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The world of amateur radio has always been synonymous with innovation, experimentation, and a deep-seated curiosity for how things work. From constructing antennas in the backyard to tinkering with the latest digital modes, radio enthusiasts are inherently makers. Now, a technology that embodies this same spirit of creation is becoming increasingly accessible and affordable. For radio clubs looking to expand their horizons, enhance their projects, and foster a new wave of engagement among members, 3D printing offers a universe of possibilities. This technology, which builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital design, has the potential to revolutionize how your radio club approaches its activities, from crafting custom parts to breathing new life into aging equipment. Why 3D Printing is a Game Changer for Radio Club Integrating 3D printing into your radio club can bring a multitude of benefits, enhancing both individual member projects and club-wide initiatives. One of the most significant advantages is the power of customization . 3D printing allows members to create parts and accessories tailored precisely to their needs, something that off-the-shelf products often cannot provide. Whether it's a unique mounting bracket for a specific transceiver in a vehicle, a custom enclosure for a homebrew project, or even personalized operating tools like CW paddles designed for individual comfort, 3D printing puts the power of creation directly into the hands of club members. This capability is particularly valuable in a hobby like amateur radio, where enthusiasts frequently encounter situations requiring specialized or hard-to-find components. Furthermore, 3D printing facilitates rapid prototyping . The ability to quickly transform an idea into a tangible object allows for immediate testing and refinement. Imagine designing a new antenna mount and being able to print a prototype within hours to assess its stability and fit before committing to a final design. This iterative process can significantly accelerate project development and allow for more creative exploration without the delays associated with traditional manufacturing methods. For clubs with a wealth of older or even discontinued equipment, 3D printing offers a lifeline through repair and replacement . Often, it's a small, non-critical plastic part that breaks, rendering an otherwise functional piece of equipment unusable. 3D printers can produce these replacement parts, from knobs and feet to brackets and gears, potentially saving valuable gear from the scrap heap. This not only saves money but also aligns with the resourceful nature of amateur radio enthusiasts. Finally, 3D printing can lead to significant cost savings . Producing custom parts in-house eliminates the often higher costs associated with purchasing specialized components or outsourcing small-batch manufacturing. For instance, printing a simple antenna insulator might cost only pennies in filament compared to several dollars for a commercially available one. Over time, these savings can accumulate, allowing the club to invest in other resources or activities. The ability to create replacement parts also prevents the need for costly replacements of entire units. Unleashing the Potential: Practical 3D Printing Applications in Amateur Radio The applications of 3D printing in amateur radio are as diverse as the interests of its practitioners. Here are just a few areas where your radio club can leverage this exciting technology: Antenna Innovations: 3D printing opens up a world of possibilities for antenna construction and experimentation. Insulators: Creating custom insulators for wire antennas, dipoles, and other configurations becomes straightforward with 3D printing. Members can design insulators tailored to specific wire gauges and mounting requirements, offering greater flexibility than standard options. For example, centre insulators for dipole antennas and egg insulators for strain relief can be easily printed. Formers and Winders:  Building efficient antennas often requires precisely wound coils. 3D printers can create custom coil forms for inductors, ensuring accurate inductance and physical dimensions. Additionally, winding tools for antenna wires can be printed, making the construction process more organized and consistent. Snippet showcases 3D printed spreaders for building 600 Ohm ladder lines, demonstrating another practical application for antenna construction. Mounts and Supports:  Raising antennas effectively often requires specialized mounts and supports. 