The Presidents Comments June 2004
Lots
of things have happened on the Amateur Radio scene over the
past month. One of which is the formation of a National
WIA organization with the swift distribution of the new constitution.
This will
I hope see an increase in WIA membership overall, and give
the AR service a more unified voice with government departments.
The ACA document " Outcomes of the Review of Amateur Service
Regulations " also provides some interesting reading,
and falls very close to the proposals submitted by GGREC inc.
With all this reading to do I intend to keep this short.
It has been very encouraging to see the enthusiasm generated by
the clubroom project. I believe Ian's time schedule is looking good and
members willingness to be part of the work teams has also been much
appreciated, thanks all round. There is of course still much to do before we
can establish the building on its final site but if help continues on as
and when needed then we might achieve the 12 week deadline.
Our mid year dinner is on Saturday June 26th at the guide hall
doors open at (1800Hrs) that’s 6pm. As last year we will all bring food
to share, more about this at the meeting on Fri 18th. Don't forget to bring
plates knives forks etc and a plastic bag in which to take dishes home to wash.
The next exam event is on Saturday 10th July with a closing date for applications
of 18th June, we have 3 candidates so far so room for one or two more.
It is disappointing that the club news failed to make it into the AR magazine
again, we must be thankful that at least the Hamfest fliers were
included this month.
That’s enough from me hope to see you all over the next month either
at one of the club functions, working bee's or on "air"
73's Peter VK3VB.
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Ggrec Shack Project
Another progress report by Ian Jackson VK3BUF
This Club shack
project is like a pipeline. Perhaps you are thinking ‘What? Long, Round and full of Liquid?’ But
no, that is the wrong analogy. I mean that we initially discussed
the project for a while, planned it for a while more and at
a finite time we committed ourselves and actually began the
project. We had entered The Pipeline.
We have spent some money, constructed a floor, wallframe, put on a roof and
are now in the process of attaching the wall cladding. Having followed the
pipe for a while, there is no stopping or getting off, we must pursue it relentlessly
until we come out the other end. One day, when we arrive at the Guide Hall
site, unlock the door, turn on the lights and see a furnished and operational
Club Shack , we will know that we have arrived. Until then we must keep on
paddling.
Last Saturday was another busy day. It began at 9:00 on a
dewy-wet morning free of wind. Perfect for our mission to clad
the wallframe with foil an commence hanging sheets.
On board at our Drouin West construction site were Reg VK3UK & Jenny
, Ivan 3ARV, Peter 3VB, Max 3TMK, Ian 3KSZ, David 3XMF, William,
Dianne 3JDI,
Ross 3HDW and myself.
We had about an hour of preparation first. This involved batten screws, stud
ties, bottom plate bolts and anti-dampness flashing. Reg & Jenny were
quickly introduced to the Metric System and went about preparing all the
insulation foil lengths. Next we formed two groups. Ian Benson, Max and myself
attacked the roof while the rest focused on the walls.
As we worked on separate
halves of the building, we managed to keep out of each others way and only
occasionally stole each others power cords. The team behaved like a well
oiled machine. (ok, so perhaps we needed an oil change) Picture a frenzied
a pit crew at Bathurst, but with fewer wheels involved. At the end of the
day, the sun sank glumly into the horizon. All were nursing weary muscles
and the occasional flesh wound, and made their way home with the knowledge
of a good effort made.
If you are yet to make your mark on the GGREC Club Shack project, come along
to our next construction event on Sunday the 20th. That’s right, This
Sunday! The rest of the wall sheets need to be hung and we may start on some
electrical cabling. We will do the next one nearly 2 weeks later on Saturday
the 3rd of July. (This will keep the weekend with the Mid Year Dinner on the
26th free of Club work.)No previous experience is necessary. C’mon, push
the envelope a little, instead of simply licking the back of it.
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Is the Internet Really Bad for Our Hobby?
Over the seven or so years I've been in the radio hobby, I've heard numerous
amateurs complain about the Internet, and perhaps modern computers in general
as a grave enemy of our hobby. They speak of it as causing a major loss in ham
radio, and therefore being a (very) bad thing for ham radio.
Yet look at the positive side...
Not too long ago, digital modes usually required a specialized modem. Software
for these modes was rarely free. This mean getting into digital required a big
(by ham radio standards) investment. Today, however, hams communicate via a greater
variety of modes than we have ever known -- and do it at a very low price (an
interface like the Rigblaster is all of expense that is needed).
