Broadcast - 7 January 2024
Well, we are well and truly into the start of a New Year and NTARC would like to wish all listeners a Happy New Year and all the best for 2024. We also wish you good luck towards your New Year’s Eve resolution. Hihi
Nothing much has changed since last week’s broadcast. The Club room and Club activities have yet to reopen, with the possible exception of Wednesday night’s “Free Range” TestNet and TechNet sessions on 3.567MHz and Discord. I don’t think this one has even stopped to take a breath if the activity on the Discord channel is anything to go by.
Phil VK7ZPD, has been holding the fort in Nic’s absence as well as continuing to provide the off air audio feed on the Discord channel. Sometimes even by remote control of the equipment while he was away taking time off with the family, that’s dedication, thank you Phil.
While we are on the subject of the Test/Tech Net…… Idris VK7ZIR noticed a few accolades that have been bestowed on Nic recently. So for a brief update on some good news for this year…. over to Idris.
“Readers of the December 2023 Lo-Key, the journal of the VK QRP Club will have noticed the inclusion of Updates and Add-ons for the Century CENT QRP Transceiver designed by Nic Chantler VK7WW. This included a RF sidetone circuit and RF meter. Nic is the recipient of the Max Brunger Award conferred by the QRP Club for the best technical article of 2023. Nic’s article has caused quite a stir in the QRP community, with many building the CENT, or basing their own QRP projects on the design and construction techniques. Indeed, the QRP Club President was so impressed with the design, that he has constructed his own 80m and 40m versions of the CENT. Quite a compliment Nic, and much encouragement for QRP CW contacts. Many well deserved accolades. On ya Double Scotch!”
Well spotted Idris and thank you for passing it on to be shared.
2024 Membership fees – I have been asked, by the Treasurer, to pass on thanks to all members who have paid their renewals. But also a gentle reminder to fill-in the renewal form at our NTARC website so he can update our records and start compiling a members’ shared contact register. Access to the website is www.ntarc.net and the instructions were emailed out December last year. If you haven’t received this letter please email the secretary@ntarc.net with your correct e-mail details.
NTARC’s 2024 membership fees are still $40.00 for a Full voting member and $5 additional for each Family member that the voting member wishes to add to his or her primary membership.
If club membership is not your cup of tea, we fully understand and we thank those people that have already made direct donations to our repeater fund so far this year. If you would like to support the repeater fund we would be happy to receive your contribution, either in person at a club meeting or coffee morning, or by post to PO BOX 275 Launceston 7250. Any donation will gladly be accepted. All donations will be officially receipted and noted accordingly against the repeater projects.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The TestNet and TechNet session – is officially returning this Wednesday the 10th January 2024. In fact every Wednesday night from then on with a TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7pm till 7.30pm…. and a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30pm till about 8.30pm. Your host for the evening will be Nic VK7WW, back after a well-earned break.
The Club Technical night session - is in recess until Wednesday the 17th January.
The Friday Coffee Morning - is in recess until Friday the 19th January.
Annual General Meeting - Wednesday the 14th February 2024 at the NTARC Club Rooms, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street Rocherlea commencing at 19:30 hours (7.30 pm).
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 them to the Secretary at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
That’s all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
