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Nova Scotia Climate change is affecting telecommunications infrastructure. Ham radio might be able to help. The technology is ‘an unsung hero’ for getting messages out, one operator says September 06, 2023. As Atlantic Canada gears up for another hurricane season after a year of unprecedented disasters linked to climate change — including post-tropical storm Fiona last September — amateur radio operators say a simple technology can play a part in the response to disasters across the region. When Fiona hit Nova Scotia, it affected electrical grids and telecommunications networks, leaving some people unable to call for help. That experience in particular prompted a renewed interest in amateur radio — also known as ham radio — which allows non-professional users to send messages without requiring the internet or cell phone networks. "I think it's kind of an unsung hero in communications that gets forgotten in the noise of disaster when it comes to, 'Well, how do we get that message out?'" said John Bignell, president of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club. Ham radio operators use a special designated set of frequencies — not the regular AM or FM radio signals — to exchange messages locally or around the world. They say the technology can help Nova Scotians respond to the increasing risks of extreme weather, as climate change forces a reckoning with communications infrastructure across the country. Communications failed following Fiona When Lyle Donovan became emergency management co-ordinator for Victoria County in 2008, the municipality's emergency plan included amateur radio, drawing on the expertise of a local group. "They were an older generation, but they were active in amateur radio and we utilized them," he said. In time, that group petered out. With no operators left in the county, Donovan removed the section on amateur radio when he redid the municipality's emergency plan in 2016. "What's the point in having it in our emergency plan if we had no operators?" he remembered thinking. In the past, amateur radio held more appeal, Donovan said, but other forms of communication had become ubiquitous in the meantime, and amateur radio no longer seemed necessary. Downed utility lines and poles lie across Woodlawn Road in Dartmouth in the wake of Fiona. (Submitted by Joshawa Tyler LaVoie) More to the point, Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada more broadly already have a highly stable radio network, Donovan said. All frontline emergency services in the province use the trunked mobile radio system, which was put in place after the SwissAir disaster in 1998. Donovan calls it "the best communications systems in the world." "So we got kind of complacent to think that we have this system, we have VHF, we have satellite telephone and of course, we still have our cell phones and not all of those systems are going to go down." Then post-tropical storm Fiona struck. The day after the storm made landfall in the province, Donovan, who is a paramedic, woke at 5 a.m. to prepare for work. Attempting to turn on the TV, he realized there was no power; turning to his phone, he found there was no cell service either. Because the local radio tower was down, local emergency services could talk to each other but couldn't send messages outside of the immediate area. Landlines weren't usable for most Nova Scotians during Fiona Cell outages during storms like Fiona will continue unless regulations improve, advocate says "That's when I knew we were in trouble," he said. Then, with communications interrupted, "Lo and behold, [there was] a cardiac arrest." The family of the victim was unable to call 911. While their neighbour was an RCMP corporal with a TMR radio, they were unable to call for help because they couldn't communicate with the wider network. Eventually, someone was able to get a message to Donovan via the local fire chief. But by then 40 minutes had passed and the victim couldn't be saved. "I have a close personal relationship with the family," he said. "We went on to discover that [medical attention] wouldn't have helped anyway, but it's just sheer fact that people were not able to call 911." In the aftermath of Fiona, Donovan said they started asking how the situation could have been avoided, and — after connecting with a longstanding amateur radio club in Halifax — started looking to amateur radio. "Somebody from my area could have called someone in the Halifax area, and they could have called 911 for us, to get emergency services rolling," he said. The Halifax Amateur Radio Club is one of the oldest amateur radio clubs in North America, dating back to 1932. Bignell first got interested in amateur radio as a teenager. He said its simplicity is part of its enduring appeal. "The ability to build your own radio and then send a message that bounces around the atmosphere and be able to talk around the world with a simple little