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- 3D printer for Radio Club
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: Multimeters, 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/ Yeasu FT-991A Multiple print files https://www.yeggi.com/q/yeasu+ft991a/ Xeigu G-90 Multiple print files https://www.yeggi.com/q/xeigu+g90/ Handheld Radio Mounts Car cupholder mounts https://www.yeggi.com/q/handheld+radio+cupholder+mount/ Elecraft KX3 protective cover Elecraft KX3 protective cover https://www.printables.com/model/138337-elecraft-kx3-radio-protective-panels-and-cover
- Trans-Tasman Low-Band Contest 2025
Trans Tasman Low Band Contest Contest Manager Alan Shannon VK4SN Contest Introduction WHEN: 19 JUL 2025 The contest is held on the Saturday night of the third full weekend of July. Start Time is 08:00 UTC and finish time is 14:00 UTC The Trans-Tasman contest , held on the 3rd weekend in July, aims to encourage Low Band activity between VK and ZLOnly contest bands 160 80 and 40M are allowed with SSB, CW and Digital (RTTY OR PSK)From 2018 this contest is an official WIA Contest and will count towards the Peter Brown Contest Champion Awards. Aim Of The Contest Work as many VK and ZL Prefixes and as many different stations on 160 80 and 40M in a short 6 hour evening contest.. Contest Rules 1. Contest Introduction This contest is to encourage Low Band Activity in Australia and New Zealand.The applicable bands are 160, 80 and 40M. 2. Objective. Amateurs in VK and ZL will endeavour to contact other amateurs in VK and ZL. a. VK and ZL, means any station operating within Australia or New Zealand and their external territories. b. Points are only awarded for valid contacts between VK and ZL stations. c. The contest is made up of 3 individual two hour blocks. d. You are able to work another station once per band and mode in every block. e. Every different Prefix used by VK or ZL stations is a valid multiplier and credit can be claimed once per band per block. 3. Contest Date & Time. The contest is held on the Saturday night of the third full weekend of July. Start Time is 08:00 UTC and finish time is 14:00 UTC 4. Categories. (All band, All Mode) A. Single Operator – High Power B. Single Operator – Low Power (100 watts) C. Single Operator – QRP * E. Multi-Operator – Single Transmitter F. Multi-Operator – Multi Transmitter G. Youth - The manager will award certificates to the top 3 youth entries, regardless of single op category. Select "YOUTH" from the Overlay setup selection in N1MM logger if entering the Youth sub-category. If not using N1MM Logger, put this line in the header: CATEGORY-OVERLAY: YOUTH * QRP stations are limited to 5 Watts average (CW/RTTY/PSK) or PEP (SSB) at the transmitter output. 5. Permitted Bands and modes. Bands: 160M 80M 40M ...SSB Voice transmission should be within:...1843-1875, 3535-3570 and 3600-3700, 7080-7300KHz...otherwise disqualification or score reduction may result. b. Modes: SSB, CW and Digital (Digital includes PSK or RTTY only) NB. PSK and RTTY are the only allowed digital modes and are combined, not counted separately. 6. Multi-operator Stations. A. Multi-operator single transmitter stationsa. are only allowed one transmitted signal on air at any time.Transmitter. (Category F.) – your responsibility to stop multiple transmitters operating. B. Multi-operator Multi Transmitter stations a. Are only allowed maximum one transmitted signal per band, b. Simultaneous transmissions on different bands are permitted. c. Multi-operator stations are mixed mode only. 7. Contacts. Suggested Call: “CQ TT”, “CQ Contest”, or “CQ Test” b. Exchange: For Single and Multi-one operator stations, a valid exchange consists of RS(T) followed by a serial number starting at 001. Multi-multi stations start at 001 for each band. c. No cross band contacts are allowed. d. exchange of contact information via satellites, telephones, repeaters, Echolink, IRLP, or the internet is not in the spirit of the contest and is banned. e. (Operation of SSB Voice stations in the digital section (3570 to 3600) is not in the spirit of the contest and may be disqualified. 8. Scoring. All contacts are worth one point. b. Add the number of contacts made in the two hour block and multiply by the different prefixes worked on each band in that two hour block. c. NB external territories count as one prefix – eg VK0 counts as VK0 and not the separate DXCC same as for VK9 e.g. 160 80 40 total contacts 50 X 35 prefixes (total of each band added) = 1750 points. d. Final Score is the addition of the scores from the three two hour blocks starting at 08:00; 10:00 & 12:00 UTC 9. Logs. Logs are due in within one week of closure of the contest. Submit logs via https://www.vklogchecker.com/ *See below for logging software available for this contest. 