| |
VK7AX > BCAST 07.06.90 07:34z 436 Lines 26205 Bytes #-13119 (0) @ WW
BID : 12592_VK7AX
Read: GUEST
Subj: VK7 Amateur Radio News 07Jun26
Path: SR8BBS<SR1BSZ<EA2RCF<LU9DCE<PY2BIL<HB9ON<VK7AX
Sent: 260607/0708Z 12592@VK7AX.#ULV.TAS.AUS.AUNZ LinBPQ6.0.24
VK7 Amateur Radio News 07Jun26
Text edition:
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS
SUNDAY 7th June 2026
Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 7th day of June 2026, your gateway to whatâ€Ös happening across the airwaves in Tasmania and beyond.
Coming to you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News Desk is Nic, VK7WW with the latest updates, stories, and insights from our amateur radio community.
Weâ€Öre broadcasting far and wide thanks to our dedicated team:
DMR Talk Group 5 & D-Star Reflector 91C via the Digital Group
MF & HF relays:
476kHz - Trial transmission NW VK7 - Brenton VK7HP
1.860 MHz – Graham, VK7GS
3.670 MHz – Dale, VK7DG
7.140 MHz – Ross, VK7ALH
14.130 MHz – Garry, VK7VKTTW
28.525 MHz – Tony, VK7VKT
And locally in Hobart on UHF CB Ch.24 - Mark VK7FMAC and HFCB24 with Luke (no Callsign).
Missed it live? Catch the replay Tuesday 8pm on repeaters VK7RAA (North), VK7RHT, and on UHFCB24/HFCB24 (South).
Stay tuned, and enjoy the news!
--------------------------------
Amateur Radio News
Japan Celebrates 100 Years of Amateur Radio
The Japan Amateur Radio League, better known as JARL, has commenced a remarkable series of celebrations marking one hundred years of organised amateur radio in Japan. The centenary program officially began on the 1st of June 2026 and will continue through until September 2027, recognising both the founding of JARL in 1926 and one hundred years since Japan's first amateur radio station, JXAX, took to the air.
Rather than simply looking back at history, JARL has adopted the theme "Because normal is just boring", highlighting the spirit of innovation, experimentation and curiosity that has characterised amateur radio for the past century. Throughout the celebrations there will be commemorative stations operating across Japan, special awards and contests, centenary publications, anniversary ceremonies and special Ham Fair events, providing plenty of opportunities for amateurs around the world to join in the festivities.
Founded by just 37 pioneering amateurs in June 1926, JARL has grown into one of the world's largest amateur radio organisations and remains a leading member of the International Amateur Radio Union. The Wireless Institute of Australia congratulates JARL and the Japanese amateur radio community on this significant milestone and wishes them every success as they celebrate a century of amateur radio achievement and look forward to the next hundred years.
https://100th.jarl.org/en/
Sourced from the JARL Centenary Website
--------------------------------
WIA Content News
VHF/UHF Field day
Well, the days are getting shorter and the temperatures heading downwards (well they are in VK7) so it's time for us all to dust off the VHF and above gear for a bit of an airing. This year is the weekend of June 20th -21st from 01:00 UTC on the Saturday through to 00:59 UTC on the Sunday.(0300 / 0259 in VK6) so pretty much 48 Hours so lots of opportunity to jump on and exchange some numbers.
This is the contest where distance DOES matter so make sure you look up your operation location maidenhead square to 6 digits to exchange with the other operators.
The contest rules outline the logging requirements. You can use the very popular VKCL or the alternative N1MM Logger +. Both these are available from links on the WIA contest page. The logs created by VKCL will need to be converted to Cabrillo 3 before being submitted. Download links are available in the email version of this broadcast.
Download N1MM Logger+ here: https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/
Download VKCL 4.15 here: https://www.vk4sn.com/Contests/Contesting
There are many categories available to participate in. If staying home is your preference then that's fine, come on and make some contacts with the hard nuts that pack up their gear and head for the hills and go portable.
Here in VK7 there will be the usual frequencies and modes where you will be sure to find many people laying in wait for a contact. On FM try 52.525, 146.5, 439, 1296.15, 2403.15, 3398.15, 5760
.15 and 10.368.15. There will be also many people lurking on 50.15, 144.15, 432.15 USB looking for contacts.