wire, it's kind of cool," he said. But amateur radio is more than a hobby; because it doesn't require a service provider such as a telecommunications company, or extensive infrastructure, it can step in during disasters when other systems fail. This has been true with disasters in the past. Bignell said his club has played a role in every major disaster in the province going back to the Moose River mine disaster in 1936. Amateur radio has also been essential elsewhere. Amateur radio operators were instrumental in relaying messages around New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina knocked out telecommunications networks. In Mozambique, a recent series of storms has prompted the government to set up a network of amateur radio operators to help with disaster response. What Canada can learn from how the U.S. handles cell outages in hurricanes While communications infrastructure has steadily improved in the last 20 years, Bignell said amateur radio still provides an additional layer of safety. "We have some really robust systems in Nova Scotia and in Canada, but there's always that one moment where you go 'Oh this isn't going well, we need a backup,' and that's where amateur radio plays a real key role." John Bignell is president of the Halifax Amateur Radio Club. (Moira Donovan) Bignell said amateur radio also works with more modern technology through tools such as Winlink, which radio operators can use to send emails, weather reports and information bulletins over the airwaves, without internet. Amateur radio is undergoing a renaissance, Bignell said, in part because the ability to connect amateur radios to laptops and cell phones has greatly increased what it can do. That surge of interest is coming at a time when Canada is taking a closer look at the resilience of its telecommunications infrastructure. The federal government recently began a process to improve the resilience and reliability of telecommunications networks, citing disasters such as hurricanes Fiona and Dorian in Atlantic Canada, the forest fires in Alberta and B.C. in 2021, and the derecho storm that struck Ontario and Quebec in 2022. In a notice of consultation, the CRTC noted that the increasing risks posed by climate change have made it necessary to build a more robust telecommunications system. Jason Tremblay, community services officer for Radio Amateurs of Canada, a national volunteer-based network of amateur radio operators, said that the organization is pushing for amateur radio to be included in more conversations about strengthening communications systems. "Being able to work with government agencies, work with NGOs and members of the community, it's a way for us to understand what their needs are — it's a way to better our service." He said as technologies and climate conditions change, amateur radio operators are taking on new methods and challenges in disaster response. "There's been an explosion of interest from emergency managers," he said. "I think there will always be a call for amateur radio; it'll always adapt and be there." Bringing ham radio back In Victoria County, Donovan is now looking to re-introduce amateur radio to the municipality's emergency management plan, and has heard there's at least one radio operator in the county who is interested in helping out. Donovan is also hoping to bolster interest in an amateur radio club in the county. He stressed that what happened to emergency communications after Fiona was a rare occurrence. Still, he thinks amateur radio could form an additional layer, to help the public feel safe in the disasters to come. "Amateur radio is certainly still a benefit to Nova Scotia. It's a backup system, and in the event that something happens, it's something that we could use." About The Author Moira Donovan

John, vk3jco sent an email alerting me to what could be used for a Antenna Stand or Squid Pole support. It's currently available from Aldi stores.. As these are a part of Aldi weekly specials, the availability are dependent on stock and the store. Click Here for more details. Images are a representation only.. check in store at Aldi. Thanks to John.. VK3JCO for your continued feed back, ideas etc..

Dear members of Famparc. It is with sorry, I report the passing of one of the longest serving members of famparc. Earl Russell VK3BER peacefully passed away on Wednesday 29th of August 2023. New members to our club will be unaware that Earl together with his wife Mavis were part of the team that opened and developed the famparc club nearly fifty years ago. At one point he held the position of president and another period he took on the successful roll as club secretary. Earl together with his wife Mavis organised field day outings, these were always family events with children and organised games where caravans and tents could always be found. I feel the older members of our club will remember Earl with fondness and respect. Rest in Peace Earl, you deserve it. Roy. Vk3gb.

