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 CONTACT US
VK3XMF@ggrec.org.au

Well 12 months is nearly up as president with the annual general meeting next month. Please give some serious consideration to standing for the committee. It is not an overly difficult task but with some new things likely to happen we need some committed people to help us maintain the club and to lead it into the future.

In particular, with Bruno not running this year, we will need a secretary. They are pretty big shoes to fill, Bruno has put in a lot of time and effort for the club over the last three years and has decided to take a well-earned break on the backbenches, and so somebody has to put their hand up. Perhaps one of the ladies can help?

As for me I still haven’t decided whether I will run or not. Work and study commitments are taking a large chunk of my life until December but then again I would like to see some continuity with the new committee so I am leaning towards standing again, if the club wants me too.

Thanks to Reg 3UK and Albert 3BQO for volunteering to run the hamfest following on from the good work Russ 3MWR has done over the last couple of years. Thanks also to John Whittingham for volunteering to edit the magazine for a couple of months whilst Phil is unavailable.

Volunteers are the backbone of any club, its not a hard task to be on the committee, it is a voluntary one, however, and I for one am not very good at coercing people to do things they don’t feel comfortable volunteering.

For your information the following current committee members are not standing (I hope I have got this right) : Bruno BFT, Ian VIB and Dave XMF.

 Cheers for now, Andrew VK3HFA

Don’t Forget – Membership Fee’s Fall Due At The Agm In April.

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An FT817
As many of you will have heard or seen on air I purchased a new radio recently. The radio is an FT817, that has an output of 5 watts on all modes from 160m through to 70cm. Several months ago I decided that at some stage I have to get one of these units. It (supposedly) runs off either 8 AA cells, an internal nicad pack or external DC. My main reason for one of these units was portable vhf/uhf/shf operation. Prior to purchasing the ‘817 I had to pack 2 large (ft101 size) radio’s, a mobile for 2m and another 2m set as the IF for the 1296 gear. This will do all of the above, while also having hf to play on as well.

The size of this unit is about 14cm across and 21cm high – including knobs and sockets – so it is very portable.

I had lots of people ask me before hand how I would go with only 5 watts. Well I already have amplifiers for 2m & 70cm – so that’s not a problem. It is intended to replace the 6 metre base station and five watts is perfect for driving the 1.2ghz transvertor!. HF wasn’t the primary reason for getting the unit – but I have had lots of fun with it anyway! They power difference between 5w and 1Kw equates to 4 S points – both theoretically and in practise. So if you can hear an S9 station and he has less then a S5 noise floor with QRM/QRN you stand a good chance of having a contact. I have had some problems on 80m of an evening due to the high noise levels.

So how does the radio stack up. One of the features that I liked was the two antenna sockets – an so239 on the rear and a bnc on the front. You can select which band you want to use which socket. In this way I can run 2m & 70cm out the front, either into a dual band antenna or split them with a diplexer, and 6m + HF out the rear socket. This has worked out well both from home and mobile.

Forget trying to use the radio with Alkaline cells – you might as well put your money straight in the bin. This said many people are making up great internal packs with nicads, lithium and nickel metal hydride cells. So far I have opted to use a 6Ah gell cell through the 12v socket. At some stage I will either try the nicad pack or build up an internal pack of some description. (if anyone comes across surplus gell cells let me know!).

The radio seems very easy to use, has more memories then you can ever fill, two vfo’s per band, inbuilt SWR & power meters and most other big rig features. All in all I think it is excellent. When I travel now rather then taking 2m/70cm fm in my case I will be able to take HF, 6m, 2m & 70cm all mode for around the same size – what more can I say!

It is very interesting to see comments on the internet from long time amateurs on the internet who are having more fun on AR since they have had this set then at any time in the last 20 years – and I would put it all down to the number of bands and modes you can put in a radio that can fit in you glovebox and run off two torch batteries. Where shall we go today???

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Event Queue

See updated Calendar

Dates in Italics have changed since the last Event Queue was published.

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2002 Agm Nomination Form
(nominations must be received by the secreatry 14 days prior to the AGM

I _______________(name) _________________(callsign) wish to nominate the following people for the GGREC inc AGM.

__________________ (name) _______________(callsign) PRESIDENT

__________________(name) ________________(callsign) TREASURER

__________________(name) ________________(callsign) SECRETARY

__________________(name) ________________ (callsign) VICE PRESIDENT

__________________(name) ________________(callsign) GENERAL

__________________(name) ________________(callsign) GENERAL

______________________ signed ____________________________ seconded

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Radio on Rails planned for April
Melbourne’s most exciting amateur radio operating event will be on again soon. Called Radio on Rails, it encourages amateurs to operate their VHF/UHF transceivers from the trains and trams of Melbourne. It’s a great opportunity to test how good your handheld transceiver or scanner really is.

Radio on Rails is on Sunday April 14. It goes for four hours, from 9am to 1pm. Stations on board (or waiting for) trains or trams can work anybody, while home and car mobile stations work train or tram mobile operators only. You are invited to submit a log of contacts made, whether you are train/tram mobile or not.

All activity will be on two metres and seventy centimetres FM only. Contacts via repeaters are permissible and count for scoring purposes. Repeat contacts on each band may be made after one hour. Another incentive to go train/tram mobile is that you get an extra point if you meet another contest participant on a train or tram (eyeball contact).

Because of the tiny size of many VHF/UHF scanners, this four hour fun day is great for listeners as well as amateurs. The MDRC invites listeners to enter, with scoring similar to transmitting stations. This means that if you’re on a tram or train, any station heard (whether in the contest or not) counts for scoring, whereas if you’re at home, rail mobile stations only may be logged. SWLs may also claim eyeball contacts. We ask that entrants wear earphones and handle antennas with care to ensure that the safety and comfort of non-participating travellers is protected.

This event is great fun, and all amateurs and SWLs are invited to participate either as a rail mobile or home station. Remember Radio on Rails takes place Sunday April 14 between 9am and 1pm. It’s on two metres and seventy centimetres and both simplex and repeater contacts are valid.

The rules for the Fun Day are very simple and will appear on the MDRC website and a future Packet/Internet edition of APC News. They will also appear in April's Amateur Radio magazine. Participants will have the opportunity to meet for lunch after the event - it’s suggested that they gather at Flinders St Station just before 1pm and liaise on VK3RCC 438.100 MHz or VK3REC on 147.175 MHz.

Further information: Peter Parker VK3YE parkerp@alphalink.com.au

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MDRC Radio on Rails Fun Day Rules
Object: To make amateur radio contacts from trains and trams around Melbourne.
Date: Sunday, April 14, 2002
Time: 9am - 1pm
Bands: 433.000 – 440.000 and 145.225 – 148.000 MHz only
Mode: FM voice
Sections: A. Transmitting Mobile (in train or tram, also includes waiting at railway stations or tram stops)
B. Transmitting Home (includes operators at home or in a car)
C. Listening Mobile (in train or tram, also includes waiting at railway stations or tram stops)
D. Listening Home (includes listeners at home or in a car)

Contacts: Train or tram mobile stations may work (or hear) any station for points. Home station entrants may work (or hear) train or tram mobile stations only for points.

Repeat contacts: Repeat contacts are valid for scoring purposes provided at least one hour has elapsed between them. In most cases, stations may be worked once per hour per band. The exception is for contacts via crossband 2m/70cm systems, such as the VK3RMN repeater, or satellites operating in full duplex. In these cases, repeat contacts are permitted, but stations may only work each other once per hour, irrespective of band.

Use of repeaters, satellites and internet radio linking: Contacts on repeaters and satellites count for scoring purposes. Because IRLP and I-Phone links are not intended for contest traffic, contacts via internet radio links do not count for scoring purposes.