10. Judging. The Contest Committee is responsible for checking and adjudicating the contest entries. Entrants are expected to follow the rules and best amateur radio practices. Violation of the rules of the contest or unsportsmanlike conduct may lead to disciplinary action by the Committee. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Examples of unsportsmanlike conduct include, but are not limited to: * Arranging or confirming any contacts during or after the contest by use of ANY non-amateur radio means such as telephones, Internet, instant messaging, chat rooms, VoIP, email, social media or web sites. * Transmissions by the entrant on frequencies outside of license limitations. * Changing times in the log to meet band change or off time rules. * Taking credit for excessive unverifiable QSOs or unverifiable multipliers. * Signals with excessive bandwidth (e.g., splatter, clicks) or harmonics on other bands. * Running stations not identifying in a timely manner (i.e., 1 minute). * Use of Tag along operation where a restricted number of stations are contacted. * Only one callsign is to be used for the entirety of a contest. * Padding means adding callsigns that were not in the contest or working someone and logging all of their other callsigns to falsely claim QSOs for QSO points. Inserting QSOs into the contest log that were not made during the contest. * Giving out other than the callsign used in the contest is not in the spirit of the contest. 11. Disciplinary Actions. In the event of a violation, the entrant is subject to disqualification at the discretion of the Committee.Disqualified entries will be listed at the end of the published results and are not eligible for an award.Notification of Committee actions will be sent by email to the address provided with the log submission. The entrant has five days to appeal the decision to the Contest Director. After that time the decision is final.The Committee reserves the right to change the category of any entry based on its examination of the log or other information. Contest Scoring All contacts are worth one point – Add the number of contacts made in the two hour block and multiply by the different prefixes worked on each band in that two hour block.Final Score is the addition of the scores from the three two hour blocks starting at 08:00; 10:00 & 12:00 UTC. Submitting Your Log LOGS ARE DUE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF CONTEST COMPLETION.After completion of the contest you need to:1. Upload or copy and paste your Cabrillo Ver 3 log to into the submit window at https:// www.vklogchecker.com/ *** On screen instructions will tell whether your log was accepted, or if it needs more attention. ***2. Having problems with the above, then Email your log with ONLY your callsign in the subject to ttlogs@wia.org.au where an acknowledgement may take 48 hours or just check the website log submission list. Contest Results Results and statistics are at vklogchecker.com Contest Award Download certificates below. Logging Software 1. VKCL loggerDownload: https://www.vk4sn.com/Contests/Contesting 2 . N1MM loggerhttps:// n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/ * The Trans-Tasman User Defined Contest (UDC)for N1MM is available for download from: https://www.vk4sn.com/Contests/N1MMVK Logs MUST be in Cabrillo format - this is the submission file produced by VKCL and N1MM Information courtesy of WIA.
- A FIRST!
On Tuesday 8pm, July 15, 2025, we conducted our inaugural Famparc Net using the new club repeater VK3RUV . Participating in the inaugural club net via the club repeater was: Terry vk3bmx (Extraordinary Net Controller) Craig vk3ncr Colin vk3cr Daryl vk3hbp Ken vk3mjf Jerry vk3vce David vk3adm Glenn vk4nga (Qld via Allstar) Ian vk3ko (via Allstar & RF) Paul vk3zt (via Allstar) Rakshit vk3dhr Stanley vk3bot Pamela vk3hxx Andrew vk3cah Murray vk3fadx A fantastic turnout with several participants utilising the experimental AllStar network. VK3RUV in a rough state for testing We did have a few glitches via the Allstar network, which I'm sure will be worked out. Congratulations to everyone who contributed in getting the repeater operational, and to those who took the time to participate.
- ARISS SSTV Series
Thanks to Stanley VK3BOT Here's the latest pre-brief for the ARISS SSTV Series 28 ham radio event that begins on Monday. Due to other activities on the ISS, start time for transmissions is now around 16:05 UTC | 12:05 PM ET. Images received by Stanley VK3BOT
- AGM 2025 2.0 BRIEF
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.
