in the field of surge protection, lightning protection
& earthing. His experience includes research and development, new product
development, and consulting in many countries throughout Australasia,
Europe, and the Middle East.
After fifteen years working as the Application Engineering Manager
in Europe and Asia where he was ERICOβs principal lightning protection
designer, Bill has now returned to his hometown of Hobart and is a member
of the Australian Standards Lightning Protection committee EL024, responsible
for producing the recently updated Australian Standard for Lightning Protection,
AS1768.
- News from Central Queensland
- CHARC AGM Weekend 2025
The nittie gritties -
Venue : Maraboon Power & Ski Club
86 Fairbairn Dam Road Gindie
Date : From 2pm Friday 26th September
to 10am Sunday 28th September
Food : Meal Package $25 per head.
Member Fees: $20 single $25 family
Digs : Powered Site at venue $30 per night no booking necessary
Self Contained Sites at Model Flying Club through Bob/VK4CWL
Happenings : Saturday 27th Sept AGM, Raffles,
Money Board, Mega Auction
Look : RSVP Deadline to Helen/VK4FHEL
FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2025
via CHARC Facebook Page or SMS to 0412038033.
Pay : Direct Deposit Details -
BSB 064 704 Account Number 000904743
Reference Callsign or Surname
Send notification via email
[qrm] vk4wch [at] wia [dot] org [dot] au [qrm]
[being sure to convert the counter-measures first].
The full Monty -
The famous and popular Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club
AGM weekend will be happening from 2pm Friday 26th to
10am Sunday 28th September 2025 at the Maraboon Powerboat &
Ski Club near Emerald Central Queensland.
Not only will the Annual General Meeting be held on Saturday
afternoon, there will also be the famous Mega Auction of Treasure,
a Multi Draw Raffle, a Radio Equipment Raffle, the Money Board,
a sumptuous Meal Package gathered by CHARC volunteers and
cooked up by the Iron Faraday Cage Chefs plus a chance to catch
up with fellow hams and support crews at one of the best spots in
Central Queensland.
CHARC Inc. Events Co-ordinator Helen/VK4FHEL needs your
catering numbers NO LATER than FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER!
You can advise Helen either on the CHARC Facebook Page or by
SMS on 0412038033.
Camping and Caravan Site accommodation at the venue is
available on powered and watered sites for $30 per night 2pob,
paid on site via card to the caretaker, around the corner at the Lake
Maraboon Holiday Resort with options ranging from camping to
luxury villa (at a bigger price) or if you are self contained you can
contact Bob/VK4CWL to arrange a campsite at the Central
Highlands Model Flying Club facility at nearby Mosquito Creek.
There is also the option to travel out from Emerald to partake in a
variety of motel, hotel, caravan or camping services.
The address of the AGM venue is: 86 Fairbairn Dam Road Gindie
QLD. (Note) The turnoff is just to the east of Model Flying Club
entrance and on the other side of the road.
Membership Fees are Due !
Fees must be paid prior to the General Meeting/Annual General
Meeting - Single $20 PA Family $25 PA
MEAL PACKAGE : $25 per head (for attendees over 16years of age)
will get you Lunch, Dinner, Dessert, Sunday Breakfast and a free
Soft Drink.
- and what a menu ! -
Saturday Sizzling Lunch Sausage - a snag and onion with sauce
cooked to perfection by the Iron Faraday Cage Chefs served on
fresh bread.
Saturday Night Feast - a sumptuous selection of Rib Fillet Steak,
Gluten Free Sausages, Onion, Lettuce, Beetroot, Tomato, Pineapple,
Cheese plus Coleslaw, Pasta Salad & Potato Bake.
Dessert either Homemade lemon Cheesecake, Homemade Caramel
Tart, Pavlova, Apple Pie with Custard.
Sunday Morning Recovery Breakfast - Bacon and/or Egg cooked to
perfection by the Iron Faraday Cage Chefs on bread or toast or
plate.
If there are any special dietary needs please let Helen know.
MONEY BOARD:
It's $2 per number - winning number gets $100 Prize
RAFFLES:
There is a Multi-Draw Prize Bonanza and also a Radio Equipment
Raffle.
It would be very appreciated if you can support the Multi-Draw
Raffle by kindly donate a prize or two.
MEGA AUCTION:
Clear your radio shack or homewares treasure trove out now and
put it all in the Mega Auction - you will need to make room for all
the treasure you will score and take back home ! $5 items
mysteriously wrapped would also be appreciated.
PROGRAMME
Friday Sept 26th from 2pm
- Arrivals and set up - walkies, check out the new venue.
- Take in the wonderful sunset views across Lake Maraboon.
- Meet and Greet.
Saturday Sept 27th
9am - 12pm
- More Arrivals and Meet and Greet.
