DIVISIONAL NEWS The latest news on Aub Topp VK2AXT, from Eric Fossey VK2EFY: "Aub's family were excited earlier this week, because doctors started to remove the artificial feeding, and tried him on light foods. Aub has now been moved to ward D4A at Westmead Hospital, and he can now receive visitors. The visting hours at Westmead Hospital are from 12 noon - 2pm and 4pm - 8pm. "If Aub continues to make progress, he may be allowed to go home next weekend." EMDRC Balloon launch EMDRC Balloon launch At 10am on Saturday the 16th Sept 1995, the Eastern and Mountain Districts Radio Club will be releasing a Helium Balloon from the Vermont South Shopping Centre Car Park, Burwood Highway Vermont, Victoria. The payload will be transmitting on 144.250 MHz FM at a power level of approximately 100 milliwatts The Balloon is expected to reach an altitude of approximately 20km before bursting. The payload should be able to be heard in VK2, VK3, VK5 and VK7. The EMDRC encourages as many people as possible to record the transmissions on tape or (preferably) by logging the packet data to disk. A program will be distributed to analyse the data and concatenate results from multiple sources. Packet and voice telemetry, repeated once per minute, will send the following information: 1) Flight Time 2) Altitude 3) Internal and External Temperature 4) Background Radiation Count 5) Global Position (subject to GPS availability) The voice and data transmission will repeat approximately once every minute. When the payload returns to ground level the transmission power will increase to approximately 2 watts for 5 seconds every 60 seconds. This will aid in recovery of the payload once it reaches the ground. There is a $100 prize for the person who recovers the payload. --David Williams VK3KCP (and others) NEWS BRIEFS NEWS BRIEFS Sydney Leads Again in Solar Energy Researchers at the Centre for Photovoltaic Devices and Systems, at the University of NSW have produced the world's most efficient ultra-thin solar cell. The cell, which measures only 47 microns in thickness, has a efficency of 21.5%, very close to the theoretical maximum for photovoltaic cells, and beating the record of 17% set at the Australian National University last year. The ANU still has cause to be proud of its former record, as their solar cell was produced using materials costing only one-fifth of that used in the thin-film device. More? [Y]es, No or Continuous c Sydney's two solar cell manufacturers, BP Solar at Brookvale, and Solarex at Villawood between them produce 7.5% of the world's solar cells. --Sydney Morning Herald Not long ago, there was talk of the "Good Times" e-mail virus, which supposedly could work its way onto your computer by the simple act of your reading the message. That turned out to be a hoax, but now a real "document virus" is in existence, so watch out. Users of of Microsoft Word, version 6, should be aware of the "WinWord.Concept" macro virus, which is currently doing the rounds. It is real, because today's modern word processors can now embed executable commands (called macros) into the document structure. These commands can be executed just by opening the document to read it. Microsoft is reportedly embarassed that the virus made its way onto a CD-ROM they sent out to PC hardware manufacturers, to test their compatability with Windows 95. The virus itself is relatively harmless - it just forces the "Save As" command to place files in your template directory. The real danger is that it will be used as a basis for developing more damaging document viruses in the future. Fixes are now available on the World Wide Web, but it is also useful to hold down the left Shift key when loading a new document, as this prevents any macros from executing. Web sites with the fix are http://www.teleport.com/1/2trend and http://www.ncsa.com/wordvir1.html -- The Australian GERMAN REPEATER HEADED TO SPACE A new UHF FM voice repeater, called Safex Two, will soon be operational from earth orbit. The first section of the repeater was due to be carried to the Russian MIR space station by German Cosmonaut Thomas Reiter, DF4TR this week. Reiter has been stationed on MIR for the European Space Agency's EUROMIR 95 mission. The rest of the system will be carried to MIR in the course of several missions over the next few months. The 70 cm space repeater, actually an FM transponder, was built by Thomas Kieselbach, DL2MDE. Initially it will be FM only with downlinks at 437.925, 437.950, and 437.975 MHz, and an uplinks in the lower part of the 435 MHz space communications subband. Safex Two will later be improved adding a 23 cm to 13 cm transponder, capable of broad bandwidth modes including fast scan ATV. It's not known at this stage when the transponder will come on line. While you're waiting, however you can talk directly to DR4TR who will be on the air using the call sign DP0MIR on the normal 2 meter frequencies of Primary frequencies of 145.800, 145.550, and possibly 145.200 MHz. These