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VK7AX > BCAST 28.06.26 04:34l 433 Lines 25076 Bytes #49 (0) @ WW
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VK7 Amateur Radio News 28Jun26
Text edition:
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS
SUNDAY 28th June 2026
Welcome to the End of Financial Year - VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 28th day of June 2026, your gateway to whatâ€Ös happening across the airwaves in Tasmania and beyond.
Coming to you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News Desk is Idris, VK7ZIR with the latest updates, stories, and insights from our amateur radio community.
Weâ€Öre broadcasting far and wide thanks to our dedicated team:
DMR Talk Group 5 & D-Star Reflector 91C via the Digital Group
MF & HF relays:
476kHz - Trial transmission NW VK7 - Brenton VK7HP
1.860 MHz – Graham, VK7GS
3.670 MHz – Dale, VK7DG
7.140 MHz – Ross, VK7ALH
14.130 MHz – Justin, VK7TW
28.525 MHz – Garry, VK7JGD
And locally in Hobart on UHF CB Ch.24 - Mark VK7FMAC and HFCB24 with Luke (no Callsign).
Missed it live? Catch the replay Tuesday 8pm on repeaters VK7RAA (North), VK7RHT, and on UHFCB24/HFCB24 (South).
Stay tuned, and enjoy the news!
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EMCOMM News
Protection of Emergency Frequency Following Major Earthquake in Venezuela
From the IARU to IARU Region 3 Member Societies
IARU Region 3 has been informed by IARU Region 2 of a major earthquake that struck near the coast of Venezuela on 24 June 2026 at approximately
2204 UTC. Preliminary reports indicate significant damage in several areas, including the capital city of Caracas. Power outages and disruptions to normal communications infrastructure have been reported, resulting in increased reliance on amateur radio emergency communications networks.
According to information received from the Venezuelan Radio Club National Emergency Network and IARU Region 2 Emergency Communications Coordinator, Venezuelan radio amateurs have activated emergency communications operations on HF and digital modes to support ongoing response and coordination efforts.
In support of these emergency communications activities, IARU Region 3 respectfully requests all Member Societies to advise their members to avoid transmitting on, or causing interference to, the following emergency frequency whenever possible:
7.135 MHz (40-metre band)
This frequency is currently being utilized for emergency communications traffic related to the earthquake response in Venezuela.
Member Societies are encouraged to share this advisory through their national networks and emergency communications groups. Radio amateurs monitoring the frequency are requested to maintain good operating practice and give priority to emergency traffic.
IARU Region 3 extends its solidarity to the people of Venezuela and the amateur radio operators supporting emergency and disaster relief communications. We stand ready to support any requests for assistance coordinated through IARU Region 2.
Thank you for your cooperation.
73 de Ageng Aditya YB1BTM
IARU Region 3
Chairperson, Disaster Communication Committee
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ACMA News
Stay up to date with the ACMA Amateur Radio newsletter
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is encouraging amateur radio operators to subscribe to its Amateur Radio newsletter.
The free email newsletter provides updates on amateur radio regulatory developments, consultation opportunities and other matters affecting the amateur service in Australia. As the ACMA continues to review and update various radiocommunications arrangements, the newsletter is an excellent way to stay informed directly from the regulator.
Subscribing is quick and easy. Simply visit the ACMA subscription webpage, enter your details and select the Amateur Radio option from the list of available newsletters.
The service delivers important information directly to your inbox on a semi-regular basis, helping ensure you don't miss future consultations, regulatory changes or announcements relevant to the Australian amateur radio community. For more information and to subscribe, visit the ACMA website and follow the "Subscribe to our news" link.
Subscribe to ACMA News and Newsletters -
https://www.acma.gov.au/subscribe-our-news
ACMA Amateur Radio licensing information page -
https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio
Sourced from the WIA/ACMA
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WIA Contest News
VHF/UHF Field day
The annual winter WIA VHF-UHF Field Day was run over the weekend of 20 and 21st June.
Logs are now due and only electronic logs are accepted unless some disability necessitates a paper log, which must be submitted as set out in the Rules.
The online VK Contest Log Checker accepts logs from the weekend of the contest; deadline for submissions is 14 days from the Sunday of the event which is 5th July 2026.
https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/
73, Richard, VK7ZBX
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Tassie Ham-E-Con Radio Conference
Bookings are OPEN!!