- Start putting your treasure and mystery items into the Mega
Auction.
- Start putting in any Raffle Prizes you are donating.
12pm
- Sizzling Sausage Lunch at the Club House.
2.30 - 3.50pm
- If you haven't already paid by internet transfer see the Treasurer
to pay your membership fees and catering costs.
(This will be the last time you will be able to pay and this will
allow the Treasurer to finalise the moneys before AGM &
Meeting).
2.30 - 4pm
- Raffle Tickets & Money Board sales.
4 - 5pm
- General Meeting & Annual General Meeting at the Club House.
6pm
- Saturday Night Feast
6.30 - 7pm
- Last chance to purchase Raffle Tickets & Money Board Numbers.
- Raffle Draws.
****MEGA AUCTION WILL NOT START UNTIL DINNER IS
FINISHED****
Sunday Sept 28th
7 β 9am
- Recovery Breakfast then Farewells.
Direct Deposit Details -
BSB 064 704 Account Number 000904743
Reference Callsign or Surname
Send notification via email
[qrm] vk4wch [at] wia [dot] org [dot] au [qrm]
[being sure to convert the counter-measures first]
Hope to see you at the CHARC AGM Weekend in Central Queensland!
NOTES: all transactions at the AGM Site will be in CASH
no ATM onsite and no card services β nearest cash outlet is
multiple sites in Emerald.
If you are staying at the venue campsites payment to the Caretaker
will be via card on the Square system.
Remember, if you are self-contained contact Bob/VK4CWL to find out
about the accommodation option at the Model Flying Club venue at
nearby Mosquito Creek.
- News from North Queensland
- Ann Renton Memorial Net this Tuesday
One of the friendliest radio nets in the land happens
this Tuesday evening August 26th
from 7-30pm on the Townsville UHF Repeater
... the Ann Renton Memorial Net !
The net is open to young and old, YL or OM and is a
golden opportunity for anyone who needs practice
on-air to go onto the net as 2nd operator.
Lets see if the YLs can outnumber the OMs !
The net will also be accessible via the VK4TUB AllStar Link 46740
and the VK4TUB Echolink node 837230
- TARC Communications Support
There is a full programme of Communications Support events that you can get involved with
and have some radio fun !
If you can help out please contact og/VK4ZZ on 0427182469 or on the radio
Sat 6 to Sun 7 September - Bush to Beach Endurance Ride Assoc. Spring Push
Horse Endurance Rides 5/20/40 - NQ Equestrian Centre Bluewater Park
Operators so far VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, VK4IGM, many more operators needed.
Sat 20 to Sun 21 September - Kennedy Region Scouts Nighthawk activity, Townsville Region
Operators so far - VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, VK4ZMB, VK4IGM, VK4ME, VK4WSG, VK4YT, more ops needed.
Sat 4 to Sun 5 October - NQORA Short and Dusty 14km Off Road Racing Millchester MSRC near Charters Towers
Operators so far - VK1ZZ, VK4ZMB, VK4WSG, more operators needed.
Thu 2 April to Mon 6 April - Whitsunday Regional Endurance Riding Assoc. 10/20/40/80km/Harness
Easter Carnival of Horse Endurance Rides - Euri Gold Farms near Bowen
Operators so far - VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, VK4ME, VK4CUZ, VK4HSV, more operators needed.
Sat 27 June - Townsville Open Water Swimming Assoc.
2026 Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim
assemble from 5-30am Strand Park, Picnic Bay, Cleveland Bay
Operators so far - VK4FUU, VK4AAH, VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, VK4IGM, more operators needed.
Some more details of these events -
Whitsunday Region Endurance Riders Association Inc Euri Gold Farm Endurance Rides.
All the rides happen on the verdant slopes of Euri Gold Farm, just out of Merinda
north of Bowen North Queensland.
You are able to camp out early at Ride Base or the checkpoint from Wednesday onwards.
The ride starts up on Friday morning and will run right through Monday afternoon.
Your chance to get out into some lovely countryside, set up camp with a portable station
or three and communicate in a relaxing fashion as the horsies and riders go by, day and night.
Hey Mackay and Bowen horsie operators - you can join in the fun too !
Canteen, hot water, bbq din din plus brekkie and mod cons available at Ride Base.
Denison Creek Horse Endurance Rides
Mackay Amateur Radio Association members provide Communications Support and Checkpoint services
for the Horse Endurance Rides that happen at Denison Creek Station near Epsom Central Queensland.
Their volunteer numbers are dwindling and they need a hand to provide a safety net for the events.
The rides happen on the ramparts of Mount Seaview approx 60km southwest of Mackay and is accessed
via the Peak Downs Highway at 21.482444S 148.810030E. Camping available at Ride Base and the
event is made up of a number of stationary and mobile checkpoints.
