From: richardm@runx.oz.au (Richard Murnane)
Subject: VK2WI Weekly Broadcast, 19th July 1992
Organization: RUNX Un*x Timeshare.  Sydney, Australia.
Distribution: aus
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 92 23:57:18 GMT


          VK2WI Broadcast, 19th July, 1992.  Copyright 1992 WIA (NSW)
          & contributors.  Material may be used elsewhere if the
          source is acknowledged.



                                VK2WI BROADCAST

                                      for

                                19th July, 1992




                        THE MAJOR NEWS ITEMS THIS WEEK:

                             Open Forum on the WIA

                      Olympic Games Special Event Stations

                         VNG Seeking a New Transmitter

                            The Coastguard Needs YOU

                             Coastwatchers Reunion

                    Festival of Whales Special Event Station




                                DIVISIONAL NEWS

          The new council of the VK2 division of the Wireless
          Institute of Australia is planning an "Open Forum" on the
          WIA and its future, to be held at Amateur Radio House, 109
          Wigram Street, Parramatta, on 29th August. If you want to
          get something off your chest about the WIA, this will
          probably be a good place to do it. More details nearer to
          the day.



                                ATV TEST RESULTS

          The test conducted at Dural last Sunday, to see if TV could
          co-exist at VK2WI, showed far more promise than a similar
          test a few years ago.

          It was noted that some video DID get into a couple of
          systems, but that was most likely due to local fields and
          limited screening.

          Reception reports indicated fair coverage, considering the
          limited antenna height, which is well below the tree line.

          Further tests will be conducted in a few week's time: the
          broadcasts will advise.



                      OLYMPIC GAMES SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS

          Two special event stations, 4M5JOB and 4M5OGB, will be on
          air in Barcelona for the entire duration of the Olympic
          Games. (no particular frequencies have been advised at time
          of writing.)



                         VNG SEEKING A NEW TRANSMITTER

          Mention was made in last week's broadcast that VNG - the
          time and frequency service for Australia - is seeking an AM
          transmitter to about a quarter-kilowatt rating for operation
          on 2.5 MHz. There have been several responses already, with
          units requiring various degrees of modification.

          The 2.5 MHz frequency is to provide local Sydney regional
          coverage, to fill the gaps when the other frequencies "skip"
          or become noisy.

          During the week, VNG was granted the license to operate on
          2.5 MHz, so now there is a degree of urgency to put the
          frequency to use. If you know of, or have, an AM transmitter
          which can stand continuous operation at about 250 Watts,
          ready to go on the 2 MHz band, please advise via the
          callbacks, contact Marion VK1BNG QTHR, or notify the
          divisional office, and we will direct your offer to the VNG
          Users Consortium. (Note that VNG would prefer the offer as a
          gift or long-term loan.)



                                A JUMBO BLUNDER?

          On Monday evening (Sydney time), Quantas flight QF12 from
          Los Angeles to Sydney was mistakenly threatened by the
          guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens, which was taking part in
          the biennial RIMPAC 1992 naval exercise, east of Hawaii.
          This exercise was conducted in cooperation with naval forces
          from Australia, Canada, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
          (WICEN was not involved this time!)

          According to the story in Wednesday's Telegraph Mirror,  the
          Cowpens mistakenly identified the 747-400 as another
          aircraft taking part in the exercise, and radio operators
          instructed the Jumbo to divert "or be fired upon".  In doing
          so, they mistakenly used an international distress
          frequency, instead of one of the channels allotted for the
          exercise.

          Anxious not to spoil Qantas's impeccable safety record, the
          pilots on board decided not to take any chances, and
          complied with the instructions. The aircraft was never in
          any danger; nevertheless the US Government apologised for
          the incident.



                           THE COASTGUARD NEED *YOU*

          Tuesday's Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Australian
          Volunteer Coastguard, which this year celebrates its 25th
          anniversary, is urgently seeking new volunteers.

          The Coastguard now runs a 24-hour-a-day operation, handling
          some 1400 calls a month, of which about 10 involve vessels
          in distress. With a full time staff of only 45 members,
          they're finding it difficult to keep the station running
          around the clock, so they rely on volunteers to fill in the
          gaps. Perhaps you can put your radio skills to good use
          during your spare time.

          Volunteers will be given a full water safety and radio
          training course, and will work with the Coastguard in shifts
          of six hours. Acording to the article in the Herald, these
          positions (quote) "would be perfect for a retired person
          interested in radios and boats". Doesn't this sound like
          your average radio amateur?

          If you'd like to use your amateur radio skills to contribute
          to this valuable community service, please contact Lyndsey
          Edgar outside business hours on (02) 624-2314, or the
          Coastguard at South Head Signal Station on (02) 337-5033.
          (These numbers will be repeated later in this broadcast)



                     ZL AMATEURS FACING RADIATION CHECK-UPS

          A proposal in New Zealand is being considered, to put a Bill
          before parliament, which would require amateur radio
          stations to have their level of radiation checked.

