
VK2 Div. President's message.

This is Michael Corbin VK2PFQ.

        This has been the quietest week on record so far, at least it was 
        'till Thursday.  It was then that I found, when I needed a couple of 
        cheques signed that......guess what.... the only ones who can sign 
        cheques beside myself were ALL MISSING!  One bloke is in America, 
        he's the emergency back up signature.  Another is/was, in Singapore, 
        who knows. Nobody bothered to tell me. Another has disappeared 
        without trace.... He's the Office Manager no less. I think he is on 
        holidays ...I knew that he would not be here next week but.... The 
        last one had a fax machine on his 'phone.  I thought that was a novel 
        idea, particularly since most people dislike talking to answering 
        machines.... but what happens if you don't have a fax machine or you 
        ring on a normal phone and it beeps at you. It's one hell of a way to 
        run an Institute...Isn't it?

        All this came about because we still don't have any keys.  The 
        Security Officer was asked to get some cut but he disappeared on 
        holidays.  The Office Secretary, Mrs. Morris is on sick leave and 
        there is only one set of keys between 5 councillors. The other 4 
        councillors however ALL have keys, and keys to everything.  Oh yeah 
        there was another problem too.  All the people who knew the 
        combination to the safe are the same few who have keys .... perhaps 
        with one exception... Hmmm. Can't get into the Office, can't get a 
        cheque signed... even if we could get into the office we can't get a 
        cheque because the book is locked up in the safe....

        I wonder if these things are engineered....no.  They just happen....
        Don't they!

        Some people say I knock the opposition too much... but what am I 
        supposed to do, make 'em out to be a bunch of angels, when by their 
        actions, they indicate they are the exact opposite?...What would 
        you do?

        The reason we have not bothered to get these keys before today, was 
        because there was co-operation... that's ceased.  New barrels for 
        locks about 14 of them @ $26.00 each that's $364.00 plus $48.00 
        service call and key copies @ $7.20 each ..9 councillors times 3 
        that's about $600.00 we thought we might save the cost...by spending 
        about $90.00 on extra copies.

        Anyhow it didn't matter Peter Kloppenberg. VK2CPK our acting 
        secretary, used one of his own personal cheques.  Don't be alarmed 
        at this Acting Secretary stuff... Peter's normal title is Assistant 
        Secretary.  But since nobody has told us, including himself, when to 
        expect Mr. Harrison back from Singapore, we really didn't have much 
        choice.

        As to the position of Office Manager... that's a story in itself, 
        but I'll save that one for another time.

        This coming Friday there will be a meeting of the Council.  As 
        before this meeting will be an open meeting... all are invited to 
        attend... that's members ONLY of course.  At the last meeting I had 
        no less than three tape recorders on the "Official table".  I 
        wonder why.  The only one who really needs one is the Minute 
        Secretary... she does not have one.  The antics of these "Recorders 
        of History" was at times comical.  Those who come this time should 
        not expect the same entertainment .... I've "outlawed" the use of 
        tape Recorders at all future meetings.  It's really ridiculous when 
        you come to think about it.

        Five people on Council agree that all meetings of Council should be 
        held "in the open". We believe.... It's YOUR INSTITUTE, and YOU have 
        a right to know what's going on.  There will, of course, be matters 
        which should be dealt with confidentially... can't think of one at 
        the moment... but, should the occasion arise, then the Council will 
        go into the smaller office.

        Meetings will continue to be "open" as long as the gallery behaves 
        themselves.  If the last meeting was any indication, then I don't 
        expect any trouble.  I wonder what the problems was with the previous 
        Council?

        I almost forgot... we have a couple of vacancies on our Broadcast 
        team.  Jim Walker VK2XJW has decided to call it a day, and I reckon 
        that's fair enough considering all the things he does at the moment.
	Only for Jim there would not have been any Broadcast after the
	closure of the Station here at Dural by some members of the previous
	Council.  Almost single handed Jim kept the Broadcast going, along
	with his many many other duties.  I think his last rostered shift
	made him realise that he was over extending himself.  He went straight
	from Dural to Parramatta to do some examination supervising.  Thanks
	Jim..... A job well done!