Here in VK7 there are over 50 people with 23cm equipment and many others with the higher bands so lets see how many people we can get together over the weekend to make some contacts.
Hope to see you in the log.
73, Richard, VK7ZBX
--------------------------------
Tassie Ham-E-Con Radio Conference
Bookings are OPEN!!
The countdown is on for Tassie Ham-E-Con 2026, and bookings are officially open. This year's theme, Hack the Ether: Education, Ingenuity, Connection, captures the spirit of amateur radio at its best, where experimentation, innovation and lifelong learning come together. Humans have spent more than a century finding increasingly creative ways to throw signals through the air. This conference celebrates that tradition while looking firmly toward the future.
Join amateurs, makers, educators, communicators and technical explorers from across Australia and the world for a fully catered weekend. The conference program is built around four major streams: Hack the Mind exploring education and learning futures, Hack the System showcasing ingenuity and experimentation, Hack the Culture focusing on community engagement and connection, and Hack the Future examining leadership, purpose and where amateur radio goes next.
Tassie Ham-E-Con 2026 takes place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026 at the iconic Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre on the UTAS Sandy Bay campus. Pre-conference and post-conference activities have also been planned, making it a full weekend of radio, learning and networking. The preliminary program is now available and registrations are open via the conference website: https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/tassie-ham-radio-conference/
73 from the Conference Organising Group.
--------------------------------
WWFF, SOTA, POTA, LLOTA and IOTA Weekly Wrap Up
Despite the cold, wet, and windy conditions across the state this week, it didn't stop several operators from getting out and activating parks and summits.
Angela, VK7AMP, and Tony, VK7LTD, headed to the Glebe Hill Conservation Covenant, a 20-hectare bushland reserve located in Howrah. Angela and Tony were heard calling CQ on both the 20m and 40m bands.
Travis, VK7VXT, managed to fit in a couple of activations during the week. He was first heard operating from the Derwent Cliffs State Reserve, calling CQ on 15m and 40m SSB, before later activating the Mount Rumney Summit, where he was working stations on 40m CW.
Further north, Rodney, VK7HAM, Peter, VK7ZPE, and Al, VK7AN, made their way to the Mount Arthur State Reserve, home to the RAA repeater. The team were spotted calling CQ on 40m and enjoying another activation.
It's great to see so many operators continuing to get out and enjoy portable operating, regardless of the less-than-ideal conditions, proving that a little rain and cold weather are no barrier to getting on the air.
73, Matt, VK7MAT
--------------------------------
Statewide SSTV Nights
A quiet net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – AX, ZAB, EV and OO, all sharing over thirty photos.
The main themes were:
Clock towers in Ulverstone and Launceston
Trams in Ballarat and Launceston
The Eureka Stockade Memorial park in Ballarat
Radio communications at the recent horse ride at Springfield near Scottsdale
And other highlights were:
The presentation of the Ron Wilkinson Award to Hayden VK7HH for his work promoting amateur radio
A 3D printed 915 MHz loop antenna
A solar powered MeshCore repeater ready for installation
How to bend up a folded VHF dipole
An HF Hex Beam
Pink Freud and The Dark Side of Your Mum
The Inverted Cross at Dark Mofo
And 73 from “ham radio is fun”
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PE1NMM in the Netherlands. Please remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos.
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites that allows anyone testing, to send a picture and the ability to check their transmission on these pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights on Kenâ€Ös and Steveâ€Ös websites or on NTARCâ€Ös website under blogs.
https://vk7oo.tasme.com/vhfsstv/
https://sstv.vk7krj.com/scrolling%20web%20gallery.html
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
https://www.qsl.net/vk7ax/sstvgate3/index.html
73 from Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB
--------------------------------
Contest News
Harry Angel Memorial 80m Sprint
As heard on the WIA national news the Harry Angel Memorial 80m Sprint was held recently and VK7 featured.
In the phone section at 4th was Richard VK7ZBX and at 21st Eric VK7EV.
In the mixed section at 4th was Lance VK7TO.
Congratulations to all participants in this unique sprint contest.