The Australian Men’s Shed Association celebrated 30 years of men’s sheds in Australia, and the Safety Beach Dromana Men’s Shed is hosted “the shedder’s big breakfast” on Wednesday 23 August from 8am to midday. Our club was invited to show off Amateur Radio as well as our club. Many of us arrived around 7am to setup our clubs pop-up tent, as well as the clubs promotional gear, tables and radios. There were many others from other walks of life and hobbies. SPARC club also represented their club and the Amateur Radio hobby. There were food refreshment stalls as well, and lots of coffee for a simple Gold Coin donation. Our club members: Craig vk3ncr Roy vk3gb Ken vk3mjf Murray vk3fadx Stanley vk3bot Barry vk3vv Mani vk3ir Harry vk3har John vk3jco did a great job both with the setup of our display and promoting both our club and our great hobby, Amateur Radio. Unfortunately due limitation in our HF antenna setup, HF did not do all that well. However the small IC-705 did a great job demonstrating the use of Digital modes such as DStar and the ability to contact and chat with people from around the world. Many contacts were made to the USA via the DStar VK3RWN on Mt Dandenong. The weather was extremely kind to us with just perfect morning to be outdoors. Thank you to the Dromana Mens Shed and the Australian Men’s Shed Association for this terrific event, we will be back next year. Thank you also to our terrific bunch of guys from our club that made the time for this event, I do hope you enjoyed yourselves.. I did that's for sure. I apologise if I left someone out from the members list above. Please feel free to update me. Would also love to see some comments below. Cheers. Craig vk3ncr

New hobbies for older adults’ brain health Reading Macrame Geocaching Ham radio Photography Paint by numbers Diamond painting Cleaning cemetery headstones Playing drums Learning a language Metal detecting Decoupage Digitizing historical records Whether it’s bowling, model trains, knitting or axe throwing, it’s never too late to pick up new hobbies. Not only do hobbies provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose, a recent study also shows they may play an important role in preventing dementia, and researchers found that hobbies (especially ones that engage the brain) are linked to improved memory over time. In fact, dozens of studies have explored how hobbies can increase brain capacity and plasticity, which decreases the risk for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. When it comes to choosing a hobby for yourself or the older adult you care for, there are no strict rules. Try anything—whatever sounds fun. It might take a few tries to find something that really clicks, but here are some easy-entry hobbies that can help adults of any age fight memory loss and find relaxation. Reading We know that reading improves memory and concentration, but it also provides an escape. Especially when people lose physical independence, reading is like transportation, allowing the mind to travel anywhere. Magazines or books, fiction, nonfiction, mystery or romance—any kind of reading stimulates brain activity. If your older adult is out of practice, here are some ideas to rekindle their love for reading. Macramé Tying knots in patterns takes practice, but the results are beautiful! Macramé kits for decorative wall art or hanging planters don’t require a huge investment in time or materials. Plus, it’s satisfying to display the finished products or give them as gifts. Geocaching How about a real-life treasure hunt? Geocaching takes participants outdoors to search for hidden containers using GPS navigation. All you need is a smartphone and the Geocaching app. Geocachers have fun while reporting added benefits such as physical fitness, relaxation and autonomy. Ham radio If electronics and long-distance communications sound interesting, ham radio might be a perfect hobby. Ham radio operators connect to others across the globe using wireless technology. It does require a license and some equipment to get started, but local radio clubs can offer support. Search for a ham radio club in your area. Photography A camera viewfinder can put a unique perspective on life. Whether using a smartphone, film camera or digital camera, photography can improve attention spans and help older adults see the world in new ways. Try a 30-day photo challenge to boost creativity, or volunteer with Find a Grave to take pictures that help researchers document local cemeteries. Paint by numbers Painting develops fine motor skills and relieves stress. A paint by numbers kit offers everything needed to create a masterpiece. Look for kits that come pre-framed and ready to hang. Diamond painting This newer handicraft uses rhinestones and glue to fill in pre-patterned designs while building hand-eye coordination and improving concentration. Start with a small kit like these coasters for a beautiful project that’s also useful. Cleaning cemetery headstones Lichen, mildew, mold and bird droppings can stain cemetery headstones and make them unreadable. With just a few gravestone cleaning supplies, older adults can spend quality time outside restoring loved ones’ stone markers. Become familiar with headstone cleaning basics to ensure the marble or granite isn’t damaged by cleaning. Playing drums Learning the drums as an older adult doesn’t just improve coordination, core strength and neuroplasticity—it’s also fun! Senior drum circles can increase memory, visualization, cognitive and creative skills. If you’re concerned about noise levels, a practice quiet pad can keep the decibels down. Learning a language It’s never too late to learn a foreign language. Although people with hearing impairments might have a harder time distinguishing sounds, there’s no proof that older adults can’t acquire new language skills. Online apps like Rosetta Stone and Duolingo teach words and phrases in simple, easy-to-understand lessons. For more in-depth study, check with the local library to ask about language courses or conversation practice groups. Metal detecting Spending time in green spaces benefits the brain. For an activity that offers the chance to spend quality time outdoors (and discover buried treasure), many older adults love metal detecting. An entry-level metal detector is reasonably priced and lightweight—perfect for finding relics, coins or precious metals like gold and silver. Metal detecting groups in your area are a great way to learn about the best local sites and socialize with others. Decoupage Many older adults will be familiar with decoupage, a craft technique that uses Mod Podge to decorate surfaces with cut paper. It’s a great hobby to put old magazines, newspapers, wrapping paper or tissue paper to good use. For a fun project, try a little chalk paint and use patterned napkins to decorate terra cotta pots. Digitizing historical records Older adults have a superpower that many younger people don’t possess: They can read cursive! History buffs with a personal computer can look at the latest transcription campaigns on the Library of Congress, Smithsonian or National Archives websites and choose an appealing project. It’s never too late for a hobby Many of us have witnessed how loved ones can turn to television as their primary leisure activity. Besides the negative physical effects of prolonged sitting, there’s evidence that too much TV causes an increased risk for dementia. This is why it’s so important for all adults to find a hobby and engage with it regularly. It’s never too late to start. Many activities can be modified to fit with personal preferences or mobility issues. Not only do hobbies serve as a source of relaxation and stress relief, they improve mental and physical well-being—and provide an invaluable sense of accomplishment. Hobbies can also help us meet new people, learn new skills and feel satisfied. No matter your age, taking time to express creativity and explore new ideas through a hobby leads to better quality of life.