frequencies were adopted as standard for MIR and SAREX shuttle activities at the IARU session of this year's AMSAT-UK Colloquium. QSLs for contacts with this mission will be handled via the usual German DARC QSL bureau. --Extracted from a recent Amateur Radio Newsline bulletin HURRICANE LUIS The ARRL reported that Hurricane Luis has been marauding around the Carribean this week. As of 1800Z on 5 September, the center of the hurricane was 50 miles east of Saint-Martin. Luis was reduced to a Category Three storm, with sustained wind speeds of "only" 130mph with 9 to 12 foot storm surges, and extensive damage has been expected: large trees blown down; some structural damage to small buildings; mobile homes destroyed; serious coastal flooding; many small structures near coast destroyed by wind and waves; almost all small boats torn from moorings. On-air monitoring at the ARRL HQ on 14.268 MHz indicated that Dominica suffered damage along its North coast: some roads damaged and trees down; minor damage to residences; power was out. Stations in St. Maarten report extensive damage along the waterfront at Simson Bay. No reports of deaths or injuries had been received by the net as of Tuesday. The National Traffic System (NTS) Digital Net was preparing to handle Luis-related messages: net staff recommended that messages addressed to affected areas be routed via N2JAW, W1FYR, KQ4ET, or WX4J. The Hurricane Watch Net is active on or near 14.325 MHz, and is currently soliciting reports from stations in the affected areas. Amateurs are advised to monitor storm-related net frequencies, but to not transmit unless directed to do so by net control stations. --ARRL Special Bulletin 49, dated 5 September Magazine Roundup Magazine Roundup Here again is a summary of the local magazines, which in the author's opinion could be of interest to Amateurs. This week we discuss the September issues of the various magazines. "Electronics Australia" has an editorial of interest to those who still value their genes; Neville VK2XV looks back to the early days of car radio; a serviceman reveals some of the tricks of the trade in fault-finding; old VU edge-style meters find a new lease of life as AGC meters; a family of low-cost sweep analysers, for audio and RF use and based upon a DDS chip, is introduced; a simple and effective low-voltage battery indicator is constructed, as are some more simple transistor circuits for the novice; vintage radio buffs can read more about the Hammarlund; and there is a story on the difficulties faced by local inventors. "Silicon Chip" also has an editorial on RF hazards, but taking a different point of view; "gizmo-lovers" can build a keypad combination lock (just the thing for keeping the harmonics out of your shack), whilst ATV types can add that "Frankenstein" look by building a Jacob's Ladder; and vintage radio buffs can brush up on some simple faults. "Amateur Radio" builds a simple but effective 80m direct conversion receiver; the theme is continued with a receiver convertor for 2m; the RD Contest address is printed, which will be of interest to those who could not decipher the supplied tape; a TRF receiver is described, along with a comparison of various transceivers allegedly handling 9600 bps packet radio; the famous "Z-match" is road-tested; some poems related to radio are published; and another audio circuit of use to repeater sponsors is described. "Radio and Communications" shows how to eavesdrop upon the astronauts with a scanner; the famous G5RV antenna is extended to 160m and 6m; Bob Bell talks about air communications, and in particular how you can hear about bomb scares before the media does; the decline and fall of the CB empire is discussed; Field Day enthusiasts are reminded that the time to check your equipment is NOT just before the event; a list of radio-related resources available on the Internet is published, although we hasten to point out that the Australian newsgroups mentioned therein are now obsolete; tropospheric ducting is described; and finally those who want to import their own equipment are shown that is may not be such a good idea after all. Be listening next month for another summary of the local magazines. -- Dave VK2KFU WICEN News WICEN News This month, we have been notified of the following exercises: the big VRA Bike Ride, co-ordinated by David VK2KLX and Kevin VK2CKD, is next Sunday, followed by the Gosford Bike Ride, organised by Gosford Rotary Club in aid of the Camperdown Childrens Hospital on Sunday 24th September; this latter event requires up to six operators from Gosford to Woy Woy, from Adcock Park to Lions Park, from 1100 to 1200, and Andy VK2XRX is arranging communications. Also this month is the regular Hunter meeting, presided over by Pauline VK2GTB. The Hunter region is running a Training Camp for anyone who is interested, not just WICEN members, on the weekend of 7-8th October, at Crangan Bay YMCA Hostel, Lake Macquarie. A location map will be sent to