Exchange: Train or tram mobile stations give their nearest railway station, tram route number or tram stop location (if waiting). Home stations give their suburb. No serial numbers are required.

Eyeball contacts: Stations in Sections A and C may claim extra points for ‘eyeball contacts’. An eyeball contact is defined as one where participants can shake hands with one another on a train, tram, railway station or tram stop.

Prearrangement of eyeball contacts before the contest start time is not allowed. However, eyeball contacts may be arranged during the contest period on two metres or seventy centimetres FM only. Unlike with radio contacts, entrants cannot claim extra points for repeat eyeball contacts with the same person. Amateurs or SWLs not active in the contest cannot be claimed as eyeball contacts.

Scoring: Score 1 point per station worked (or heard) on each band. Total score is the number of radio contacts made (or stations heard) on all bands plus the number of valid eyeball contacts made.

Logs: Logs should show time, frequency, callsign and exchanges for each contact. Eyeball contacts should also be logged. Train or tram mobile entrants should staple their used Met ticket to their log. Where this is not practical (eg ticket remains current after the contest), a signed photocopy of the ticket will be accepted in lieu.

Logs should be posted to Radio on Rails, MDRC, PO Box 58, Highett, Vic, 3190. Logs should be received by 10 May, 2002.

Certificates: These will be awarded to the first three placegetters in each section. Other entrants will receive participation certificates. sults: Results will be announced in the WIA’s Amateur Radio magazine and on APC News.

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UK Foundation Licence
(The article below is reprinted with the permission of AR and the Author. I have included it in the Club Magazine as I believe it may stimulate discussion within club members regarding what can be done to increase interest in Amateur Radio in Australia. It my belief that the steepest learning curve an amateur operator experiences is immediately after they obtain their first callsign. By making it easier to obtain that first licence, and increasing the practical training required will we see the next wave of new amateurs in the hobby??? )

The new UK Foundation Licence
- by David A Pilley VK2AYD - reprinted from AR Magazine

For more than a hundred years Radio Amateurs have been in the forefront of developments in telecommunications. In the U.K., the RSGB, in collaboration with the Radio Authority (RA), have agreed that it is in the national interest that access to amateur radio be improved so that Radio Amateurs can continue to play a key role in the technologies of the 21^st century...

If you would like to read the rest of the article refer to the printed Gateway of March 2002 as we don't have permission to publish it on the Internet.

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MDRC Hamfest in May
A reminder that the MDRC’s Hamfest will be on Saturday May 11, starting 10am. The venue will be the same as last year - the Brentwood Secondary College in Watsons Road, Glen Waverley (Melways 71 D7). Enter off Heath Street.

Lee Moyle VK3GK has offered himself as hamfest organiser. If you’d like to book a table, contact Lee on 9705 1051 (home), or 0429 810 101 (mobile). Tables will be allocated on a first come first served so be quick.

The MDRC Hamfest has become one of Melbourne’s most popular hamfests. Over 400 people attended last year. Don’t miss it!

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Shack Clearance
Arthur Pritchard VK3DPA is clearing out his shack. If you are interested in any of the equipment below please contact Arthur on 03 59960087.

This is a genuine clearance as Arthur has decided to move on to other interests. He has several boxes full of other accessories and general shack type equipement. Prices can be discussed when you view the equipement, which is all in excellent condition.

