It was a rather subdued get-together at the Gisborne CFA today as we reflected on the contribution of our friend Graeme, VK3NE. Graeme will be greatly missed and we have started to re-configure things in his absence. Lovely to catch up with everyone and share some coffee and lunch.

There is a celebration of life in honour of Graeme Ian McDiarmid, VK3NE on Friday 7 November 2025 from 2:30pm. Gladstone Park Uniting ChurchCnr Carrick Drive and Elmhurst RoadGladstone Park

Sadly Graeme, VK3NE passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday 28 October. Graeme was an avid radio amateur who embraced the technical side of the hobby, always with the aim of producing the best quality signal he could under all weather conditions and with the best equipment available to him.  His knowledge of the hobby was extensive and thorough - many amateurs acknowledged and valued his broad understanding of the subject.  Along with his technical knowledge, ...

At this month's meeting we had a special guest presentation from Ross, VK1UN/VK8UN/EX0AA/G6BTE/6O0O, on the techniques he uses to operate amateur radio from unlikely locations. The aim of this talk was to present a means of optimising station performance from hotel rooms and other difficult location on 160m, 630m and 2200m WSPR bands. Very good results can be achieved if one systematically optimises transceivers, tuners and antennas used out of a hotel room or equally applicable, to S...

Here we are at Erics VK3 ED’s QTH.  Crew arrived to make sure Eric’s multi band inverted V was erected safely as possible. Safety officer (Joe VK3MAB) checked the crew first to make sure all had the correct PPE. Caution tape was used to indicate go and no-go zones, pity it was upside down. The installation went with no injuries to the crew. Tea, coffee, and food was supplied by all, followed by the usual chat. Just a note to members if you need a hand there are plenty of members that will ...

Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Association (ALARA) was formed in 1975 and is celebrating it's 50th year. Jenny Wardrop, VK3WQ, came along to tell us about the celebration and brought a display of certificates and awards from their historical collection. Austine Henry, VK3YL, wasn't the first VK3 YL but was probably the best known VK3 in the early days because she worked so many contests in many countries. She was literally known worldwide. The extensive display was fascinating...

Secretary of the Wireless Institute of Australia, Peter Clee, VK8ZZ attended today's club meeting at Woodend and gave an update of recent WIA activities. Peter was in the area for the AGM of the Radio Old Timers Club AGM and luncheon in Melbourne. Last Sunday was a meeting of affiliated clubs. There were 51 registrations - limited to one per club because with 150 clubs it can get a bit busy. 51 is a good number as everyone gets a chance to say something and be heard. The WIA is...

The main presentation at the September meeting at Woodend was a fascinating talk on setting up power for an off-grid home and reducing the interference toHF ham radio operation by Richard, VK3LRJ. Richard and his partner purchased a small house on a five acre block at Drummond. There is no mains power (or water, or gas, and not much internet).The previous owner had worked for Telstra and had built a small but ingenious solar system using lead-acid batteries. There were panels that mov...

As usual, a big turnout of Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club members at the RAOTC lunch in Melbourne. Guest speaker, Peter Wolfenden VK3RV, gave a fascinating presentation about aviation and amateur radio from the 1920s, “Wireless in the sky”. 
The presentation included photographs of wireless technology of the 1920s, and some of the people involved at that time, together with their place in our history.

A lively and sumptuous Annual General Meeting capped off a great year for the club. President Joe gave a report outlining the activities over the past year. The treasurer reports that the club's finances are healthy. 2024-2025 Committee VK3PRC, VK3BRT, VK3JCB, VK3TPM, VK3MAB, VK3CDO, VK3NE The existing committee was re-elected with Peter, VK3TPM elected to the role of Vice President. Richard, VK3LRJ was elected as a new member of the team. Chef Joe, once again worked his ma...