3D printing allows for the design and creation of these components, whether it's a tripod mast support for portable operations or guy rings for securing masts. One club member even designed and printed a custom fixture to securely hold a mast to a tripod for Parks-on-the-Air activations. Specialized Antenna Designs:  While printing an entire high-performance antenna might be challenging, 3D printing enables the creation of key components for more complex designs. This includes parts for Moxon antennas , Yagi antenna elements, and even components for satellite antennas. One member reported working on a 3D-printed loading coil design for a hexbeam antenna, highlighting the potential for advanced projects. Enclosures and Protective Cases : Protecting valuable radio equipment is crucial, and 3D printing offers tailored solutions. Radio Housings:  Custom cases for handheld transceivers, QRP radios, and other devices can be designed and printed to provide better protection and ergonomics. One member even printed a faceplate for an IC-705 to protect the screen and knobs. Creating a custom fit ensures the radio is well-protected from bumps and scratches. Test Equipment Enclosures:  Mustimeters, antenna analyzers, and other essential test gear can benefit from custom-designed enclosures. These enclosures can offer protection during transport and storage, as well as provide a more professional look for homebrew test equipment. Project Boxes:  For those involved in building their own radio projects, 3D printing is invaluable for creating project boxes with precise dimensions and features. This includes enclosures for baluns, filters, and power distribution units. Ergonomics and Convenience : Enhancing the operating experience through thoughtful design. Radio Stands and Mounts:  3D printing allows for the creation of custom stands for desktop radios or mounts for mobile installations in vehicles. These can be designed for optimal viewing angles and accessibility. Cable Management Solutions: Keeping the radio shack tidy is essential for safety and efficiency. 3D printers can produce cable winders, clips, and organizers to manage the often-tangled web of wires. Headphone Hooks and Microphone Holders: Simple yet effective accessories like headphone hooks and microphone holders can be easily designed and printed for a more organized and user-friendly operating environment. Custom Knobs and Buttons:  Replacement or custom-designed knobs and buttons for radios and test equipment can be created, potentially improving the feel and usability of the equipment. Replacement Knobs, Feet, and Brackets:  When small plastic parts break on older equipment, finding replacements can be a challenge. 3D printing offers a solution by allowing members to create these parts, extending the lifespan of valuable gear.5 Adapters and Connectors :  Interfacing different pieces of radio equipment sometimes requires specialized adapters. 3D printing can be used to create these custom connectors, bridging compatibility gaps.     Types of 3D printers There are several types of 3D printers, each utilizing different technologies to build three-dimensional objects layer by layer. The choice of printer often depends on the desired part quality, materials, speed, and budget. The three most common and established types for plastic parts are Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).   Here's an overview of the primary types of 3D printers: 1. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) FDM, also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is the most widely used and accessible 3D printing technology, especially at the consumer level.   How it works:  FDM printers use a heated nozzle to extrude thermoplastic filaments, melting the material and depositing it layer by layer onto a build platform until the object is complete.   Pros: User-friendly and affordable:  Ideal for beginners due to its ease of use and lower initial cost. Budget FDM printers can start around $200.   Versatile materials:  Compatible with common thermoplastics like PLA, ABS, and PETG, as well as more advanced options like Nylon and TPU.   Cost-effective for prototyping:  Excellent for creating prototypes and functional parts at a low cost.   Cons: Lower accuracy and surface finish:  Often trades simplicity and affordability for part quality and performance. Parts may have visible layer lines and might not be watertight or isotropic.   Limited design freedom:  Can be challenging for highly intricate designs compared to resin-based printers.   Common Materials:  PLA (Polylactic Acid), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), Nylon, TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), and various composites.   Applications: Prototyping, hobbyist projects, educational purposes, basic proof-of-concept models, functional parts, and manufacturing aids.   