course participants. The cost is $42, and it includes accommodation in dormitory style huts (male and female), or you can sleep out if you like the open air. Separate male and female amenities and shower blocks (with power and hot water) are provided, all in the bush land on the shores of Lake Macquarie. Meals will be provided for Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast and lunch. Bring sleeping bag and pillow, toiletries and insect repellent, overalls and stout footwear (no joggers) for Sunday field exercise, radios for 80m through to 70 cm (if you have them) with antennas, compass, pen and paper etc. Bring your own drinks for evening relaxation. There will be lectures on map reading, critical incident stress, safety standards in power supplies and generators, and equipment needs. Sunday will be a field exercise incorporating map reading and message handling on multiple net. As places are limited get in early and reserve your place now, by contacting Pauline VK2GTB on (049) 49-8786, or Frank VK2XVJ at VK2KLW. WICEN is always looking for members to provide the community with communications assistance. Write to WICEN (NSW) Inc, PO Box 123, St Leonards 2065 for further information, or come up on one of the WICEN nets: Blue Mountains each Monday at 8.30pm on 7175 simplex, Northern Rivers each Tuesday at 8pm around 3610 kHz on odd Tuesdays and the Lismore repeater 6800 on even Tuesdays, Hunter each Wednesday at 7.30pm on the Newcastle repeater 6900, the State-wide HF net each Wednesday at 8.30pm around 3610 kHz, Central Coast each Thursday at 8.30pm on the Wyong repeater 7125, and Sydney each Thursday at 9.30pm on the Chatswood repeater 7150/8275. -- Dave Horsfall VK2KFU, WICEN (NSW) Inc. Publicity Officer Club News - Manly Warringah Radio Society The MANLY WARRINGAH RADIO SOCIETY will be conducting a communications exercise next Sunday, in conjunction with the North Side Riding Club. The event takes place at St Ives Showground, starting at around midday. The Society will provide emergency communications for a cross-country equestrian event. Last time, there were several emergency calls, with at least one competitor requiring hospital treatment, so rapid communications are essential. This is generally an easy exercise (compared to some WICEN operations!) and is a good introduction to emergency communications. The Society needs to cover up to a dozen or so jumps, plus Start and Finish gates, and liaison with event organisers. If you can assist with this event, contact the Manly-Warringah Radio Society at its weekly club meeting this Wednesday, or call in on the local 2m repeater VK2RMB, on 146.875 MHz on Sunday morning. The Manly-Warringah Radio Society meets every Wednesday at the Warringah Volunteer Services Centre, Kamber Road, Terry Hills, with business meetings on the second Wednesday, and lectures on the third Wednesday of each month. Doors open about 7:30pm and visitors are always welcome. --Richard VK2SKY, MWRS Publicity Officer Club News - Waverley Amateur Radio Society WAVERLEY AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY THE NEXT MEETING OF THE WAVERLEY AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER THE 20TH AT 7:30 P.M. THE VENUE IS THE CLUB'S PREMISES IN VICKERY AVENUE (OFF NEW SOUTH HEAD ROAD), NEXT DOOR TO THE ROSE BAY R.S.L. CLUB. MEMBERS AND ANYONE ELSE INTERESTED IN AMATEUR RADIO ARE INVITED TO COME ALONG. THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING WILL BE A LIVE DEMONSTRATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF "INTERNET" ACCESS GIVEN BY BEN BUXTON (VK2XUF). BEN IS CURRENTLY SETTING UP A HOME PAGE FOR THE SOCIETY ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB WHICH WILL HOLD DETAILS OF THE SOCIETY'S HISTORY AND MEMBERSHIP TOGETHER WITH A CALENDAR OF FORTHCOMING EVENTS AND TRAINING COURSES. "INTERNET" IS A VERY HOT TOPIC AT PRESENT, SO COME ALONG AND HAVE ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED. THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER HELD ON SEPTEMBER THE 2ND WAS ENJOYED BY ALL ATTENDING AND OF SPECIAL INTEREST WAS THE 21ST ANNIVERSARY HISTORY WRITTEN IN 1940 THAT MICHAEL CORBIN (VK2YC) DISCOVERED AND READ OUT. MUCH OF ITS CONTENT WAS PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN TO CURRENT MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THE SOCIETY CARRIED OUT THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN T.V. TRANSMISSION IN 1933 USING BAIRD'S MECHANICAL SCANNING TECHNIQUE. THE FIRST SATURDAY AFTERNOON OF EACH MONTH IS PROJECT TIME, AND THAT ON THE 7TH OCTOBER WILL BE DEVOTED TO FM828 CONVERSIONS. A NUMBER OF MEMBERS HAVE THESE RIGS THAT THEY WISH TO USE AND ERIC VAN DE WEYER (VK2KUR) HAS OFFERED TO ASSIST WITH THEIR ALIGNMENT. --SIMON BUXTON - VK2EII - PUBLICITY OFFICER Club News - Illawarra Amateur Radio Society The Illawarra Amateur Radio Society will be holding its monthly meeting this coming Tuesday the 12th of September commencing 7.30pm at the SES Building