        Thanks also to Dave Barry VK2CFB for his help in the past.  I am 
        informed his work situation has changed.  Dave was also one of those 
        who stuck through all the trouble.... Dave, I'll keep your seat warm 
        for when you come back. Will all volunteers please contact Steve 
        Pullan or myself.

        I bet those late item people had a heart attack last night when they 
        tried to fax something to me. I had forgotten to change the plugs 
        back.....it's a bit of involved story. Anyhow I fixed it up when I 
        came home around midnight. Gentlemen you will be pleased to known 
        all late item are included in this weeks Broadcast.

        See you next week.


Federal News

    Radio direction finding championships

    Frank  Sleep VK4CAU has provided an update on our July WIA NEWS item 
    on the upcoming radio direction finding championships in Europe.

    This  competition  is to be the 7th  World  Championships,  not  the 
    Region 1 Championships,  as previously stated.  Frank VK4CAU will be 
    attending  as Australia's only competitor, apparently the first time 
    Australia has been represented in any world championships.

    Radio Sport is coming to Australia,  says Frank,  probably first  to 
    VK4.  It  seems  the  Townsville Amateur Radio Club  is  considering 
    submitting a proposal to conduct the next Region 3 ARDF games  here. 
    Frank  suggests we need a Federal ARDF Coordinator,  saying it would 
    be   a  tremendous  boost  to  the  WIA  if  the  Year  2000   World 
    Championships could be held in Australia, perhaps as a demonstration 
    sport for the Olympics.

    [ We have since been informed that it will NOT be a demo sport - DH ]


Divisional News 

    WIA Morse class

    The next Morse class at W.I.A.  Parramatta will commence on the 28th 
    September 1994 at 7pm,  providing there are enough students  attend-
    ing.

    Could any one interested in attending this course please contact the 
    Office and leave your name and phone number with Mrs.  Morris, or on 
    the answering machine at any hour.

    Jim Walker VK2XJW
    Education & Exam. Coordinator


Attention all club examiners

    The  WIA is interested in creating a register of coming  examination 
    dates  for  all of New South Wales.  Consequently we would  like  to 
    hear  from  all clubs,  affiliated or otherwise,  reagarding  their 
    coming  examination dates for all levels and types of  examinations. 
    This  should  include costs,  closing dates,  etc.  Please  fax  the 
    details to the Broadcast Officer,  Michael Corbin, on (02) 626 6066. 
    If you do not have access to a fax machine please phone on (02)  626 
    9288. 

    So  far we've only had one response,  so please get cracking  there, 
    examiners.

    Note to clubs: requesting for clubs to send two faxes next week. One 
    with   tour  club  information  and  the  other,   details  of  your 
    examinations.


    WICEN News

    The  Sydney WICEN 2m repeater has had its cavities  re-aligned,  and 
    objective  reports  are welcome.   Thanks go to Bob VK2CAN  for  his 
    assistance.  Unfinancial members are reminded that their membership
    will officially terminate on 30th September.

    The  only exercise this month is the Kelloggs Cycling Challenge,  on 
    the  18th  of September.   The event co-ordinator is  David  VK2KLX. 
    Looking ahead to October,  there is the VRA Annual Conference on the 
    weekend of 8-9th October,  to be held in Wagga,  and further details 
    will appear in a later broadcast.   The "Hawkesbury Classic  Paddle" 
    is on the weekend of 22nd-23rd Oclober;  and as before, Kevin VK2CKD 
    is  in charge.   The WICEN Co-ordinators conference will be held  at 
    Bathurst  on the weekend of 29-30th October,  and the format will be 
    that of a training Seminar with emphasis on Regional administration, 
    and Operations with a short business session. Naturally, all members 
    are invited to participate.

    Those  regions wishing to have their activities publicised  on  this 
    broadcast are requested to get the details to the Publicity Officer,
    Dave VK2KFU, by Thursday night at the latest.  Packet radio is the
    preferred medium, to either VK2AAB or VK2OP BBS.  Alternatively, you 
    can use the WICEN telephone BBS on (02) 888-2763, which is available 
    at speeds from 300 bps to 14,400 bps.

