The FAMPARC Contest Team had a great rehearsal day today :-). It started with Roy GB and his torch at 6:30am scoping out the site for the 80-metre antenna! Now that's commitment! The rest of us arrived around 9:30 am and got stuck into it. Outside, we erected the 80-metre dipole, an 80-metre vertical and a 160-metre dipole. Inside, we setup the two temporary stations for 80-metres and 160-metres, along with logging computers. It was a lesson in modern technology because each

At the last club meeting I mentioned the potential of the open-source AEtherSDR as a free option to connect to the Online Shack for club members who only use Apple products or Linux. After a bit of investigation I now have the spectrum and waterfall working with our club system. AEtherSDR is open-source and built on the Qt framework. The source code is available on GitHub but there are binary installer files available for Mac, Linux and Windows. If you would like to try it, y

Setting Up SSB Audio Properly - Mic Gain, ALC & Proc Setting up SSB audio on a modern HF transceiver is actually much easier than many people think… once you understand the balancing act between: Mic Gain ALC Compression / Processing Output Power In this video I show you the exact process I personally use whenever I set up a new radio. We look at: What ALC actually does Why overdriving sounds terrible Why no ALC is important for digital modes How compression stabilises your

Come and join our Monthly Famparc Members Coffee and Cake morning.

May 2026 UPDATE! For those of you that are lucky enough to have an Apple iMac or Macbook, you know doubt know of the beautiful macOS operating system the these computers use, and the simplicity on how the OS works. There is an excellent macOS App called RUMLog NG, a brilliant full bells and whistles Ham Radio Logging program. I have been using this amazing Logging program since around 2010 for memory. It is updated on a very regular basis. I have been working with Tom, the Ap

ID-5200A/E Expands Your Operating Possibilities with a Full Range of Advanced Features Icom Inc. proudly announces the launch of the ID-5200A/E, 144/430 MHz dual-band transceiver for amateur radio, in summer 2026. ID-5200A/E The ID-5200A/E is a mobile transceiver equipped with a large 4.3-inch color touchscreen. The radio features a waterfall display, allowing users to easily see signal activity and band conditions. It features independent dials, volume knobs, and squelch kno

REMINDER! VERY IMPORTANT!! Thanks to John VK3JDD who brought this to my attention. Rather than attempt to explain this on this blog, Hayden VK7HH has produced a video. In brief, if you do not setup an account with the ACMA Assist portal and do not Reconfirm your Amateur Radio callsign/license, after five years, your callsign will be surrender AUTOMATICALLY. ACMA ASSIST PORTAL HERE. I advise you to watch this video, and !! setup an account via the ACMA ASSIST PORTAL, and recon

On Saturday, July 4 the Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club will be hosting a Hamfest sale. The venue is at the Longwarry Community Hall at 14 Kennedy St. Longwarry, approx 60km East of Dandenong, Vic. The venue is easy to find. It is just 3 km South of the freeway interchange, 150 metres South of the Longwarry train station and level crossing. When: Saturday July 4th 2026 Where: Longwarry Community Hall at 14 Kennedy St. Longwarry Click Here for Google Map Location.

Famparc Contest GROUP testing Details: The Famparc Contest Group will conduct tests to educate and refine the hardware and other components this Saturday at the club rooms. Please be aware that the Contesting Group will need to utilise the Radio Shack and other club facilities. When: Saturday 16th May 2026. Time 10am. Where: Famparc Club Rooms. Agenda: 1. Review the Campaign Plan. - Discuss the plan - Answer team questions - Decide on our approach to the open questions. (~45

Inside the Volunteer Team Building the Future of Parks on the Air James VE7UVL Activating CA-3948 Peace Arch Provincial Park, British Columbia Just after sunrise, a portable antenna rises beside a picnic table somewhere in America. A coax connector tightens. A radio face lights up. A callsign cuts through the noise floor. Within seconds, operators from across the country, and increasingly across the world, begin calling back. For many amateur radio operators, this ritual has