--------------------------------
NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
--------------------------------
Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
The first item is a quick update on NTARC providing safety communications and rider tracking at an Equine Endurance ride held at Springfield last weekend.
No electronic tracking was employed so everything relied on 2 Metre voice communications, and good old paper. All the contingency had assembled by 6 am Saturday morning and were heading out to the checkpoints for the start of the 80 kilometre event at 6:30 am. Ride Base was staffed by VK7's AndreĚü ZAB and Stuart ES. Checkpoints were operated by Tony ZTT, Idris ZIR, and Stefan ZSB, with additional support from Harry HXT and Xavier XHJ of REAST / WICEN, along with Pete from the Ulverstone Radio Operators Club. Another round of excellently coordinated safety logistics was delivered by Roger ARN.
The weather was indeed good to us with only light drizzle but a very chilly breeze. Rumour has it the sun made a cameo appearance, though witnesses remain unverified. Operationally the day went smoothly without any horse or rider mishaps. Thank you to all who assisted in the running of the communications side of this event.
Now back to last technical night, Colin VK7ZCF had with him a telescopic 40 foot or about 12.2 metre aluminium pole. Itâ€Ös called a "CNHOPOLE"… honestly, where do they get these names, and how is anyone meant to pronounce that. Their web site states "Whether youâ€Öre cleaning high-rise windows or painting high walls, itâ€Ös ruggedly built with high-strength materials for load-bearing capacity and durability." Funnily enough the sales material didn't mention that it was eminently suitable as a portable antenna mast, I wonder why, Hi-Hi.
Individual sections are not the usual friction extended-hold found with fiberglass but each section incorporated a cam locking device. It seems to have less flex than a standard telescopic squid pole, but as it was raining we were only able to extend it by a couple of sections within the club rooms. As it is aluminium in construction, I would definitely take heed of the Danger Electrocution warning printed on the side.
To complete the setup, Colin decided he needed a new drive onto, under car wheel, base plate and stand to support the pole when out and about. As the ground mount was a vertical square section receptacle, Colin 3D printed three friction fit bushes to go into the square section that adapted to the circular pole profile. Nice bit of engineering Colin.
As the pole comes standard with a male paint roller thread fitted, it will be interesting to see what else Colin 3D prints for easy attachment in the near future.
Now, going from one extreme to the other in terms of size, this next one is a very small antenna. Be honest…. how many of you have ever heard of a Quadlong Hentenna? Iâ€Öm fairly sure that name has never crossed my path. Well, Tony, VK7ZTT, brought one along to last technical night.
Itâ€Ös based on the Martin Steyer DK7ZB scaled design for 915 MHz, but turned sideways to give vertical polarisation. The core structure of the Quadlong Hentenna is a 1.5‑wavelength extended quad, which gives it that stretched, oblong look. Its small size makes it perfect for 3D printing the entire frame, right down to a pistol grip handle. The clever part of this version is that all the driven elements and reflectors can be cut to length and simply laid into the printed trenches. Wherever a join is needed, a hollow section is built in so the soldering can be done without melting the plastic frame. On testing, the resultant frequency sweep returned an excellent centring on the designed frequency. The result is a quick, tidy, and very easy to build directional antenna.
For more information on 3D printing the frame and construction check out the link in the text version of this broadcast: https://www.printables.com/model/1564454-meshcoremeshtastic-antenna-915-mhz
For a deeper dive into the concept of the Hentenna or The Japanese 'Miracle' Wire, check out QST 1982 and in the ARRL – Antenna - Compendium, Vol. 5.
Tonyâ€Ös directional antenna makes an excellent seque, (pronounced seg-way), as it wasnâ€Öt designed for an amateur band, but for experimenting in a section of the Low Interference Potential Devices band or the LIPD band, and centred on 915 MHz for the use of MeshCore.
As mentioned previously, switching the configuration to Australian Mid for comparison testing delivered improvements in speed, with no noticeable loss of range, which is an important aspect. Judging by the tsunami of operators who have already made the change, the point is probably academic now. We are however recommending the use of two byte path addressing to minimise node address clashing. But of course, itâ€Ös entirely up to each operator to choose whatever setting best suits their own situation.
As usual pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast.
