Dateline 25/09/2016 “Standards to go magic band” In January 2017 we should see the below ago: Lots for Foundation and Advanced as well.
Review of the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan
Date : 24 / 09 / 2016
“Roger Harrison – VK2ZRH”
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has opened consultation on its proposed update of the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan. The ACMA announced it on its website on 22 September 2016.
The Authority has issued a discussion paper and related documents, referring directly to possible changes, and invites submissions before 24 October 2016. The Spectrum Plan includes a table of frequency allocations from 8.3 kHz through to 420 terahertz (THz) that divides up the spectrum to show the general purpose of each band, to which services they are allocated, and associated footnotes relevant to particular allocations. It was last reviewed in 2013.
The Spectrum Plan reflects Australia’s treaty obligations following the International Telecommunications Union’s World Radiocommunications Conference in late 2015. The ACMA acknowledges that Australia was a signatory to the decisions of that ITU conference, was working with those affected domestically, but due to various factors, all foreshadowed changes may not occur by the end of 2016.
Also expected to be reflected in the remake is the Federal Government’s proposed new legislation that removes prescriptive process to replace these with a simpler, more flexible licensing system.
The updated Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan is expected to begin on 1 January 2017. Once the Spectrum Plan is amended subordinate legislation, such as licence conditions, will also be amended subsequently, as necessary. Any individual or group with an interest in radiofrequency spectrum allocations and use can make a submission.
As the peak representative body for the Australian radio amateur community, the WIA is preparing a submission. See the ACMA’s announcement on its website, via this Link
Dateline 20/09/2016 “How deaf are icom owners” I (VK4MJF) have had the pleasure of speaking to some of the new IC7300 owners, and you might say the comment made by all is the fact that they hear more !!!!!! . Well I then asked the brand it replaced, too my amazement the answer was in all cases Icom something. Hello how long has the K3 or the KX3 been on the shelf to buy ?????. The other odd thing that seemed to happen, was their normal heard voice had changed. (I’m sure its not my new location)
Anyway lets know your verdict and sent me a story.
Dateline 10/09/2016 “Wombye a queit hamfest” We arrived just after 7.00 am set up the table and did the first walk around for goodies and looked for bargins etc.
Dateline 6/09/2016 “Seems the boss is active” VK4NE has reported a chest pounding result on WSPR HF. For those not formulaic with the mode its 200 ml watts to the USA.
2016-09-04 08:00 VK4NE 10.140201 -23 0 QG62nj +23 0.200 K4COD EM73sc 14524 9025
2016-09-04 21:20 VK4NE 10.140206 -24 -1 QG62nj +23 0.200 EA8BVP IL28fd 18900 11744
If and when you make contact with mick , just mention it. Make fell happy.
Dateline 24/08/2016″See shack updates” http://brisbaneradiosociety.net/whats-a-shack/ Or click on menu.
Dateline 22/08/2016″Winter FD” Below is a list of the results of the 38 call signs used in the winter field day 2016, hope this is a help.
Dateline 16/08/2016 “The CRO crows” Some who in the annals of June 2016 suggested; Ron VK4CRO has been blessed with EME contact, see below:
Great Ronnie Grid square KO29IF ( Vincenty Distance: 14564.861 km)
Dateline 15/08/2016 “Public callsign list restored”
Prospective radio amateurs and those looking at their callsign choices are now able to do that online at the “Public List Of Available Callsigns” on the WIA website.
This follows the resolution of further teething problems with the ACMA’s new SPECTRA system.
Dateline 14/08/2016″Results are in” Re 2016 Winter Field Day Results are finally in.
A suitable logging program is VK Contest Log, developed by Mike VK3AVV. It is available for download on the author’s web site by clicking on this: http://www.mnds.com.au/vkcl/
Dateline 12/08/2016 “RD is on” Amateur Radio “Remembrance Day Contest”
The Amateur Radio “Remembrance Day Contest” for 2016. Contest is on 13th & 14th August 2016 0300z to 0300z
This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased in the southwest Pacific area.
It is preceded by a short opening address by a Guest Speaker transmitted on various WIA frequencies during the few minutes prior to the contest. During this ceremony, a roll call of amateurs who paid the supreme sacrifice during WWII is read.
for more info see here: http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2016/20160813-1/index.php
Dateline 29/07/2016″VK2ZCV ILL” One of the clubs 2 metre buddies has suffered a life threating illness. As reported by Gordon VK2GFC.
“Hello guys,
Just to let those that know Bill Sinclair VK2ZCV, that he has suffered a stroke and will be going into care after he gets out of hospital.
He is no longer able to be at home.
Bill’s QTH is Port Macquarie.”
Dateline 26/07/2016 “Anybody Going”
JARL Ham Fair 2016 will be held at Tokyo Big Sight, Ariake, Tokyo
on August 20th (Saturday) and 21st (Sunday).
Last year, they had about 36,000 participants for two days.
SP Station 8J1HAM will be on all bands.
At 0400-0435z (1300 JSST) on Saturday 20th it will come up on 21.205 for the ANZA net list taken days prior.
DateLine 24/07/2016 ” 23 0n 23 A Buzz” VK4CZ has reported lots of contacts by all who participated in July 23 on 23 weekend,no one from the club was mentioned though. If you require some more in-depth reading please use the site below. see here:http://www.vklogger.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=13699&start=20
Dateline 22/07/2016 “Trans Tasman Low Bands Challenge” This contest is to encourage Low Band Activity in Australia and New Zealand – The applicable bands are 160, 80 and 40M. The modes are SSB CW and Digital (RTTY and PSK only) The web site is sorry it missed notifying you all about this event (which was held on the 16/07/2016). 164 entries were logged, so this is one not to miss when next its run. More details here: http://www.vkcc.com/2016/06/28/trans-tasman-low-bands-challenge-2016/
Dateline 17/07/2016 “Sun has a big hole” NASA is monitoring a giant hole spreading across the sun.
http://www.space.com/33047-nasa-spots-huge-hole-in-sun.html
NASA has released footage of a giant hole spreading across the surface of the sun.