Rides start from 1pm Saturday and finish around 11am Sunday.
Let Mackay Comms Support Co-ordinator Gary/VK4CUZ know if you can help on mobile 0410462892
NQORA Offroad Racing Events - Millchester Motorsport and Recreation Facility Charters Towers
The North Queensland Offroad Racing Association Inc. runs a series of offroad racing
events at the Millchester Motorsport Facility Charters Towers . They need Autosport and
Radio savvy people to run checkpoints for the events.
Operate at Checkpoints throughout the day with a ringside seat to see up close
the offroad racing action whilst doing useful things with radios.
Camping overnight Wednesday to Monday Night is available at the NQMS Radio Precinct,
or if you prefer your creature comforts motels and pubs are available to stay in less
than 10 minutes away from the venue.
Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim.
A great day out on the water playing with radios to the sound of Migaloo
and a hundred plus marathon swimmers thrashing across Cleveland Bay.
Main comms on VHF, with some UHF comms with clubbies and aircraft.
Operating positions at sea and on land with operational endurance 4 to 5 hours.
Kennedy Region Scouts Nighthawk activity.
Your chance to make a real difference and show the youth of today how useful
Amateur Radio can be. Teams tracking and a chance to set up portable at a spot
you would not normally go to. Arrive at Nighthawk HQ at 2pm on Saturday,
then go to your checkpoint for a night of easy operating in the field tracking the progress
of Nighthawk teams, with some in-flight entertainment as you observe youth members try to impress
the Scout Leader judges with finesse in their activity.
Bush to Beach Horse Endurance Rides.
The rides are based out of the North Queensland Equestrian Centre at Bluewater Park
approx 30mins northwest of Townsville. Some checkpoints are camp-outs, others
a temporarily activated during the rides with operators glamping at Ride Base.
Ride tracks vary from rugged river crossings and slightly undulating land through
the properties near Bluewater Park. VHF with high mounted verticals
or Field Yagis needed to get through the topography and the occasional inversion blocking.
There is excellent and ample camping facilities at the Equestrian Centre and on checkpoints.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
- Townsville Nets Callbacks
VHF Net Callbacks - VK4WIT 146.700MHz
by Peter/VK4PQ at Kelso North Queensland
following the WIA News and QNEWS transmissions 20250817 0900-0942K
Callbacks by Peter/VK4PQ
at Kelso North Queensland - 20250817 0942-1030K
VK4DAT Ryan at Mount Isa via AllStarLink/VK4DAT/VK4PQ
VK4GED Gareth at Laguna Quays via Echolink/VK4GED/VK4PQ
VK2QRT Bruce at Sans Scouci via Echolink/VK2QRT/VK4PQ
VK4GUN Matman and Roslyn at Condon
VK4PQV Richard portable at VK4ATV Historic Oonoonba Bomb Site Activation VP80
VK4ME Snow portable at VK4ATV Historic Oonoonba Bomb Site Activation VP80
VK4TTW Tony at Ayr
VK4YT Ben and Jo at Kelso
VK4FNQ John and Cheryl/VK4FRYL at Majestic Towers
VK4TJS Tony at Kelso
VK4AAH Bob and Kaye at Mount Louisa
VK4HSV Phil and Jan at Douglas
VK4BDE Brett mobile in Townsville
VK4LU Ray and Susan at Aitkenvale
VK2MT Rob portable at Black River heading for Woolongong
VK4ZZ Gavin and Lyndall/VK4ZM at Vincent
VK4WJ Wallaby Bob and Jeanette at Cranbrook
VK4FIBW Ian portable at VK4ATV Historic Oonoonba Bomb Site Activation VP80
also portable at VK4ATV Historic Oonoonba Bomb Site Activation VP80 at the time
Les/VK4ALS, Wendy & Ray/VK4OIL, Kerry/VK4TUB, Wayne/VK4WSG
VHF Net Callbacks - VK4WIT 146.700MHz repeater
following the North Queensland Net retransmission
by Gavin/VK4ZZ at West End, North Queensland - 20250817 08-00pm
Callbacks by Richard/VK4PQV at Cranbrook North Queensland
- 20250817 08-34pm to 09-03pm
VK4GDN Glen and Linda at Charters Towers via AllStarLink/VK4GDN/VK4PQ
VK4PQ Peter and Ruth at Kelso
VK4OT Jason and Jennyvi at Heatley
VK4HSV Phil and Jan at Douglas
VK4AAH Bob and Kaye at Mount Louisa
VK4ZM Lyndall at Vincent
and fyi - North Queensland Net participants
on 3605.4kHz from 20250817 07-30pm to 08-53pm
Net control by Gavin/VK4ZZ operating VK4WIT
from theTARCinc Clubrooms, West End North Queensland
VK4YT Ben and Jo at Kelso
VK4KDB Kerry portable near Roma
VK4CWL Bob and Cherie at Emerald
VK4CMW Mick and Kerry at Collinsville
VK4CUZ Gary at Blacks Beach near Mackay
VK4PQV Richard at Cranbrook
VK4FNQ John and Cheryl/VK4FRYL at Majestic Towers
VK4EKA Dougal near Toowoomba
VK4FIBW Ian portable at Yabulu
Regional Events -
August
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 26th August from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
September
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 2nd September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- B2B Spring Shore Horse Endurance Rides Comms Support - Sat 6 to Sun 7 September at Bluewater Park
- TARC Project Night - Tue 9th September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 16th September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Kennedy Region Scouts Nighthawk activity - Sat 20 to Sun 21 September - Townsville Region
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 23rd September from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- CHARC AGM Weekend - Fri arvo 26 to Sun morn 28 Sept - Venue Lake Maraboon Ski Club near Emerald
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 30th September - from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
October
- Cardwell Gathering - Fri 3rd Oct to Mon 6th Oct at Meunga Creek Caravan Park
- NQORA Short and Dusty 14km Offroad Racing - Millchester - Sat 4 to Sun 5 October
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 7th Oct from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 14th September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Jamboree On The Air/Jamboree On The Internet - Fri 17 to Sun 19 Oct