The countdown is on for Tassie Ham-E-Con 2026, and bookings are officially open. This year's theme, Hack the Ether: Education, Ingenuity, Connection, captures the spirit of amateur radio at its best, where experimentation, innovation and lifelong learning come together. Humans have spent more than a century finding increasingly creative ways to throw signals through the air. This conference celebrates that tradition while looking firmly toward the future.
Join amateurs, makers, educators, communicators and technical explorers from across Australia and the world for a fully catered weekend. The conference program is built around four major streams: Hack the Mind exploring education and learning futures, Hack the System showcasing ingenuity and experimentation, Hack the Culture focusing on community engagement and connection, and Hack the Future examining leadership, purpose and where amateur radio goes next.
Tassie Ham-E-Con 2026 takes place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026 at the iconic Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre on the UTAS Sandy Bay campus. Pre-conference and post-conference activities have also been planned, making it a full weekend of radio, learning and networking. The preliminary program is now available and registrations are open via the conference website: https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/tassie-ham-radio-conference/
73 from the Conference Organising Group.
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WWFF, SOTA, POTA, LLOTA and IOTA Weekly Wrap Up
Jim, VK7JZ, made a dash up to his local summit on Mount Wellington. Operating on 15, 20 and 40 metres, Jim logged 23 contacts, including some nice DX into France, New Zealand and Japan. As he had already activated the Mount Wellington summit earlier this calendar year, he was only eligible to claim the three winter bonus points for this activation.
Angela, VK7AMP, and Tony, VK7LTD, made the most of the day with an activation of the Mount Direction Conservation Area in southern VK7. Parking at the Risdon Brook Dam car park, they made their way into the conservation area to set up and operate. They each activated the park individually, with Angela making 21 contacts using just 10 watts, while Tony logged 49 contacts with DX into France, Poland and the USA. It doesn't get much better than spending the day together, enjoying amateur radio and the great outdoors!
Matt, VK7MAT, headed to the Four Springs Lake Water Management Area near Selbourne in the state's north. Matt logged 64 contacts during the activation, including a contact via the International Space Station as it passed overhead. For the ISS contact, Matt used an Icom IC-2730A and a handheld Arrow antenna. Contacts made via satellite repeaters, are the only repeater-assisted contacts permitted during an activation.
Al, VK7AN, and Peter, VK7ZPE, made their way up to Grassy Hut Tier for a SOTA activation. Grassy Hut Tier happens to be on the property of Ross VK7ALH - very handy! Running an Icom IC-705 at 10 watts with a 20-metre end-fed wire, they operated on 40 metres and enjoyed a steady stream of contacts, including a nice DX contact into France with Larry, F5PYI.
That's it for another week. Hope to catch you on the air!
73, Matt, VK7MAT
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Statewide SSTV Nights
A quiet net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – AX, OO, EV and ZAB, all sharing over thirty phots.
The highlights were:
From Dirk PA3DHR in the Netherlands a photo of his birthplace and in 1975 he was working from home with a train
Fruit icy poles from PA3GFY
Quiet time under Man Ferns, on a river cruise and sailing into the sunset
Adventure on the West Coast Wilderness Train or flying high
Activities that donâ€Öt end well, like horse riding
A CQ from the Lady Nelson and a communications site
And 73 from a “retiring” gentleman
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PD5JOS, PA3DHR and PA3GFY in the Netherlands and DJ0ZK in Germany. Please remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos.
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites that allows anyone testing, to send a picture and the ability to check their transmission on these pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights on Kenâ€Ös and Steveâ€Ös websites or on NTARCâ€Ös 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 Andreâ€Ö 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
Cast your mind back for a moment. Something significant happened here in Tasmania on the 31st of March 2020 - the day we entered Covid-19 lockdown. Overnight, club-room activities were off the table for the foreseeable future. But by the 8th of April, Nic - then VK7BEE, which tells you just how much time has passed, had already stepped up. Now known to us all as VK7WW, or “Whiskey Whiskey”, he launched an on-air net to keep the club members connected.
With no physical gatherings and “isolation fever” setting in, that weekly ritual became a lifeline until the worst of the pandemic eased. And it didnâ€Öt stop there. For more than six years now, the net has continued almost every Wednesday, with only a short break over Christmas and New Year periods. Nic has been at the helm throughout, with the occasional helping hand from other net members when illness or meetings got in the way.
And speaking of those whoâ€Öve helped keep the Technical Net running so smoothly, we really do need to acknowledge a few familiar VKs. A big thank you to Paul VK7KPA and Phil VK7ZPD for keeping the Discord side of things rock-solid, including the live audio stream that many of us rely on when our receiving conditions are a little more modest. And heartfelt thanks as well to Phil VK7ZPD, Rick VK7HBR, Jordan VK3ACU, and Keiran VK3BTV, who have all stepped in to host the net, sometimes with very little notice. Their willingness to help has kept the Wednesday night tradition running without a hitch. It all adds up to well over three hundred sessions, a remarkable run by any measure and greatly appreciated by club members and participating amateurs.
Nic is now taking a well-earned break and is stepping back from hosting the Technical Net, but heâ€Öll still be very much part of the airwaves through his CW coaching - or perhaps the better term is CW mentoring, because thatâ€Ös exactly what heâ€Ös been doing all along.
Position vacant - With Nic stepping down from hosting the Technical Net, this opens the door to anyone who might like to continue the net fun. NTARC membership isnâ€Öt a requirement as amateur radio has a wonderful way of connecting people across clubs and across states, and everyone is welcome.
If you are the type of amateur that has the time and enjoys a friendly mid-week catch up on the air, keeping conversations moving, and helping amateurs stay connected, you might be just the person. No need to be an expert, just a steady voice and a bit of enthusiasm. It could be a really rewarding role with an interesting learning curve. If you feel even a little curious about giving it a go, have a chat with the committee.
Our mid-year Club get-together and meal at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill is shaping up nicely. A big thank you to everyone who booked early, it has allowed us to give the venue a solid working number for catering.
The team there know how clubs operate and have assured us theyâ€Öre very flexible, so if you make a last-minute decision to come along, even on the night itself, they will be able to accommodate you. Looking forward to seeing you there.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CW course - Every Wednesday night, on 3.580 MHz from 7 to 7.30 pm. Your CW Coach for the evening is Nic, VK7WW.
On Air Test and Technical gathering - Wednesday nights, on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm.
Club Room Technical night - The next session will be Wednesday the 8th July and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Mid-year Club get-together - Wednesday 15th July at Iron Horse Bar and Grill. 6pm for a 6:30 meal.
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@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
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/
REAST Survey Live
The Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania is currently conducting its periodic member survey, inviting all members to give their views on a wide range of club topics and to provide input into the coming years activities.
The Survey runs from 15th of June to 29th of June 2026 - thatâ€Ös tomorrow! REAST Members have been sent an email with a link to complete the survey online and there are printed copies of the survey form available in the clubrooms.
Questions can be directed to Tony VK7VKT on email - anthony.lathouras@gmail.com or Dave VK7CB on email david.bowerman@gmail.com.
73, Dave, VK7CB
REAST Secretary
--------------------------------
July Presentation Night
Amateur Radio in Menâ€Ös Sheds: Community Outreach Through Science, Technology and Connection
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/july-presentation-community-outreach-mens-sheds-and-amateur-radio/
This Wednesday night will be a special presentation on community outreach through amateur radio highlighting how Menâ€Ös Sheds can use our hobby to reach a wider group of people and deliver real community benefits. While many Menâ€Ös Sheds are best known for woodworking, metalworking and practical workshop activities, not every member wants to build a birdhouse, restore furniture or weld a trailer. Some are drawn instead to technology, science, electronics, communications, weather, computers, space and lifelong learning. Amateur radio provides a natural pathway for those interests while supporting the core Menâ€Ös Shed goals of social connection, purpose, wellbeing and participation.
The presentation will show how a Menâ€Ös Shed amateur radio program can include much more than simply talking on the air. Activities can include satellite tracking, receiving weather satellite images, software defined radio, digital modes, mesh networking, emergency communications, citizen science, radio astronomy and simple electronics projects.
These activities help reduce social isolation, encourage mentoring and skills sharing, support STEM engagement and build community resilience. The key ingredients are management support, a dedicated radio space, antennas, equipment, mentors, regular activities and a clear learning pathway.
Get those elements right, and amateur radio can become a flagship outreach activity for Menâ€Ös Sheds, proving once again that our hobby is not just about radios, but about people, learning and community connection.
When - Wednesday 1st July 2026 from 7:30pm
Where - Queens Domain Clubrooms and Streamed.
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/july-presentation-community-outreach-mens-sheds-and-amateur-radio/
Come along and see the amazing things that they are getting up to at the Menâ€Ös Sheds - See you there.
73, REAST Committee
--------------------------------
July Forum Night
This forum night we are trying something different. Thanks to our Discord devotees who suggested an Open Mic night. No, not the musical type but the project/experimentation type.
Amateur Radio is often described as a hobby of hobbies.
