President’s Ramblings - June 2005
Hi everybody. I guess you would have already noticed the changes I have made to the magazine? Unless you are reading it in Braille, it is pretty obvious!!. My aim is to still maintain club information, projects, ideas, pictures, waffles etc. but I am also mindful of the cost of production and the time it takes to put this magazine together each month. As discussed at the last general meeting, to get this magazine produced commercially each month works out to about $1.20 or so a copy by the time it is posted. We are lucky that, in the past, a lot of the costs have been absorbed by the people producing the magazine. In a way it is not fair that we have allowed that to happen but we are very grateful that it has so thanks to all those members. We are also particularly thankful that David VK3ZDV has come to the rescue and donated his time, photocopying and paper to help out with future issues.

If you received this magazine via email we hope that you enjoy saving the club a bit of money by printing your own copy. You would, also, have received it a lot earlier than anybody else. There is some concern that this will have an impact on attendances at meetings, so you will also get an email form me on the Wednesday preceding the meeting night to remind you that it is on!!!

I do not propose to repeat what is in the rest of this newsletter. There are a few things happening so have a good read.

Cheers for now, Andrew VK3HFA
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ALGEBRA: A weapon of math destruction.

The probability of someone watching you is proportional to the stupidity of your action.
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RD Contest
Now we have our own clubrooms the committee thought it would be a good idea to get involved in some amateur radio events that we have not done in the recent past. So we are going to enter (if that is the right word) the RD contest this year.
We do, however, need somebody to take charge of the VHF/UHF side of things. If you know something about contests, and would like to take on this challenging role, let Mike VK3KTO know and we can get on with it.

The contest is, as I understand it, a 24 hour thing so we need quite a few volunteers to keep the club shack running over that period of time.
I know nothing about contests, so I will get Mike to explain it all at the next general meeting (thanks Mike!). Amateur radio is such fun isn’t it!
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Gremlins apologise
Apologies to Grahame VK3YCG for not mentioning that he wrote that wonderful article on dead cows last month. Hope we can read some more soon!!! Stories that is, not dead cows!
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Names and Callsigns on Website????
One of the things raised at the committee meeting, by our webmaster Dave XMF, was whether it would be possible to put the first names and Callsigns of all the club members on to the club website. It was thought that there were several privacy issues with this and that perhaps it should be on an “opt in” basis.

We will discuss it at the next meeting, give it some thought!
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Exams.
The club owes a great deal to our exam masters, Peter and Pat Pavey, who have given their time and the use of their house over any number of years (somebody might like to enlighten me as to how many!) Suffice to say that there are many amateur radio operators who owe their license to the pleasant conditions Pat and Peter have provided. And they are continuing……..

Next Exam : 6th August, 1pm
Where : Pavey residence (Tooradin)
How? : Get your paperwork in by July 22nd (P.O. Box 7, Tooradin Vic 3980)
Contact : Peter Pavey 5998 3533 or see Peter at our June meeting.

Thanks Peter and Pat, amateur radio and your club appreciate your efforts very much.
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Event Queue

Date / Time	Event	Details
Friday 17th June	General Meeting	Bill VK3DOU who will speak on all things TV related.
Saturday 25th June	Mid Year Dinner	Cardinia Park Hotel - Beaconsfield
Monday 27th June	Committee Meeting	Club HQ
Friday 1st July	Prac Night	Club HQ
Friday 15th July	General Meeting	TBA
Saturday 16th July	GGREC Hamfest	Cranbourne
Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 July	Gippsland Technical Conference	Formal sessions on Saturday, followed by the Conference Dinner. Sunday ...short talks, practical demonstrations of microwave equipment and techniques.
Monday 25th July	Committee Meeting	Club HQ
Friday 5th August	Prac Night	Club HQ
Saturday 6th August	Exam Day	Tooradin (Pavey’s)
Saturday 13th Aug	RD Contest	Club HQ
Sunday 14th August	RD Contest (cont)	Club HQ
Friday 19th August	General Meeting	TBA
Saturady 22nd October	JOTA/JOTI	Girl Guide Hall
Saturday 10th Dec	Christmas Party	El Presidento’s

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Improve your word base courtesy wordsmith.org
gorgonize or gorgonise (GOR-guh-nyz) verb tr.
To paralyze, petrify, or hypnotize.