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Air Test and Technical Net session - Every Wednesday night, Test-Net and CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a Technical Net on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic, VK7WW.
Club Room Technical night - The next session will be Wednesday the 10th June and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Club General Meeting - Saturday 13th. June at 2:00 pm. Held at the NTARC Club Room, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street, Rocherlea. If you have items you would like added to the agenda please email the secretary at: secretary@ntarc.net no later than Friday the 12th June.
Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon.
Finally - If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
--------------------------------
NEWS FROM THE NORTH WEST
North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Club Inc.
On the 13th June 2026 , Club Learning Organizer Brenton VK7HP and ACMA Assessor Andrew VK7XR, will be conducting licence assessments for some Scouts personnel, and a memberâ€Ös licence upgrade in Ulverstone.
If you would like to participate, in either an upgrade or sit an initial amateur licence exam , please advise the club via nwtarcinc@gmail.com ASAP, as Brenton and Andrew will need to acquire the necessary exams etc and they can supply you with learning material.
--------------------------------
NWTARC Meeting
The next club meeting will be commencing at 1.30pm on Saturday 6th June 2026, at our usual venue, the Scout Hall, 73 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone. Afternoon tea will also be held.
Members are encouraged to bring items for show & tell, and club rooms are open till 6pm for members to socialise.
We have at least two members bringing along interesting items for show and tell at the meeting.
A small plate of afternoon tea would be appreciated and we have Tea, Coffee etc available for members and guests. Visitors are most welcome to attend.
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, or are unwell, or been in contact with a confirmed COVID case, then please do not attend the meeting.
73, Eric, VK7EV
News Officer, NWTARC Inc.
--------------------------------
NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
June Presentation
Deep Dive into ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY!
https://youtube.com/live/DdUhMfuHDeM
Last Wednesday night, REAST members traded radio waves for light waves as Lisa VK7SGZ delivered a fascinating presentation on the world of astrophotography. Lisa explained that astrophotography is a unique blend of art, science and technical problem-solving, requiring patience, precision and plenty of experimentation. From deep-sky imaging of nebulae and galaxies through to high-speed planetary imaging of Saturn and the Moon, the audience was treated to an impressive journey through one of the most rewarding areas of amateur astronomy.
Lisa took members through the equipment and techniques used to capture these remarkable images, including telescopes, cameras, guiding systems, filters and observatory automation. We learnt how multiple exposures are combined to improve signal-to-noise ratio, the importance of calibration frames such as lights, darks, bias and flats, and how light pollution can be managed. Lisa also shared her own equipment evolution over several years, demonstrating how experience, technology and a little persistence can transform faint photons collected across many nights into breathtaking images of deep-space objects.
The presentation showcased everything from Hubble-style false-colour imaging using specialised sulphur, hydrogen-alpha and oxygen filters through to planetary imaging techniques using high-frame-rate video and image stacking. Highlights included the stunning 65-hour "Kraken" image, examples of asteroids, supernovae and solar photography, and a look at modern automated systems such as the SeeStar that are making astrophotography more accessible than ever before. A huge thank you to Lisa VK7SGZ for an absolutely "out-of-this-world" presentation that inspired many members to consider pointing their telescopes skyward and giving astrophotography a try.
https://youtube.com/live/DdUhMfuHDeM
73, Justin, VK7TW
--------------------------------
June Forum Night - DMR Codeplugs and Programming
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/june-forum-night-dmr-code-plugs-programming/
This Wednesday night the REAST Forum Night is diving into the world of DMR codeplugs, radio programming and hotspots on Wednesday the 10th of June from 7:30pm in the Queenâ€Ös Domain Clubrooms and streamed online.
If youâ€Öve ever stared at CPS software wondering why your radio suddenly talks to Kazakhstan but not the local repeater, this night is for you. Weâ€Öll take you through the fundamentals of DMR programming, explain what codeplugs actually are, how zones, talkgroups and channels fit together, and how to configure both radios and hotspots for practical everyday operation.
Whether you are completely new to DMR or looking to clean up and better understand your existing setup, this session will include practical demonstrations, programming tips, common mistakes and plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion. Bring along your radio, hotspot, laptop or just your curiosity. Everyone is welcome.