Available now, the Amateur Radio Foundation Book latest edition.. Famparc has in stock the latest Foundation book for all who would like to study for their Amateur Radio Foundation License. The Foundation BOOK Your Entry Into Amateur Radio The fourth edition of the popular WIA publication "Your Entry Into Amateur Radio" the Foundation Licence Manual is in stock and available for purchase. This full colour 104 page manual is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in learning about the hobby of amateur radio and for those interested in obtaining their Foundation Licence. The manual contains all the relevant information you will need to know to successfully complete a training course to obtain a Foundation Licence. It also contains a wealth of reference information for the Foundation Licence operator, information such as Band Plans, Electrical Safety, operating procedures such as the use of Phonetics and the Q code, radio club information, emergency preparedness, how to contact the WIA and much more. The book can be purchased the the club each Wednesday or Saturday Mornings whilst the club rooms are open. (Pick Up)Price: $28.00 (Payment Cash Preferred) Or, postage can be arranged for a fee of $15.00 Australia wide. Plus the above cost of the book. Please contact us via our Contact Form Here. Have fun, get studying and enjoy what Amateur Radio has to offer.

International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend - ILLW Normally held on the 3rd full weekend in August This year 00.01UTC 19th August to 24.00UTC 20th August 2023 (48 hours) Guidelines for the Event. and Frequently Asked Questions. Please read before submitting a registration form. Registration is optional but it does help to let everyone else know which lighthouses will be on the air. A lighthouse can only be registered once and multiple entries using different call signs will not normally be accepted unless there is a valid reason. Other callsigns can, of course, be used on air.

Remembrance Day Contest 12th & 13th August 2023 Contest Manager Alan Shannon VK4SN vk4sn@wia.org.au Contest Introduction This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased in the southwest Pacific area. A perpetual trophy is awarded annually to the Australian state or territory with the best performance. The name of the winning State or Territory is inscribed on the trophy, and that State or Territory then holds the trophy for 12 months. The winning State or Territory is also given a certificate, as are leading entrants. Aim Of The Contest Amateurs will endeavour to contact amateurs in VK call areas, ZL and P29 on all bands except WARC bands. Modes allowed are PHONE, CW and RTTY as per the era remembered. Further Details: https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rdcontest/ Upcoming Contest Date & Time 12th & 13th August 2023, 0300-0300 UTC Contest Rules 3. Contest Date & Time Weekend in August closest to the 15th, 0300 UTC Saturday to 0300 UTC Sunday. As a mark of respect, stations are asked to observe 15 minutes silence prior to the start of the contest, during which the opening ceremony will be broadcast. 4. Categories 1. Single Operator 2. Single Operator – QRP 3. Multi-Operator – Single Transmitter (Multi-Single) 4. Multi-Operator – Unlimited (Multi-Multi) 5. Sub-Category Modes for Single Operators 1. Phone (AM, FM & SSB) 2. CW (CW & RTTY) 3. Mixed 6. Permitted Bands 1. Contacts may be made on MF (160M), HF and VHF & above bands except for WARC bands (10, 18 & 24MHZ) which are excluded by IARU agreement from all contest operations. a. HF SSB Voice transmissions should be within: 1843-1875, 3535-3570 and 3600-3700, 7080-7300, 14112-14300, 21150-21450, 28300-29100KHz, otherwise disqualification or points reduction may result. 7. Multi-operator Stations 1. Multi-operator single transmitter stations a. Are only allowed one transmitted signal on air at any time. 2. Multi-operator Unlimited stations a. Are only allowed two transmitted signals on any band, one per Phone and one per CW as per rule 5.1 and 5.2. b. Simultaneous transmissions on different bands are permitted. 