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VK3XMF@ggrec.org.au

It was really great to see so many interested people at the Prac Night, last night. Tony VK3JED certainly got the thought processes working over time with his introduction/history to IRLP (Internet Radio Linking Project), I think it will prove to be a great project as it develops over time and I thank you for your input and questions and I look forward to the continuance of your support as we put our link together as a club.

Went along to the Great Australian Science show for the Friday. Our club was really well represented over the course of the 4 days and Bruno has done the club, and himself, proud with his organizing skills. To all that gave up a day or two of their time the club extends their thanks for a job well done.

It was interesting how many kids only apparent contact with "radio" is ordering a BIG Mac and Fries over the intercom at McDonalds. We really will have to find a way of introducing young people to the delights of Amateur Radio. I know I wished I had gone with my thoughts a long time ago instead of being a "late" starter. Maybe IRLP will be one of those projects that will encourage younger members?

We are still looking for ideas for speakers and we are still looking as far as new clubrooms is concerned. Any fresh ideas will be gratefully received by any of the committee.

Well that will do for this month. I hope to make a few contacts on the hand held in Queensland, I really must work on that license upgrade so I can use HF and talk back to club people on my next trip!

Take care, and thanks to Bruno and Dave for stepping up and handling the club affairs once again on meeting night.

Oh and a big thanks to Dorothy for her cakes!!! (for those of you not at the last meeting I inadvertently left Dorothy off my thanks for the HAMFEST food, I can’t explain how that happened and I apologise most sincerely.)

Cheers for now, Andrew VK3HFA

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Shack Visit to Mike Ide's Shack.
On a blustery Saturday morning members of GGREC made their way to Blind Bight to visit the shack of Mike Ide.

There, admiring the array of award certificates on the wall, we were each given a beer and a quick rundown of the radios.

Listening around the bands on Mike's new FT-847, we heard a 5/9 signal from VK4 land. Jumping on the microphone, we announced our presence and had a good chat with Jeff, VK4MTV in Cairns. Jeff was running 5 watts from a home brew rig into a verticle, landing in Mike's shack with a 5/5 – 5/9 signals. It was a coincidence to hear that Jeff had just ordered a FT-847 and was going to use it with the same model vertical antenna that Mike had. We took it in turns to briefly say hello to Jeff before venturing outside to inspect the aerials.

The BBQ was lit and the raincoats were put on as we passed the BBQ tools from person to person like musical chairs. Bruno was holding the bar-bee-mate when the music stopped and lunch was eventually cooked (except for Ian and Val's steaks that were cremated by request).

To my surprise, Naree had prepared delicious salads and deserts that every one enjoyed. Around the table were Mike and Naree, Peter and Pat, Ian and Val, Bruno, Ivan, Dave Campbell and John Whittingham. Little William and his sister had a great time playing with a stuffed cat that meowed just like a real one.

A tour of the upstairs antique radio and projector collection capped off a very relaxing and pleasurable Saturday afternoon.

With 4:00 o'clock fast approaching and the wind picking up, it was time for me to thank Mike and Naree and to say goodbye to all until the next event.

Bruno Tonizzo

VK3BFT
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Wanted
Articles on what YOUR activities in Amateur Radio to include in Gateway Magazine. Send them to Phil Pavey by email (PPAVEY@bigpond.com) or by post to 6 Norford Court, Cranbourne North 3977.

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

MFJ Delux Keyer Mod MFJ407B $75

CONTACT VK3VB OR VK3OZ 03 59983533
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Exam News
The next exam has been moved from the 3^rd of November until the 17 November to avoid the long weekend. Applications close on the 2^nd of November. Contact Peter & Pat Pavey on 03 59983533 for more information
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It’s a GASS !
It all started with an e-mail…..

….."The WIA will sponsor a cubicle at the Great Australian Science Show (GASS) for all amateur radio clubs to promote themselves and amateur radio to thousands of people" or at least something like that. Well, GGREC has been trying to do just that in and around Cranbourne, why not do it in the heart of Melbourne?

I canvassed the idea around the Club on a prac night just before the election of a new committee in May. At least six hands went up signalling that GGREC was ready to take on another adventure.

Mike Ide came with me to the monthly co-ordination meetings at WIA Victoria headquarters. When you’re happy to volunteer for anything, it’s good to have Mike with you to talk some sense into your head and take things on one at a time.

Around the table, the ideas were coming thick and fast. "We will do fox hunting", That’s good, we will set up a relay to a car parked out side and link into the secret things that our club does…" "GGREC can set up a slow scan TV demo" but Brenda Edmonds said "hang on a minute, I think that Morse code and crystal sets are good hands on activities" This left us all stunned.

Morse code! Crystal sets! That’s all right for kids but….. Brenda explained that the Great Australian Science Show is primarily for Secondary school children, to introduce them to a variety of interests that can lead to a rewarding career.

After more co-ordination meetings, each Club decided on an activity suitable for kids. GGREC are to prepare a Slow Scan demo CD, Morse code stuff and Mike’s AM transmitter and CRO. EMDRC and WANSAC to bring along computers, FM900 radios and Crystal sets. RAAF Williams ARC to prepare laminated photos relating to radio orientated careers and a power point display. All Clubs are to provide reliable volunteers to man the stands. That’s right, we now have two stands for Amateur radio. That means twice the number of volunteers. By the way, I had offered to co-ordinate a roster for all the clubs!