Popular Brands:  Bambu Lab, Prusa Research, Creality, Raise3D, Ultimaker, Elegoo, Anycubic.   2. Stereolithography (SLA) SLA was the world's first 3D printing technology, invented in the 1980s, and remains popular for professional applications.   How it works:  SLA printers use a laser to cure (harden) liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer through a process called photopolymerization. The build platform lowers into a vat of resin, and a UV laser solidifies the resin onto the platform.   Pros: High accuracy and smooth surface finish:  Produces highly detailed, isotropic, and watertight prototypes with fine features and smooth surfaces.   Wide range of advanced materials:  Resin formulations offer diverse optical, mechanical, and thermal properties similar to standard, engineering, and industrial thermoplastics.   Fast printing speeds:  Can achieve faster print speeds for certain applications compared to FDM.   Cons: Messier post-processing:  Requires cleaning uncured resin, washing, and UV curing to strengthen the material.   Material handling:  Resin can be goopy, sticky, and may have an odor, requiring precautions in handling.   Material sensitivity:  Some materials are sensitive to prolonged UV light exposure.   Common Materials:  Various types of liquid resins, including standard, engineering (e.g., ABS-like, flexible, heat-resistant), castable, dental, medical (biocompatible), and pure silicone.   Applications: Highly detailed rapid prototyping, functional prototyping, concept modeling, short-run production, dental applications (e.g., models, surgical guides), jewelry prototyping and casting, anatomical models, and medical devices.   Popular Brands:  Formlabs, Elegoo (resin printers).   3. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) SLS is a powerful industrial 3D printing technology known for producing strong, functional parts.   How it works:  SLS printers use a high-power laser to sinter (fuse) small particles of polymer powder into a solid structure. The unfused powder acts as a natural support for the part during printing, eliminating the need for dedicated support structures.   Pros: Strong functional parts:  Parts are made from real thermoplastic material, making them durable and suitable for functional testing.   Design freedom:  No need for support structures allows for complex geometries and nesting multiple parts in a single build.   High accuracy and throughput:  Capable of high precision and efficient production, especially for larger batches.   Cons: Slightly rough surface finish:  Parts typically have a satin-like, slightly grainy matte finish.   Limited material options:  Primarily uses nylon-based polymer powders.   Post-processing: Requires post-processing for powder management and part cleaning.   Common Materials:  Engineering thermoplastics like Nylon 12, Nylon 11, glass or carbon-filled nylon composites, polypropylene, and TPU (elastomer).   Applications: Functional prototyping, end-use parts, short-run or custom manufacturing, durable manufacturing aids, medical devices, prosthetics, and orthotics.   Popular Brands:  Formlabs (Fuse Series), Raise3D (RMS220).   Other Notable 3D Printing Technologies: While FDM, SLA, and SLS are the most common, other technologies offer specialized capabilities: Digital Light Processing (DLP):  Similar to SLA, but uses a digital light projector to cure an entire layer of resin at once, resulting in faster build speeds.   Multi Jet Fusion (MJF):  Builds functional parts from nylon powder using an inkjet array to apply fusing agents and a heating element. Offers consistent mechanical properties, improved surface finish, and accelerated build times compared to SLS.   Material Jetting (MJT):  Builds objects droplet by droplet, similar to an inkjet printer, depositing liquid photopolymer resin that is immediately cured by UV light. Can mix resins in a single print.   Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) / Electron Beam Melting (EBM):  These are metal 3D printing processes that use lasers or electron beams to fuse metal powders, creating strong metal parts.   Binder Jetting (BJT):  Binds powdered materials (metal, sand, ceramics) with a liquid bonding agent. Known for high-volume production, speed, and low cost.   PolyJet: Can fabricate parts with multiple properties, colours, and materials within a single print, ideal for prototyping elastomeric or overmolded parts.     