[After Gorgon, any of the three monstrous sisters Stheno, Euryale,
and Medusa in Greek mythology, who had snakes for hair. They turned
into stone anyone who looked into their eyes.]
"Gorgonised me from head to foot, With a stony British stare."
Alfred, Lord Tennyson; Maud; 1855.
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Two men are walking in the jungle and startle a panther, which snarls and prepares to attack them. One man reaches into his pack and starts to put on a pair of runners. The second man says:
“ What are you doing? You can’t run faster than a Panther!”
The first man replies:
“ I don’t have to, I only have to run faster than you…”
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Gippsland Technical Conference Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 July
Program :
Formal sessions to be held on Saturday, followed by the Conference Dinner. Sunday will have some time available for some short talks, practical demonstrations of microwave equipment and techniques. Lunch will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday. The cost of lunch is NOT included in the registration fee. An informal dinner will be held at the Morwell Hotel / Motel - 311 - 327 Princes Drive, Morwell on Friday evening at 19:30 hours. Please book when you register so that we can ensure enough seats! Costs - To Be Advised

Travel Directions:
The Conference venue is the Churchill campus of Monash University, located approximately 170km east of Melbourne. The area is well serviced by road and rail. Travel along the Princes Highway towards Morwell, staying on the freeway. Once at Morwell, look for the Churchill / Monash University Exit (east side of Morwell). Take this Exit, traveling south for 8 km to Churchill. In Churchill, turn left at the first roundabout (just past the first set of pedestrian lights) at Switchback/Northways Roads (signpost). Travel to the next roundabout and turn Left into McDonald Way (signpost). Turn Right at the first sealed entry into the University grounds (North car parks) (signpost), then right into the N5 car park. Enter the building in front of you (via the Boardwalk) and look for the signs.

Talk In:
The WIA (Vic. Div.) Eastern Zone Amateur Radio Club (Inc) will be listening on the Latrobe Valley Repeater VK3RLV on 146.800MHz (output) from about 0900 Saturday.

Accommodation:
Hotel / Motel accommodation is available in Morwell or Traralgon. There are also some good B&B establishments in the area. The Morwell Hotel Motel has a number of rooms reserved for the Conference - first in, first served. The Morwell Hotel Motel can be contacted on 03 5134 1355.
Contact details:
If you have any inquiries regarding the Conference, contact the Organizing Committee through one of the following means:
Mail: PO Box 459, MOE, 3825. E-mail: vk3kai@qsl.net or
wredgar@net-tech.com.au or vk3bez@qsl.net or Phone: Peter Freeman 0427 388 044 or Ralph Edgar 0428 870481 also http://www.qsl.net/vk3bez/ Proceedings from the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 Conferences will be available for sale at this year's event (while stocks last).
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A view of the working bee in May where the new Club antenna
was being installed, an 8 element log-periodic HF array.
(Picture courtesy Paul VK3TGX)
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Hamfest Sale
After a stress inducing scare, all seems to be on track for our annual Hamfest on Saturday July 16th. This is a very important fund raiser for the club and it is imperative that as many club members get involved as possible. We need :

This year we decided that we would try and sell some food to those waiting in the queue outside. So we need an extra portable BBQ if anybody has one>???

It’s a long day but a very fulfilling one, last year we raised over $xxx valuable dollars. We should do at least as well as that this year, and with your help maybe even better.

Let Bruno “The Head Hamfest Man” VK3BFT know that you are keen to help. As with last year, the more hands the merrier!!
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This Month’s Meeting
We are fortunate to have as our guest speaker, at the June general meeting on Friday June 17th , Bill VK3DOU who will speak on all things TV related (well antennas and interference anyway!)

Please note that it will be our policy (as agreed at the committee) that any external guest speakers will be given the floor first at 8pm.