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 21st Oct from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 28th Oct from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- IICA Technology Expo - Wed 29th Oct from 2pm to 7pm in Townsville - Venue T.B.A
November
- Townsville City Council Cyclone Sunday - Sunday 2nd November at Riverway 9am to 12pm
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 4th Nov from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 11th Nov from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 18th Nov from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- theTARCinc Annual General Meeting - Sun 23rd Nov Rossiter Park Aitkenvale - 7am Brekkie - 8-30am AGM
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 25th Nov - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
December
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 2nd Dec from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 9th Dec from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Xmas Party - Sun 14th December at the VK4ME Ice Cube
- TARC Does the Xmas Lights Tour - Fri 19th December around Townsville
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 23rd December - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 30th Dec from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- New Years Day Countdown - Wed 31st December - from 1245UTC for Daylight Saving, from 1345UTC for proper time
January 2026
- Australia Day Long Week Family Radio Camp - Thur 22nd to Mon arvo 26th Jan - Girl Guides Training Centre Bluewater
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 27th January - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
February
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 3rd February from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 10th February from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 17th February from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 24th January - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
March
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 3rd March from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 10th March from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC does the John Moyle Memorial Field Day March 20 21 22 - Mount Fox Campgrounds
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 17th March from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 24th March from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 31st March from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
April
- WRERA Euri Gold Farm Easter Carnival of Horse Endurance Rides - Thur 2 April to Mon 6 April
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 7th April from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 14th April from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 21st April from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- AM & CW on ANZAC Day - Sat 25th April
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 28th April from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
May
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 5th May from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- MARA/RADAR Clairview Gathering - Fri 8 May to Mon 11 May - BarraCrab Clairview
- TARC Project Night - Tue 12th May from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 19th May from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 26th May from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
June
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 2nd June from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Snow 4's Famous Foxhunt - somewhere in the Townsville area
- TARC Project Night - Tue 9th June from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 16th June from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 23rd June from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- TOWSA Maggie Island Swim - Sat 27th June from 5-30am Strand Park
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 30th June from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
July
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 7th July from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 14th July from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 21st July from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 28th July from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
August
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 4th August from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 11th August from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 18th August from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
--------------------------------------------------------------------
- Buy Swap and Sell and Wanted
- Make an offer for this Tower and Antenna combo
The following is offered from a deceased estate and is being administered by John/VK4FNQ.
Approx 40foot 4 post tower with rotator and the following antennas -
- 5 element 6metre yagi
- 10 element 2metre yagi
- 17 element 70centimetre yagi
- 5 element 2metre vertical yagi
- 80metre inverted V dipole
The successful purchaser will remove the tower and equipment
which is located in the Charters Towers area.
The combination will not be split - it is a package deal.
A very good local Franna crane operator is available and is reasonably priced.
Contact John/VK4FNQ on 0409 631624 to make the deal or find out more.
- Solar Panels !
Hairy Richard/VK4ZMB has these gorgeous Solar Panels ready to fly into
your shack power system. Local pickup in Townsville only.
12 by 1650 x 994 x 36 Pmax 250W Trini TSM-250PC05A bare aluminium
1.6401 m^2 = 15% Voc 38.0V Vmpp 30.3V
Isc 8.8 A Impp 8.3 A
All $20 each. Contact Hairy on [qrm] rnsstone [at] gmail [dot] com [qrm]
(making sure to release the countermeasures first)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Regional Communications Support Events
Atherton Tablelands Region
Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club Inc.