    WICEN is always looking for members to provide the community with
    communications assistance.  Write to WICEN (NSW) Inc, PO Box 123, St 
    Leonards  2065  for further information,  or come up on one  of  the 
    WICEN  nets:  Blue  Mountains on the first Monday of each  month  at 
    8.30pm  on channel 7175 simplex,  Hunter each Wednesday at 7.30pm on 
    channel 6900, Northern Rivers each Wednesday at 8pm around 3610 kHz, 
    Central  Coast each Thursday at 8.30pm on channel 7125,  and  Sydney 
    each  Thursday at 9.30pm on channels 7150/8275.   If there  are  any 
    other regular nets then we'd like to hear about them.


                             Magazine Roundup
                             ----------------

    Here  again  is  a summary of the local magazines,  which  in  the 
    author's  opinion could be of interest to Amateurs.  This  month's 
    item refers to the September issues of these magazines.

    "Electronics  Australia" features an article by Tom  Moffat  VK7TM 
    about  whether Morse code is really dead;  Neville Williams  VK2XV 
    continues  his series on the development of radio and  television; 
    and  a simple pre-amp for scanner listeners is described,  as is a 
    simple micro-controller project.

    "Silicon Chip" describes the TEA1100 fast nicad charger  chip;  an 
    automatic  discharger  for  nicad battery packs  is  described;  a 
    simple  VOX  switch  is built;  a  long-wave  weather  information 
    receiver is constructed;  and Garry Cratt VK2YBX shows how to  use 
    the various satellite elements and the programs that use them. The 
    final  article  on  building  a " dual-diversity"  tuner  is  also 
    interesting  in that it describes how to align a receiver  with  a 
    "magic wand".

    "Amateur  Radio" continues their discussion on beam antennas  with 
    bent  elements,  this  time with a lot of theory;  describes  some 
    interesting hints and kinks; and continues their series on the FM-
    828 circuits.

    "Amateur Radio Action" concludes their article on getting the most 
    out  of  commercial antennas;  discusses  weather  satellites  and 
    remote imaging; and describes the new G-TOR protocol.

    Be   listening  next  month  for  another  summary  of  the  local 
    magazines.

    -- Dave VK2KFU


    News briefs
    -----------

    Have you ever had a prolonged stay in hospital?  If so, you may have 
    taken  along  your 2 metre handheld to chat on the  local  repeater. 
    It's  a  handy  way  to break the monotony of being  confined  to  a 
    hospital bed.  However,  if the Therapeutic Goods Administration has 
    its way, you might not be able to do it on your next visit.

    The  TGA  has raised concerns about the effects of  radio  frequency 
    interference  caused  to sensitive medical equipment and  is  urging 
    hospitals  to ban the use of mobile phones  and,  presumably,  other 
    transmitters. 

    This  follows  a  recent report by the United States Food  and  Drug 
    Administration which said that RFI had caused equipment failures  in 
    patient  breathing  monitors,  anaesthetic gas  monitors,  and  even 
    power-driven wheelchairs. 

    Studies  by  Telecom's Research Laboratories at Melbourne's  Monash 
    Medical  Centre and others indicate that heart-monitoring  equipment 
    and  drug  infusion pumps could also be  affected.  The  researchers 
    highlight reports of similar problems in Europe and Canada. 

    They  recommend that mobile phones and other radio transmitters  not 
    be  used  within  2  metres of  any  electronic  medical  equipment, 
    that they be barred completely from intensive care areas.

    If it's any comfort,  amateurs aren't the only ones who would be put 
    out by such a ban.  Many doctors make extensive use of mobile phones 
    to keep in touch with their patients and they have protested to  the 
    TGA over the proposed ban. 

    Thanks to the Sydney Morning Herald 

    If  your local or regional paper runs an item of interest to Amateur 
    radio why not send a clipping to the Divisional office.

    from Richard Murnane VK2SKY 


                      IPS WEEKLY REPORT
                      -----------------
                     2 - 8 SEPTEMBER 1994

ISSUE No 36

DATE OF ISSUE: 09 SEPTEMBER 94

INDICES:
DATE     02    03    04    05    06    07    08
10CM     90    **    94    94    95    92    89
A         5     6     3     8    14    25   (29 ESTIMATED)
T        27    32    33    33    29    28    25

** NO 10CM FLUX VALUE WAS AVAILABLE FOR 3 SEPTEMBER

                     SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY

SOLAR  ACTIVITY  WAS VERY LOW 2ND - 7TH SEPTEMBER AND  LOW  ON 
8TH.