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/june-forum-night-dmr-code-plugs-programming/
73, REAST Committee
--------------------------------
REAST Training and Assessment Update
https://www.reast.asn.au/information/amateur-licence-assessments/
Are you looking to join the world of amateur radio or upgrade your license? REAST has you covered with regular Training and Assessment Days for all license levels!
Key Dates:
Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on Saturday the 27th June 2026.
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, next is on 25th July 2026.
Check out the full schedule on the REAST Events Page.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/
Do you need to secure your spot or ask a question - email: reast.assessor@gmail.com and your inquiry will go directly to the Learning Organiser, who be in contact.
We have learning resources available including our Foundation Licence Training Videos that are a must-watch for beginners. Find them on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment Playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
Practice Makes Perfect so, prepare with the WIA Foundation Trial Exams and the link can be found on the email edition of the broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php
Whether you're starting your journey or leveling up, REAST is here to guide you every step of the way.
73, Reg, VK7KK
--------------------------------
EME News
10GHz Moon beacon status.
Per DK7LJ has advised that currently the 10GHz moon beacon is off the air due to cooling system issues. This beacon is a very valuable tool for people to test the performance of their 10GHz system and compare to other users to gauge system performance..
The beacon transmits on 10,368.024 GHz using Q65 Sub mode "E" using the WSJT-X doppler option of "doppler correction to DX grid" using the grid square of JO54cg.
The system in Germany utilises a 7.2M diameter dish that tracks the moon whenever the moon declination is above -10 degrees and produces approximately 50W at the feed, therefore generating a colossal signal that can be received with very modest equipment.
I regularly receive this beacon at -6 using a 1.8M prime focus dish and I have decoded it using a bare horn with an aperture of 150mm X 100mm at a level of around -25
Great to hear that there are a number of VK7's that have received the beacon successfully and some working towards achieving that.
It's a pretty exciting time when you have your first decode from the moon.
Thanks to Per and the team at DL0SHF for their efforts in keeping this very valuable resource on the air.
https://pa0ehg.com/dl0shf_beacon.htm
73, Richard, VK7ZBX
--------------------------------
Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
VK7 Regular gatherings:
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640MHz commences at 6:30pm AEST.
Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South. Plus VK7AX International SSTV Gateway connected to VK7RJG for the duration of the net.
State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area.
Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B.
Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute.
REAST - 6m AM Net on 53.1MHz Everyday from 4:30pm
SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NTARC TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
NTARC Technical night session - Wednesday 10th June from 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
NTARC Coffee Mornings are held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon in the Rocherlea Clubrooms.
NW VK7 – Wednesday from 8:00pm local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on 2M VK7RMD and Allstar Node 56780
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB
VK7 Events:
NWTARC - 6 June - Club Meeting from 1.30pm in the Scout Hall, 73 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone
REAST - 10 June - Forum Night - DMR Programming - Queens Domain Clubrooms from 7:30pm and Streamed
NTARC - 13 June - Club General Meeting from 2:00 pm.
NTARC Club Room, Rocherlea Scout Hall, Archer Street.
VK - 7-8 Nov - Tassie Ham-E-Con Amateur Radio Conference - UTAS Sandy Bay
--------------------------------
A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7ZIR
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: VK7GS
80m: VK7JGD
40m: VK7DG
20m: VK7TW
10m: VK7ALH
UHFCB24 & HFCB24: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group
2026 Roster -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTod4MGlJRjXxi2vuDrHngoytZebSMph/view?usp=drive_link
--------------------------------
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported this weekâ€Ös broadcast of the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
Thatâ€Ös it for this week! If you missed the live transmission, remember you can always catch the rebroadcast Tuesday at 8:00pm on VK7RAA in the North, VK7RHT, and UHFCB24/HFCB24 in the South.
Got news, stories, or updates to share? Weâ€Öd love to hear from you! Send them to vk7arnews@gmail.com by Friday 9pm. You can also join the conversation on our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.io page.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews
Stay tuned now for callbacks on this frequency, with each relay station using their own callsign.
On behalf of the VK7 News Team, this is Nic, VK7WW, wishing you good DX, and a great week ahead!
--------------------------------------------------------------
(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |