| |
VK7AX > BCAST 06.07.26 09:35l 438 Lines 24712 Bytes #57 (0) @ WW
BID : 13853_VK7AX
Read: OE5RCO GAST
Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 05Jul26
Path: DB0FFL<OE2XZR<OK1TOR<OK0NAG<OK0NBR<SR1BSZ<EA2RCF<LU9DCE<VE3CGR<CX2SA<
VK7AX
Sent: 260706/0704Z 13853@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.AUNZ LinBPQ6.0.24
VK7 Amateur Radio News 05Jul26
Text edition:
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS
SUNDAY 5th July 2026
Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 5th day of July 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 Nic, VK7WW 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 – Garry, VK7JGD
7.140 MHz – Dale, VK7DG
14.130 MHz – Ross, VK7ALH
28.525 MHz – Mark, VK7FMAC
And locally in Hobart on UHF CB Ch.24 - Any Takers 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!
--------------------------------
EMCOMM News
Protection of Emergency Frequency Following Major Earthquake in Venezuela
From the IARU to IARU Region 3 Member Societies
Following the major earthquake that struck near the coast of Venezuela on 24 June 2026, amateur radio emergency communications have been activated to support disaster response as power and conventional communications remain disrupted. The International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 3 has asked Member Societies to advise radio amateurs to avoid transmitting on 7.135 MHz whenever possible, as the frequency is being used by the Venezuelan Radio Club National Emergency Network for emergency traffic. All amateurs are requested to observe good operating practice, give priority to emergency communications, and support the international amateur radio community's efforts to assist those affected by the disaster.
Thank you for your cooperation.
73 de Ageng Aditya YB1BTM
IARU Region 3
Chairperson, Disaster Communication Committee
--------------------------------
Non Commercial For Sale/Wanted
Wanted
Kenwood TS120 PLL Board in hopefully working condition but for parts if not. This is to help a Brazilian Amateur operator Alex PU3ALE get back on HF. Kenwood part X50-1490-00.
Phone Dale on: 0417284498
73 Dale VK7DG
--------------------------------
RAOTC
Broadcast for July 2026
Further to that mentioned on the WIA National News, this is another reminder about the RAOTC broadcast for Monday the 6th of July 2026 at 8 pm local time; thatâ€Ös tomorrow night for those listening on Sunday.
This month, once again, special mention is made of a VK7 amateur. This year the RAOTC Committee has presented the Stewart Day Award to Paul VK7ZAJ. Details are explained.
Many would have heard the term ‘Bravo Zuluâ€Ö used but how many are aware of its meaning or origin? All is revealed.
As promised last moth, there is an article on the Liddell Power station, its history and the intended replacement which is to include a grid scale battery.
There is an impressive demonstration of a recent digital voice mode known as ‘Raid V1â€Ö which occupies a bandwidth of only 1.5KHz and offers a superior signal-to-noise ratio to SSB.
In April an event called Antennapalooza was held in Eastern Victoria, jointly run by the Peninsula Radio Clubs. This was the 10th year of the event. The main theme was Power.
Listen at 8 pm Monday, local time, over the VK7RAA/VK7RHT state-wide network or at about 8:30pm as a telecast on VK7AX ‘Spectrum Tasmaniaâ€Ö via the BATC membersâ€Ö stream or in the Ulverstone area on 445.50MHz. DATV. Audio feed is available on VK7RDR, 439.775MHz, Dazzler Range.
The broadcast date again is Monday July 6th. Call backs will follow. Please call in if you are able; this provides the RAOTC broadcast committee with an idea of how many are listening to these broadcasts.
If you miss the off-air broadcasts you can listen to audio files on the RAOTC website.
https://www.raotc.org.au/
73, Peter VK7PD
--------------------------------
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 TODAY - 5th July 2026.
https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/vhfuhf/
73, Richard, VK7ZBX
--------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------
WWFF, SOTA, POTA, LLOTA and IOTA Weekly Wrap Up
With snow falling across the higher peaks of VK7, it hasn't stopped operators from getting out and activating.
Angela, VK7AMP, and Tony, VK7LTD, managed to fit in two activations during the week. Their first was a SOTA activation from Johnsons Hill, overlooking Kempton. After obtaining permission from the landowner, they set off on a frosty morning, tackling the steep climb through thick gorse to reach the summit. Operating on just 5 watts, they successfully activated the summit with 17 contacts across 20 and 40 metres.
Their second activation took them to Clifton Beach Conservation Area, where Angela and Tony were spotted calling CQ on 15 and 40 metres.
Al, VK7AN, and Peter, VK7ZPE, activated Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area. Covering approximately 120 hectares of remnant native vegetation and located below the Silverdome on the outskirts of Launceston, the reserve provided an excellent setting for a park activation. Al and Peter were heard calling CQ on 40 metres.
Enjoy the week ahead, keep warm, and if you're feeling adventurous, why not activate a park or summit while it's covered in snow?
73, Matt, VK7MAT
--------------------------------
Statewide SSTV Nights
A busy net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – AX, ZAB, TW, WOZ, EV, PAK, OO, ZCF and ZBX, all sharing seventy five photos.
The main themes were:
Escaping to have a life after work
A “big†banana, Marino sheep, spud, tractor, coffee pot, penguin, rocking horse, golden guitar and axe
Dad jokes about Moses, Pharaohs, bones and Karl Marxâ€Ös sister
Test instruments and a HD TV test broadcast
And other highlights were:
A 60th birthday craftwork using the equation of life
Coffee is essential for life
Sailing ships, the Lady Nelson and Windward Bound
Proof that Spirit 5 exists
A ham shack from the Netherlands
A GPS speedo in a 3D printed case
EME and ET
And 73 from “when you think thereâ€Ös no hope leftâ€
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PA3EKI, PD5JOS, PD0WHH, PC1K, PA3BRB and PA3MHV in the Netherlands. 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
After the recent REAST forum on hotspots and code plugs, quite a few digital rigs have been dusted off and checked over, with some even making an appearance at the club rooms on technical night.
Colin VK7ZCF was among them. He discovered that his Retevis RT8 and RT90 were no longer accessing the repeater. A quick update of the code plugs brought both radios back to life and happily talking again.
Alongside them was his older dual-band MMDVM hotspot, originally bought from eBay a few years ago. This one was a little less cooperative, reporting that its software was out of date. The update went through smoothly, and at first everything looked good. But results were mixed. Colinâ€Ös transmissions were appearing on the hotspot dashboard, yet his call sign wasnâ€Öt showing. Almost certainly just a small setting waiting to be tweaked, but time wasnâ€Öt on our side, so itâ€Ös now on the list for the next technical night to explore and sort out.
Eric VK7ZPE brought along something a little different.... not electronic, not radio related, but extremely handy for anyone who builds their own projects: a brand new nut-riveter set.
Itâ€Ös sold under the Topex brand, model TX082. If youâ€Öre familiar with how a pop-rivet works, youâ€Öre already most of the way there. But instead of a mandrel that snaps, imagine a threaded section at the base of the rivet. You screw the appropriate mandrel into the nut insert, squeeze the handles, and the insert is pulled tight, expanding its tubular body and locking firmly into the sheet material.
Unlike a pop-rivet, this gives you a captive threaded nut that is perfect for situations where you want a bolt to go in cleanly without the nut spinning or wandering.
This set covers sizes M3, M4, M5, M6, M8, M10 and M12, with seven matching mandrels and a spanner for fitting them. It also includes 150 fluted nut inserts, the fluted type being far superior to smooth ones, as they grip better and resist turning under normal torque.
A very tidy kit, with easy change mandrels, all presented in a sturdy blow-moulded case.
Our mid-year Club get-together at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill is coming together beautifully. A big thank-you to everyone who booked early, itâ€Ös given the venue a solid guide for catering. The Iron Horse team know how clubs operate and have assured us theyâ€Öre very flexible. So if you decide at the last moment that youâ€Öd like to join in, even on the night itself, theyâ€Öll be able to accommodate you without any fuss.
Weâ€Öre looking forward to a relaxed, enjoyable evening together.
As usual pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs†for this broadcast.
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
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 at the Astronomical Society of Tas Open Night
On Saturday 27 June, the skies cleared for the Astronomical Society of Tasmaniaâ€Ös Open Night, held at the Mt Pleasant Radio Telescope Observatory.
More than 400 members of the public attended, exploring the wonders of the night sky and looking through the Societyâ€Ös telescopes at the Moon, planets, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
Richard VK7ZBX and Hayden VK7HH attended on behalf of REAST, which was invited to demonstrate amateur radio for the second year in a row. REAST was placed right at the front door of the museum â€ö a prime position, and conveniently adjacent to the coffee van.
On display was a fully functioning amateur satellite station using an Icom IC-9700, running GPredict for Doppler correction, together with a handheld Arrow antenna. Also on show was a 600 mm dish on a portable EME station, also using an IC-9700.
Contacts were made via the ISS into VK2, VK3, VK4, VK7 and even ZL. Members of both AST and REAST, Lisa VK7SGZ and Bruce VK7SKY, also made their first-ever contacts via satellite.
Members of the public watched in amazement, and some even spotted the ISS with the naked eye as it flew across the sky, calling out, “Point your antenna that way â€ö there it is!â€
The night ended with both Richard & Hayden winning 1st & 3rd prize respectively in the raffle!
REAST extends its sincere thanks to the AST committee and members for their hospitality, and for the invitation to exhibit.
73, Hayden VK7HH
--------------------------------
July Presentation Night
Amateur Radio in Menâ€Ös Sheds: Community Outreach Through Science, Technology and Connection
https://www.youtube.com/live/a4k_-NxQaDc?si=C3xkujzDgGrkWY55
Last Wednesday evening, members of the Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania enjoyed an inspiring presentation exploring how amateur radio can play a valuable role in Men's Sheds across Australia.
Presented by Bob, VK7BS, the session highlighted how amateur radio offers an intellectual and social pathway for men who are interested in science, technology, electronics and communications, but may not be drawn to the traditional woodworking and metalworking activities often associated with Men's Sheds. Drawing on his own experiences, Bob outlined how through trying to provide a structured electronics activity failed and it actually lead to introducing amateur radio to the Shed. Amateur radio training, hands-on projects and varied activities can foster lifelong learning, build confidence and create meaningful social connections.
The presentation also examined the practical requirements for establishing an amateur radio program within a Men's Shed, including management support, dedicated shack space, antennas, equipment and regular activities to keep members engaged. With more than 1,200 Men's Sheds across Australia, Bob demonstrated how combining the social benefits of Men's Sheds with the "hobby of hobbies" creates a powerful opportunity to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and introduce more people to amateur radio. The presentation received an enthusiastic response from those attending.
A huge thank you to Bob VK7BS and the Channel Menâ€Ös Shed team for sharing their story.
https://www.youtube.com/live/a4k_-NxQaDc?si=C3xkujzDgGrkWY55
73, Justin, VK7TW
--------------------------------
July Forum Night
This Wednesday 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)
We go into recess for a fortnight whilst we have the July presentation and forums nights. July 15 will be a social night with no program from the Studio so, see you back in the studio on July 22nd.
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
--------------------------------
Huge Thank You to Reg VK7KK
The REAST Committee would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Reg Emmett VK7KK for his many years of educating, training, assessing and inspiring countless amateur radio operators across Tasmania.
Reg has decided to step back from active training and assessing to enjoy a well-earned break after an extraordinary contribution to the hobby.
We estimate that Reg has been training radio operators for more than 50 years, both in the schools where he taught and through his volunteer work with WIA branches across Tasmania. Over those five decades, he has helped generations of people gain their amateur radio qualifications, sharing not only his knowledge but also his enthusiasm, patience and encouragement.
This is a remarkable achievement by any measure, and one that has left a lasting legacy for amateur radio in Tasmania. On behalf of everyone whose lives and amateur radio journey have been enriched by Reg's dedication, thank you, Reg.
Your contribution will long be remembered.
As of the first of July, Reg has handed over his Learning Facilitator role to Justin VK7TW who has very large shoes to fill!
73, REAST Committee
--------------------------------
REAST Training and Assessment Update
https://www.reast.asn.au/information/amateur-licence-assessments/
Thinking about getting your Amateur Radio licence or upgrading to the next level? REAST continues to offer regular Training and Assessment Days for all Australian amateur licence levels. Standard, Advanced and Regulations assessments are held on alternate months, with the next session on Saturday 25 July 2026, while the next Foundation Training and Assessment Day will be held on Saturday 22 August 2026.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/
If you're planning to attend, please contact the Learning Organiser Justin VK7TW as soon as possible by emailing reast.assessor@gmail.com.
You'll also find the full training schedule on the REAST Events page, along with a range of free learning resources, including the popular Foundation Licence Training Video series on the REAST YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
To help build your confidence before assessment day, don't forget to try the Wireless Institute of Australia's online Foundation Trial Exams, with links available in the text edition of this broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php
Whether you're taking your first step into amateur radio or upgrading your qualifications, the REAST training team is ready to help you succeed.
73 from Justin VK7TW.
--------------------------------
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 - 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: VK7PD
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7ALH
40m: VK7JGD
20m: VK7TW
10m: VK7DG
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 Nic, VK7WW, wishing you good DX, and a great week ahead!
-------------------------------------------------------------
(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
Lese vorherige Mail | Lese naechste Mail
| |