THE GEOMAGNETIC FIELD AT LEARMONTH (WA) QUIET ON 2ND, QUIET TO 
UNSETTLED  ON 3RD - 4TH, PROGRESSING THROUGH UNSETTLED ON 5TH,
TO UNSETTLED TO ACTIVE 6TH - 8TH SEPTEMBER.

IONOSPHERIC  F2 CRITICAL FREQUENCIES AT SYDNEY WERE NEAR  PRE-
DICTED MONTHLY VALUES THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD. 

       FORECAST FOR THE NEXT WEEK (9 - 15 SEPTEMBER)

SOLAR:  LOW TO VERY LOW.

GEOMAGNETIC:  QUIET TO UNSETTLED 11 - 15 SEPTEMBER.

IONOSPHERIC:  NEAR  PREDICTED  MONTHLY VALUES  THROUGHOUT  THE 
              WEEK, FOLLOWING DEGRADED  PROPAGATION CONDITIONS 
              9 - 10 SEPTEMBER. 


       COURTESY OF IPS RADIO AND SPACE SERVICES, SYDNEY

       SUMMARY BY PAT VK2JPA ANARTS BROADCAST OFFICER

                            ------------


CLUB NEWS

    Waverley Amateur Radio Society (Inc.)
    -------------------------------------

    Members  of  the Society and others interested will be pleased  to 
    know that the committee has negotiated the lease on permanent pre-
    mises for the Society that will allow 24 hour access. Full details 
    will be notified at the next monthly meeting on Wednesday the 21st 
    September  at  the  current  venue in  Waverley  Council's  Multi-
    Function Centre located at 31 Spring Street, Bondi Junction.

    The  meeting  will begin at 7:00 pm where the main topic  for  the 
    evening will be a talk by Aub Topp (VK2AXT),  the W.I.A. Librarian 
    who will tell us about the facilities offered by the library.

    Parts  for the Society's low cost modem will also be available  at 
    the meeting.

    Submitted by Eric van de Weyer VK2KUR

    Central Coast Amateur Radio Club lecture night
    ----------------------------------------------

    The  subject  for the Septmber Central Coast  Amateur  Radio  Club 
    Lecture Night is "Modern commercial two-way radio practices",  and 
    this  lecture  will be presented by Ray Wells VK2TV.  Ray has  had 
    many  years' experience in the field of commercial two-way  radio. 
    He  is the manager of his own consultancy and installation company 
    and has been involved with many organizations operating a  diverse 
    range of networks.

    Ray  will  describe modern techniques in commercial two-way  radio 
    services and how commercial operations have been revolutionised in 
    recent years.  many of these techniques are equally applicable  to 
    amateur radio.

    Free  tea  and  coffee  will be provided  and  visitors  are  most 
    welcome.

    Bob Fitzgerald VK2XRF CCARC Publicity Officer


    VHF-UHF DX Group
    ----------------

    The  next  VHF-UHF  DX Group meeting will be held  on  Tuesday  20 
    September  at  Amateur  Radio  House.  This  meeting  will  be  an 
    equipment workshop on the construction of high power linear ampli-
    fiers and low noise preamplifliers.

    Working  examples of linears and preamplifliers will be  exhibited 
    to demonstrate how practical construction problems are solved.

    All listeners are invited to attend.

    The Group also sponsors activity nights on 144 MHz on Tuesdays and 
    70  centimetres on Thursdays. 

    Why not check into the Group's Sunday evening net on 146.5 MHz  FM 
    for details of Group activities.  The Sunday evening net starts at 
    8:15 pm.

    Submitted on behalf of Richard Sourlie VK2ARS


    FROM THE ST GEORGE AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
    ----------------------------------------
    Just  a  final  reminder  from St.  George to  members  and  other 
    interested  amateurs that next Saturday the 17th of September  the 
    society will be holding its annual Bill Shakespeare Auction.
    
    The  auction will be held at the normal meeting venue,  that is in 
    the 1st.  Allawah Scout Hall corner of Bellevue Pde and  Blakesley 
    Rd,  South Hurstville.

    Equipment for the auction will be accepted between 10 and 11am.

    Viewing of equipment between 11 and 12noon.

    Auction to start at 12noon sharp.