Some 3D printer projects       Antenna insulator Long wire antenna Insulator https://makerworld.com/en/models/791195-long-wire-antenna-insulator#profileId-729631 Antenna insulator VHF Antenna Insulator https://remoteqth.com/3d-vhf-ant-insulator.php Antenna insulator Labelled antenna insulators https://makerworld.com/en/models/1382997-labeled-antenna-insulator-for-wire-antennas#profileId-1431808 Antenna insulator Dipole centre insulator https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:175331 Antenna parts 440MHz / 70 cm Eggbeater Antenna https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4737130/files Stand Handheld radio stand https://www.printables.com/model/377410-btech-gmrs-pro-handheld-radio-stand Enclosers   https://www.chiefdelphi.com/t/3d-printed-case-for-open-mesh-radio-and-vividhosting-radio/447942 Enclosers   https://grabcad.com/library/frc-open-mesh-radio-mount-cage-1 Enclosers Meshtastic case https://www.printables.com/model/819973-meshtastic-ttgo-t-beam-case-scifi Enclosers HackRF case https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6869153 Enclosers Baofeng UV-5R PTT Cage https://www.printables.com/model/468823-baofeng-uv-5r-ptt-cage Morse key Single lever Morse paddle https://www.printables.com/model/345195-single-lever-morse-code-paddle-cw-cootie-key Morse key Two lever Morse Key https://www.printables.com/model/653813-iambic-cw-morse-code-paddle-by-km4cft Collection of print files Random https://www.yeggi.com/q/ham+radio+cages/ Icom ic 705 Multiple print files https://www.yeggi.com/q/icom+ic+705/ Icom 7300 Multiple print files https://www.yeggi.com/q/icom+7300/

Thanks to the hard work of many members, particularly Ian vk3ko, Colin vk3cr and Rakshit vk3dhr the Famparc Club Repeater has now been registered and approved by the ACMA and is operating.. Repeater Details: VK3RUV (The repeater's callsign is dedicated to our late member Bruce VK3UV) Callsign: VK3RUV Repeater Receive Freq.: 146.025 Mhz Repeater Transmit Freq.: 146.625 Mhz CTCSS Tone: 88.5 hz Additional efforts are necessary to optimize the input and output of the repeater. The club is also exploring other locations to improve coverage. This is an exciting period for our club and its members, and having our own Repeater may enable members to stay in contact with one another. If you require help in setting up your Transcivers to access the clubs Repeater, please reach out to one our active members.

Hi Fellow Members, Come and join our Monthly Famparc Members Coffee and Cake morning? Monday 16th JUNE 2024 10aM. This is good for all of us and allows us to chat about all aspects of life not just Amateur Radio. Have a good laugh! Roundabout Cafe. Roundabout Cafe 1/19 Shaxton Circle Frankston VIC 3199 (03) 9785 6091 Monday 16th JUNE 2024 10aM. Hope to see you there !

VERY IMPORTANT!! Thanks to John VK3JDD who brought this to my attention. Rather than try and explain this on this blog, Hayden VK7HH has done 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 reconfirm your callsign. I have completed all of this and reconfirmed my callsign, which now needs to be done again in April 2030. Thanks to online calendars and reminders, my Apple Calendar will notify me in early April 2030 to reconfirm my callsign. So, start this now. If you haven't done it yet, you have 4 years to complete it. A big shoutout to Hayden for making this video! Craig, vk3ncr

Hi Members, As many of you know, a few of us Famparc Members are heading to the Flinders Ranges S.A and staying at a Station Stay, Almerta Station. Of course we will be playing radio as well as touring around this wonderfull place. We would like to keep in contact with our fellow members back home, so I have created a page on our site with details. Images : Almerta Station

Famparc is the place to be! We have many activities planned this year, including a members' trip to the Flinders Ranges in SA. It's actually Terry's vk3bmx Holiday, but we're joining in on the adventure. Stay tuned here and on the members' forum for updates. 17 Incredible things to do in the Flinders Ranges that will put it on your bucket list

Noojee Day Trip From Daryl vk3hbp Hello, Last week I obtained my TZ-OCF-40 wire antenna and I would like to erect it at the Poplars campground (the same place we had the camp).on Thursday 10th April 2025. The campground is at Loch Valley and the road passes through Noojee Township and is signposted. It is an off-centre dipole and I will attempt to set it up with the two squid poles and some macrame cord and a nail or two. I might even bring my surf rod to throw a line over a branch. I’ve never done this before. Then I’ll connect my Icom 7300 and see how I’ll go. It is a 1.5 hour drive and my plan it to arrive around 9-10am and after a successful morning, have a counter lunch at the Noojee Hotel around 1pm. Perhaps have some yummy smashed pavlova. Daryl vk3hbp Plan B is the Little Red Duck cafe which closes at 2:30 or the cafe at Neerim South. If anyone wants to join me you’re welcome to do so. Thursday was selected due to the warmish weather forecast. I haven’t booked anything at the pub and times are rubbery. People not going to the campground could just go to the Noojee Hotel at 12pm. Details may be discussed at the Famparc club rooms on Wednesday. I’ll suggest we can use the simplex frequency of 146.500 MHz. That's 146.500 Mhz FM Simplex Noojee Pub Noojee