3. Multi-operator stations are mixed mode only. Multi Stations, please observe any COVID Restrictions for your area. 8. Teams Team scenario 1. A station and two of their friends operate in the contest from their respective home QTH and participate in the contest and submit their logs in the normal manner. They are eligible for any awards in the category they entered as single operators. The contest manager was notified that these 3 stations want to form a team. Their scores are tallied together and that is the team score. Team scenario 2. A multi-single club has 2 operators who wish to work from their home QTH. The 2 single operators and the multi-single club contest and submit logs in the normal manner. They are eligible for any awards in the category they entered. The contest manager was notified that these 3 stations want to form a team. The 2 single operators and the club multi-single stations scores are tallied together and that is the team score. 1. A team can consist of only one of the following two options. a) Three single operator stations b) Two single operator stations and one multi-single station 2. A team can consist of stations located anywhere in VK, ZL, or P2. 3. An operator can only be included in one team. 4. Clubs may enter multiple teams of 3 call-signs. 5. The ‘Team Leader’ MUST nominate his team to the Contest Manager before the start of the contest. Email to vk4sn@wia.org.au with the subject “RD Team Submission”. a) Nominations must include the Callsigns and Operators Name. Where multiple teams from one club are submitted, it is suggested to use Team Names, example: Tazzie Devils b) The Team leader must supply postal details for receipt of any awards. c) Once the contest has started, team members cannot be changed. 6. The winner of the team initiative will be the highest combined score from any one team. 7. Team scores are not included in the determination of the winning state. 9. Contacts 1. Suggested Call: “CQ RD”, “CQ Contest”, or “CQ Test” 2. Exchange: A valid exchange consists of RS(T) followed by a number as follows: a. For a single operator, the number of years you have been a licenced Ham. For example, if this is your 1st year as a ham then you will sign RS(T) 001. Round off to the nearest whole number. All zeros are not accepted. b. For a multi-op or club station, the number of licenced years of the longest licenced Amateur present at the start of the contest. 3. On all bands, stations may be contacted at intervals of not less than THREE hours since the previous contact on that band and mode. a. FM & SSB count as one mode, as does CW & RTTY count for the CW mode. Therefore one cannot QSO with a station in FM and work them on SSB on the same band before the three hours is up. 4. No cross band contacts are allowed. 5. Exchange of contact information via satellites, telephones, repeaters, Echolink, IRLP, or the internet is not in the spirit of the contest and is banned. 6. Contacts via satellites are not allowed for scoring purposes. 7. Contacts within the same call area are permitted. 11. General Rules 1. W.I.A. General Rules for All Contests apply unless otherwise specified. 2. All operators of single operator stations must perform all operating and logging without assistance. a. Use of spotting, skimmer, SDR and similar operator assistance software is allowed on all bands, however all replies, exchanges and log entries must be performed by the operator. 3. Holders of more than one licence or callsign MUST use only ONE callsign for the contest duration. 4. Fully automated operation is not permitted; however, computers can be used for logging or CW or RTTY reception and/or keying. 5. All operations must be in accordance with the band plan for the band in use, as published in the latest LCD. 6. Any station observed as departing from the generally accepted codes of operating ethics or licence conditions may be disqualified. * QRP stations are limited to 5 Watts average (CW/RTTY) or PEP (SSB) at the transmitter output. 7. REMOTE STATION OPERATION is allowed with the following conditions: (NEW in 2021) a. Both receiving and transmitting antennas must be co-located and be in Australia. b. If your remote station is interstate, you must sign VKn??/VKn or VKn/VKn?? c. Points will be allocated to the state you are transmitting and receiving from. d. The remote site location must be shown by a maiden head six figure grid square in your soapbox comments. e. All calls and exchanges must be obtained through the TX/RX remote site. f. Only the remote site can be used during the contest. I.E. Using your personal physical local location for use of local TX/RX operations is not allowed. 