          It appears that the suggested legislation calls for each
          radio amateur to have "radiation experts" inspect and
          measure the radiation levels of their stations - at the
          amateur's cost, of course.

          This is totally unnecessary; there is no scientific or
          technical evidence to suggest that a problem might exist
          with radiation from amateur stations.

          The New Zealand Amateur Radio Transmitters (NZART) has
          urgently faxed its sister society, the WIA, asking if such a
          proposal has ever been made in Australia.

          The WIA is certain that no such proposal has been made here,
          but we will be on our guard, should someone decide that the
          New Zealand proposal has merit, and try to promote it in
          Australia.

          (With REAL problems, like depleted reservoirs, energy
          shortages and freezing sheep facing the nation, one would
          think the New Zealand government might leave amateurs
          alone!)



                     COASTWATCHERS 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

          A group which doesn't spring to mind when thinking about the
          Second World War, is the Coastwatcher. In fact, they seem to
          have received inadequate attention during the recent 50th
          anniversary commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

          However, the Coastwatchers played an important role in that
          battle and the defence of the southwest Pacific. Their job
          was to supply intelligence by wireless from strategic points
          in New Guinea, New Britain, The Phillipines, and the
          Pacific.

          They reported enemy movements - especially aircraft - and
          gave warnings of air attacks, hours in advance.

          A memorial in Mandang, Papua New Guinea, says (quote): "They
          watched, and warned, and died, so we may live." It's
          estimated that up to 50 Coastwatchers are still alive today.

          A 50th anniversary reunion for Coastwatchers will be held in
          Gosford, New South Wales, on the 14th-16th August.

          For further details, please contact Mrs. Jo Foster, 38
          Fitzroy Street, Umina 2257, or phone (043) 41-9205.



                   "FESTIVAL OF WHALES" SPECIAL EVENT STATION

          The Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club Incorporated will be
          activating a special event callsign, VI4FOW, from 1st-31st
          August, to celebrate the annual Festival of Whales at Hervey
          Bay, Queensland.

          Every year, Humpback whales migrating south toward the
          Antarctic enter the warm sheltered waters of Hervey Bay to
          rest and rear their young, before continuing their journey.

          Visitors come from all over Australia and many countries
          world-wide, to marvel at these magnificent "Gentle Giants"
          of the deep, and many manage to "pat" them from sight-seeing
          vessels.

          The Club will be active on the following frequencies, plus
          or minus QRM: 3.794, 7.100, 14.235, 21.250, and 28.495 MHz.

          An award and QSL card will be available for working the
          special event station VI4FOW: applications for the award may
          be sent to P.O. Box 829, Hervey Bay, Queensland 4655.

              - Jim VK4AJF, Club Secretary



                                    DX NEWS

          Permission for Amateur Radio to be authorised in Bangladesh
          is moving ahead (slowly), with help from some prominent
          amateurs including VK9NS and WZ6C. Their submissions are
          being considered by the Bangladesh "T and T" Board, the
          radio licensing authority for that country.

          Bangladesh was on air about six months ago, with callsigns
          S2/WZ6C, S21NQ, and S2/SM6CTY, but these stations have not
          received approval for the DXCC.


          Meanwhile, the reunified Germanies are causing problems for
          amateurs who try to QSL direct: it seems the postal codes
          for former East German addresses listed in the international
          call book are now out of date.

          A suggestion: why not employ members of the now-defunct
          Staszi as QSL managers? Just give them the name of the
          amateur you want - THEY know where he lives...



                               BROADCAST SUMMARY

          Sumarising the articles in this news bulletin:

          There will be an open forum on the WIA on the 29th August at
          Amateur Radio House; now is your chance to get all those
          feelings about the Institute well and truly off your chest.

          Time and frequency service, VNG, is seeking the donation or
          long-term loan of a 2.5 MHz AM transmitter capable of
          continuous operation at 250 Watts. Contact Marion VK1BNG
          QTHR or the divisional office if you can help.

          The Australian Volunteer Coastguard Association is urgently
          seeking part-time volunteer radio operators: full training
          is provided, and you'll be putting your amateur radio skills
          to good use. Contact Lyndsey Edgar on (02) 624-2314 after
          hours, or Coastguard headquarters on (02) 337-5033.

          The Coastwatchers 50th anniversary reunion will be held in
          Gosford, New South Wales, on the 14th-16th August. Phone
          (043) 41-9205 for more details.

          The Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club Incorporated will be
          activating a special event callsign, VI4FOW, during August,
          to celebrate the annual Festival of Whales at Hervey Bay,
          Queensland. They will be active on the 80, 40, 20, 15, and
          10 metre bands.



