Broadcast - 8 Sept 2024
Recently NTARC provided safety communications and rider tracking for the Jolly Lette Memorial Equine Endurance Ride, once again held on familiar territory at Santarena Park, Scottsdale.
This was a one day event consisted of 80Km, 40Km and 20Km rides, with the 80s starting things off at 07:00 Saturday morning.
The communications trailer was delivered and set up in the main grounds on Friday morning, quickly followed by the portable 2 Metre repeater and antenna located at a nearby farm shed on a section of very well elevated land. The afternoon saw the remainder of the crew arriving and soon departing again to familiarise themselves with the location of one original and one new Check Point, followed by testing their voice communications back to Ride Base. Most NTARC members stayed the night at base camp in campervans and tents with the exception of three who departed for Launceston, returning in the wee small hours of the morning. Drawn back by the smell of mouth-watering egg and bacon rolls from the cafeteria and of course the call of duty.
Ride Base was manned by Andre’ VK7ZAB and Idris VK7ZIR with Tony VK7ZTT, Roger VK7ARN, Ken VK7KKV, Stefan VK7ZSB, Stuart VK7ES and Fran covering the two ride Check Points. Unfortunately Rosco VK7RC, had to pull out at the last minute due to influenza, hope you are better soon.
No electronic tracking was employed so everything relied on 2 Metre voice communications. The day went smoothly without any horse or rider mishaps. The weather deteriorated and by the afternoon we were experiencing quite heavy rain and strong wind gusts. Because of this most members decided to stay the night rather than attempt to pack up and head home. By the time we returned to Launceston on the Sunday the thunder storms had started to roll in and unfortunately the rest is as they say history! With many Tasmanians still feeling the effects of the severe weather events endured over the ensuing weeks!
As always, pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7 pm till 7.30 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
Club Room Technical night session - The next session will be on Wednesday the 11th September and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Coffee Morning - held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all there. So why not pop in check the QSL cards and join us for a cuppa, there is endless tea and coffee along with biscuits available for a donation.
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 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
That’s all folks,
73, Stefan VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