Hello Famparc Family, As many of you are aware, we have faced some challenging times lately regarding the recent AGM and administrative issues. Unfortunately, it was noted that the AGM was not conducted in accordance with AGM regulations and the constitution. This is a overview of the latest and AGM 2.0, which refers to our second and revised AGM. From the Chairpersons notes and comments: Craig vk3ncr Mick vk3dh also assisted me in the running of the AGM 2.0 The AGM began just after midday on Saturday April 5th 2025 and the Famparc Club rooms. Chairperson welcomes all members to the meeting. Apologies on behalf of members who were unable to attend. Colin vk3cr Mark vk3mde Peter vk3ij Reading of the minutes from the 2024 AGM, read by Mick vk3vh No business or comments were raised from the said minutes. Chairpersons Yearly Report: For the past year we have moved forward with many areas of our hobby. Example: Famparc Coffee and Cake Mornings Famparc Camping trips Train Hobby show demonstrating our hobby the the club The running of Foundation Courses allowing for new members to join our club and hobby. Continuation of our Club Balun and UNUN projects. Club Guest Speakers. Club Discount Cards for both Jaycar and Altronics It was also noted from the floor that: Repeater Project for all members. Remote Station for all members. FT8/Digital Station Continued growth and updates to the club website. www.vk3frc.org.au Approval of the Chairpersons report were by: Jerry vk3vce 2nd Rakshit vk3dhr Chairpersons Future endeavours for the club: Completion and full operation of the Repeater Project. 50th Year Club Celebrations Further Club Camp-outs Club POTA/SOTA activations for interested members. Day Trips such as what Daryl vk3hbp has organised. Speakers foe the occasional monthly meeting. Example.. It was suggested a club trip to the Australian Synchrotron Melbourne. Treasurer's Financial Report: Colin vk3cr being our previous Treasurer provided the report for all. The report was read by Mick vk3vh No comments were submitted from the floor concerning the report. Accepted By: Ken vk3mjf 2nd Mani vk3ir Officer Bearers: The chairperson declared that the administration and committee members are now vacant. We now hold an election of new office bearers and committee members. Following the club constitution's guidance: The Officers of the Club shall all be licensed Radio Amateurs and shall consist of:-     a President;     a Vice-President;     a Treasurer;     a Secretary;     a Assistant Secretary. Subject to section 23 of these rules, the committee shall consist of:-     the Officers of the Club (above) , and     2 Ordinary Members - for Committee Nominations were receive via both on-line and in writing for the above positions.     a President Craig vk3ncr;     a Vice-President Ken vk3mjf;     a Treasurer Colin vk3cr;     a Secretary Mick vk3vh;     a Assistant Secretary Rakshit vk3dhr. Nominations were receive via both on-line and in writing for the above positions. Committee: Terry vk3bmx Peter vk3ij As the chairperson I wish to congratulate the members and the roles they have accepted. General Business: It was observed that the administrators should consider appointing a subcommittee to review and update the club's constitution. The raising of hands from the floor further indicated that this task should be carried out. Close of General Business. Note(s) : Additional notes and comments from the AGM will be made available as soon as possible. The suggested date of the 2026 AGM is Sat. 7th March 2026. The formal meeting was closed at 12:30pm 5th April 2025. Chairpersons comments: Hello fellow Famparc Members, With all what has happened.. It was my intention to run the AGM as close to the rules as possible (these are my thoughts). It was noted to all in attendance that I was open to any comments concerning the AGM proceedures. This I made clear at the start and during the entire AGM. From a few comments from the floor, which I will say were greatly appreciated, I feel that the AGM was run correctly. This was my intentions and was also backed up my the floor and from individuals. I feel thet we are now able to get the club and it's members back to how it has been run for many years.. My own idea on how to run a club or busniess is to engage all, and not to be some type of a dictator. I thank you all for your kind words, assitance and help both during this AGM and during my past position as a admin. Thank you ! Craig vk3ncr Famparc President 2025.