Modes like PSK31, MFSK16, MT63, RDFT (aka Digital SSTV) have allowed for inexpensive,
efficient digital communications on the HF bands. Software for Hellschreiber
has enabled hams to try a long-forgotten mode. Other modes, such as FSK441, have
advanced the state of weak-signal VHF+ technology. Thanks to the multitude of
hams with access to the Internet and their generosity, there is a great selection
of often-free software out there, even for platforms like Linux and PDAs.
Ham radio boards and sites allow for the unlimited capacity to share valuable
information (and flames!). Project schematics and technical data are at one's
fingertips and can be downloaded and printed with ease. Want to buy a new rig,
antenna, or outboard VFO? You can check the reviews at eHam and see how other
users have liked (or disliked) products.
While you may or may not like it, you have to agree that Internet linking is
helping to bring ham radio into the 21st century. Echolink, IRLP, and WIRES enable
hams to communicate around the world via their HTs. It certainly may not be 100%
radio (HF still has appeal!), but it's a uniquely ham thing. After all, would
you dial random numbers on your cell phone "just for a chat"? Less
controversial forms of Internet linking, for example APRS link-ups have also
enhanced the hobby.
Some manufacturers have showed their willingness to embrace Internet technology
as a benefactor for ham radio by offering firmware upgrades for their receivers
and transceivers. Years ago, this could only be accomplished through chips, which
must be shipped at an expense.
Sure, there are some who may say something like, "Why waste your time on
a ham radio when you can just go to Yahoo voice chat." Do you really think
many of these people would have entered the hobby before the Internet? Ham radio
isn't just about A-to-B communications. It's about the joy of bouncing signals
off the ionosphere, the thrill of E-skip on 6, up-linking your own signal to
an orbiting satellite, sending ATV from a helmet-mounted camera, or the friendliness
of chats on the local repeater.
The actual person-person interaction is certainly part of it, though, and on
ham radio, you have common ground with the guy on the other side. There's a sense
of accountability and etiquette over the radio, even with newbies, that's harder
to find on Internet chat rooms.
BPL may be a serious threat to the ham hobby, but I honestly don't think our
worries will ever manifest themselves, at least on the scale we imagine. Really,
the future is wireless communications, whether mobile or base, and BPL isn't
quite up to par. Of course, we should have a voice against BPL and fight it,
but call me a wearer of rose-colored glasses; I really don't think it will be
deployed on a mass scale. Whatever they say, there's still room on the spectrum.
I hope you enjoyed my article, KC0LTV.
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When it
comes to radios…I'm just an amateur.
I can think of no hobby that is more enthralling, challenging,
and broadly compelling as amateur radio. It seems to have
something for everyone…from
electronic experimentation to making acquaintances around the world. What
other hobby can allow you to experiment with electronics and gain a comprehensive
lesson in world geography at the same time? There is truly something for
everyone. And, that is why we do it. Yes, our interests may change and we
may even step away from the hobby for a period of time (something I did for
the entire decade of the eighties). Nonetheless, we come back, ready to try
new things, or re-invest ourselves in old things that we found exciting before
and will so again.
Nonetheless, I have observed an increasing amount of bickering among the
more passionate practitioners of the hobby. This can be empirically verified
not
only here on eHam.net, but also on the airwaves itself. The debates persist:
code vs. no-code; a “real” Extra class, who took a CW examination
at 20 wpm (yes, I am one of those) vs. the “new” breed of “appliance
operators” who, according to the former group did not pay their proper “dues” in
order to get their license, and on and on…
If one reflects on who we are and what we are, some simple notions rise to
the surface:
1. Each of us is attracted to the hobby precisely because
of its comprehensive scope and the cognitive challenges
it presents.
2. We are experimenters. And, as any good scientist will tell you, experimenters
make mistakes; sometimes real bloopers.
3. Because of its challenging nature (the thing that attracts us, remember),
our hobby can be a bit intimidating at first. Just look at any recent issue
of QST and imagine yourself as a young teen that has an interest in electronics,
geography, gadgets, and “stuff.” If the costs of equipment don't
scare him or her, then the high-tech articles certainly will.
4. It takes a while to get the resources together to get going in this hobby
and years to get the hang of it. Keep that in mind next time you want to
give someone the “dickens” on the air, for making what you consider
to be a dumb mistake.
5. And, that gets to my primary point. No matter how good we get at it, whether
we are graduate engineers or still in high schools, when it comes to radios,
we are all just amateurs…sounds like a great motto to live by.
I thought about getting a trademark on the slogan, but amateurs don't do
it for the money. I think I will have a t-shirt and bumper sticker made though.
Jim Rinehart (W4JFR)
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Time For A 'Junior Technician' License
I wonder if anyone has proposed that the FCC introduce a
license class aimed specifically at young kids?