    Credit  card facilities are expected to be available for those re-
    quiring  this facility and the snack bar will be open  during  the 
    course of the auction.

    Inquiries regarding any specific details are welcome, please phone 
    Publicity Officer, ALLAN VK2XF at home on 533-1006.

    de Allan VK2XF,  Publicity Officer.


    Parramatta Amateur Radio Club

    Just  a  friendly reminder to club members and guests that the  next 
    meeting of P.A.R.C.  will be held on Thursday 15th September at  the 
    WIA headquarters, 109 Wigram Street Parramatta -- time 7.30 local.

    This is our practical meeting night and we hope to show off the com-
    pleted  club  repeater and announce the callsign  and  commissioning 
    date  and time.  So if you want to check it out before it goes  into 
    service, be there. 

    As  usual,  tea,  coffee and biscuits and a good talk can be had  by 
    everybody.

    from Jim Walker VK2XJW


    Liverpool and District Amateur Radio Club

    The  Liverpool club is holding its AGM next Tuesday night ast 8  pm. 
    All  members  and guests are welcome -- and here's a thought  -- all 
    members bring a guest and get them to join. 

    We won't be holding a foxhunt on the evening but we will be commenc-
    ing  mobile  foxhunts soon and we could do with a little  help  from 
    keen foxhunters. 

    So see see you there at the Scout camp,  Cambridge Avenue  Glenbrook 
    (? -- Glenfield?) 8 pm next Tuesday night.

    from Brad VK2QQ for the Liverpool and Districts Amateur Radio Club


Wahroonga

    The  Wahroonga  Amateur  Historical Radio Association  will  hold  a 
    meeting of members next Sunday 18th September at 3 pm to discuss and 
    set  rosters  for  operating the special event  callsign  VK2WAH  on 
    Thursday 22nd September,  commemorating the anniversary of the first 
    radio message from the UK to Australia.

    Other  amateurs who are interested in operating are also invited  to 
    attend.  The meeting is at 59 Westbrook Avenue Wahroonga at 3 pm and 
    afternoon tea will be served. 

    For more information contact Jo Harris VK2KAA (02) 489 4393.

    from David Ramsay VK2KLX, Secretary


Manly-Warringah

    The  Manly-Warringah Radio Society is calling Sydney amateurs  north 
    of the Harbour.

    Their  lecture  night  is next Wednesday 21st of  September  at  the 
    Warringah  Volunteer  Services  Centre Terrey  Hills.  This  month's 
    lecturer will be the club's resident CW expert Vic Joyce VK2EVJ  who 
    will  talk on the subject of Morse code and high  frequency  antenna 
    design. 

    The Manly-Warringah Radio Society meets every Wednesday night with a 
    business  meeting on the second Wednesday and lectures on the  third 
    Wednesday of the month. Visitors are always welcome.

    If  you  need help to find the club rooms just call in on  VK2MB  on 
    146.875  MHz.  For  more  information  on  the  Society,  call  the 
    Publicity Officer Richard VK2SKY, available on (02) 971 4431 a.h.

    from Richard VK2SKY


                               Coming events
     
       St. George ARS Bill Shakespeare Auction . . . . . .17 September
       Cave Rescue Building Blocks exercise  . . . . . 17-18 September
       Shepparton Vic Communications Day . . . . . . . . .18 September
       Amateur exams at WIA Parramatta . . . . . . . . . .18 September
       Hunter WICEN meeting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 September
       VHF-UHF DX Group meeting  . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 September
       Waverley Amateur Radio Society meeting  . . . . . .21 September
       Manly-Warringah Radio Society lecture night . . . .21 September 
       Special event Marconi - Australia contact . . . . .22 September  
       CQ WW RTTY DX Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 September        
       Divisional Trash & Treasure Sale  . . . . . . . . .25 September     
       Morse classes commence at WIA Parramatta. . . . . .28 September
       Unpaid WICEN memberships expire . . . . . . . . . .30 September
       VK/ZL Oceania DX Contest Phone. . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 October
       WIA (NSW) broadcast goes to 10 am . . . . . . . . . . 2 October
      
       -----------------------------------------------------------------
       VK2WI Broadcast,  11th September 1994. Copyright 1994 WIA (NSW) & 
       contributors.   Material  may be used elsewhere if the source  is 
       acknowledged.       
