Broadcast - 12 September 2021
We commence this week with a report from Idris VK7ZIR on the happenings at last Wednesday’s Club Tech night, so over to Idris;
“Tonight’s session began with a project in progress from Stuart VK7ES. Stuart is building a weather station system with a radio link from the main sensor, (which is called a SenseCAP ORCH S4) to a computer for displaying and recording. Stuart brought along the component parts of the link, and a block diagram to show us. The link will be from RS485 interface via LoRa using Modbus protocol. There was much interest in the project and discussion of the Modbus aspect. Thanks Stuart, we hope this has helped in your progress.
Ross VK7ALH showed us an automatic antenna matcher from a Kenwood transceiver he was working on. A very interesting module with motor driven capacitive tuning elements. He also showed us a collection of photos accumulated from his time on National Service during the 1960s. The photos were mainly black and white and showed various events while he was serving with the Signal Corps dealing with communications systems and vehicle logistics in diverse locations. Each photo had an interesting story associated with it, and Ross had lots to tell. Thanks Ross.
Our presentation for the evening came from Peter VK7PD, who had just taken delivery of a 10 GHz convertor/amplifier sourced from the Netherlands. This is one of a number of Peter’s interests in the SHF amateur radio spectrum and he described the specifications of the unit which had an output of 20 Watts, and a rather narrow supply voltage range around 10.5 volts DC. Photos of the internal construction and schematics were shown on our large screen monitor. Peter outlined the protection involved and showed us a small auxiliary module included with the convertor which provided all the safety features required. He also took us through the necessity of having a sequencer in the
chain and its operation. A very comprehensive and immersive presentation, thanks Peter.
One of our other Peters, VK7KPC showed us his progress with the Slow Morse School, also running that evening. Peter had been getting to the Club Rooms early to beaver away in the Radio Room at his Morse practice with Nic VK7WW and his students. Great effort Peter.
That’s all for now folks, until next Session,
73, Idris VK7ZIR”
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.
Repeater Update: Hayden VK7HH, NTARCs Southern Repeater Officers advises the following in relation to the VK7RTC update; “I’m planning a site visit across all the sites soon. There is some work to be done to fix an IP issue on one of the sites at Grey Mountain.
Mt Wellington appears to be running fine, but I'm concerned that condensation has corroded the insides as I suspect the output power is down.
The RAA VKLink is still on my bench waiting to be repaired. That won't take too long and hopefully I'll get to it next week.
Hayden”
UPCOMING EVENTS
SLOW MORSE COURSE – Wednesday 15th September. 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. For those who may want some extra help, this website is reported as being very good. www.morsecodeclassnet.com/
TECH NIGHT – Wednesday 22nd September at the NTARC Club rooms, 19:30 hours until whenever.
SOCIAL OUTING – Wednesday 29th September Commercial Hotel, cnr George and Cimitiere Streets. Meet time will be 6.00 pm and the table has been booked under the name of NTARC. Menu is a-la-carte, with quite an extensive choice and is reasonably priced. It can be viewed on their website. Please RSVP the secretary at either of these email addresses news@ntarc.net
or ypmaxwell@bigpond.com or jot your name down in the book on a Wednesday night session or coffee morning as numbers will need to be confirmed on Tuesday 28th. Thank you to all those members who have already advised notice of attending.
EVENTS FURTHER AFIELD –
October General meeting - Saturday 9th October. Meeting to commence at 14:00 hours (2.00pm).
JOTA/JOTI 2021 – takes place from 15th to 17th October. Peter VK7KPC NTARCs JOTA/JOTI Coordinator provides us with further information on the event;
“JOTA/JOTI 2021 is celebrating 64 years of connecting scouts and guides by radio. Events taking place at the Rocherlea Scout Hall, commence on Saturday 16th at noon and will run through until 8.00pm with the possibility of the Venturers attending after 8.00pm. Sunday 17th October will see groups arriving from 10.00am up to 3.00pm. Plan is they will visit for about 2 hours and the breakdown will see them spend half an hour utilising radio, this will be followed by half an hour on the Internet and a further half an hour outside locating those elusive foxes. Some Skype and JOTI TV will be thrown into the mix, plus 10 minutes being allowed for cleaning up between activities. Al
so on offer will be how to make a morse code trainer, cost will be $20.00 each with limit of 2 persons per group. This activity doesn’t require any soldering.
If anyone can assist on any of those two days Peter would love to hear from you. He can be contacted by email; dodd.pc@bigpond.com or mobile 0408 905 086
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 represent a good opportunity to collect your QSL cards. We currently have cards awaiting collection, so why not pop in and check the QSL box and join us for a cuppa and chat.
Just a friendly reminder, please demonstrate your appreciation of all the effort that goes into operating the club, its facilities and the other services we provide, especially in these abnormal and very trying times, enjoying the company, coffee, biscuits and cake, by leaving a gold coin or two, or even a small bank note, in the jar to assist in our on-going operations.
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
