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...

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...

Sunday's technology festival held by the Bendigo club was an ambitious affair. Our club had a table with members in attendance to handle the inrush of membership applications. There was a mix of information tables and equipment sales (at some very good prices). The WIA was there of course. VK3BRT, Barry and Ron had a table of goods for sale. VK3RV and VK3PRC were seen. Peter VK3TPM gave a presentation about AI coming to FreeDV. The venue was very spacious and ...

Today's talk was about portable operation including competitions with Summits On the Air (SOTA), Parks On The Air (POTA) and Worldwide Flora and Fauna (VKFF), from experienced operator (half goat!) David, VK3KR. David showed the web sites of each of the competition sites. He showed his portable gear including home brew rechargeable battery systems. David also regaled us with amazing stories of exciting trips to mountain tops around Victoria and Tasmania. Also at the meeting Graeme, VK3CDO...