A NASA spacecraft uncovered the dark mass which is allowing some of the sun’s heat to escape into open space.
The dark mass has been identified as a coronal hole, with a NASA spokesperson confirming it poses no risk to Earth.
The hole, which can take up a quarter of the sun’s surface, is created by a gap in the magnetic field.
“Coronal holes are the source of a high-speed wind of solar particles that streams off the sun,” the NASA spokesperson said.
The high speed wind, while posing no risk to Earth, can disrupt satellites and communication devices.
NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory will continue to monitor the sun’s surface, as it has done since 2010.
Dateline 16/07/2016 “HF Digital” For all HF rigs Icom Yaesu K3 KX3 Flex and manymore . Although it seems the mode is a bit slow to take off, the software is free and reasonably easy to set up. Then there is the lack of amount of contacts out there, anyway if you give it a go it could be your next challenge.
need to read more. see here: http://www.areg.org.au/activities-old/hf-digital-voice
Digital voice on HF
I was going to title this post “D-Star’s nemesis” but I thought that would be too provocative and premature! But the much talked-about Codec2 open source voice codec has just surfaced in usable form, in the shape of an easy to use bit of software called FreeDV.
FreeDV is available for Linux, Windows and Mac. I installed the Windows version, which is just a matter of extracting the files from a zip archive into a folder.
If you’re set up to run digital modes on HF then you’re half way there already. FreeDV uses the same sound card as your digimode software and the same audio levels. As with PSK31 you just need to make sure you aren’t driving the transmitter into ALC.
You’ll need a second sound card for the receive and transmit audio. Assuming that you aren’t using one sound card for both digimodes and computer sound, this will be the one you use for Windows noises. On my shack PC that’s one of those el cheapo eBay USB sound card dongles. You’ll also need a microphone or a computer headset.
There’s no VOX (perhaps that will come in a later version of FreeDV) so you have to click a button to toggle PTT. Before you can do that you need to set up PTT using a com port. In my case the same serial port used for CAT control and updating the firmware of my K3 was used. The rig went straight into transmit until I ticked the RTS +V check box.
The main challenge is finding other people who are using FreeDV. At the moment the frequency 14.236MHz on 20m seems to be the only calling frequency. It would be nice to have some centres of activity on other bands, but no doubt that will come in due course. There’s a Digital Voice Google Group which will probably become the meeting place for FreeDV users.
A FreeDV transmission is 1.1kHz wide, less than half of the bandwidth of an SSB signal. The audio is best described as telephone quality. It’s a bit boxy, but there is an equalizer called “Filter” in the software that can be used to brighten up both the transmit and receive audio. A nice feature of the software is a button that lets you instantly switch between analogue and digital so you can easily make comparisons. I wish I could include a clip of the audio recorded off air but I couldn’t figure out how to do it.
Right now I’m sitting on 14.236MHz waiting for someone else to come on the frequency. Hopefully as the word gets out more people will get on the air with FreeDV and contacts will be easier to come by.
OR
“When disaster strikes, P25 saves lives”
Project 25 (P25) is a set of standards produced through the joint efforts of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International (APCO), the National Association of State Telecommunications Directors (NASTD), selected Federal Agencies and the National Communications System (NCS), and standardized under the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).
P25 is an open architecture, user driven suite of system standards that define digital radio communications system architectures capable of serving the needs of Public Safety and Government organizations. The P25 suite of standards involves digital Land Mobile Radio (LMR) services for local, state/provincial and national (federal) public safety organizations and agencies. P25 open system standards define the interfaces, operation and capabilities of any P25 compliant radio system.
A P25 radio is any radio that conforms to the P25 standard in the way it functions or operates. P25 compliant radios can communicate in analog mode with legacy radios and in either digital or analog mode with other P25 radios. The P25 standard exists in the public domain, allowing any manufacturer to produce a P25 compatible radio product.
Although developed primarily for North American public safety services, P25 technology and products are not limited to public safety alone and have also been selected and deployed in other private system applications, worldwide. The Project 25 users’ process is governed by an eleven-member steering committee made up of nine U.S. federal, state and local government representatives and two co-directors.
Project 25 has four main objectives:
Ensure competition in system life cycle procurements through Open Systems Architecture
Allow effective, efficient and reliable intra-agency and interagency communications
Provide enhanced functionality and capabilities with a focus on public safety needs
Improve radio spectrum efficiency
P25 BENEFITS
P25 has many various benefits in performance, efficiency, capabilities and quality. Key P25 technology benefits include:
Interoperability
Radio equipment that is compatible with P25 standards will allow users from different agencies or areas to communicate directly with each other. This will allow agencies on the federal state/provincial or local level (or any other agency) to communicate more effectively with each other when required (emergencies, law enforcement, etc.)
Multiple Vendors
The P25 open standard will allow competing products from multiple vendors to be interoperable. This will allow customers of the P25 product to benefit from multiple manufacturing sources (decreased costs, open bidding, non-proprietary systems).
Backwards Compatibility
A basic requirement for Phase 1 P25 digital radio equipment is backward compatibility with standard analog FM radios. This supports an orderly migration into mixed analog and digital systems, enabling users to gradually trade out radios and infrastructure equipment. By selecting products and systems that comply with P25 standards, agencies are assured that their investment in the latest technology has a clear migration path for the future.
