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For the many of you that are blessed in having an Icom IC-705 rig, here is another trick for you to experiment with. Say you are not within range of a DStar Repeater, and you still want to access the DStar network using your IC-705. Well.. after a little bit of playing, I managed to get my IC-705 to connect to DStar Reflectors without the need of a Repeater, or a DStar HotSpot on a Raspberry Pi. However, you will need a Raspberry Pi, any model I understand will be fine. So.. even a Raspberry Pi Zero will work. Raspberry Pi Zero W WHAT YOU NEED: You will also need the Pi-Star OS.. Pi-Star_RPi_V4.2.1_17-Feb-2024.zip Check here for any updates... Pi-Star UK Raspberry PI Mother board. Raspberry Pi Zero W SD Card for the operating system, 16Gig is fine You will also need two USB Cables: 1x to power the Raspberry Pi. Usually USB Micro to USB A if you have a power supply that has USB A power outlets. 1x USB Micro to USB Micro for the data, one end connected to the Raspberry Pi Zero and the other end connected to the USB Micro port on the IC-705. My 705 connected to the RP Zero, Orange cable Power, Black Data to and from the 705 Note: the Raspberry PI does need a WIFI connection or course! Pi-Star Dashboard running in DStarRepeater Mode There are a few small changes you need to make to the Pi-Star Software... I found this brilliant Youtube Clip from K9SWX. If you follow his steps to the letter as they say, you will get it up and running in no time. I have been testing it and it works a treat, and with out the cost of buying a Hotspot. You can also see and use his text to step through as well. Click Here. One trick you need to be aware of, when he says, "Now Connect you IC705" DO IT.. Other wise the Radio Modem Type will NOT show the Icom Terminal Mode selection. And yes.. I know... this is not real Amateur Radio.. And I suppose in one way it's not as the 705 is not transmitting RF, as a matter of fact you don't need an antenna of course. But.. you are still using your callsign and also the Amateur Radio Network. Note: This setup will only allow you to connect to the Reflectors, like REF023C for example and not directly to a DStar Repeater. But as you know, many DStar Repeaters are connected to Reflectors. Have fun... if you need help or have a question, leave a comment.. Cheers. Craig vk3ncr

After some delay, I have now been accredited as an Amateur Radio Assessor by the ACMA. It was one of our club goals to have at least two assessors in the club, given the number of Foundation Courses we are running. Hopefully, this will take some of the load off Michael (VK3UUU). Ian (VK3KO)

Happy World Radio Day 2025! 12 February 2025 · Audioinfo · News · Sustainability Every year the world wide radio industry celebrates its own international day. February 13th is World Radio Day . Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 as International Day of the United Nations, February 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). CEO of Australia’s Commercial Radio and Audio body, Lizzie Young has a WRD message about the enduring importance of radio. She told radio info’s Steve Ahern: “Unlike lots of other media platforms, radio is unique. It’s local in a way that others can’t be. “It’s trusted with news and information services that are fact checked… it offers the counter to misinformation and disinformation with local trusted information… radio plays an active role for communities in times of need.” Read more at: https://radioinfo.com.au/news/happy-world-radio-day-2025/ © RadioInfo Australia Infomration and Images supplied by: Our Thanks to RadioInfo.

To Famparc members With a heavy heart I have to inform you of the passing of Peter Repschlager vk3yg on last Sunday 9 February, at an age of 86.  Peter was a member of our club since the early nineties, and very involved in the tuition of prospecting amateurs, with his callsign vk3jpr. He lived in Pearcedale, and ran a business as mobile car mechanic in the region. Some of us will remember his trusty Toyota HiAce. While doing so, he was on weekends building a holiday home at the southern shore of lake Glenmaggie. Peter and his wife Jenny moved there permanently in early 2000, where he continued to run his business, and Jenny ran a daily mail delivery in the region. At that time there was no mains power at the orooerty, so a range of solar panels created power, stored in a wet battery bank in the garage. Peter was also a member of Wicen Victoria. And as such a valued member and radio operator at various car rallies and other community events in the region. I remember him talking about being involved in the early days of the Great Victorian Bike Ride. He also participated in a number of Red Cross Canoe Marathons, a five day event held after Christmas on the river Murray  between Yarrawonga and Swan Hill. In the past years Peter could be found regularly on a daily 80m HF net with Ken DeSilva vk3fkd, Graham Mason Vk3kmg, and often additional amateurs from vk5 and vk7, reporting on the water level of lake Glenmaggie (which was next to his back yard), and other regional matters. I was lucky to have been able to visit Peter and Jenny a few times at their house at Glenmaggie in the past few years. Peter (Victor Three Yankee Golf) has now signed off! ( But he might be still listening?) Funeral proceedings will take place on Monday 17 February at Semmens Funeral Services, 5 Queen Street Maffra, commencing at 1100 am.  Viewing is available prior between 1000 and 1030 am  After the funeral proceedings there will be a lunch at the Heyfield RSL. All are welcome. Cheers, Gerard Werner Vk3ger