- Co-ordinator David Falls VK4DNF 0419206498
Fri 26 to Mon 29 Sept - Cordillera Trail 3x20/3x40/3x60eliv/3x80/60/120 Endurance Rides Tepon
Townsville Region
The Townsville Amateur Radio Club Inc.
- Co-ordinator Gavin "Og" Reibelt VK4ZZ 0427182469
Sat 6 to Sun 7 September - B2B Spring Shore Horse Endurance Rides - Bluewater Park
Sat 20 to Sun 21 September - Kennedy Region Scouts Nighthawk activity - Townsville Region
Sat 4 to Sun 5 October - NQORA Short and Dusty 14km Off Road Racing - Millchester
Thu 2 to Mon 6 April - WRERA Euri Gold Easter Carnival of Horse Endurance Rides - Bowen Region
Sat 27 June - TOWSA Maggie Island Swim from 5-30am Strand Park
Mackay Region
Mackay Amateur Radio Association Inc
- Co-ordinator Gary Crothers VK4CUZ 0410462892
Want to help out ? Contact the co-ordinator in your region and join in the fun !
- ACMA Exams Services for Amateur Radio
The Australian Communications and Media Authority runs services
for Amateur Radio Assessment and Certification.
- Specialist Assessors available for remote or online assessments are
Laurie Pritchard/VK4BLE in Brisbane on 0411413588
Ron Bertrand/VK2DQ on Gold Coast on 0426771808
Gail Lidden/VK4ION in Bundaberg on 0410121345,
- General Assessors available for face to face assessments in the regions
Stuart Dunk/VK4SDD in Malanda on 0407700096,
Bob Ronai/VK4BOB in Cairns on 0438323737,
Howard Small/VK4BS in Cairns on 0425825799,
Darrin Archer/VK4GEO in Mount Isa on 0418981353,
Eric Baker/VK2TRD in Mount Isa on 0427703693,
Lyndall Reibelt/VK4ZM in Townsville on 0427688014,
Roy Moore/VK4RM in Sarina on 0409597410,
Clive Sait/VK4ACC in Rockhampton on 0429632815,
Ray Dobinson/VK4XXX in Rockhampton on 07 49281219
Lawrie Ellis/VK4LE in Gladstone on 0477166712
If you do not get an answer on these numbers,
be sure to leave a message otherwise
you will be treated as a bogus caller and possibly blocked.
For a full list of assessors, information on the Exam Service
and the Amateur Radio service in Australia,
surf to the ACMA website and search for
Amateur Radio Accredited Assessors.
- Holiday planning
State Public Holidays in North Queensland
2025
Mon 6th Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Thu 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Fri 26th Dec - Boxing Day
2026
Thu 1st Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Mon 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 3rd Apr - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 4th Apr - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 5th Apr - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 6th Apr - Easter Monday Holiday
Sat 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 4th May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 5th Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Fri 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Sat 26th Dec - Boxing Day
Mon 28th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
2027
Fri 1st Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Tue 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 26th Mar - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 27th Mar - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 28th Mar - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 29th Mar - Easter Monday Holiday
Sun 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 3rd May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 4th Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Sat 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Sun 26th Dec - Boxing Day
Mon 27th Dec - Christmas Day Holiday
Tue 28th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
2028
Mon 3rd Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Wed 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 14th Apr - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 15th Apr - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 16th Apr - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 17th Apr - Easter Monday Holiday
Tue 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 1st May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 2nd Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Mon 25th Dec - Christmas Day Holiday
Tue 26th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
2029
Mon 1st Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Fri 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 30th Mar - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 31st Mar - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 1st Apr - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 2nd Apr - Easter Monday Holiday
Wed 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 7th May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 1st Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Tue 25th Dec - Christmas Day Holiday
Wed 26th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
Source - QLD Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General
- Holiday planning
Queensland School Terms
2025
Term 3 - Mon 14th July to Fri 19th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 7th Oct to Fri 12th Dec
2026
Term 1 - Tue 27th Jan to Thur 2nd Apr
Term 2 - Mon 20th Apr to Fri 26th June
Term 3 - Mon 13th July to Fri 18th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 6th Oct to Fri 11th Dec
2027
Term 1 - Wed 27th Jan to Thur 25th March
Term 2 - Mon 12th Apr to Fri 25th June
Term 3 - Mon 12th July to Fri 17th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 5th Oct to Fri 10th Dec
2028
Term 1 - Mon 24th Jan to Fri 31st March
Term 2 - Tue 18th Apr to Fri 23rd June
Term 3 - Mon 10th July to Fri 15th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 3rd Oct to Fri 8th Dec
2029
Term 1 - Mon 22nd Jan to Thur 29th March
Term 2 - Tue 16th Apr to Fri 22nd June
Term 3 - Mon 9th July to Fri 14th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 2nd Oct to Fri 7th Dec
Source - QLD Government Department of Education and Training
Wireless Institute of Australia Civil Emergency Network
- WICEN >> since 1946 << -
- WICEN NQ >> since 1971 << -
- Curly Wind Season has ended - for now. It is a good time to be prepared.