Encryption Capability
The P25 standard includes a requirement for protecting digital communications (voice and data) with encryption capability. The encryption used in P25 is optional, allowing the user to select either clear (un-encrypted) or secure (encrypted) digital communication methods. The encryption keys also have the option of being re-keyed by digital data over a radio network. This is referred to as Over The Air Re-keying (OTAR). This capability allows the radio systems manager to remotely change encryption keys.
Improved Audio Quality
With 2800 bits per second of the total 9600 bits per second channel capacity allocated to error correction, P25 digital signals have improved voice quality over standard analog signals, especially at low or noisy RF carrier levels. The IMBE™ voice coder converts voice information into digital data and then the data is protected using error correction codes. The error correction is able to correct for small errors in the received signal. Since the audio is digitally encoded, the background noise typically present in analog systems is also removed.
P25 RESOURCES
PTIG
The Project 25 Technology Interest Group (PTIG) is a group composed of public safety professionals and equipment manufacturers with a direct stake in the further development of, and education on, the P25 standards. PTIG’s purpose is to further the design, manufacture, evolution, and effective use of technologies stemming from the P25 standardization process.
APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials – International, Inc. is the world’s oldest and largest not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications.
TIA
The Telecommunications Industry Association is the leading U.S. non-profit trade association serving the communications and information technology industry, with proven strengths in market development, trade shows, domestic and international advocacy, standards development and enabling e-business.
Dateline 14/07/2016 “Ah a 6 metre event” CQ Worldwide VHF Contest 6 metre, look here:http://www.qsl.net/n2sln/contestcalendar.html
Dateline 13/07/2016 “Meeting wasOFF” Last notes meeting was a treat to be at, all were interested in the normal run of business as mick spoke on CLUB REPEATERS.
Dateline 11/07/2016 “Schools on” Tuesday nite 12/07/2016
Hi All
Sorry for the late notice, Yes Meeting at Mt Gravatt Tafe, Tomorrow night 7.00, Usual spot and plenty to cover.
Look forward to seeing you all there
Darren Vk4djb
Dateline 10/07/2016 “It’s Time, Upgrade ASAP”Reading the WIA {LCD} has suggested that if you are reading this and you are thinking of an upgrade from a standard or foundation Licence, or taking the Foundation Test, now is a good time to do just that. You will wait a short while, the new LCD will be complete and you will be rewarded with more power, bands with digital mode thrown in. Makes sense, so if you get in touch with the secretary VK4CRO (Ron) he will assist you on tour quest.
Dateline 8/07/2016″Free Radio based email ” A not well known service, provided by the WIA. 
The WIA, though its email server, allows you to establish “yourcallsign@wia.org.au” with all emails sent to this address automatically forwarded to either your home or work email account.. See more here: http://www.wia.org.au/members/email/about/
Dateline 7/07/2016 “Inland Troppo ” Upon inspection of coming Hepburn charts, there is another chance of tropo paths extending to areas of VK4 from VK5/3/2, possibly beginning the coming Thursday morning, so far. This has followed a good week of VK4 from VK5/3/2.
Dateline 6/07/2016 “Licence Reform in other Countries a Go”
Reforms to the Malaysian licence system
The Malaysian Amateur Radio Society (MARTS) has advised that the Amateur Radio certification review was showing some positive future changes in that country. In the new structure there would be three classes of licence, namely Class A that give 1-kilowatts on all bands with upgraded privileges, Class B has most HF bands at 50-watts, and the new entry level Class C gives access to 2m 6m and 70cm.
The Morse code proficiency tests of 12-word per minutes that currently apply to the Class A or top licence, will be removed.
In other news, the minimum age to obtain the Class A will be 15 years, with Class B the middle class licence at 15, and Class C will be at 12 years.
When these changes will take effect is not known, but will follow the normal drafting process for all new rules.
The tiny principality of Andorra in southwest Europe, all of 468 sq. km, has returned access to 60m for the micronation’s amateurs, granted them more power on 6m and added a 200 kHz-wide band 70 MHz for them.
Andorra’s amateurs had limited access to the 5 MHz band up to December 2015, when it was withdrawn following WRC-15. Now, the Andorran government has resolved to provide temporary access to the new WRC15 allocation of 5351.5 – 5366.5 kHz, with a maximum power of 15 watts EIRP; CW and USB is permitted, with a maximum bandwidth of 5 kHz. Permission is temporary until 31 December 2016, then permanent from 1 January 2017.
Meanwhile, permitted power on 6m has been raised to 600 watts.
The cherry on top is the new allocation of 70.0 to 70.2 MHz, which appears to be on a secondary basis (no interference), with permitted power limited to 10 watts, all modes allowed, and users must stick to the IARU Region 1 bandplan for 4m.
We have a plan in the pipeline with the AMCA via WIA and we wait and we wait.
Dateline 3/07/2016 “23 on 23 will go to 24Ghz” Great to see more micro wave bands making an entrance. Saturday 23rd July 2016. See you there.
Dateline 30/06/2016″VLF section”
The annual transmission on ‘Alexanderson Day’ with the Alexanderson alternator on VLF 17.2 kHz with the call SAQ will take place Sunday, July 3rd, 2016 at 09:00 UTC (tuning up from after 08:30 UTC) and will be repeated at 12:00 UTC (tuning up from after 11:30 UTC).
