Broadcast - 27 April 2025
An Important Message - to Mt. Arthur repeater users!
As we are rapidly heading towards the winter season it seems a suitable time to mention that our repeater batteries can sometimes struggle to get fully charged, especially in cloudy and low wind weather conditions - please consider this when using our repeaters for extended periods. Currently there is a fairly high level of traffic as well as the clubs commitment of two National broadcasts, two state broadcasts and an SSTV night each week with an Old Timers broadcast thrown in once a month also. This combined with lower winds and very overcast dull days could necessitate the temporary shut-down of DMR and other services. Thank you for your understanding, from the NTARC committee.
While we are on the subject of repeaters and being just after ANZAC Day, the following is a very appropriate reminder. Thousands upon thousands of Australian and New Zealand service men and woman have fought for our countries and our freedom. We are lucky enough to be able to express opinions without the prospect of jail or maybe disappearing. For this alone we are truly very grateful and should not abuse it.
This freedom and being an Amateur Radio operator does not mean an open repeater is open slather.
Think of others…… use common sense and good taste when talking.
For example we should try and nurture a good “Repeater Etiquette” like:
Use call signs, at least sometimes
Leave a gap between overs for others to get a word in
Don’t monopolise the repeater
And for good measure steer well clear of controversial topics like religion and politics and remember you are not on Facebook or that X-Twitter thing
As far as on air language goes that age-old adage that went something like “Use language you would only use in front of your Mother” is a bit dubious nowadays but please just use some common sense and keep it clean. Remember there is a diverse range of listeners out there in radio land.
NTARC repeaters do have an off button, and in extreme circumstances IT WILL BE USED!
Of course this is purely hypothetical but please take it seriously.
If you are not sure, have a read from the link below in the section titled “The Ethos and Ethics of Amateur Radio” which is a simplification of the relevant Amateur Radio ACMA document.
THE ETHOS AND ETHICS OF AMATEUR RADIO
Or check the NTARC website under notices. Ethos and Ethics
UPCOMING EVENTS
TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567 MHz 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 30th April, 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.