- Roger Baker VK3BKR (SK)
Roger Baker VK3BKR (SK) Roger Baker VK3BKR (SK) Roger Baker became a Silent Key on Tuesday 8 July 2025. He was a member of the EMDRC (Inc) for over 40 years and in that time had served many years on Committee, oversaw the implementation of the workshop at the Clubrooms, and provided a wealth of practical knowledge in running the facilities. Through Baker Radio, the members were beneficiaries of access to surplus 2 way radios, configured for the 2 m & 70 cm bands. Roger was involved in a variety of off road activities that required 2 way radio and repeaters to support competitors’ safety. Nothing was too much trouble for him. We will miss Roger on Thursday mornings and Friday night meetings. He will be fondly remembered for his contribution to Amateur Radio and the EMDRC. Vale Roger A Service to Celebrate the Life of Roger Kingsley Baker will be held in the Tobin Brothers Threads of Life Chapel, 294 Burwood Hwy, East Burwood on Wednesday, 16 th July 2025 at 2pm.Webcast live at 2.00pm AEST LINK Thanks to EMDRC for the above information.
- NOW FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Hmmm... Many of us may not call this Amateur Radio. However we need to embrace new things, this is what our hobby is all about. MOVING FORWARD What would our hobby look like if we did not embrace AM, SSB, then FM and now Digital modes. This may not be for everyone but, give it a try.. It's not hard! No doubt you have heard of DStar, DMR, Fusion etc etc.. AllStar Although it does use the internet to connect to other users, hubs, repeaters etc, it is not classed as a digital mode as it uses FM to connect to a AllStar connected Repeater, or your personal Node running on a Raspberry Pi mini computer. Well.. here is another way to access the AllStar system. An Apple IOS App called RepeaterPhone . It allows your Apple iPhone to connect to the AllStar network and it's very simple to use. There is one thing you need to do, prior.. Register for an AllStar Node . Note: This app is for licensed Amateur Radio operators only . RepeaterPhone provides the ability to connect your mobile device to EchoLink or AllStarLink nodes , including repeaters and conferences. Push to talk today ! You will need an account with either the EchoLink or AllStarLink networks . Please see https://www.echolink.org or https://www.allstarlink.org , respectively, for more details - Push-to-talk interface - Browse or search the directory for available nodes - Mark favorites with a star for quick access - Supports various audio devices, including Bluetooth headsets - Fully integrated into your phone's recent call system - Includes a watch extension for dialling favourites and controlling push-to-talk - Sharing your device with a licensed family member? Switch accounts easily Turn your Apple iPhone into a Hand Held Radio.. You can chat to other Nodes and AllStar Connected Repeaters. It works and sounds great.
- How To Select Feedline
How To Select Feedline For A Repeater, By Todd, KY4TS APRIL 30, 2018 By Todd, KY4TS A common overlooked part of putting together a repeater system is the selection of proper feedline. "But, coax is coax, isn't it?" "I use LMR-400 for all my stations at home. That should be good enough for a repeater, right?" Well, not necessarily. So, why is the selection of feedline so important? First, on many tower installs, if you or your club don’t own the tower, most all commercial sites will require a bonded, professional crew to climb the tower for any work that needs to be done. This gets expensive very quickly. Using a poor quality or incorrect type of feed line WILL cause a failure of your system. Hiring a crew (any professional climb will require at least 2 people) to replace a faulty feed line will wipe out any savings you made with your coax. Add to that, you end up buying the more expensive, correct feed line anyway. So what is incorrect feed line? The following is from Mike Morris, WA6ILQ and repeater-builder.com : “In duplex service you want to avoid any coax that has dissimilar metals rubbing against each other (such as Belden 9913) or any LMR-(any 3-digit or 4-digit number) cable since both use an aluminium foil shield rubbing against a copper braid (and they are not the only ones with that type of construction). In a coax cable, any dissimilar metals in contact with each other are bad news. Aluminum oxide is formed when raw aluminum is in contact with oxygen, and the chemical reaction that converts the top few molecules of the exposed surface of aluminum into aluminum oxide is almost instantaneous. Aluminum oxide makes a dandy diode. All those millions of contact points between the copper braid and the aluminum oxide layer on the aluminum foil become millions of little tiny diodes. In the presence of high RF power levels all those little diodes cause RF noise. The amount of noise energy on any one frequency (such as on your repeater input frequency) is a low level, but when you have the noise source inside the same feedline that feeds a sensitive receiver it doesn’t take much level to be audible. I repeat – any cable that has dissimilar metals pressed together, even inside a jacket, will sooner or later create wideband noise (sometimes called duplex grunge) when hit with RF power. Even something as simple as a 1-foot-long jumper between the feedline and the antenna at the top of the tower can cause major desense problems (and for a long time the major antenna manufacturers were shipping 9913 jumpers with their antennas). 