Cushcraft 2m Ringo

FT211 5w/50w 2m FM

Oscar Block SWR meter

Mirage B108G 2m Linear amp. 10W in / 80 W out

Uniden Bearcat Scanner

20 metres of 9913 Coax

26.5 metres of 8214 coax

12.7 metres of 9913

10.8 metres of 9913

Tiny Tim packet controller

Leson desk microphone

444 Mhz ATV Transmitter

10 amp home brew 13.8V PSU

5 amp home brew 13.8V PSU

4 amp home brew 13.8V PSU

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For Sale
Icom ICQ7a 2/70cm Handheld and scanner. Inc speaker mic, handbook. This is current model with rx past 1.2Ghz. $225

Equipment Below from Deceased Estate VK3ZMR

KLM 2m FM Amp $100

Dick Smith 25Amp supply 3-15V $200

Contact Vk3vb Or Vk3oz 03 59983533

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Results Of GGREC Bowling Day

Best Male

Albert 91 145 236

Best Female

Lori 92 105 197

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General Meeting Minutes
Date: 15th February 2002
Start time: 8:00 pm.
Location: Guide Hall Cranbourne
Chairperson: Andrew Clinkaberry
Minute Taker: Bruno Tonizzo
Present: As per Attendance Sheet.
Visitors and Guests: Alison McMichael from the Kidney Foundation
Apologies: Ian Jackson VK3BUF, Helmut VK3DHI & Dorothy Inhoven,
Phil Pavey VK3YB
Correspondence Received:
AR Magazine – Jan’ 2002
WANSARC Newsletter – Feb ’2002
EMDRC Newsletter – Feb’ 2002
Bass Amateur Radio IRLP Group – Newsletter 12/2001
Email from WIA Victoria - IRLP Providers Meeting - Invitation
Treasurer’s Report:
Read by: Ian Benson Moved by: Ian Benson Seconded by: Reg Goddard VK3UK Carried: Yes.
Copies available to members on request.
Previous Minutes: Read by: Andrew Clinkaberry Moved by: Keith Sadler Seconded by: Colin Bishop Carried: Yes.
New Callsigns: Nil
Business Arising from Previous Minutes:
The following items were discussed.
This year is the Club’s 25^th Anniversary.
Booking to be made at the Settlement Hotel in Cranbourne for Saturday 29^th June.
Reg presented the details of the Bowling day at Mooroolbark to the members. Start at 1:30 pm.
Nominations for committee positions were encouraged from members. Nomination form is to be printed in Gateway.
Naree Ide found out the name of the restaurant in Cheltenham that the Club could visit. It is called the Chef’s Buffet.
New Business:
The shack visit to Peter & Pat Pavey’s place in Tooradin will be for lunch.
Mike Ide mentioned that the Old Timer’s lunch was to be held on the 12^th March. The guest speaker will be from the ACA and the topic will be the EMR Self Assessment.
Albert Hubbard spoke about progress on the Club digital photo album. Albert is scanning all photos onto a CD that may be copied and sold to Club members.
Club members were given instructions on haw to fit the new locks to the radio cabinet.
Peter Pavey suggested that the Club respond to the WIA about our views on the exam system.
Peter also commented that only 30% of amateurs belong to the WIA.
Russ White commented that Australians pay the highest fees in the world for Amateur Radio Licences. Also mentioned that Club members details were displayed on the Club Webpage.
IRLP Meeting. Bruno asked for volunteers to go to the WIA sponsored night.
Nil takers.
GGREC’s 2002 Hamfest to be co-ordinated by Albert Hubbard and Reg Goddard.
Location for Pub nights:-
Costello’s in Berwick
Highway Inn ? in Sandown
Chef’s Buffet in Cheltenham.
Donation of $50.00 to be given to the Kidney Foundation. Moved by Andrew Clinkaberry and Seconded by Pat Pavey, and carried.
The Club members were asked to consider the notion of raising fees in line with inflation or to have big jumps in subscription fees each 3-5 years.
Andrew gave a brief description of a proposal to shift the GGREC Club to the Cranbourne Scout hall site.
GGREC would use the hall for meeting and place a portable room in the site for practical use.
Club Events: – As per Event Queue
Guest Speaker: Alison McMichael – Kidney Foundation.
Next Meeting: General Meeting Friday the 15^th march 2002.
Meeting Closed: at approx 10:15 pm.
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Please make any suggestions or comments on any of this by email:-
    VK3XMF@ggrec.org.au