Montague St North Wollongong. Dale Hughes VK2DSH has come back in from the cold, and will be giving a talk with slides on his experience with the Antarctic Research team at the meeting. This promises to be an interesting evening so invite a friend. The meeting will finish with the normal rag chew and cuppa. Visitors are always welcome. submitted by Ken VK2KWG Publicity Officer Club News - Central Coast Amateur Radio Club The Central Coast Amateur Radio Club September lecture will feature a presentation from the Australian Amateur Television Club by Paul VK2UPB and Mark VK2XOF. Paul and Mark will be outlining the current policies of the AATC and give an overview of the future goals and directions of the group. The AATC has developed a large range of ATV projects. This lecture will give an opportunity to those who are interested in learning more the general subject and the AATC project. The lecture will be held at the CCARC clubrooms, Dandaloo St. Kariong on Friday 15th September commencing at 8pm. Tea and coffee will be served. All members and visitors are most welcome. submitted by Bob Fitzgerald VK2XRF Publicity Officer Club News - VHF/UHF DX Group VHF to UHF DX Group The next VHF-UHF DX Group meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 19th September at Amateur Radio House, starting at 7.30 pm. This meeting will be devoted to a session on the correct tuning-up and performance measurement of linear amplifiers. There is a lot more to tuning a linear than adjusting all controls for maximum suds and there are many useful measurements that can be made using simple test equipment available in the typical radio shack. Possession is just as important to HF operators as VHF operators, co if you want to extract the best performance from the 21m linear come along. The date again is Tuesday 19th September. Don't forget, the Tuesday activity nights on 144 MHz, and the group's Sunday morning net on 146.5 MHz Fm starting at 11 am. submitted by Michael Farrell VK2FLR on behalf of Richard Soulie VK2ARS Club News - St George Amateur Radio Society From the St George Amateur Radio Society Members and other interested amateurs are advised that on Saturday the 23rd of September the society will be holding its annual Bill Shakespeare Auction. The Auction will be held at the normal meeting venue, that is in the 1st Allawah Scout Hall corner of Bellevue Pde and Blakesley Rd, South Hurstville. Equipment for the auction will be accepted between 10 and 11 am. Viewing will be between 11 and 12noon. Auction ot start at 12noon sharp. Credit card facilities are expected to be available for those requiring this facility and the snack bar will be open during the course of the auction. Inquiries regading any specific details are welcome, please phone Publicity Officer, Allan VK2XF at home on 533-1006. de Allan VK2XF, Publicity Officer Coming Events COMING EVENTS Special Event Station VI50NAVY active . . . . . . until 30 September Special Event Station VI50PEACE active until . . . . . . 31 October Illawarra ARS meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tuesday Divisional Council meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday Central Coast ARC meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday World Amateur Radio Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday Eastern & Mountain Districts Radio Club Balloon Launch . . Saturday VRA Bike Ride (WICEN--David VK2KLX and Kevin VK2CKD) . next Sunday Manly-Warringah Radio Society communications exercise . next Sunday Hunter WICEN meeting (Pauline VK2GTB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18th VHF to SHF DX Group meeting at Parramatta . . . . . . . . . . . 19th IPS User Training Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Waverly ARS meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20th Radio Veterans meeting at Parramatta . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21st 77th anniversary of first radio message sent direct from UK to Australia (Special event station VK2WAH active) . . . . . . 22nd VKGW Gateway Sysops Conference, ACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23rd St George ARS Bill Shakespeare auction . . . . . . . . . . . . 23rd Divisional Trash and Treasure Sale at Parramatta . . . . . . . 24th OCTOBER Labour Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd Waverley ARS Project Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7th If you have an event you'd like publicised on the weekly broadcast, then please send details to the Divisional Broadcast Officer, Michael Corbin VK2YC, by phone on (02) 626-9288, by fax on (02) 626-6066, or on packet to VK2SKY @ VK2OP. Items can also be forwarded to the Divisional Office before close of business on the Friday before the broadcast. ------------------------------------------------------------------- VK2WI Broadcast, 10th September 1995. Copyright 1995 WIA (NSW) & contributors. Material may be used elsewhere if the source is acknowledged. --