Last year I had a fun three nights on my own at Wunghnu Near Shepparton . I wasn't really on my own, there were heaps of people over the weekend. It was the Goulburn Valley Vintage Tractor & Farm Machinery Club 40th Annual Vintage Rally and Tractor Pull. I was free and very relaxing, plenty of room for all types of camping, of course I was in my caravan. On the Saturday night, you grab your chair and wonder across from you camp to the Tractor Pull Area and watch the Tractor Pull Under Lights. Example of one of the many tractors during the Tractor Pull. I reckon this year if we have a few members wanting to go and stay for the weekend, we could setup a display in the camp ground promoting our club and Amateur Radio. Update: I spoke to Lloyd Healey (Listed below), and he was quite ok for us to setup a display right next to the sheds.. There are Toilets and Showers available as well. I'm going !!!! Whooo Hoooo When: From Saturday 29th March 2025 - 9am till 8pm From Sunday 30th March 2025 - 9qm til 4pm Where: Wunghnu Recreation Reserve, Goulburn Valley Hwy Wunghnu, VIC 3635 Cost: FREE Contact: Lloyd Healey on 0458 299 466 or mail@gvtractorclub.com.au Website: www.facebook.com/share/p/18Y8smg9bC… or https://gvtractorclub.com.au/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHq3C5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYSDzl5F80CDXNI_UTXkySyZwDvs9Rn87r2gWA5ZNGYFrFGESrMAUDfQRw_aem_i3jO6GTUhsrGRpYCL_37FA Times: From Saturday 29th March 2025 - 9am till 8pm From Sunday 30th March 2025 - 9qm til 4pm A Huge Weekend of Entertainment: Start Up Of Crossley Engine - Hourly Tractor Pulling With 2 Sleds - 2:30pm Saturday & 9:30am Sunday Working Exhibits with Machinery of Yesteryear Tractor Trek Saturday Morning - 10am Twilight Tractor Pull - Under Lights Saturday Night - weather permitting GV Wood Turners Moira Miniature Rail - Train Rides Onsite Catering and Camping.. Plenty of Room! Federation Picnic Car Display Sunday A fun day for all ages. Even you! Click on Image for more details Location .. Click on Image for Google Maps

Hi, would like to go to Poowong on Thursday 6th Feb. I’m told it’s wonderful to do a POTA as there is a lookout or something, my plan is to go there and set up the Icom 7300 say around 11:00, not intended to catch Ron, I don’t want to rush there by 10am. Later, a pub meal. The Poowong Hotel looks good. Daryl VK3HBP. More details:  Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve Poowong Hotel For those wanting to join Daryl vk3hbp and others from the club..... Where: Location:  Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve 660 Lang Lang-Poowong Rd, Poowong VIC 3988 When: Around 10:30am 6th Feb. Poowong Hotel: Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LJsDmfyo6GYit72f6   Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dgAL2UU41pM1MjJQA POTA:  AU-0289 WWFF: VK-0289 A few from the club will be attending this outing. Arriving around 10:30am at the  Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve, play some radio and try and make some contacts from this POTA / WWFF location. Then a table has been booked for 12:30 at the Poowong Pub under the name of Daryl. Bring along your radio gear, chair, table etc.. There are no facilities at the reserve. Hope to see you there.

Next Saturday, before the business meeting, Ian (VK3KO) will give a short demonstration of HamSmith , the new Smith Chart app he has developed for the design of impedance matching networks and stub filters. When: 1000 am, next Saturday (1 Feb 25) Where: Club room Duration: 20-30 minutes, prior to the business meeting.