Have you checked your shack and your antenna to see how they will go during the wet season ?
Its time to make stock up, charge batteries and be ready for action !
Get on air - scare the spiders and lizards out of the rig and make sure your transciever works.
- WICEN VK4 NET
Operators interested in maintaining reliable contact in case of infrastructure
failures in Queensland hold a net every Sunday.
The net happens on
14125kHz from 8-00am (2200UTC)
10122kHz from 8-00am (2200UTC)
7105kHz +/- QRM from 8-30am (2230UTC)
The net control station calls in regular stations and then invites
new stations to call in.
If conditions are poor other relay stations will attempt to
assist contacts. If conditions are very poor Net Control might move
the net another frequency (including 3600kHz) depending on how responsive
the net participants are.
Mix it with other operators, be ready to assist and call in on the net !!
Emergency Frequencies per IARU region - active during disasters
IARU Region 1 3760 7110 14300 18160 21360 kHz
IARU Region 2 3750 3985 7060 7240 7275 14300 18160 21360
IARU Region 3 3600 7110 14300 18160 21360
VK is in Region 3.
Frequencies noted are centre of emergency activity which could extend +/- 5kHz.
Other frequencies could be activated on a per country basis -
stay tuned to the WIA News for activations.
(Gavin VK4ZZ)
- Regional Nets
Monday Afternoon - YL 222 DX Net - 14222kHz from 0530Z
Monday Evening - Mackay Club Net - VK4WIM Net Control - 3597kHz from 0930Z
Monday Evening - 160Metre Net - Gary/VK4BE Net Control from Beachmere QLD - 1848kHz from 0930Z
Monday Evening - BARC 10m Net - Les/VK4SO Net Control - 29220kHz FM from 1000Z
Monday Evening - Gympie CEG 80m Net - VK4GYM Net Control - 3647kHz from 1000Z
Tuesday Evening - RADAR Net - VK4WIR Net Control - 3613kHz from 0930Z
Tuesday Evening - Bayside Fusion Digital UHF Net β 438.450 MHz
(VK4RDB Repeater Mt Cotton Room 69002) from 0930Z
Wednesday Evening - Gold Coast Net - VK4WIG Net Control - 3605kHz from 0930Z
Wednesday Evening - Cairns ARC Net - VK4RCA Cairns City UHF Repeater output 439.850 input 434.850
with 91.5Hz input tone from 0930Z also on AllStarLink CairnsHub node 533335
Wednesday Evening - 160Metre Net - 1848kHz from 0930Z
Wednesday Evening - Central Queensland ARA Net - VK4CQR Net Control - 3612kHz from 0945Z
Thursday Evening - Hervey Bay Net - VK4CHB Net Control - 3615kHz from 0730Z
Thursday Evening - The TREC Memorial Net - VK4WAT Net Control - 3605kHz from 0930Z
Thursday Evening - Sunshine Coast Net - VK4WIS Net Control - 3660kHz from 0930Z
Thursday Evening - Ron's Fusion C4FM/Wires-X Net
438.750MHz VK4OO Repeater & Room 24160 AUS-REPEATER-NET from 0930Z
Thursday Evening - Redcliffe Net - VK4RC or VK4IZ Net Control - 3636kHz from 0930Z
Friday Evening - Sunshine Coast ARC 6m Net - VK4WIS Net Control - 53700kHz FM from 0930Z
Friday Evening - Caboolture ARC Net - VK4QD Net Control - 3610kHz from 0930Z
Friday Evening - Central Highlands Club Net - VK4WCH Net Control - 3618kHz from 0930Z
Saturday Evening - Darling Downs Net - VK4WID Net Control - 3650kHz from 0930Z
Sunday Morning - WICEN VK4 Net 20metres - 14125kHz from 2200Z
Sunday Morning - WICEN VK4 Net 30metres - 10122kHz from 2200Z
Sunday Morning - WICEN VK4 Net 40metres - 7105kHz from 2230Z
Sunday Morning - Border Ranges ARC - local VHF repeaters, IRLP9558, echolink VK3JED, from 2230Z
Sunday Morning - Central Queensland ARA - VK4RLM VHF repeater & echolin VK4RLM-R, from 0001Z
Sunday Evening - North Queensland Net - VK4WIT Net Control - 3605.4kHz from 0930Z
Sunday Evening - Bunya Mountains and Districts Net - VK4BAD Net Control - 3650kHz from 1000Z
Sunday Evening - BARC 6m Net - 53525kHz from 1000Z
Every Morning - The Gnarly Net - All the Morse and Voice you can have for breakfast
3599kHz CW 6am or earlier for the Morse (2000Z),
3600kHz LSB Voice happens after the Morse
Every Morning - Coral Coast Net - 7093kHz starting 7am (2100Z), right after the Early Birds Net
Every Afternoon - Ron's Net - in memory of Ron/VK4BRG SK - 7100kHz from 0700Z
Every Afternoon - The Kandos Net - check your gear and let everyone know you are still active !