12. WW2 ex Military equipment 1. Operators using Ex WW2 equipment will be awarded with a special certificate acknowledging their participation and use of such. 2. A declaration with the heading of WW2 Equipment will operate said units within the "ORIGINAL manufactures specified operating conditions", e.g. no mods to boost the output power etc. A copy of the preferred Certificate is available on the on the WIA website at http://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rdcontest/documents/WWII%20Declaration%202012.pdf 3. Please include the declaration with your log submission. Contest Scoring 10. Scoring 1. On 160 metres two points per completed valid contact. 2. On 23cm or higher bands two points per completed valid contact. 3. On all other bands one point. (no WARC bands allowed) 4. On CW and RTTY, irrespective of band, double points. 5. All QSO's logged between 0100 and 0600 LOCAL TIME score triple points. Submitting Your Log 13. Log Submission 1. Electronic Logging a. Use of logging software is preferred as the output file will be in Cabrillo 3 format which suits our log checking software. See below for logger links. b. Submit Log WITHIN 14 DAYS by 0300z via https://www.vklogchecker.com/ Please add EMAIL: youremail@myisp to the log header. c. Or failing b. above, attach your 'callsign.log' file to your email and send to rdlogs@wia.org.au d. Put ONLY your callsign in the subject . e. On receipt of your log, the manager will send an acknowledgement email to you. Just to be sure, it is advised that you flag your email for “confirmation of receipt”, in which case you will receive two emails acknowledging receipt of the log. 2. Paper Logs a. Hand written logs are not preferred, however if sent must be legible and contain no more than 100 contacts. b. Entrants are encouraged to enter the paper logs into a logger after the contest and email the Cabrillo log (callsign.log) as indicated above. c. Paper logs should be accompanied by a Summary Sheet showing all the details as per the log example below and nominated team name if used. d. Declaration: I hereby certify that I have operated in accordance with the rules and spirit of the contest; signed & dated. Please supply a contact telephone number. e. Send paper logs and summary sheets to: RD Contest Manager. 43 Jahn Drive, Glenore Grove, QLD 4342. Do not send logs requiring a signature! Collection is an hours return drive away and may not be collected before results are finished. 3. If you genuinely have problems with the above, then acceptance of .xls, .csv, and .txt files will be considered for processing. PDF, DOC(x), MDB or picture files are not accepted. 4. Emailed Logs are to be received by the contest manager no later than 14 days after the contest ends. 5. Paper logs are to be postmarked no later than 8 days after the contest. 6. All logs will be receipted by email or on the website if no email exists for the operator. 7. Logs received after the closing date will not be eligible for processing. 8. Paper logs will not be returned unless a SASE is forwarded requesting return of the log. 9. VK entrants temporarily operating outside their allocated call area, including those outside continental Australia as defined for DXCC, can elect to have their points credited to their home State by making a statement to that effect on their summary sheet or in the ‘soapbox’ field in the Cabrillo file. Contest Results 14. Contest Results 1. Determination of Winning State or Territory. State score = (Total points from logs submitted) divided by (number of licencees in the state or Territory excluding beacons and repeaters). The Number of Licences are supplied to the manager from the WIA National Office for that year. 2. Unless otherwise elected by the entrant concerned, the scores of VK0 stations will be credited to VK7, and the scores of VK9 to the mainland call area which is geographically closest. Scores of P2, or ZL will not be included in these calculations, although entrants in those areas are eligible for all certificate awards. 3. Results will be published within 90 days after the close of the contest on the W.I.A. website and winners announced in AR magazine as soon as practical. Contest Award 15. Contest Awards 1. Entrants must make at least 25 contacts to be eligible for awards. 2. Overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place certificates will be posted to recipients. a. Single Operator Phone b. Single Operator CW c. Single Operator Mixed d. Single Operator QRP Phone e. Single Operator QRP CW f. Single Operator QRP Mixed g. Multi-operator – Single Transmitter h. Multi-operator – Multi Transmitter i. Team j. //DISCONTINUED due to callsigns now not reflecting the licence grade.// The top three foundation scorers regardless of category. 3. Certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place-getters for each VK call area, and ZL & P2 from the WIA office. All other certificates will be via PDF download. a. Categories “a” through “f” as above. 4. Participants using WW2 ex military equipment will receive a special acknowledgement certificate as well as any certificates gained in winning any section. Logging Software 17. Logging Software 1. Downloads a. VK Contest Log (VKCL) by Mike Subocz VK3AVV, https://www.mnds.com.au/vkcl/ b. John Drew VK5DJ RD logging program Link c. SD Logger by EI5DI. See ei5di.com (HF logging only) d. N1MM (HF only) Support files (City and UDC) from vk4sn.com/Contests/N1MMVK 2. Remember to check for updates immediately prior to contests to make sure you have the latest software that will contain up to date scoring and rule changes. Logs are now processed through log checking software that uses Cabrillo V3.0 format. An example log is as follows: (brackets indicates option under each tag.) START-OF-LOG: 3.0 (Options for RD Contest) LOCATION: DX CONTEST: REMEMBRANCE DAY CALLSIGN: VK7?? CATEGORY-OPERATOR: SINGLE-OP (SINGLE-OP, MULTI-OP, CHECKLOG) CATEGORY-STATION: FIXED (FIXED, MOBILE, PORTABLE) CATEGORY-POWER: HIGH (HIGH, LOW, QRP) CATEGORY-MODE: SSB (SSB, FM, CW, MIXED) CATEGORY-BAND: ALL CATEGORY-TRANSMITTER: ONE (ONE, TWO, UNLIMITED) CLAIMED-SCORE: 6 CLUB: Your club OPERATORS: VK7?? NAME: JOHN CITIZEN ADDRESS: 1 STREET NAME ADDRESS: MY SUBURB ADDRESS: MY STATE ADDRESS: MY POSTCODE EMAIL: your email address CREATED-BY: Some ones Contest Log (Ver 1.0.0) SOAPBOX: MY COMMENTS SOAPBOX: QSO: 7000 PH 2017-08-12 0353 VK7?? 59 012 VK3??? 59 003 QSO: 7000 PH 2017-08-12 0358 VK7?? 59 012 VK2?? 59 032 QSO: 7000 PH 2017-08-12 0400 VK7?? 59 012 VK7?? 59 040 QSO: 7000 PH 2017-08-12 0403 VK7?? 59 012 VK2?? 59 027 QSO: 7000 PH 2017-08-12 0407 VK7?? 59 012 VK3??? 59 007 QSO: 7000 PH 2017-08-12 0410 VK7?? 59 012 VK3?? 59 051 END-OF-LOG: Contest Sponsors VK Classifieds: SO PH Highest scoring station. CW Operators QRP Club: Highest scoring QRP station. Sth Pacific Contest Club: MS & MM 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Trent VK4TS: Team Winner. VKHAM: Highest scoring Rookie. Files For Download RD Contest Rules RDContestRules.pdf RD Rules - Quick Reference Guide RD-Rules-Quick-ReferenceGuide.pdf RD Paper Log, Summary sheet, and WW2 Equipment Declaration RDlogAndSummarySheet.pdf 2018 RD Contest Results RemembranceDayContestReport2018forWebsite.pdf RD 2018 State Winner Certificates RD2018StateWinnerCertificates.pdf 2019 RD Contest Results - rev 3. RemembranceDayContestReport2019forWebsite.pdf 2019 RD State winner certificates RD2019StateWinnerCertificates.pdf RD 2020 Contest Results RemembranceDayContestReport2020forWebsite.pdf RD 2020 State Winner Certificates RD2020StateWinnerCertificates.pdf 2021 RD Contest Report RemembranceDayContestReport2021forWEBSITE.pdf 2021 RD Certificates - State and Team Winners RD2021_STATE_and_TEAM_CERTIFICATES.pdf 2022 RD Results RemembranceDayContestReport2022forWebSite.pdf RD 2022 Certificates (PDF) RD2022_StateWinnerCertificates.pdf 2016 RD Results -Rev 1 RDArticleForWebsite 2016.pdf RD 2016 State Winner Certificates Rev 1 (PDF) RD2016StateWinnerCertificates.pdf 2017 RD Contest Opening Address 2017-RD-1.mp3 2017 RD RESULTS (PDF) RD2017FullResults.pdf RD 2017 State Winner Certificates (PDF) Rev 1 RD_2017_State_Winner_Certificates.pdf RD 2020 Opening Address 2020 RD speech 15m00s L.mp3