Amateur Radio Station with the call ‘SK6SAQ’ will be QRV on the following frequencies:
– 7.035 kHz CW or
– 14.035 kHz CW or
– 21.035 kHz CW or
– 3.755 kHz SSB
URL: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2016/j … ission.htm
Dateline 29/06/2016″An interesting observation” 23 cm antennes.
First of all the loop yogi was a NTMS design found here http://www.ntms.org/files/1296%20Loop%20Yagi%20Dimensions.pdf
It was built as closely as the normal yagi and it looked good on the VNA so all I can assume is that it was going as best it could.
We know what the new yagi was but just to refresh its this one of these http://g4cqm.www.idnet.com/antennadesigner/SCQM60UC.htm
So the final results are:
Gain difference 60 element to Loop = 5.8db
Front to back = 31db
Gain over dipole = 21db figure quoted on web site is 21.67dbi (my measurement was made between a dipole at the same height and about 1m offset horizontally)
First nulls off of centre lobe are at 14deg both sides and thats pretty much what the poler plot is showing on the web site.
Im very happy with its performance and it has shown me that what I believed was not the case and that was building a yagi at 23cm was a tall order and fraught with problems.
If you want any more information Im only to happy to post what materials I used and may be in a position to supply the hard to get components, mainly the element mounting blocks.
Roger ZL3RC
This is just my experience passed on for the encouragement of 23 cm activity.
Dateline 23/06/2016″Tower rules” Queensland Building Regulations 2006, Schedule 1, Section 21, para 2
(2) The building work is prescribed if the device is no more than—
- (a) if the device is attached to a building or structure—3.5m above the building or structure; or
- (b) if the device is detached from any building or structure—10m above the device’s natural ground surface.
Click here:https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/legisltn/current/b/buildgr06.pdf
Dateline 18/06/2016 “23 0n 23 “ Is this the fastest growing side of our hobby? See u there.
Dateline 17/06/2016″Where did the money go” Have a read of the WIA jaunt to Norfolk Island, pathetic. click here: http://wiarg.org/16th-june-2016-wia-reform-group-news-letter-number-8/
Dateline 14/06/2016 “There’s a meeting on to-nite” See U There.
Dateline 14/06/2016 “Logger to lose repeater list” Having a quick look at the list on VK Logger and you will see that the list has not been update by anybody for some years!!!! Some members have asked a question about the use of our repeaters. Has anyone missed our six metre ?.
Do you care?
It’s not that hard to key up a repeater and check that it’s operational then make a quick update in the repeater database. In fact all you have to do is click the “submit update” button – no need to type anything unless you have new information to add. Some use the repeaters as an early indication of some enhanced conditions – that’s why you see repeater spots occasionally. I’m pretty sure details of the repeaters are pulled from the database when you make a spot.
A quick check show somes states pay more attention to the database than others – I hear there is a great repeater network in VK2 and VK6 but you wouldn’t know it from looking at the vklogger database.
So, Adam has hinted at a change and he always follows through. No point whining about “There goes Adam again”, the database will go at some stage and we’ll hear Adam talking of old farts and apathy once more.
Dateline 12/06/2016 “Did you know” A few beacons to look for. VK5RLZ has beacons on 1296.452MHz, 2304.452MHz, 3398.452MHz, 5760.452MHz and 10368.452MHz.
These are all located at the water tower on Kettering Road, Elizabeth South – PF95HG71VU .
You’d have a good path from Black Road near the intersection with Main South Road – you should hear all of them from there.
There are also the VK5VF beacons on 50.320MHz, 144.450MHz and 432.450MHz at Crafers.
I can’t confirm that the 6m beacon is running but I’ve no reason to think it isn’t. Why is this of interest, well if your into FSK441 then its obvious .
Dateline 6/06/2016 “Check out this page” Licence info your may have an interest in.
Click here: http://brisbaneradiosociety.net/from-the-exam-room/
Dateline 4/06/2016 “BARC in the rain”. All The Boy’s went to the Fest for the bags of money. It was so wet and cold the officials allowed all customers ammediate entry. Some may have stayed away but all had fun.
Dateline 30/05/2016″New EME Logger” 144 432 1296 see here: http://www.livecq.eu/logger/default.asp
Dateline 28/05/2016″What’s that” George AMG has written a piece on the FPGA in the Ic7300 to help us out.
John and co,
It was with your comments and observations in mind that I read the review of the IC7300 in the latest AR magazine.
Disappointment quickly overwhelmed me as I found error after error in the article.
Firstly however Fig1 is a reasonable representation of the radio in block diagram.
However Fig 2 is misleading in that it shows conventional receiver functions in the DSP block, when really instead of a physical BPF, IF amp, detector,etc these functions are performed by digital “magic” (Software Defined Radio).
*********************************************************************
Firstly, to comment on the FPGA. The FPGA in this case is a VERY FAST large (in number of possible programmable digital logic functions), devices. The FPGA is clocked by the reference oscillator (could be loosely termed the Local Oscillator). The FPGA may be programmed as microprocessor(s), digital to analog converter (D/A), analog to digital converter (A/D), etc.
On transmit the FPGA generates the RF signal (e.g. SSB, FM, CW, etc) by converting the input audio (from the mic – A/D then DSP) to digital signal, the FPGA mathematically analysing the digital audio and generates the output RF signal at the output frequency by a D/A. The speed of the FPGA and the D/A can be appreciated by realising it will directly generate RF signal up to 75MHz. To achieve this, the internals of the FPGA and the D/A are operating at 8 to 32 times the output frequency. The higher the clock freq to the D/A the better the quality of the output signal.
