Broadcast - 7 November 2021
You can tell summer is getting closer. We had a fantastic roll up of attendees at Friday’s coffee session in the clubrooms. It was really great to see some members that we suspect must have been in hibernation now out and about again. The fire was not required, so perhaps Skywarmer can now go into summer recess. As usual, the tables offered a choice of goodies to eat. There was lots of chatter and noise, at times it was hard to hear the conversation but overall a great morning had by all.
News is light again this week so will hand over to Idris VK7ZIR to bring you up to speed on the happenings at last Wednesday club Tech night;
“A good start to the evening was the arrival of Peter VK7KPC with a military radio from his extensive collection, and Ross VK7ALH with a Drake T-4XB transmitter from the 1960s.
Peter’s military radio was an Australian Wireless Set No: 22 with matching power supply. Despite a very war-worn front panel, it was complete and in good condition internally. It even had a schematic diagram on the inside of the case. The matching power supply was also complete and in good condition. Peter has yet to apply power to see if it all works. Good luck Peter and thanks for the presentation, much discussion and interest there. Ross’s Drake was first manufactured in 1965 as part of a transmitter/receiver pair with the receiver R-4B, known as the “4-line twins”. The chassis was copper plated and the interior was like new. Cosmetically, the covers were perfect, likewise the front panel. Definitely New-Old Stock. Thanks Ross, another classic.
Stuart VK7ES brought along a friend, Rob, who operated a CNC laser cutter and had an interest in radio. He had questions relating to measuring the power of the laser cutter, as they diminish with age. An interesting discussion ensued about the differences between laser cutters and high pressure water cutters, where a laser cutter has to adjust its focus depending on the depth of cut.
Mark VK7KMA brought in some schematics and information regarding our recent acquisition of the Blythe AM transmitter. This enabled Stuart to determine that the frequency could be either set internally, or an external VFO used by changing a jumper in the control module. Stuart is testing the operation of the transmitter to assess its suitability for use on the 160m band.
Meanwhile, in the workshop, Bernie VK7BR was conducting a demonstration on dismantling a microwave oven to retrieve useful components. One module in particular was being recovered for Trevor VK7TB to use in his Russian Tetrode project. Well done Bernie.
Another enjoyable and convivial evening.
73, Idris VK7ZIR”
Thanks Idris for that update, sounds like you all had a very enjoyable and fun evening.
2022 Membership fees – yes with the year rapidly disappearing it is time to start reminding all that your 2021 Membership fee expires on 31 December. A letter advising of the fee payable for 2022 will be forwarded to all members in late November to the email address noted on our records.
We confirm that the 2022 membership fee will see a slight increase to $40 for each voting member with an additional unchanged $5 for each member of the family that the voting member wishes to add to his or her membership.
UPCOMING EVENTS
TestNet and TECHNET – Wednesday 10th November. TestNet/CW course on 3580 from 7pm till 7.30pm….and a TECHNET on 3567 from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm. Your host for the evening will again be Nic VK7WW.
Equine Endurance Event – Saturday 13th November. The NTARC Safety Communications Team has been asked to provide safety comms at the Tasmanian State Equine Endurance Championships at Merseylea. The rides will be 160km, 95km and 50 Km. The 160km is a 24 hour ride that starts at 00:00 hours Saturday. We will be providing Base Comms, checkpoints and RFID tracking. We will need additional crew members to handle this event so if you can spare some time on that Saturday why not pop down to Merseylea, a pleasant 1 hour or so drive from Launceston and utilise your radio skills. Please advise if you are able to assist by emailing secretary@ntarc.net or catch up with Idris at a coffee session.
TECH NIGHT – Wednesday 17th November at the NTARC Club rooms, 19:30 hours until whenever.
FUTURE EVENTS
Plenty of notice this time. NTARC will be holding a Christmas dinner on Wednesday 15th December. Venue Mowbray Hotel, meet time is 6.00pm. Tables have been booked under the name of NTARC. Menu is a-la-carte and there is plenty of parking at the rear. Please RSVP the secretary at either of these email addresses news@ntarc.net or ypmaxwell@bigpond.com or jot your name down on the sheet next to the sign in register on a Wednesday night session or coffee morning. We will need to confirm final numbers with the Hotel on Tuesday 14th December, so please ensure you get your name on the list before that date. The attendee list is growing so if you are planning to attend please advise so that your name can be added.
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