On 7093kHz from 1630local (0630Z normal, 0530Z DST) - Tom/VK2KF net control
alternate net controllers Peter/VK2QF or Tom/VK4ATH
- ANZA DX Net
Australia, New Zealand and Africa DX Net
20m, 14.183 MHz, 0515 UTC, daily
15m, 21.205 MHz, 0415 UTC, Saturday
The net works on a list operation, say your sign, stand by
The net runs for about 1 hour, all operators are welcome
A QSO is brief exchange of call sign and signal report
Please do not spot the net on clusters or skimmers !
Net Leader - Col/VK4CC
The ANZA Net needs your skill as net controller
We offer an opportunity to put something back into ham radio
Give it a try.
Message Col on [qrm] seahawk55 [at] optusnet [dot] com [dot] au [qrm]
(making sure to release the countermeasures first)
- North Queensland Internet Gateways
H24 = 24 Hour Ops unless offline for maintenance or updates
H8 = 8 Hour Ops - hours of ops defined by operator
Hx = indeterminate hours of ops - normally when operator in radio shack or out and about
Yaesu Fusion Gateways
- VK4JPA YSF Node Rangewood NQLD 145.350MHz Digital Access H24 Room 24105
>> back on the air <<
- VK4OO YSF/FM Repeater West End NQLD Input 431.750MHz Output 438.750MHz 91.5Hz Tone H24 Room 69571
AllStarLink Gateways
- VK4TUB AllStarLink Gateway Kirwan NQLD interfaces with VK4RAT UHF Repeater H24
Node 46740 Echolink VK4TUB-R 837219
- VK4PQ AllStarLink Gateway Kelso NQLD interfaces with VK4RAT VHF Repeater H24
Node 49806 Echolink VK4PQ-R 956580
- VK4GDN AllStarLink Gateway Charters Towers NQLD linked with VK4TUB 46740 H24
Node 56808 439.150MHz 91.5Hz Tone H24
- VK4GDN AllStarLink Gateway Charters Towers NQLD linked with VK4PQ 49806 H24
Node 54043 145.145MHz 91.5Hz Tone H24
- VK4HSV AllStarLink Portable Gateway Douglas NQLD Hx 439.125MHz 81.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 54607
- VK4BDE AllStarLink Gateway Condon NQLD H24 145.390MHz 91.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 40381
- VK4OT AllStarLink Gateway Heatley NQLD H24 439.325MHz Interface with HH3300000060 Node 54729
- VK4GEO AllStarLink Gateway Mount Isa NQLD H24 441.000MHz 91.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 62387
- VK2TRD AllStarLink Gateway Cloncurry NQLD H24 441.250MHz 91.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 512582
AX-25 APRS 1200Bd Gateways
- VK4ZZ APRS Vincent NQLD 145.175MHz H24
AX-25 Packet 1200Bd Wormholes
- VK4OT-3 FBBS Heatley NQLD 145.175MHz H24 or Telnet vk4ot.ddns.net port 6300
Echolink Gateways
- VK4PQ-R Echolink Kelso NQLD Node 956580 interfaces with VK4RAT VHF Repeater H24
- VK4MIC-L Echolink Mount Isa NQLD Node 971321 interfaces with VK4RMI VHF Repeater H24
- VK4TUB-R Echolink Kirwan NQLD Node 837219 interfaces with VK4RAT UHF Repeater H24
- VK4OT-L Echolink Heatley NQLD Node 715822 439.330MHz Simplex
- VK4BDE-L Echolink Condon NQLD Node 607952 145.390MHz Simplex
IRLP Gateways
- VK4MIC IRLP Mount Isa NQLD Node 6921 interfaces with VK4RMI VHF Repeater H24
DMR High Power Gateways
- VK4YWG MMDVM DMR BrandMeister Cranbrook NQLD Node 5050130 441.5MHz simplex
DMR <> AllStarLink Bridge
- VK4CK BM 20415 DMR <> AllStarLink 512584 Bridge
BM 20415 Color Code 1 Time Slot 2 permalinked with TubbyNet AllStarLink Node 46740
