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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.

Quick blog.. headed up to Tibooburra then out to Cameron Corner.. as for radio.. 20m is simply amazing .. it will be listening on 14.290 for those that can get on to that band.. had a great chat to the Famparc ham shack today .. thanks guys for making the effort .. Especially to Stanley 3bot..

Pat’s funeral will be at St Thomas Anglican Church in Langwarrin (cnr North Rd and Warrandyte Rd) at midday Wednesday 19 July, with some refreshments to follow. It is with sadness that I report the passing of Pat Pavey VK3OZ; long time FDU member, CW operator, friend to many, and mother to Phil VK3VB, Peter Jnr, Patsy, and Paula.

My 80 meter bent half square was probably the best antenna I ever had. I had it broadside to Europe at my Hampton Va QTH, I had it broadside to the Pacific area for one contest at my New Kent location and then installed it again broadside to Europe. Very hard to work Europe off the ends so I took about 5 hours to rotate it. Only rotated it once! It is important to note that a half square is not worth the trouble on 20 meters and above because a dipole at the same height as the top wire of the half square has more gain for DX. On 40 meters the top wire is about 35 or 40 feet and a 40 meter dipole at that height is about the same as the half square and a dipole is easier to put up. Thanks to Mani for finding this Video.

The End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) is one of the most popular antennas and is currently proving to be one of the best options for new Hams and those that have limitations on what they can install in their gardens or back yards. Peter G3OJV discusses and answers some the most frequently asked questions. Thanks for Mani for finding this video. Here are some things you can do to get even more fun out of an End Fed Half-Wave Antenna.

VHF/DMR radio Power levels 25-45 W 136-174 MHz, Channel Capacity 1000 Super easy to program the analog channels a little finicky with DMR frequencies and setting up a hotspot on the VHF band, But after the first 10 entries it becomes second nature with a copy-and-paste feature in CPS. As for the DMR the audio is 1000 better than what I am used to using with cheap Chinese radios. Because MOTOTRBO uses TDMA digital technology, you get integrated voice and data, twice the calling capacity, and clearer voice communications With Intelligent Audio, the radio volume automatically adjusts to compensate for background noise so ham users don’t have to keep adjusting their radio volume to avoid missing a call in loud situations or disturbing nagging wives . Increased background noise suppression filters out unwanted external noises – from road traffic to your HF radio hissing in the background *And no need to adjust the offset on the Hotspot as the radio is dead on frequency* The only downside I found with this radio is it will only let you import 1000 DMR contacts in the radio but if you are running it mainly off a hotspot having the callsigns displayed there is wont be a problem but you can still import the most active VK contacts into it. Some other random features the radio has is Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR Specification Radio supports 1 Bluetooth audio accessory and 1 Bluetooth data device simultaneously 3 W (Internal) speaker is front mounted and sounds great Can be programmed via 3 different connections rear data plug, Mic plug, or via Bluetooth These radios come up a lot on eBay, so if you are interested in one that would be the best place to keep an eye out they can go for around 200-400 Cheers and 73 VK3DEL

Ofcom UK, is proposing to update the amateur radio licence to enable amateur radio to continue to develop as a hobby, within a simplified regulated framework that supports optimal spectrum use WHY NOT FOR AUSTRALIA? Thanks to Roy VK3GB for the information etc.

