New station: “Shortwave Australia”

In the afternoons and evenings, listen out for a new shortwave broadcast station calling itself "Shortwave Australia". Transmitting from a site north of Bendigo, the station can be heard on 2310khz and 4835khz. 4835kHz Good reception here at Drummond, particularly on 4835. Chief Engineer, Dave, notes that reception is quite variable and often 4835 dies at dusk when 2310 might be better. Good reception is often available via the excellent KiwiSDR at Ironstone Range in South Australia...
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Aerial Construction techniques

Graeme VK3NE. From the archives: At the April 2011 meeting, Joe VK3GFA and Graeme VK3NE discussed and answered questions about construction techniques for both VHF and HF antennas. They displayed a range of examples. Some of members present, were aware of the so called “Plumbers Delight” construction, which made use of soldered copper water pipe to make VHF aerials. Joe took this approach one step further and demonstrated his “Electrician’s Delight” which made use of plastic electrical co...
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Woodend RSL Presentation

From the archive: At the December 2018 meeting our club President Joe VK3MAB, presented a copy of the Wireless Men and Women at War book to Peter Whitelaw, President of the Woodend RSL who respectfully and gratefully, accepted the book on behalf of the RSL. Joe VK3MAB & Peter Whitelaw. Photo: Pam VK3NK This book was published by the WIA at the time of the ANZAC Centenary and in recognition of the many amateur radio operators who volunteered their services during the World Wars and oth...
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Review: QDX Kit

The QDX v3 kit arrived yesterday and today I've finished the build. QDX This transceiver is tiny, about the size of a playing card deck. It does FSK modes on four bands: 80, 40, 30 & 20m. Five watt output and a great receiver from what I can see so far. The QDX connects to a computer with a single USB cable that comes up as a sound card and does TS-440 compatible CAT control - so very convenient for possible field use. It can be built for 9 or 12V operation - I went wi...
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Member profile: Ian VK3MO

When I moved to Drummond in December 2021 the first task was to hang an off centre fed dipole for 80m and above from a convenient dead tree near the shack. While receiving WSPR on 20m it didn’t take long to notice one station, VK3MO, running 5W, was overwhelmingly strong here and was being heard around the world. A single 2 minute transmission by Ian is often spotted by over 150 stations. Outstanding! Ian was kind enough to invite me over for a tour of his station. The rotatable tower ...
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Coffee morning this week

Hi Everybody, This Wednesday is the coffee morning at the Gisborne CFA meeting room. Time: 1000 HrsVenue: Gisborne CFA, Cnr Robertson and Goode Streets, entry via front door in Robertson Street. Lunch afterwards at the Jolly Miller in Brantholme Street. (Opp. pedestrian crossing) Regards,Graeme VK3NE,Secretary, MRARC.
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Special General Meeting

The next club meeting will be on Saturday, 16 February, 2019 at 10AM at the RSL Woodend.  All are invited. The committee has decided that the February meeting will be a Special General Meeting. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the future direction of the club and make recommendations to the current committee. As February marks the mid point between AGM's it is timely to consider the filling of the office bearer and committee positions that will become vacant at the...
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Getting your licence

The entry level Foundation License continues to be the most popular way of getting into amateur radio. It is attracting people who have had some previous hobby radio communications interest (CB, 4WD, Scanner Listener) and others who are attracted to ham radio for the first time. Amateur Radio is an interesting and stimulating hobby enjoyed by millions worldwide. The entry level license can be gained with a modest amount of study, often over a couple of weekends of Training including the Exami...
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