and any other connected nodes plus VK4RAT UHF Repeater H24 - 3 minute timeout
Radio Beacons in Central, North and Far North Queensland (O = Operational, N = Non Operational)
VK4DJC Mount Morgan 28.285 MHz (O)
VK4RAR Rockhampton 432.540 MHz (N) 1296.448 MHz (N)
VK4RTL Townsville 28.270 MHz (N) 50.282 MHz (N) 144.444 MHz (N) 432.444 MHz (N)
VK4RTL Townsville 1296.444 MHz (O) 2403.444 MHz (N) 5760.444 MHz (N) 10368.444 MHz (N) 24048.444 MHz (N)
VK4RHT Mareeba 28.274 MHz (N) 50.281 MHz (O) 144.446 MHz (N)
WSPR Beacons in Central and North Queensland
VK4WCH Mosquito Creek QH46bi 50294 28126 24926 21096 18106 14097 10140 7040kHz
VK4ATV Vincent QH30jr 3570 7040 14097 21096 28126 50294kHz
Central Queensland Winlink Remote Message Systems - frequencies in kHz
VK4DJS Mount Morgan QG56ei H24 scan 7061.5 10146.5 14112.5 28101.5 mode VARA VARA2750
VK4DJS Mount Morgan QG56ei H24 main 144675 mode VARA-FM
VK4GED Laguna Quays QG49ix Hx main 7066.5 request 10146.5 28101.5 mode VARA VARA2750
- Townsville source News Nets
- North Queensland Net
throughout Queensland, PNG and South West Pacific
from 7-30pm (0930UTC) Sundays on - HF: 3605.4kHz
and in Townsville Region
from 8-00pm (1000UTC) Sundays on - VHF: 146.100 / 146.700 MHz
(the VK4RAT 2m repeater)
and accessible internationally
from 1000UTC on - AllStarLink VK4PQ 49806 & VK4GDN 54043
- WIANews Retransmission & Callbacks
Townsville Region
from 9-00am (2300UTC) Sundays on - VHF: 146.100 / 146.700 MHz
(the VK4RAT 2m repeater)
and accessible internationally
from 2300UTC on - AllStarLink VK4PQ 49806 & VK4GDN 54043
- Wireless Institute of Australia National News Service (WIANews)
Retransmission sources :
Tune WIANEWS in North Queensland on Sundays -
HF : from VK2 0001Z 1845 / 3595/ 5425 / 7146 / 10125 / 14170.2 / 28320kHz
HF : from VK3 0030Z 3615 / 7158 / 10132.8kHz
HF : from VK4 2300Z 1843 / 7070 / 7130kHz
HF : from VK5 2330Z 1843 / 3550 / 7135 / 28515kHz
HF : from VK6 0100Z 3583 / 7088 / 7140 / 10125 / 14130 / 29680kHz
HF : from VK7 2300Z 3570 / 7140 / 14130 / 28525kHz
HF : from VK8 2330Z 3555 / 7193 / 10127 / 14337kHz
6m: from VK7 2300Z 53775, 53825kHz FM
6m: from VK5 2330Z 53100kHz AM
6m: from VK2 0001Z 52525, 53650, 53725kHz FM
6m: from VK6 0100Z 53800kHz FM
2m: from Cairns 2300Z 146950kHz FM
2m: from Townsville 2300Z 146700kHz FM
2m: from Mackay 2300Z 147000kHz FM
2m: from Rockhampton 2300Z 146700kHz FM
Timeline for monitoring.
2300Z 1843 AM, 3570, 7070, 7130, 7140, 14130, 28525, 53825kHz
2330Z 1843, 3550, 7135, 7193, 10127, 14337, 53100kHz
0001Z 1845 AM, 3595 AM, 5425, 7146 AM, 10125, 14170.2, 28320, 52525, 53650, 53725kHz
0030Z 3615, 7158, 10132.8kHz
0100Z 3583, 7088, 14130, 29680, 53800kHz
Frequency List for transceiver memory
1843, 1845,
3550, 3555, 3570, 3583, 3595, 3605, 3615,
5425,
7070, 7088, 7130, 7135, 7140, 7146, 7158, 7193
10125, 10132.8, 10127,
14130, 14170.4, 14337,
28320, 28525, 28537, 29680
52525, 53100, 53650, 53725, 53725, 53800, 53825kHz
Daylight Saving for NSW VIC ACT SA TAS
ended 20240405-1600UTC begins 20251004-1600UTC
--------------------------------------------------------------------
end of file
See you at the Bluewater Park Horsie Rides
and cheers from Gavin/VK4ZZ
NNNN
OΜ[ | Μ[