Today's meeting at Woodend was well attended and began with president Joe warming up the crowd and reminding us that next month is the annual general meeting. Jim then spoke about a recent emergency exercise in Woodend that simulated extreme storm weather which had taken out power and phones. People were injured and, apart from finding things in the dark, the other challenge was communication. Jim was able to show his 2m hand held and explained to the crew that he could communicate wi...

Today for the first time, club member Peter VK3TPM, ran a FreeDV RADEV1 net. Participating stations were: VK5KVA Jack, VK3PCC Peter, VK5MA Ian, VK5LN Michael, VK2BLQ Stephen, VK2GTS Gary. We could see VK2ABO was hearing us and we had reports from VK3RV. A recent video on the Tech Minds YouTube channel was the trigger for at least one of the participants who ran FreeDV for the first time. I note that in the digitalvoice google group Mooneer K6AQ posted "I think it would be a good idea ...

Graeme, VK3CDO and Peter, VK3TPM set up camp this weekend at the Leanganook Campground in the Mount Alexander Regional Park. The radio setup was a KX3 into a home brew Unun feeding an end fed wire with a counterpoise. There were several contacts including VK7 and the antenna tuned up well. Although there has been rain recently, and the ground and wood was damp, there was no rain over-night. Graeme is very well equipped with good quality camping gear and he cooked a scrumptious lunch a...

Two excellent talks at this month's meeting at Woodend. Despite a foggy and frosty morning there was a good turnout at the monthly meeting. The large flat TV screen works well for showing images during presentations. Joe began with a greeting to all and mentioned that if anyone needs help with ham radio things around the house other members are ready to help. We don't want any more members falling off ladders! First speaker was Dallas, VK3EB, visiting specially from Shepparton....

Today's meeting was well attended with show and tell of some electronic items. Very casual atmosphere, members gathered at various tables and great discussions were held. Our table discussed Peter’s microchip from his Icom 9700 which sustained some damage during a lighting storm. We ventured into politics and tried to sort out the nation’s problems, federal and state. The other table was absorbed in their conversation about lighthouses and other various topics. David and Barrie spent the...