Broadcast - 15 Jan 2023
With the New Year came the first TestNet and TechNet session on Wednesday night, it was once again hosted by Nic VK7WW as VK7TAZ net controller on behalf of the club, with Phil VK7ZPD on the Discord controls and live off air audio distribution.
I was once again mobile at the time and like last time I was going to listen in using Discord through the car stereo via my phone. But my phone had other ideas, trust me this is not a problem with Phil’s expertise in Discord setup but my dodgy phone. I ended up logging onto the club SDR through the internet this time and listening via the car stereo. Using Discord or SDR audio is actually pretty good when mobile as you hear all sides of the net conversations with the added bonus of not having to have an 80 m antenna on the car. Even then no guarantee of hearing all sides.
There were plenty of “Happy New Year” and festive season updates along with the usual net chatter.
The excellent thing about this net is the wide ranging technical information, questions, and project updates, with the ability to show additional information and links via the Discord channel. This type of technically oriented net is certainly refreshing and an excellent melting pot of ideas which in turn promotes much discussion.
The on air contingent consisted of Nic, Phil, Rick VK7HBR, Peter VK7ALB and Ross VK7ALH. As I was driving at the time I am relying on my memory, therefore I am sorry if any participants are missed or I have muddled anyone’s callsign. All in all an enthusiastic start to the New Year.
Friday also saw the first coffee morning for the year, with a more than expected turn out, almost standing room only. Thanks to Ros for once again opening up and organising the club room in readiness. As expected the New Year break was the initial topic of conversation covering happenings and some new amateur radio component additions, which will no doubt surface in the ensuing Technical nights. The normal mid-day cessation certainly didn’t hold as the front door was finally locked sometime after 1 pm. A pleasant relaxing start to the New Year Friday sessions.
Saturday, with a bit of luck, should have seen the first club General Meeting for the year held. More meeting information to follow in the next broadcast. Hopefully the club radio room was used by somebody wanting to complete “just one more” contact before or after the meeting. Good luck to all taking part in the Summer VHF/UHF and above Contest action. Is this the yearly beginning of another round of previously discussed “Certificate Envy”? HiHi.
2023 Membership fees - It’s that time of the year again and a big thank you to all those members who have paid their 2023 subs. Sorry to members that didn’t receive the pre-Christmas mail out as it seems Gmail, for whatever reason, randomly failed to send to all addresses in some mail out lists. It also failed to notify the sender that it just didn’t feel like sending some of the e-mails! The next wave of renewal payments is once again keeping our Treasurer busy writing up receipts. Thank you for your patience and understanding. NTARC’s 2023 membership fees are still just $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.
Annual General Meeting - Members are reminded that the NTARC AGM will take place on Wednesday the 8th of February at the NTARC Club Rooms, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street, Rocherlea, commencing at 7.30pm (19:30). All current office holder and committee positions fall vacant at the AGM. Nominations for each office bearer and the Committee Member are invited and should be made in writing to the Secretary, along with the signatures of the Nominator, Seconder and that of the member nominated. Nominations will also be required for the positions of Internal Auditor and Public Officer.
Please note for your convenience there is a nomination form available on the NTARC website, www.ntarc.net and printed forms are also available at the club room. Please ensure that the completed nomination form is returned by “Close of Business” on the 2nd of February 2023, either in person or at the following mail address: The Secretary, NTARC Inc. PO Box 275 Launceston Tas 7250.
As usual, the AGM will be followed by a General Meeting. More details on that meeting’s topic will be given closer to the date.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Club Technical night - Wednesday 18th of January. Held at the NTARC Club rooms, 7.30pm until late.
Coffee Morning - held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon and we look forward to seeing you all there. We currently have a couple of QSL cards awaiting collection, so why not pop in, check the QSL box and join us for a cuppa and chat.
The TestNet and TechNet session - Wednesday 25th January. 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.
Annual General Meeting - Wednesday the 8th February. Members are reminded that the NTARC AGM will take place at the NTARC Club Rooms, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street, Rocherlea, commencing at 7.30pm (19:30). February General Meeting to follow the AGM.
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 and a Happy New Year from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC.