The GASS is like JOTA but for school kids instead of Guides and Scouts.

On the second stand, which was exposed to the public on three sides, were two FM900s working into dummy loads with the power reduced to nearly nothing. Working into a dummy load should not radiate much RF we thought, so why could we hear our selves on the main public announcement system? We also had an variable VF Oscillator hooked up to a Morse key for kids to practice with. This was also good for hearing tests, and for tuning to that frequency that you can’t hear but makes you feel like throwing up. Finding this frequency is second nature to school kids.

The ground began to shake…Here come THE KIDS, at least three hundred school kids to keep entertained for four hours on Thursday and Friday.

The FM900s were a big attraction. The girls used them for Karaoke, while pretending to be pop stars, while the boys demonstrated their command of insulting language and statements like "hello, do you want fries with that".

Mean while, over on the other stand, the crystal sets and Morse code were all the rage. Brenda was right after all, although none of us wanted to admit it !!

I spent two out of the four days on a stand and had a great time. There was lots to see and do before, and after the show was opened to the public.

The best part was meeting members of the other Amateur Radio Clubs, and working together to make the GASS a success. We met some ex-amateurs that thought about getting their license again and had many enquiries from prospective amateurs.

Would I do it again next year? YES, it was a GASS!

Special thanks to GGREC members - Mike Ide, Graeme Brennan, Keith Sadler, Andrew Clinkaberry and Jan Oncken for volunteering to make the GASS a success.

Bruno Tonizzo VK3BFT
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General Meeting Minutes
Date: 17th August 2001
Start time: 8:05 pm.
Location: Guide Hall Cranbourne
Chairperson: Andrew Clinkaberry
Minute Taker: Bruno Tonizzo
Present: As per Attendance Sheet.
Visitors and Guests: NIL
Apologies: Phil Pavey VK3VB, The Jackson family VK3BUF & VK3NDI.
Correspondence Received:
AR Magazine August 2001.
Letter from Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association
WANSARC August news letter
EMDRC August news letter
FAMPARC August news letter

Treasurer’s Report:
Read out at the Gerneral Meeting.

Previous Minutes: Read by: Andrew Clinkaberry Moved by: Reg Goddard Seconded by: Keith Sadler Carried: Yes.

New Callsigns: Dianne Jackson is now VK3NDI, Peter Woodland is now VK3KCG

Business Arising from Previous Minutes:
The following items were discussed.
Russell White – VK3MWR moved that the Clubs monthly financial statements NOT be printed in the Monthly Magazine. The Clubs financial details are read out at each General Meeting. A Copy of the financial statement can be requested at any time.
Moved by Russ White, Seconded by Dave Campbell – XK3XMF & Carried by a majority of hands.
Andrew asked for feedback on the Mid Year Dinner. All were in favour of having a Spit Roast again next year.
Trash And Treasure Day - Special Thanks to Dorothy, Russ and all involved.

New Business:
Internet Repeater Link Project – Andrew informed the Club of a new technical project that offered an opportunity for members to learn about a new aspect of Amateur Radio.
Dave Campbell read out an email from a person in Cairns seeking assistance in obtaining information on the Regulations exam.
Bruno spoke about the Great Australian Science Show.
Andrew auctioned off the items donated by Icom.

Next Meeting: Prac Night September the 7^th,2001. Guest Speaker will be VK3JED Subject is IRLP.
September General Meeting: 21^st September 2001. Speaker to be announced.
Meeting Closed at 9:05 pm.
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_________

Working Bee A Success
On Saturday 15^th of September a group of club members tackled tasks such as installing UHF beams, repairing coax, cleaning gutters and plumbing repairs. How observant are you? Can you spot the deliberate mistake?

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Gippsland Gate Radio and Electronics Club Inc.

Incorporation Number A0016893M
Club Meetings are held on the third Friday of each monthat the Cranbourne Girl Guide Hall in Grant Street.
The meetings commence at 8:00 PM.
Visitors are most welcome.

Committee Members 2001/2002

Club Station VK3BJA Located at the Guide Hall

Club Repeater VK3RDD Freq. in 52.575, out 53.575 Mhz
Call in Freqs. are HF on 28.325 Mhz, USB
VHF on 146.225 Mhz, FM and UHF on 438.850 Mhz, FM

Visit our internet site at: http://www.ggrec.org.au

Current GGREC Inc Membership Fee Schedule
Full Member $35.00, Pensioner Member $20.00
Junior Member $20.00, Extra Family Member $15.00
Fees due after each April Annual General Meeting.

The deadline for submitting Gateway articles is EIGHT DAYS before each General Meeting.

Please direct magazine correspondence to:
6 Norford Court, Cranbourne Nth Vic 3977
Phone: 5995 7484 or Email VK3YB@ggrec.org.au

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

It costs 90 cents to produce and send each copy of Gateway.

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Please make any suggestions or comments on any of this by email:-
    VK3XMF@ggrec.org.au