                                   CLUB NEWS

          The July Meeting of the Fisher's Ghost Amteur Radio Club
          will be held on Tuesday, 21st July, at Beverly Park School,
          Beverly Road, Campbelltown, commencing 7:30pm. All members
          and visitors are welcome to attend.

          As for those sitting for exams, don't forget they will be
          held at Campbelltown High School, also in Beverley Road,
          Campbelltown, on Sunday, 26th July.

              - Arthur Harris VK2FFH, publicity officer



                      TRASH AND TREASURE SALE NEXT WEEKEND

          Members are advised that the next Divisional Trash and
          Treasure Sale will take place next Sunday afternoon at
          Amateur Radio House, 109 Wigram Street, Parramatta.

          These sales are also quite a social event, so even if you
          are not selling or buying, come along anyway and meet people
          you haven't seen for years.  This event is naturally
          dependant upon the weather, so please listen to next
          Sunday's broadcast for any late news.



                                IPS WEEKLY REPORT

          [If you don't understand the contents of this article, perhaps
          you'd like to attend the IPS User Training Course on Wednesday,
          16th September, at Chatswood in Sydney. Phone IPS Radio and Space
          Services on (02) 414-8000, or fax (02) 414-8331 for details of
          the course.]

                             10 July - 16 July 1992

          Issue no. 29
          Date of issue: 17 July 1992    

          Date      10    11   12   13   14   15   16 
          10cm     170   168  172  176  176  168  157
          A         07    03   18   29   17   09  (10 estimated)
          T         96    96  101  117  112  105   97

                                 Summary of activity

          Solar activity was low 10th-13th,  and 15th July,  moderate on 
          14th,  and  high on 16th.  There was an M1 and an M2 flare  on 
          14th, and an M6 flare on 16th July.

          The  geomagnetic field at Sydney was quiet early in the  week, 
          becoming quiet to unsettled on 12th continuing through to  the 
          end  of the period where there were active periods 09-12 UT on 
          16th.  Data  was unavailable from Sydney for two short periods 
          on 13th, and readings were taken from Learmonth W.A. where the 
          field was quiet to unsettled during those times.

          Ionospheric  F2  critical frequencies at  Sydney  were  mostly 
          near normal. Brief enhanced periods of up to 35 per cent  were 
          noted   10th-13th  July.  Frequencies were slightly  depressed 
          during  daytime  hours on 15th-16th,  and Spread F  conditions 
          were  noted 13-21 UT on 16th. 

                 Forecast for the next week (17 - 23 July)

          Solar  :   Low to moderate. 

          Geomagnetic:  Quiet  to unsettled during the first half of the 
                        week, unsettled to active otherwise. 

          Ionospheric  :  Near normal for the first half of the week and 
                        15-25   per  cent  depressions  are   possible 
                        otherwise. 

          (Courtesy of IPS Space and Radio Services)




                                 COMING EVENTS

          Olympic Games Special Event stations active  . DURING GAMES
          Fisher's Ghost ARC meeting    .    .    .    .    . TUESDAY
          Hornsby Radio Club Novice Course starts .    .    .  FRIDAY
          Divisional Trash and Treasure Sale .    .    .  NEXT SUNDAY
          Closing date for 1992 Novice Contest logs    .  NEXT SUNDAY
          Fisher's Ghost Amateur Radio Club examinations  NEXT SUNDAY
          VI4FOW (Festival Of Whales) activated   .   1st-31st August
          Summerland ARC annual minifest     .    .    .   2nd August
          Waverley Amateur Radio Society AGM .    .    .   3rd August
          Twin Cities Radio and Electronics Club Field Day 8th August
          Closing date for Divisional examinations     .  13th August
          Coastwatchers 50th anniversary reunion  .    14-16th August
          WICEN (NSW) Annual General Meeting .    .    .  15th August
          Remembrance Day Contest  .    .    .    .    15-16th August
          City to Surf race (WICEN)     .    .    .    .  16th August
          Radio Veterans meeting at Parramatta    .    .  20th August
          Batemans Bay Car Rally (WICEN)     .    .  22nd-23rd August
          International Six Day Enduro (WICEN)    .  25th-30th August
          Open forum on the WIA    .    .    .    .    .  29th August
          VK2 Division examinations     .    .    .    .  30th August
          I.P.S User Training Course    .    .    .    16th September
          Divisional Trash and Treasure Sale .    .    27th September
          VK-ZL Oceania DX Contest (SSB)     .    .   3rd-4th October
          VK-ZL Oceania DX Contest (CW) .    .    . 10th-11th October
          Hawkesbury Canoe Classic (WICEN)   .    .    . 17th October
          Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)    .    .    .   17-18th October

-- 
Richard P. Murnane                       "NO! Not me! Get *HIM*!
Internet: richardm@runx.oz.au            *He's* the one who's paranoid!"
UUCP:     uunet!runx.oz.au!richardm
Packet:   VK2SKY @ VK2RWI.NSW.AUS.OC  
Newsgroups: aus.radio