Hello Members, On my 2025 Wish List is a club Repeater, and now it's here... There's still a lot of work to be done. Note: This is a year long project to learn and have this repeater running for our club. UPDATE 3RD JAN 2025 Today (Friday, January 3rd, 2025), a group of us went to the Moorabbin Club to pick up our Club Repeater and Cavities. We are thrilled to implement our own club Repeater, which is a fantastic project for everyone to learn not only how a repeater functions but also how it is assembled. A few items that are required are: Power Supply (Done - Sort of) Power Supply Cable (Done) Programming Cable (Done) I believe we have other required components at the club: Coax and Coax Connectors, Antenna. I will utilize this blog page to showcase the build project. Club Repeater Donated by Moorabbin & District Radio Club Inc Club 2Mtr Cavities / Duplexers More fun to come... Cheers.... Craig vk3ncr THANK YOU! On behalf of Famparc and its numerous members, I would like to express gratitude to the Moorabbin & District Radio Club Inc for their generous donation of the aforementioned hardware. https://mdrc.org.au UPDATE 6TH JAN 2025 After collecting the hardware, I dropped it off at the club rooms on Saturday 4th Jan 2025. Everyone looked to be very impressed by the hardware and are excited in this new club project. A while back I managed to find and download many PDF for the MX800 Repeater, as well as the Windows Software to program it. With the amazing knowledge of Rakshit VK3DHR, he managed to get the software running on a PC at the club rooms. On Saturday I emailed to companies that I understand offer asssitance and parts for the repeater. I sent a request for the Power Cable, as it is quite unique. I will also make enquires for the programming cable. That's about it at the moment. Issues we face: Most of us within the club have either none or little experience in setting up a VHF Repeater, that includes me. Issues : Procurer Power Cable (DONE) Procure or make Comms Cable to communicate with Repeater to setup. (DONE) Setup Repeater (DONE - SORT OF) Find a suitable set of frequencies Re-Tune Cavities once we work out how to setup Repeater Looking for a clear Duplex Repeater Frequency. The one I looked at was 147.950/147.350, however I was told by Ken from Moorabbin Club that these frequencies are close to 500 watt Pages which are near by. The Cavities that we have, have been tuned for the Moorabbin Clubs own local repeater. The new frequencies I am looking at are: 147.275 147.875 Which is used by Repeater VK3RMP Caveat North Central Vic. If we find these frequencies perhaps suitable, we then need to setup the Repeater, and also get the Cavity Filters tuned for those frequencies. Summary : Find a suitable Frequencies. UPDATE 7TH JAN 2025 I have received a quote for the Power Cable and Comms Cable and requested a invoice so we can pay for the items. The quote was approved by the Committee. The supplier is Spectra Engineering WA. I am researching available and perhaps potential Frequencies for our Repeater. So far... 146.875 146.275 No go! 146.775 146.175 Possibility 147.025 147.625 147.200 147.800 147.275 147.875 If you would like to suggest a frequency, or check the above, feel free.. Please Post below. UPDATE 10TH JAN 2025 The Repeater Power and Serial Comms Cable have arrived.. We will begin doing to testing on Saturday 11th Jan. Look out! there could be blue smoke escaping LOL UPDATE 11TH JAN 2025 A fun morning at the club rooms with both Colin and myself learning and playing around with the Repeater. Now that we have the new Power Cable and Serial Comms Cable, we plug it into power and to our surprise it fired up. I then installed the programming software on our old PC near the fridge, and managed to get the software to talk to the repeater. After a while searching for a password so we could properly log into the repeater, Rakshit turned up and got stuck in to getting the software to adjust frequencies etc. After lots of fun and learning, we managed to use our radios to test the operation of the repeater and to our relief it looks to be working ok. Lots more steps to go yet. Colin was also playing around with the cavities. These