I recently bought a couple of FRS hand held radios for my
kids, aged 10 and 8. Last year I tried to develop their interest
in amateur radio but they showed
no interest whatsoever. I am pleasantly surprised to see how they have taken
to the FRS radios. My two kids take them with them whenever outside in the
backyard
woods, they radio home periodically. When my kids have friends over, all the
kids want one and run around playing radio games, mostly pretending to be "spies" using
a radio. Thus, their imagination has allowed them to create a way of making radio "cool".
I think the fun is based on ease of operation and the fact that they don't
have to remember anything "complicated" like a call sign, IDing every 10
minutes, and jargon like "73, QRT"
Perhaps the FCC should develop a license class that automatically expires when
the person is aged 14. One aimed generally at kids in the 8-13 range but one
that does not exclude younger kids.
With my son's real interest in the FRS radios I took a look at the current
Tech class exam. While he is a bright kid, the exam questions do not appear
to be
written in kid friendly way. The textbooks for studying the current Tech license
are even worse. Not at all kid friendly.
I would propose a Junior Technician license. One that restricts kids that pass
the exam to 220 MHz, 440 MHz, or 2 meters. Power limit would be 5 watts. The
exam, written at a 2nd grade level, would emphasize basic safety and good operating
habits, perhaps a few minor regulations. 10 questions in the exam, a pass would
require at least 8 correct. The ARRL would develop a textbook specifically
written for the target group.
With this license class, we would have a clear recruitment plan for new "young" blood.
Those FM repeaters we have, mostly unused, would then encourage kids to use
handhelds much like the FRS radios...and have fun talking to their friends
via amateur
radio over a wider range than FRS.
Andy K3UK
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2.4 GHz TV module SALE
In last months magazine was an article trying to promote 2.4GHz
TV.
Well, as luck would
have it, the Tx & Rx modules are currently
on special for:-
Tx $16.17 +10% GST
Rx $21.57 +10% GST (& post & pack)
The only
problem, is this price is in lots of 10, however Peter VK3KCG
already has a few interested parties, and is looking
to order
a batch of 10 (or better), all he needs is a firm order from
you.
Contact Peter VK3KCG
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In Honor of Stupid People
In case you needed further proof that the human race is doomedthrough stupidity,
here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.
On a Sears hairdryer -- Do not use while sleeping.
(Damn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair).
On a bag of Fritos -- You could be a winner! No purchase necessary.
Details inside.
(the shoplifter special)?
On a bar of Dial
soap -- "Directions: Use like regular
soap."
(and that would be how???....)
On some Swanson
frozen dinners -- "Serving suggestion:
Defrost."
(but, it's "just" a suggestion).
On Tesco's Tiramisu
dessert (printed on bottom) -- "Do
not turn upside down."
(well...duh, a bit late, huh)!
On Marks &Spencer Bread Pudding -- "Product
will be hot after heating."
(...and you thought????...)
On packaging for
a Rowenta iron -- "Do not iron clothes
on body."
(but wouldn't this save me more time)?
On Nytol Sleep Aid
-- "Warning: May cause drowsiness."
(and...I'm taking this because???....)
On most brands of
Christmas lights -- "For indoor or
outdoor use only."
(as oppos! ed to...what)?
On a Japanese food
processor -- "Not to be used for the
other use."
(now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)
On Sainsbury's peanuts
-- "Warning: contains nuts."
(talk about a news flash)
On an American Airlines
packet of nuts -- "Instructions:
Open packet, eat nuts."
(Step 3: maybe, uh....fly Delta?)
On a child's Superman
costume -- "Wearing of this garment
does not enable you to fly."
(I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)
On a Swedish chainsaw
-- "Do not attempt to stop chain
with your hands or genitals."
(Oh my God...was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)
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Suds To Solder
A better way to get the lead out… by Ian Jackson VK3BUF
I was flicking through
a catalog a short time ago, I saw an interesting product.
It was a small enclosure with some fuzzy
metal stuff inside. The caption said that it was for cleaning
the grotty bits from the end of a soldering iron. Being a long
time devotee of the damp sponge next to my soldering iron,
I said ‘Bah! Heresy! A dry sponge is like a boat without
water, biscuits without milk, a lightglobe without moths! ’ Scornfully,
I turned the page in search of other products…
A week later I
found myself in a supermarket – strange
but true. While fighting to control the unguided inertia of
a fully laden trolley, I spied a collection of brass and stainless
steel pot scrubbers. After a brief spark of recognition, which
may really have been a static charge from an over-waxed floor,
I recalled that the scourers appeared similar to the ontents
of the aforementioned catalog – at a fraction of the
cost. I plucked a couple of samples from the little dangling
bracket that implores customers to purchase things they didn’t
know they didn’t want (it worked!) and vowed to prove
its inferiority by experiment.