On receive, the FPGA provides the local oscillator and mixer functions. To make its job easier (suppress strong off frequency signals, some conventional bandpass filtering and amplification occurs between the antenna and A/D (operating at the RF frequency). The digital version of the input signal is processed by the FPGA to two 36kHz digital IF channels (these are termed I & Q and are in 90deg phase). The DSP processes the IQ IF and provides bandwidth limiting and detection of the wanted signal (SSB, FM, CW, etc).
The result is a far lower part count radio. Therefore, it should be cheap to make and more reliable.
From the IQ digital IF signal thru to the speaker is similar most Icom (and other) receivers. On other modern receivers, the conversion to 36kHz IQ IF is performed by phase locked loop (PLL) local oscillators controlled by microprocessors, diode mixers, crystal and LC IF filters.
I hope this helps.
Thanks George I’m sure this is some help to the budding Ic7300 purchaser.
Dateline 26/05/2016″New M2″
Greetings From M2
Spring is in full swing and it is antenna season. 6M sporadic E activity is picking up. Now is a good time to check out your 6M system before the peak in June.
The ARRL June VHF contest is in a couple of weeks. Make sure your station is in top shape or add a new band to increase your score.
The current solar cycle is winding down unfortunately. This means the high bands are going to require more than just a dipole or small yagi for the best chance at making contacts. We have 5-7 element, long boom yagis for the high bands to help you take advantage of the brief and weak openings anticipated at the bottom of the cycle.
With fewer bands open, activity is going to be more focused and packed on the low bands. Good low band antennas are an investment that will pay off even as the next cycle peaks.
Check out our new 20/40 dual band yagi. I hear rumors of other low band antennas on the design table also.
QUICK LINKS:http://www.m2inc.com
Dateline 23/05/2016″Rules are IN” Check here for the Winter Field Day Rules for 2016 season: http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/index.php
Top score section
Dateline 21/05/2016″KX2 is here” Elecraft has delivered another small or smallest SDR. see here: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/kx2_datasheet_web.pdf
also here: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/kx2_kx3%20brochure_web2.pdf
Date 17/04/2016″Club Mascot leaves Club” Chester has gone silent key. All that know VK4KSY (David) also would have meet Chester an avid contester and companion on our Field Day trips. David wrote:
G’day boys.
Just a short note to advise you that we lost Chester today.
He is now guarding the Banana tree that Ron gave us.
We all send out our sincere thoughts to his family.
Dateline 10/04/2016 “Meetings ON” Don’t forget our meetings on tonite. See you there:
Dateline 1/04/2016 “FPGA ????” Icom’s new IC7300 has one of these, no oscillator ?.
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
Part of the Microprocessors glossary:
A field-programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit (IC) that can be programmed in the field after manufacture. FPGAs are similar in principle to, but have vastly wider potential application than, programmable read-only memory (PROM) chips. FPGAs are used by engineers in the design of specialized ICs that can later be produced hard-wired in large quantities for distribution to computer manufacturers and end users. Ultimately, FPGAs might allow computer users to tailor microprocessors to meet their own individual need.
Dateline 30/04/2016″Icom up in the sherwood” Of course its not the forrest. No its official Icom has finally made the sherwood Engineering top 20. Interesting to note the Elecraft K series of radios are still in the top 10, with the Flex 6700 taking top billing. Something that is shown in the graph, is the larger manufacturers have lifted their game. So if you can afford the cost of their new range, you will get something the rates. See here: http://www.sherweng.com/table.html
Dateline 26/04/2016 “Mod for 10mhz reference” VK3HZ details:
Under certain conditions, some XRef-VS boards can generate a spurious output when the XRef is supposedly disabled (i.e. no 10 MHz applied).
The XRef-VS is mainly used for the TS-2000 and the IC-910H fitted with a hi-stab OEM oscillator.
The mod is applicable to XRef-VS boards delivered prior to the start of 2015. Later boards already have this modIfication. From the start of 2016, this mod is incorporated in the redesigned PCB.
** Note – This mod is NOT required and MUST NOT be done to an XRef-VT, XRef-FT or XRef-PLL board. **
You need a 10K 1/8W standard (i.e. not SMD) resistor – the smaller the better. You also need a short length of wire.
The mods are shown in red on the PCB overlays below. Note that these overlays show the full set of components used for both versions (VS and VT). The VS does not have anything where the large square outlines are shown (TCXO and adjustment trimpot, only on the VT).
Dateline 17/04/2016 “WIA has another TRY” WIA has had another go at changing the LCD. Read here :
Dateline 14/4/2016″Icom gets an SDR” have a read in our preferred radio reviews menu section on this new Icom first SDR rig.
Dateline 18/3/2016 “Some one needs help” After some stories about CCARG Wyong FD and reading some of the comments on the logger, like. “No Traders to see and browse new gear or buy it“, (some excuse about VK3 show on couldn’t do both). Lots of used stuff in the car park, probably still there. Some one commented (maybe a management member) on the cost of running such a show, but had no reason for the poor showing of anything relevant to the Hobby. Also a comment on the age of people coming to the show, well if you advertise they will come, (see WIA, there is a lost cause). It may have been a power house back then, but it has lost its way now, (ACMA has seen the light). It seems that the people are going to VK3 in droves and the ages are 15-50 years (?), so it seems some one is trying hard to get younger members. Any way this is the report gleamed by the site from the comments made by others.
VK4 has 3-4 shows in the immediate area. 2-3 in the north and west, 1 on the south coast. With an average age about 55 with people coming from northern NSW. It could be said that most of the doable shows are either visited or have a stand at these shows, selling the club wears for $$$$$. Not one trader from the southern states seems to take time to visit these shows, Manufacturers it seems are not interested in investing in sales to this hobby, we don’t need to see or buy new product. Of ( Icom Yaesu etc ). Maybe the hobby is dying as suggest by some. Leave it to you.
Dateline 14/3/2016″New Boss” Well it appears, the AGM went well and all positions were filled. Congratulations to all office bearers and the new year is in front of us all. And it goes without saying to thank all out going office bearers, for the past 12 months hard work.
Dateline 1/3/2016 “AGM Due” 8th March 2016 we be the next Club AGM see you all there with your hands up for the top jobs.
Dateline 18/2/2016″CRO does well””Results are in” Summer Field Day 2016 result are here:http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/documents/Summer2016PreliminaryResults.pdf
Dateline 17/02/2016 “Club Project” CRO is calling for inerest in the 3.4 Ghz transverters on offer from Melbourne, need numbers to assist all costs. Please advise CRO for further interest. (See under Club Projects for details on the new Project), as all other projects are finished and running.
Dateline 13/02/2016 “Small turn out” Caboolture radio club had it’s Ham Fest today. We had a troop there but they reported average takings and low attendances.
Dateline 12/02/2016 “New Directors WIA” check out here:
Dateline 26/1/2016 “Results maybe in” check here for results:
http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/
Did you do it, we did VK4CRO from the new shack.
Dateline ” 22/1/2016 Tropo’s in” 2 metres has be alive for about a week all over the place VK ZL shit everywhere.
Dateline 26/12/2015″Results are in” 2015 Springfield Day results are
Here: http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/
Dateline 23/12/2015 “No 60m operation possible in VK”
Date : 22 / 12 / 2015
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC
While the Amateur Service gained a new band at 5 MHz at the World Radiocommunication Conference last November, it won’t be available in Australia and many other countries for quite a while. In Australia, a number of land-mobile and defence licensees have long had primary status in the 5 MHz band.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is aware of the decision made by WRC-15 at Geneva, and expects future discussion on it with the Wireless Institute of Australia. Until the ACMA agrees through the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum Plan or the Licence Condition Determination, no VK radio amateur is allowed to use those frequencies.
There is now only limited access to spot frequencies on 5 MHz by WICEN and the Amateur Radio New South Wales broadcast, but these are under their land-mobile licences and callsigns. So just repeating, despite a decision being made at WRC-15, and access possible in some countries to radio amateurs under their domestic rules, no such decision has been made in Australia. Transmitting by radio amateurs in Australia on 5 MHz is illegal, until the ACMA gives its approval, which may take many years.
Dateline 20/12/2015 “”We would like to Wish all the Members and their families, a Merry Christmas 2015 & a Happy New 2016 Year.
A big thank you for those that have participated with club events this year and looking forward to the next.
Dateline 15/12/2015″Xmas Wishes From Afar”Think about this and have you and family a Wonderful Festive Season.
Merry Christmas 2015 and Happy & Great New Year 2016.
Giorgio (George)
SWL IV3 – 57306
Italy 2015
Dateline 3/12/2015″ Don’t Forget The Field Day” Summer Field Day VHF-UHF Field Day 14th-15th January 2016. (not confirmed need helpers), location to be confirmed.
Dateline 1/12/2015 “Xmas is Here” Would like some Xmas celebrations venues, suggest some.
Dateline 14/11/2015 “Gold Coast Heist” The club did well at the gold coast hamfest, thanks go to all that helped.
Dateline 8/11/2015″ Don’t Forget The Field Day” Spring Field Day VHF-UHF Field Day 14th-15th (not confirmed need helpers), location to be confirmed.
Dateline 9/11/2015 “Meeting on ” Don’t forget this months meeting Tuesday 10th same place @ MtGravatt TAFE.
Dateline 20/9/2015 “Amatuer Radio” Take a look here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/EssexHams
Dateline 11/09/2015 “A portable Tower to Geek at” El Presidenti has posted a new version of a portable tower, cost seems the only drawback.
Anyway click here to see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtIFMNd9RnA&feature=youtu.be
Dateline 9/09/2015″Must read changes” WIA and ACMA have change the licensing arrangements. The SPECTRA system means a number of changes to the WIA Exams Service that will affect both the assessors and candidates. Read more…..
Click here : http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2015/20150904-1/index.php
Dateline 8/09/2015″Its on unite” Don’t forget the monthly meetings to-nite at the MtGravatt TAFE.
Dateline 8/09/2015″Jobs for who” WIA will change management status,
Date : 02 / 09 / 2015
Author : Phil Wait – VK2ASD
Dear Members,
In last months edition of AR, I identified the need to review the way the WIA operated to ensure that it continued to meet the needs of the membership. A review of the operation of the WIA office was recently completed and discussed by the WIA Board. As a result it was determined that the existing office structure did not meet our current and future needs. A decision was made to remove the position of Office Manager and replace it with an Executive Officer. As a result Mal Brooks has left the WIA, we thank him for his past service and wish him well for the future.
The Executive Officer position will take a much more active role in the development and implementation of strategies designed to increase membership and improve member services. An advertisement for this role will be published in due course.
Dateline 4/09/2015 “Web Site Whoo’s” Yes the SCARC Sunfeast is on Pencil in the 12th of this month. A Club official said, “We are having some problems with our web site”.” It is being advertising in AR Mag, (Aug & Sept issue) and on WIA news Broadcast for the past 3 months and on the club news & call backs every Sunday for the past 8 weeks. The event ” Wombye Sunfest ” is still on for September 12th 2015 at the Woombye hall. Doors open at 9am (7am for sellers) Entry is still $5.00 and that includes a ticket in the lucky door prize.
Some of our happy sellers meet them there.
For any extra detail you can contact Warwick VK4NW at secretary @vk4wis.org
Dateline 29/08/2015 “An Ad” We are one (A Radio Club) give us a go.
Dateline 27/08/2015″Spectrum Review” It’s official.
The Australian Government will implement all the recommendations of the Spectrum Review conducted over 2014-15 by the Department of Communications together with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
Announced on 25 August, a tight program of changes to legislation and regulations will be carried out over the next two years, commencing in October and running through to mid-2017, when the new regime is intended to start.
A single licensing system is the principal feature of what the Government is calling the “new spectrum framework”. The current apparatus, class and spectrum licensing regimes will disappear, to be replaced with licences that set out the conditions of use for spectrum access detailed in a set of key parameters.
Get the skinny here: http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2 … /index.php
Dateline 24/08/2015″Icom SDR ?” IC7300 released today at the Tokyo Ham fest 2015.
click here for info: https://youtu.be/KX2tvoleXrk
Also click here:http://sdr-radio.com/Blog
Dateline 21/08/2015″Its here 23-23″ Planned 23-on-23 Plus…. so time to get agreement on the operating protocols for the activation event.
Given the feedback from the last 23-on-23 Plus, I think it was agreed that we separate the 23cm from the ‘Plus’ operating so that the 23cm only and ‘home’ stations are able to maximise the opportunity to work as many of the /P stations before we QSY and chase Qs up the bands.
As such, the earlier suggested schedule seems to be the best option:
23cm SSB/CW
10:00am (00:00z) – 11:00am (01:00z)
23cm Plus uWave
11:00am (01:00z) – 2pm (04:00z)
Liaison –
147.000 Repeater (if the RDRC would be happy with that)
40m – 7.150MHz (is that still the recommended QRG?)
Mobile/cell phone
VKLogger iChat ’23&Above’
Unfortunately a few of the 23cm & uWave operators in SE VK4 don’t participate in this Forum, as such it would be appreciated if you could share this information to all interested operators.
Dateline 20/08/2015 “Win10 free” Windows 10 free update from win 7.
Things that work as they should on Win7
HRD – The last free version
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Go! USB (FT-857D audio I/O)
G4ZLP interface – FTDI USB chip (Data for 857/817 etc)
Omni Rig
VKCL
MMSSTV
WSPR
CHIRP
Dateline 20/08/2015 “Forward Thinking”August 23 on 23″.“A Queensland & NTH NSW Field day excuse”
The August 23-on-23 will fall on a Sunday. That means it’s time we start planning a 23-on-23+Plus! :crazy:
It means that if we hold true to the original intentions for the 23-on-23, being a weekend those who are keen to further explore a new paths potential can make the effort and head for the hills and work others (and the home stations too). It also means that we can also take the time to activate a other uWave bands on the day too. :om3: :om2:
After the last 23-on-23+Plus I received some negative feedback due to the ‘band swapping’ etc. So before we embark on this one we’ll seek opinions on how we optimise the time and maximise the effort and fun. This will probably require us to consider a more structured approach to the day with band slots etc used to to coordinate activation and also ensure that on each band we achieve maximum activation!
If we can aim for a start time of (say) 10AM, we should be able to structure activity on 23cm through to 3cm and beyond and wrap up by mid afternoon to pack-up and start the drive home.
With ‘just’ seven (7) weeks to go, start considering your plans, booking in radio time with family and planning potential portable site
Dateline 17/08/2015″Gems from the Boss”.
Also found this gem.
Dateline 14/08/2015″good watchen” Al Presidenti has given us a site or two on Antenna’ s worth a look.
These were shown at our Tuesday Meeting in August 2015, here are the links to the videos that were shown.
Antenna Fundamentals 1 Propagation
Antenna Fundamentals 2 Directivity
Antenna Fundamentals 3 Bandwidth
Is also under…..Tech Tips
Dateline 13/08/2015″1.2 & 2.4 Ghz” seem to be alive and well in VK4, so well that over the pond groups of ZL’s are talking; building beacons, beams and interest to take part. Great to see, VK Logger seems to stimulate the hobby in the interested and enquiring minds, great too see. Hers a quote:
Hi Guys,
Just to let you know that there are currently a number of 23cm stations on the air down in ZL3-4.
Zl4IV 200+w and good ant at about 300′ ASL
ZL4OL getting 150w amp on the air and has 45 element loop
ZL3NW, Ive got an amp for him something around 150W also a loop beam way up high.
And myself
ZL3RC currently building up 4 x 55 element loop beams and have 4 x XRF286 amps going just need to box them up. Mainly looking at EME long term but would love to work 23cm across the pond.
All we need over this side of the island is a good big E’s cloud over the Tasman and we maybe in business, any sort of ducting propagation isn’t going to work with the Southern Alps in the way 😥
Looking forward to a better session than the one just passed if Im not wrong we only had one very short opening where Geoff ZL3PX worked a VK2 on 2m.
Still haven’t heard your 23cm beacon over there, but listen a lot, one day. (Brisbane VHF Group has upgraded the 23cm beacon just recently).
Cheers
Roger ZL3RC
Dateline “12/08/2015 “Results are in” Winter Field Day results have been posted for those interested in their positions. A post on one of the amateur conversation sites has suggested, they would like to see one form of scoring be adopted. Also we had no entry in this years winter field day so the club does not feature. Its back to you.
Dateline 11/08/2015 “Meeting here to-nite” Its on, the August meeting at the same place, see you there. Mt Gravatt TAFE. Who will win the raffle prize.
Dateline 11/08/2015″Boaties get updated” It appears someone has been reviewing the VHF radio qualifications, to suit the recreational boating regulations, only taken more than a decade. Are you a boater who uses a VHF marine radio in Australian Territorial Waters (within 12 nautical miles of the coast)? You’ll soon be able to apply for a more appropriate marine radio qualification—the .Australian Waters Qualification (AWQ). more here:
Dateline 10/8/2015″Mag or no Mag” Magnetic Loop or Small Transmitting Loop antennas are nothing new, however there seems to be an increased interest in these highly misunderstood antennas. Some seek these antennas out of necessity due to their local housing restrictions, or because they don’t have the area available for larger, more conventional antennas and are therefor limited by size restrictions, others know of their true ability. Do they work, ABSOLUTELY, do they work well, ABSOLUTELY. Whether you have one, want to build one, or are just interested in learning more details about these small wonders, this group is for you. Please submit your pictures, ideas, techniques and success’.
Dateline 9/08/2015″Meeting on Tuesday” Same place same, great prize!! ” raffle to be won on the night. ” see you there.
Happy crew
Dateline 6/8/2015 “WIA LCD update” Its still going the LCD is been resubmitted, all will be announced in the very near future. Would like to see more, click here : http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2014/20140901-2/documents/WIA%20-ACMA%20LCD%20remake%20letter-%2011-07-2014%20-%20Sent.pdf
Dateline 4/8/2015 “ACMA Shuts Down” CMA licensing shut-down announced
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced that it will suspend all apparatus licence processing from Friday August 14 to Tuesday September 1, to replace its licensing and frequency processing system. The ACMA in announcing this two week closure, acknowledges the need to bring a more efficient process to Apparatus licences, which are widely used, including by the Amateur Service.
Announced on the WIA website here: http://www.wia.org.au/newsevents/news/2 … /index.php
Announced on the ACMA website here: http://www.acma.gov.au/sitecore/content … ugust-2015
Dateline 22/07/2015″Coffers still rise” Three club members working hard for the club. Take a well earned rest, at the Caboolture radio ham fest last saturday. VK4 NE CRO and NEF, were court taking a break at the club refreshment area, (snap by caboolture club member).
Dateline 21/07/2015″WE WHERE DOWN” Sorry to all that couldn’t enter the club site, we had an update to the software to fix.
Dateline 18/07/2015 “Planes for Antennas” It has been report by many of our members that the program Air Scout has been helping to making more contacts on 2 metres and higher bands. Boasting longer and precise contacts with easy to program a schedule of contacts in the early morning weak signal arena, covering eastern states during the week, and more use for the digital signals during the weekend.
Dateline 14/07/2015 “Club Meeting” Last nights meeting was very brisk and informative. Talks were give by Peter on Rasbery pi and using different applications, Col gave a talk on Gippstech 2015 with a few tips and pics. Meeting closed rather late and the nation is still running.
Dateline 12/07/2015 “ACMA misses the point” It appears that the LCD is in and dusted advanced calls have been the winners and Foundation and Standard call staying as what appears as, no changes. They have missed the chance to elevated a few restrictions and get more use of some of the less used bands. see here: https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2015L01113
Dateline 6/07/2015″ 23 0n 23 “.
Based on the positive feedback from the last 23-on-23, lets run the same approach for the next one…. July 23, 2015! :thumbup:
Format as follows:
Phone/CW
Start time: 10:00z / 8:00pm AEST / 9:00pm ADST
Stations in BNE and more southern stations beaming north
08:00pm – 08:30pm / 10:00z – 10:30z
QRG: 1,296.100MHz
Stations in BNE and more northern stations beaming south
08:30pm – 09:00pm / 10:30z – 11:00z
QRG: 1,296.100MHz
Digital
Start time: 11:00z / 9:00pm AEST
QRG: 1,296.225MHz (Mode JT65)
Dateline 22/06/2015″Watch your ???” Cro sent us a tip on power amplifiers.
From: Jack Chomley <vk4jrc@gmail.com>
Reply-To: <members@cqara.org.au>
To: cqara members-only <members@cqara.org.au>
Sent: 18/06/2015 9:11:38 AM
Subject: [Members] Fwd:
Ray,
My remote diagnostics indicate your are transmitting too much power, and overloading your power supply. Please reduce power immediately to 10 watts, for at least a month…….to allow it to cool down
73,
Jack
10801744_10204869131663248_6310902144190424981_n
Dateline 19/06/2015″ACMA under fire” The minister of commications Malcolm Turnbull,has asked for a review of ACMA in one of its bid to trim government spending,
see more here: http://www.itwire.com/government-tech-news/govenrment-tech-policy/68353-turnbull-announces-acma-shakeup
Dateline 12/06/2015 “Second reminder”The Rules for the Winter VHF-UHF Field Day – happening over 20-21 June – have been finalised and posted to the VHF-UHF Field Day page on the WIA website here: http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/
The page content has also been updated. Read it all carefully. It’s new, and fresh. 🙂
Two Field Day enthusiasts – Lou VK3ALB and Andrew VK3MIX – have developed a useful online application, dubbed “Contest Radar”, where you can post your location and see other stations’ locations. Gotta be better than heading for the hills with little or no idea who’s gonna be out there and where! 8)
Advertise your location/s on the Contest Radar website here:
http://www.contestradar.com/
Dateline 9/06/2015 “Check Field Day Rules” Please read new rules on the next two Field Days.
http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/documents/Winter%202015%20Rules_UPDATED_FINAL.pdf
Dateline 8/06/2015 “New Contest Manger hits back” WIA Vhf/Uhf field day’s have been published.
Upcoming Contest Date & Time
Winter 2015 – Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June.
Spring 2015 – Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November.