Whether your interests lie in operating, contesting, antennas, satellites, electronics, software, emergency communications, astronomy, 3D printing, maker projects, photography, computing, restoration, or something completely different, there is usually a connection back to amateur radio.
For this monthâ€Ös Forum Night weâ€Öre trying something a little different with an informal “Open Mic” evening. Members are invited to take the floor for up to 5-10 minutes and share something that interests them. It could be a project currently on the bench, a recent success (or failure!), an interesting piece of equipment, a technical topic, a contest experience, a citizen science project, or even another hobby that complements your amateur radio activities.
This is not a formal presentation night so, no powerpoint and itâ€Ös a little different from our usual WEGs forum nights. The aim is to give everyone an opportunity to share their interests with the wider group and perhaps discover some unexpected connections between members.
What do you enjoy when youâ€Öre not on the air? You may be surprised at the skills, experiences and stories hidden within our membership.
Bring along your ideas, projects, photos, gadgets, or simply come along and enjoy an evening of sharing, learning and good conversation. Who knows, you might even inspire someone elseâ€Ös next project.
When: Wednesday 8th July from 7:30pm
Where: Queens Domain Clubrooms and Streamed
73, REAST Committee
--------------------------------
Wednesday Experimenterâ€Ös Group (WEGs)
https://www.youtube.com/live/JK7vIfxTPK4
Last Wednesday in the studio saw Rex VK7MO take us through more of his experiments with Differential GPS for very accurate pointing.
Rex and his mate Copilot have been doing some python programming to extract the heading information from the NMEA stream and display in large numbers on a PC screen - both the instantaneous reading and the averaged reading. Rex setup his two antennas outside and we connected live to a notebook in the studio. Thanks Rex.
We then got Ron VK7ME into the studio with 3D print for his 3x18650 LiPo battery holder and battery management PCB for his QMX QRP radio. This holder is a triangular shape to also act as a stand for the QMX. Great work Ron.
Justin VK7TW then took a look at the latest DUBUS magazine with some amazing VHF and above articles.
We finished with space weather, training and future events.
We go into recess for a fortnight whilst we have the July presentation and forums nights. See you back in the studio on July 15th.
https://www.youtube.com/live/JK7vIfxTPK4
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/live-stream/
https://www.reast.asn.au/special-interest-groups/amateur-tv/
https://www.youtube.com/c/ReastHobart/
73, Justin, VK7TW
--------------------------------
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!
If you are thinking of coming along to the next session please let the Learning Organiser know ASAP.
Key Dates:
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, next is on 25th July 2026.
Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on Saturday the 22nd August 2026.
Check out 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@gmail.com and your inquiry will go directly to the Learning Organiser, who be in contact.
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 - 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 CW course - Every Wednesday night, on 3.580 MHz from 7 to 7.30 pm. Your CW Coach for the evening is Nic, VK7WW.
On Air Test and Technical gathering - Wednesday nights, on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm.
NTARC Technical night session - Wednesday 8th July 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 - 1 July - July Presentation Night - Amateur Radio in Menâ€Ös Sheds: Community Outreach Through Science, Technology and Connection with Bob VK7BS in the QD Clubrooms and Streamed.
REAST - 8 July - Forum Night - Hobby of hobbies open mic night - Queens Domain clubrooms and streamed.
NTARC - 15 July - Mid Year Club Get-Together and Meal - Iron Horse Bar and Grill - 468 Westbury Rd, Prospect Vale, Launceston from 6pm.
VK - 7-8 Nov - Tassie Ham-E-Con Amateur Radio Conference - UTAS Sandy Bay
--------------------------------
A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7WW
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7JGD
40m: VK7DG
20m: VK7ALH
10m: VK7VKT
UHFCB24 & HFCB24: VK7FMAC & Luke
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group
2026 Roster -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTod4MGlJRjXxi2vuDrHngoytZebSMph/view?usp=drive_link
--------------------------------
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported this weekâ€Ös broadcast of the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
Thatâ€Ös it for this week! If you missed the live transmission, remember you can always catch the rebroadcast Tuesday at 8:00pm on VK7RAA in the North, VK7RHT, and UHFCB24/HFCB24 in the South.
Got news, stories, or updates to share? Weâ€Öd love to hear from you! Send them to vk7arnews@gmail.com by Friday 9pm. You can also join the conversation on our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.io page.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews
Stay tuned now for callbacks on this frequency, with each relay station using their own callsign.
On behalf of the VK7 News Team, this is Idris, VK7ZIR, wishing you good DX, and a great week ahead!
-------------------------------------------------------------
(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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