will need to be changed to another frequency group. I think the next step is to connect the repeater to the Cavities and continue testing and learning. UPDATE 15TH JAN 2025 During the Wednesday at the club rooms, I managed to find some cables and connectors to be able to connect the Cavities to the Repeater unit, After some frustration trying to find the parts, I connected the Cavities to the Repeater and Cavities to the Diamond X200 Antenna above the front door of the club. Did some testing using my hand held.. So far looks to be working fine. Rakshit did do an amazing job of programming the repeater last Saturday which not only included setting frequencies of the Repeater for the Cavities frequencies, but also setting the power output, 91.5 Hz CTCSS, and to my surprise the Repeater Ident. The next step is to make or procure some better coax patch leads between the Repeater, Cavities and Antenna. I believe based on the sockets on both the Repeater and Cavities, this is what leads we require. After further research concerning Coax, I received this reply from a fellow Repeater Builders. Update Concerning what Coax to use: "As the author of the Repeater Builder website - please don't use RG213, RG58 or LMR type cables in duplex service.  Use double-shielded - silver plated cables everywhere possible.  RG214, RG400, and RG142 are excellent choices.  Please don't be tempted to use LMR400 or similar tinned braid over aluminum foil construction cable.  These make noise in duplex service - as in a repeater." Update Concerning Connectors: Rg214 crimp N connectors, be careful with modern T connectors, some of the cheap units have a spring that makes the connection from the leg inner conductor to the cross (top of the T) inner conductor. At 2m and 70cm this spring can act as an inductor, this has been known to cause issues with the tuning of the system. The old T connectors have a straight soldered connection inside! Cheers Stu VK4SDD. Update Concerning Antenna's: Also don't use a dual band antenna, I tried using a diamond as a test antenna for a 2m repeater and the desense was huge, swapping to a 2m only antenna, the desense disappeared. Don't know why there was a problem, did not really want to waste time on it. I found the Diamond F23H Monoband antenna for 2M could be a solution for this. Strictly ham show them on his website. https://www.strictlyham.com.au/diamond-f23h Small update.. After some basic testing and reviewing the many Repeater Frequencies, I think setting the Repeater and Cavities to : 146.775 146.175 As the closest repeater at these freq.s is as above. A good distance away. Of course this all depends on the ACMA. UPDATE 17TH JAN 2025 After much research and help from fellow Famaprc Members, the 3 Repeater to Cavitiy Cables have been ordered from https://www.eyou.com.au These cables are built using RG400 Coax which was suggested as above. I could not get a cable made with N Type to SO239, so we need a Gender Changer which will be for the cable that connects the Cavity to Antenna. A Website for working out Line of Site for RF Propagation. RF Line-of-Sight The RF Line-of-Sight tool allows users to easily drag-and-drop locations and obtain point-to-point line-of-sight information anywhere using Google Maps. This map is useful in planning and troubleshooting cellular networks for IIoT / SCADA monitoring applications . SCADACore’s Industry 4.0 solutions include true 3D HMI / Digital Twin and Web HMI that works over the web. This free online tool takes antenna height and the topographical formations of the earth to calculate the line-of-sight of a radio path. Note that buildings and other obstructions is not taken into consideration when calculating line-of-sight using this tool. https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/ UPDATE 20TH JAN 2025 Our ordered Patch leads have arrived as of Monday Morning.. With amazing service from https://www.eyou.com.au I found a brilliant video from W6NBC on Youtube concerning Cavity / Duplex devices for repeaters. John talks about an article that he has produced which I have also created a link below. The Cavity Duplexer Book Anyone interested in our clubs 2M Repeater Project Build, I suggest you watch this excellent video by John W6NBC.. Our thanks to John Portune W6NBC for both the article and video. UPDATE 25TH feb 2025 Our Some of our very clever Famparc Members have been working on the Repeater duing February.. The Repeater itself looks to be working just fine, however we are facing issues with, we believe is the Cavities (Duplexers), having.a high SWR and lack of filtering. We are trying different Antenna' using one for receive and one for transmit to see if this helps.. However if the Cavities are not up to thr task, there are two options, give up on the project, or find another set of more suitable cavities. Perhaps even make some. The Repeater on the test bench and Cavities (Duplexers) connected. The Repeater is currently in test mode operating with very low power and with compromised antenna(s). Set your Radio to Receive on: 146.775 Set your Radio to Transmit on: 146.175 With a CTCSS Tone of 88.5 hz UPDATE 7TH APRIL 2025 It's been a while since an update... Colin vk3cr is the best person to update the project, however at the moment Colin is away so I will put my 5 cents worth. Colin and others have been doing much testing, and to our disappointment the Cavities that came with the Repeater just are not up to the task. Colin did come across a chap in W.A with a setup of Cavities, but after some testing, they were also not up to it. So.. although the repeater is working in test mode and very well I must say, and without any cavities, (Well done Colin).. The receive sensitivity is not the best, so any weak signals into the repeater are being drowned by the repeaters own output. So.. we need a good set of 2M Repeater Cavities (Duplexers).. Paperwork: Ian has the ACMA paperwork in hand working also corresponding with the WIA to procure a Repeater License. That's it for now.. Cheers.. Craig. vk3ncr Any suggestions please make comment below.

Matt vk1mhz, one of our club members who lives near Geelong, have a shack clear-out of Ham gear. Matt is wanting to sell off the gear on behalf of a mate. So from the images below, if you see something that you may wish to purchase, you can contact Matt via matt@mattomeara.com

2025 MDRC Hamfest Information WHEN: Saturday the 10th of May Doors open at 10.00am WHERE:   Kingston City Hall 979-985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin VIC 3189 . The MDRC Annual Hamfest is held in May on a Saturday. The 2025 MDRC Hamfest will be held on Saturday the 10th of May.  The MDRC Hamfest is widely renowned as the Biggest Hamfest in Victoria, with a huge turnout each year. Many attendees travel great distances to attend the MDRC Annual Hamfest from Interstate and overseas. In 2025 the MDRC Hamfest will be held at the Kingston City Hall 979-985 Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin VIC 3189. Ticket sales from 9.00am. Doors open at 10.00am Traders can purchase tables from the M&DRC Shop . 70 car spaces on site and more parking behind shops on Western side of Nepean Hwy.

Join the Bendigo Technology Festival, hosted by the Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club. This exciting event will bring together enthusiasts, experts and hobbyists from all over to celebrate and explore the world of amateur radio, electronics, and technology of all types. Event Information Date, Time and Location Sunday May 4, 2025.Gates open at 10:00 AM. Fosterville Gold Pavilion,Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo, VIC 3550.Google Maps: 777F+3F North Bendigo, Victoria Admission is $7 per person, sold at the gate. NO food or drink is permitted on-site. Outside vendors will be accessible on the day. For more information, email techfest@barec.net.au , or phone our secretary, Peter VK3PWJ on Click to reveal, or Mark VK3PDG on Click to reveal. Vendors Tables are $25 and this fee includes 2 admissions. Additional persons required are available at $7 each.Table bookings are processed in the order they're received. Powered tables are limited so please ensure to register as soon as possible.Table booking will only be confirmed when payment is received. Vendors registration click here: Bendigo Technology Festival Vendor Table Registration Form .