Ham Radio 2.0, Huntsville, and v6.9 Dev This article thanks to John VK3JCO Mark Your Calendars Ham Radio Deluxe on Ham Radio 2.0 YouTube Live (7-Aug 0000z) HRD Software CEO Dr. Michael Carper (WA9PIE) will be live with Jason (KC5HWB) on his popular YouTube podcast - Ham Radio 2.0. Topics of conversation will include an overview of Ham Radio Deluxe, recent additions in v6.8, the status of 6.9 development, and perspectives on the future of Ham Radio Deluxe. Join the event for live Q&A. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HamRadio2 Date & Time (UTC): 7-Aug 2023 @ 0000z United States: Aug. 6, 2023, at 8 pm ET, 7 pm CT, 6 pm MT, 5 pm PT Huntsville Hamfest (August 19-20, 2023) Ham Radio Deluxe is excited to be attending the Huntsville Hamfest this year. We'll be in the booth between DX Engineering and FlexRadio. See Mike (WA9PIE) and Tammy (KB9YHU) in the booth if you plan to attend. They're looking forward to seeing you there. Status of Version 6.9 Development Development on the next release of Ham Radio Deluxe is ongoing. Release - version 6.9 - seeks to accomplish several things: Eliminate Microsoft Access as a supported database; replace it with SQLite Eliminate the majority of the outstanding Logbook defects (including catching up to the current ADIF standards) Implement many customer-requested enhancements in Logbook (POTA, SOTA, callsign lookup images, etc.) Ability to run as a 64-bit application on 64-bit operating systems Lay the foundation for a subsequent release of Ham Radio Deluxe that is multi-platform (i.e., can run on Mac OS and potentially Linux) These changes are significant, and the work involved is substantial, BUT we will have a tremendously better and more supportable product when it's complete. All this is a prerequisite to the desired capabilities of version 7 later in the roadmap. HRD Software's owner - Mike, WA9PIE - checks in with the developers daily for progress updates. It's hard to predict when this work will complete, but all of our resources (people and funding) are going toward this effort. (Editorial Note: Even Dr. Carper is not thrilled with how long this release has taken. But the outcomes align with the goals above and are worth the effort.) A broader announcement will be made when the software is moved to the beta team. We appreciate your patience. Thank you es 73 de Mike, WA9PIE HRD Software, LLC We appreciate the opportunity to serve you. The Ham Radio Deluxe Team... HRD Software, LLC Also visit our sites at: www.HamRadioDeluxe.com Support for Software Maintenance & Support Customers Peer Support Forums YouTube Channel Online User Manual HRD Software, LLC 4261 E University Dr Ste 30-183 Prosper, TX 75078-9152

Sunday 10th September 2023 SHEPPARTON HAMFEST Doors open at 10.00an for the punters. Entry is $5.00 per person. Children under 15 free. St Augustine’s Church Hall Orr St SHEPPARTON Doors open at 7.00am for vendor setup. Tables are $20.00 for the first table and $15.00 for each table thereafter. Each vendor is allowed two free entry tickets. Doors open at 10.00an for the punters. Entry is $5.00 per person. Children under 15 free.

19 July 2023 ACMA makes changes to amateur access in 50–52 MHz and 3.4–3.6 GHz frequency bands Following consultation on changes to amateur access in the 50–52 MHz and 3.4–3.6 GHz bands, we have made the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Omnibus Amendment Instrument 2023 (No.1). The proposed changes will: Give Standard amateurs and overseas equivalents access to the 50–52 MHz frequency band. Remove access to the 3.4–3.6 GHz frequency band for Advanced amateurs and overseas equivalents. This is in areas that have been re-allocated for spectrum licensing and identified for possible long-term earth station protection zones. We received 6 submissions in response to the consultation, including one confidential submission. The majority of submissions supported the proposed changes to the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination 2015 and the Radiocommunications (Overseas Amateurs Visiting Australia) Class Licence 2015. You can view the public submissions and outcome of the consultation on the ACMA website. Outcome On 13 July 2023, we made the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Omnibus Amendment Instrument 2023 (No.1). The proposed changes to amateur access in the 50–52 MHz band and 3.4–3.6 GHz band also took effect on 13 July.

Australian emergency services accept what3words 28/10/2020 The Emergency+ app displays a Triple Zero (000) caller’s current what3words address so they can easily give Australian emergency services their exact location and receive help quickly. Australia’s emergency services have developed a free life-saving app, Emergency+, which helps people call the right emergency number and confirm their location. what3words is now available in this app, and emergency services in Australia accept and use what3words addresses to find Triple Zero (000) callers faster.