The general meeting will follow. This allows our guest to take their leave, if they so desire, and not be subjected to routine club stuff!
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URGENT!
Mid Year Dinner
This years mid-year dinner will be held at the Cardinia Park Hotel (the same place we held the Anniversary Dinner a couple of years ago!)

It is on Saturday 25th June from 6.00pm

You will order your own meals, bistro style, the only stipulation from management of the hotel is that we don’t all order at once to give the other patrons a chance.

The committee thought it was time for a change.

The location is Beaconsfield-Emerald Rd, Beaconsfield . Melway Reference 212A7

This will be a very informal night, we hope
you can all make it.
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Hail the leader of the Free World!!!!
I speak plainly sometimes, but you've got to be mindful of the consequences of the words. So put that down. I don't know if you'd call that a confession, a regret, something." —George W. Bush, speaking to reporters, Washington, D.C., Jan. 14, 2005
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G & C Communications
Specializing In Two-Way Radio, Car Audio & Alarm Systems

Authorised Dealer For: Barrett R.F.D.S – Kenwood – Icom - Gme Electrophone – Uniden -Yaesu

HF & UHF Amateur, CB & Marine Radios
Receivers, Scanners, GPS & Accessories

Sales – Installation – Repairs
Commercial Two-Way Radio Systems
Visa, Bankcard and Mastercard

Shop 2 207 High St Cranbourne
Shop: 5996-3298 or Mobile: 0417 387 515
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All Band Dipole Antenna  
An all band dipole that has low swr on 80,40,30,20,15,12 and 10 Meters. Does not need an antenna tuner and is fed by coaxial cable. Length is 41 Meters and fed 8 Meters from one end. Uses a 2 stage super low loss balun 98.9% efficiency
 
For more info contact Peter VK3KCG 9770 5321 or go to http://dxantennas.com for more information.
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For Sale
70cm 11element yagi
With a 11.5db gain over a dipole
Thse antenna’s are ideal for mobile use as they come in two pieces and can be used as a 6 or 11 element antenna
Special price for club members:
$80 each ($30 goes to the shack building fund)
Contact reg vk3uk
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GATEWAY
The Official Journal Ofthe Gippsland Gate Radio
And Electronic Club Inc
June 2005
Incorporation Number A0016893M

Club Meetings are held on the third Friday of each month at the Cranbourne Girl Guide Hall in Grant Street. Prac nights are held on the first Friday night in the club rooms. Both nights commence at 8:00 PM. Visitors will be made most welcome.

President Andrew Clinkaberry VK3HFA (5942 5396)
Secretary Bruno Tonizzo VK3BFT (9700 4526)
Treasurer Mike Ide VK3KTO
Committee Members Reg VK3UK, Helmut VK3DHI, Dave VK3XMF
Ivan VK3ARV
Magazine Editor(s) Andrew VK3HFA, Albert Hubbard VK3BQO
Club Station VK3BJA located in the clubrooms.
6M Repeater VK3RDD : Freq. In 52.575, out 53.575 MHz
70cm Repeater VK3RLP Freq. In 434.475, out 439.475MHz
CTCSS 88.5Hz IRLP Node Number- 6794 (Using VK3RLP)
Call in Frequencies are: HF on 28.325 MHz, USB VHF on 146.225 MHz, FM and UHF on 438.850 MHz,
Visit our internet site at: http://ggrec.org.au
Current GGREC Inc. Membership Fee Schedule
Full Member $37.00, Pensioner Member $22.00
Junior Member $22.00, Extra Family Member $17.00
Fees due after each April Annual General Meeting.

The deadline for articles is TEN DAYS before each General meeting.

Please direct magazine correspondence to:
Andrew Clinkaberry, 1 Carney St. Nar Nar Goon Vic 3812
Phone: 5942 5396 or email clinks@dcsi.net.au

All other club correspondence to P.O. Box 1098, Cranbourne 3977
or Email:secretary@ggrec.org.au

It costs lots of cents to produce and send each copy of Gateway.

Disclaimer- The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official view of the GGREC inc and the GGREC inc cannot be held responsible for incorrect information published.
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