Broadcast - 4 July
Well, we’re into July and half of 2021 is now behind us. COVID is still with us but luckily Tasmania isn’t having the problems of some of the mainland states. Here’s hoping it stays that way as the latest variant the DELTA strain is far from friendly.
A number of our members have had their 2 jabs of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine with many of us to queue up this month for our second jab. We do have some members that have had their Pfizer vaccine.
Just a reminder to all attending the club rooms that we have the Check in TAS app at our club rooms. By registering and using the Check in TAS app we are complying with the Public Health Directions by enabling our members to self – check in at the club room.
This information is stored with the Tasmanian Government for contract tracing if required. The QR code is up and running for members to utilize, with the QR code poster at the sign in table. Members are still able to register their attendance at the club by signing in manually in the attendance book if you are unable or you choose not to register using the Check in TAS app.
Last Wednesday, 30th June was a club tech night and so we now hand over to Idris VK7ZIR to give you a rundown of the events of the evening; “We started off tonight with an unboxing of the NTARC AED (Automated External Defibrillator), which had arrived that afternoon. This generated a lot of interest and some suggestions as to where it may be situated in the Clubrooms. The request to pull the covers off and have a look inside was treated with the levity it deserved! There was a call for a volunteer to try out the device, but there appeared to be little response HiHi. There will be training available at a later date.
Meanwhile, Ross VK7ALH had arrived with another of his patients, a substantial antenna matcher rated at 1.5 kW. The indicator for the roller inductor had failed and a replacement was required. With the interior exposed, the components were examined with interest. Thanks Ross.
We were then treated to a mini presentation by Andrew VK7DW, the NTARC QSL manager. Andrew took us through an overview of eQSL and demonstrated the NTARC eQSL he had created for anyone in the club to use. Further development is underway, and a more complete instruction session will be forthcoming.
The evening was finished off with some discussion of the recent VHF/UHF Field Day and a viewing of a YouTube video from Ham Radio DX, showing the new Field Day van manned by REAST members on Mt Wellington.
Another interesting and enjoyable evening.
73 Idris VK7ZIR”
UPCOMING EVENTS
SLOW MORSE COURSE – Wednesday 7th July. Your host and teacher is Nic VK7WW. Frequencies and times are the same as were used by Nic for the previous TestNet and TechNet. And if you have forgotten what they were, here they are, 1900 hrs to 1930 hrs on 3.580 MHz and then at 1930hours through to about 2030 on 3.567MHz.
So why not tune in and give it a try. By the end of each week, between Morse Course Sessions, participants may have learned 12 characters. Then it’s time to practice them on air.
Nic will be explaining “how to have a contact” and the procedures and protocols. For those who may want some extra help, this website is reported as being very good. www.morsecodeclassnet.com
TECH NIGHT – Wednesday 14th July at the NTARC Club rooms, 19:30 hours until whenever. Continuous tea and coffee will be available, although again, a gold coin donation for the evening would be appreciated.
FUTURE EVENTS
August General meeting – Saturday 14th. Meeting will commence at 14:00 hours (2.00pm). I understand we may have a presentation after the meeting and I hope to be able to confirm who that will be and the subject in coming weeks, so stay tuned. The meeting will be followed by afternoon tea and donations of cakes, slices etc would be appreciated. As always a gold coin or note donation is welcomed to assist in our ongoing costs of running the club.
Equine event – Saturday 28 August, Equine Endurance ride, Santarena Park, Scottsdale. Plenty of warning to help out on this ride. Further information as it comes to hand.
COFFEE MORNINGS – currently held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Catch up time is from 10.00 am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all.
These coffee events in the past have been normally a good opportunity to collect your QSL cards. We currently have no cards awaiting collection.
Please demonstrate your appreciation of all the effort that goes into operating the club and its facilities and other services we provide by joining us at these sessions, enjoying the company, coffee and the cake and leaving a gold coin or two, or even a small bank note, in the jar to assist in our on-going operations. I don’t know of any other venue in Launceston where you can get endless coffee, tea and eats for a donation of this miniscule amount.
FINALLY – A reminder to all members that if you have any items of news you would like added to our weekly roundup, no matter how trivial, then please email me at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 17:00 on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Your continued cooperation in this regard will be greatly appreciated.
We will bring you all such contributions next Sunday morning.
73, Yvonne VK7FYMX, Secretary NTARC Inc