Another week later I had just commenced a soldering job and
was confronted by a drought-stricken sponge. An invisible mission
bell chimed in my head. It was Time. Ripping the scourer from
the bubble pack, I thrust it into an inverted cap from a bug
spray aerosol. The tip of the trusty Weller iron was well laden
with oxidized solder spikes. I plunged the tip of the iron
into the wiry mass. Without the usual cauterizing hiss of a
wet sponge, it came away clean and shining. With the shock
of realisation one feels when first discovering that a product
that is not butter, actually tastes like butter, I had learned
that there was another way to keep my soldering tips clean.
Buoyed by this success I was tempted to experiment further.
Replacing the stainless steel pot scourer with a similar looking
brass one, I sought to optimise the process. Would the solder
stick to the brass and make a lumpy mess on the surface? Indeed
it did not. The solder broke up into tiny fragments and ozmotically
worked their way to the bottom of the container forming a kind
of sandy grit that gathered in the corners. After several to
and fro trials between the products, I could find no discernable
difference in the performance of the stainless steel and brass
scourer products. Perhaps the brass seemed a little softer
to work with.
All things come to pass, dinosaurs, the stump-jump plough, bottles of whiskey,
and now the wet sponge.
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Saying the Right Thing
Martin wakes up at home with a huge hangover. He forces
himself to open his eyes, and the first thing he sees is a
couple of aspirins and a glass of water on the side table.
He sits down and sees his clothing in front of him, all
clean and pressed.
Martin
looks around the room and sees that it is in perfect order,
spotless, clean. So is the rest of the house. He
takes the aspirins and notices a note on the tableHoney,
breakfast is on the stove, I left early to go shopping. Love you.
So he
goes to the kitchen and sure enough there is a hot breakfast
and the morning newspaper. His son is also at the
table, eating.
Martin asks, Son, what happened last night?
His son
says, Well, you came home after 3 A.M. Drunk and delirious.
Broke some furniture, puked in the hallway, and
gave yourself a black eye when you stumbled into the door.
Confused,
Martin asks, So, why is everything in order and so clean,
and breakfast is on the table waiting for me?
His son
replies, Oh that! Mum dragged you to the bedroom, and when
she tried to take your pants off, you said, Lady,
leave me alone, I'm married!
A self-induced hangover - $100.00
Broken furniture - $200.00
Breakfast - $10.00
Saying the right thing - Priceless
Mobile phones with a PTT ?
It looks like mobile communications has come a full circle,
back to their origins
First, there was the two way radio, with a push to talk microphone.
Then came the hand held or walkie talkie set (also with a push
to talk button)
Commercial mobile radio has since gone through many phases
with repeaters to increase their range, followed by repeaters
using sub-audible tones to allow several ‘groups’ to
use the same repeater without getting their messages mixed
up.
Then followed commercial sets with ‘voting’ functions,
where the mobile radio would automatically find an appropriate
repeater with the strongest signal. This was then followed
by much more sophisticated ‘trunking’ systems that
could link several multi channel repeaters together, where
one could tell the system who you wanted, and it would find
you a link to do so.
The ultimate of all this is the mobile phone, where the user
almost doesn’t know they are using a radio at all, everything
is full duplex, you only hear the party you called, and you
don’t have to monitor a channel waiting for your mate
to call you.
This is all great, however there is still a lot to be said
about how the original simplex hand held two ways worked. One
can put out a general yell for help, and the nearest person
available will come to your aid.
With a mobile phone, you maybe able to see someone not that
far off who can help pull you out it the mud, but unless you
know their number your stuffed.
Well it looks like the mobile phone innovators have realized
this, and that there is still a market for communications sets
where one can yell to all your fellow workmates with a single
button press (PTT), without making half a dozen phone calls.
Hot of the production
line, are mobile phones with PTT buttons, when you press
your button you are herd via loud speaker form
all the phones of your colleagues without a single call being
made, or bell ringing. The audio ‘messages’ are
sent using the new GPRS function on the latest phones, and
you are billed for only the time that your PTT button is held
down. All the phones in your group have a permanent ‘virtual’ circuit
set up between them, however like sending data via GPRS, you
are only billed for the actual data sent.
For example, if you are using your phone to lead an emergency
crew through an exercise lasting several hours, but your actual
talk time was only 15 minutes, then that is all you get billed
for. Imagine doing the same making many many individual phone
calls, one to each team member, it would have cost you a small
fortune.
Paul VK3TGX.
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