Earlier today, Wednesday 21st June, ACMA had prearranged a zoom session with all current AMC Amateur radio examination assessors. This was to inform them of the new arrangements ACMA plan to be implementing now that AMC have officially informed ACMA they will not be renewing the deed to continue the exam services after February 2024. ACMA propose to initially replicate many of the current AMC exam processes but with a couple of welcomed changes which were enthusiastically received by most assessors on the information session. Proposed is that assessors will once again be able to mark the exams for the candidates at the completion of the exam as the WIA had been doing previously to AMC. Candidates now would be informed of their results and can be provided with direct feedback on the exam results or areas that may need attention if they may need to re-sit again. Currently only one assessor is required to conduct an exam and this is being continued. Assessor accreditation will be required along with Working with Children type compliance. Assessor guidelines will need to be agreed to as assessors will have a binding contract with the ACMA , a federal organization. Exams will be delivered electronically and results uploaded to the new exam portal saving mailing costs and delays in results processing. Along with the ability to provide remote exams via a skype video session or similar there is no proposal from ACMA for exams to be delivered on an online platform at this stage. Many aspects will need to be fine tuned, such as the exam payment process, searchable available callsign database, callsign registers and allocation of callsigns to applicants. The Subject syllibi for each licence level will be updated and question pools were discussed to whether they would be open to the public, like many other countries have done such as the USA, New Zealand and Canada or whether they will be closed, such as when the WIA conducted exams a few years ago. There are pros and cons for either method. Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) and Reciprocal Licencing were briefly discussed. It is important to process applications more efficiently and in a compliant and internationally recognised manner. ACMA mentioned that there will be a public consultation on the assessments and exam procedures around August this year. As an assessor, it would be prudent to respond to the consultation with your concerns, ideas and solutions to any problems you encounter currently as an AMC Assessor. ACMA are being extremely receptive as they envisage a smooth transition from AMC to the ACMA’s exam service, commencing Feburary 2024. Given the extensive previous amateur radio exam experience and knowledge of exam delivery, WIA have offered ACMA assistance as required. You can email ACMA with your concerns at SpectrumLicensingPolicy@acma.gov.au with Assessor accreditation in the subject line. The WIA will also be responding to the consultation and would welcome any comments and concerns for consideration to their consultation response. Email nationaloffice@wia.org.au Update from Michael vk3uuu Hi gents, Close to 80 attended the online meeting with ACMA on Wednesday, basically they wish all current Assessors to become ACMA assessors. I have attached the presentation put to us if you want to have a look, overall is seemed a positive meeting, and many of the Questions and suggestions that were put forward by the Amateurs present will be taken onboard for their next presentation.

Today, Saturday 17th June at club rooms we found out that our terrific group of chaps who recently sat their Foundation Exams have..... !!!!! ..... ALL PASSED ! So.. from all the members of Famparc we congratulate you and welcome you all to the exciting adventure of Amateur Radio. Prepare to meet a massive array of people from all around the world. Congratulations: Robert Murphy Anthony Colussi Rakshit Dhar Michael Booth Geoff Guest Giles Gillison Harry Williams Roy Frattinger Great work guys... we all look forward in chatting to you all on the air.

June 17th 2023 is QRP Day The interest in QRP activities is everlasting in the amateur radio community worldwide. QRP radio communications testify the high ability of radio amateurs and offers advantages concerning, among others, the reduction of QRM on the amateur bands. The 10th IARU Region 3 Conference held in September 1997 in Beijing has resolved the following recommendations based on the document (97/X/14) submitted by NZART, which says; "That Region 3 Societies help to promote the IARU objectives for QRP operation, specifically: i) to support QRP operation on June 17 each year; ii) to foster QRP activities by their members; iii) to encourage regular publication of QRP articles in their national magazines; iv) to provide QRP sections in any national contests; and v) to assist other Societies with the promotion and development of QRP." Accordingly, member Societies are requested to note the above resolution and take appropriate actions with reference to the holdings of the following events, for example, in order to contribute to more effective use of radio spectrum: 1) QRP Field Day; 2) QRP Contest; 3) Distribution of QRP Transmitter Kits and Reference Book; and 4) Workshop of QRP Operation. 73, Yuki, Yosuke Uchiyama, JH1NBN Secretary, IARU Region 3 Click Here for Details

I found this article that may help those who are lucky enough to own a Icom IC-7300 in setting up their rig on FT8... This is for Windows computers.. Sorry no Mac article yet.