9913 is usable in an indoor simplex environment, but you will find that 9913 or any dissimilar metals cable, especially LMR-(any 3-digit or 4-digit number), is a disaster just waiting to happen on a duplex system.” In that case, what is the correct type of feed line? Again, from WA6ILQ: “First of all, despite what you read elsewhere, “hardline” is not Heliax™ and Heliax™ is not “hardline”. True hardline (sometimes called rigid feedline or rigid line) is most commonly used in broadcast (AM, FM and TV). It does not flex – it’s based on concentric pipe with an insulator between the inner and outer conductor. From the outside it looks like flanged pipe. Common sizes range from 3/4 inch to over 8 inches in diameter. It is much lower loss than coax or even Heliax." “On the other hand, RG-214 has two silver-plated braids and a silver-plated inner conductor. RG-393 is similar but has a Teflon® outer jacket. Both are the larger diameter (i.e. RG-8 / 213) size coax and RG-142 / RG-400 is the smaller diameter (RG-6 / RG-58 / RG-59) size. Please save yourself some grief and use real Mil-Spec RG-214 or RG-393 as the jumper between the feedline and the antenna. And please be a very annoying and nagging perfectionist about the installation and waterproofing of all feedline and jumper connectors outside the building.” "You will minimize your feedline problems if you stick to Superflex, RG-214, RG-393 or RG-400 on the radio side of the duplexer, and Superflex, Heliax and RG-214 or RG-393 on the antenna side of the duplexer. Use RG-214 or RG-393 as the jumper between the duplexer and the Heliax, and between the Heliax and the antenna. Note that RG-400 has more loss than the larger diameter cables – it’s spec’d at 9.6 dB of loss per 100 feet at 400 MHz. It’s short jumper material, not feedline material! You will want to use all silver plated connectors and absolutely minimal adapters (and those need to be silver plated) in your connections from the transmitter or receiver to the duplexer, from the duplexer to the feedline and from the feedline to the antenna. NO nickel plated or chrome plated anything in the RF path anywhere! Nickel and chromium are ferrous metals and as such both are an intermod creator anywhere around RF. It ’s detectable at 10 meters and 6 meters and has proven to be a real problem at 2 meters, 220, 440, 900 and 1200 MHz. Mark Abrams WA6DPB said it well when he said “One nickel or chrome plated anything can really ruin your whole day”. Another rule is nothing but Teflon® insulated silver plated connectors and minimal adapters on anything above 30 MHz." Before you plan out or purchase anything for your system, go to www.repeater-builder.com and read everything you can. It will save you a huge amount of frustration! 73, Todd, KY4TS
- FAMPARC NEW 2M REPEATER
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 Dedicated Repeater Webpage Here.. 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.
- SAD TIMES
Some of you may know and some may not.. Ron VK3AHR, the legend that has run the 7.100 Net every day for well over ten years is standing down. Ron has been battling Cancer for many years and now in his late 80's he has been given the words that we never want to hear. So Ron has now moved in with his darling wife which has been residing in a care facility for some time now. I was blessed to talk to Ron for the last time over the radio today 4:30pm 20th June 2025. it was an upsetting conversation to say the least. I have been a regular on Ron's 7100 net and I must say he will be greatly missed. Ron has logged over 40,000 contacts via his regular net!.. An amazing effort! Ron has begun the terrible task of dismantling is Ham Shack. I'm sure we would like to wish Ron and his wife the very best for what life remains. Good on You Ron VK3AHR
- FREE WIFI
Mosy of you would be aware that my wife and I just returned from a trip away. We towed our Caravan around outback NSW and QLD, we had a great time, however our 4G was pretty poor, as our supplier uses the Wholesale Telstra Network, meaning most of the way we had no phone connection. What did help was... The free wifi available at the many Telstra Phone Boxes, not all, but many, for Telstra users only. We would simply pull up next to the phone box and connect for free.. Very Handy Other places to find free wifi are town library and visitor / information centers. However, the next time we will be looking into a Starlink Mini, as we found many travellers using them. Stan, vk3bot has one. Cheers. Craig vk3ncr
- QTC June 2025 out now.
QTC June 2025 out now. Welcome to the June edition of QTC. This month in QTC we have another interesting set of updates and articles. In this Issue: - RASA’s reponse to ACMA LCD Consultation - HamCamption 2025 Honours Mike VK6MB (SK) - Maidenhead Locaters explained - Remoting From a Loft – N9EEE - FreeDV 2.0.0 released - This is Amateur Radio website Update - The 2025 GGREC Hamfest in Longwarry, Victoria coming up on July 5 QTC is published by RASA, the Radio Amateur Society of Australia. Enquiries to info at vkradioamateurs.org You can download or view QTC HERE in pdf form and don't forget that it is available as a screen based flip book HERE in the RASA library, ready for your portable device.