With thanks to Amateur Radio Victoria.. With new Amateurs joining our hobby of late, I thought a small guide to Amateur Radio Repeaters would be of help. HAVE A LISTEN: What is a repeater? A repeater is a receiver/transmitter combination that is usually placed on a high location listening and simultaneously retransmitting the received signals. By doing this two stations can communicate that might not be able to do so via a direct path. In order to listen and transmit at the same time, repeaters use two frequencies and the difference in frequency is known as the offset. Without having an offset the repeater would simply hear itself and nothing else. Even with the offset, the two frequencies are close enough that some additional isolation is required to prevent overloading the repeater receiver. Isolation is achieved by placing a device called a duplexer, or sometimes cavities in both the receiver path and the transmitter path. On the 2-meter ham band the offset is 600 kilohertz. On the 70cm band the frequency offset is generally 5Mhz because the band is wider than 2m and can accommodate the larger split. The duplexer or cavities can also provide better isolation. For this exercise we will concentrate on the 2m band. As a general rule repeaters with an output frequency (what you listen to) below 147 Mhz have an offset of minus 600 Khz. Repeaters with an output frequency above 147 MHz have a positive 600Khz frequency. Example One VK3RML You listen on 146.700Mhz You transmit on 146.100Mhz This repeater therefore has a minus offset of 600Khz Example Two VK3RMM You listen on 147.250Mhz You transmit on 147.750Mhz This repeater therefore has a plus offset of 600Khz Modern amateur radios usually have the off set programmed into them and all you need to do is set the + or - shift and the radio will do the rest. Note: There are exceptions to the offset rule so check local repeater listings. These are available in the WIA callbook, information is also available from our repeaters page and Repeater book How do you call someone on a repeater? Always listen first to make sure someone else isn't using the repeater. If there is no traffic you can put out a general call by saying VK3XXX listening on VK3RMM. If someone is listening they may reply to your call and you can begin a conversation. To call a particular person just say VK3AAA this is VK3XXX are you about John? If John VK3AAA is available he will answer you and you can begin the conversation. Repeater Etiquette As previously stated ALWAYS LISTEN first before you transmit. It's fine to join a conversation just wait for a break in transmission and then announce your callsign. The next person to transmit will acknowledge you and invite you to join in. If you are on a particularly busy repeater its a good idea to move to a simplex frequency if you are in range of the other station. This allows other stations without a direct path to use the repeater. Remember to wait until the repeater has reset its timer (see REPEATER TIMERS below) , otherwise your turn short will be cut short, then leave a couple of seconds before commencing your transmission. This delay allows other amateurs to put out a quick call or announce emergency traffic. There is no need to use your callsign on each over as the regulations only require you to identify with your call sign every 10 minutes. It is good practice to identify with your callsign when you have finished your conversation. Doubling If you are in a round table discussion using a repeater to avoid 'doubling' (two or more stations talking at the same time) make sure at the end of your over to hand it to the next operator. Example: VK3AAA to take it this is VK3XXX. If you don't do this it will end up in total confusion as to whose turn it is. Repeater Timers Most repeaters have an inbuilt 3 minute timer and will shut down after this time. This is so that everyone gets a fair go using the repeater. Make sure that the repeater resets the timer at the end of an over. This is done by letting the repeater transmitter to drop out before you start talking. On some repeaters you may hear a courtesy tone that indicates the repeater timer has reset and there is no need to wait for the repeater transmitter to drop out. If you jump in without letting the repeater reset your over is limited to three minutes minus the duration of the previous over. If the repeater times out it will not reset until all traffic using it has stopped. You will also occasionally hear the repeater identify itself using morse code. CTCSS Tones Some repeaters in high noise areas have tones access enabled on them to prevent false triggering of the repeater. The tones are sub audible and you must have the tone enabled on your transmitter to access these repeaters. Most repeaters in Victoria that have tone enabled use the standard 91.5 Hz tone. Check the callbook or enquire with your local club to see if you need to program a tone on your radio for the local repeater. Some dual mode repeaters (Analogue and Digital) have tone access on both the transmit and receiver. This is done so that your analogue radio needs the receive tone to open the squelch and you don't hear the repeater when it is operating in digital mode. Most modern amateur radios have the CTCSS option installed in them. DTMF Tones These tones are the same as used on your telephone. These are generally used to access certain functions on a repeater. This could be getting the repeater to respond with local temperature, time of day or perhaps battery condition. Not all repeaters have this function. The more common application is for accessing IRLP (Internet Repeater Linking Project) enabled repeaters. Using DTMF tones you can link to another IRLP enabled repeater either here in Australia or around the world. A list of IRLP nodes and current status can be found at http://status.irlp.net/index.php?PSTART=3 Signal Reports The only valid signal report that can be given on a repeater is to indicate that incoming signal you are listening to is fully quietened. This means that there is no back ground noise on the persons signal can be heard. Remember that the signal strength on your radio is not an indication of the other persons signal but is an reading of how well you can hear the repeaters output. Some Common Q Codes Heard on Repeaters QTH - What is your location? Or my location is QSL - I understand or can you acknowledge receipt QSY - I am changing frequency to, or can you change frequency to QRZ - Who is calling me? QRT - I am finished transmitting or please stop transmitting QSO - Can you communicate Or I can communicate QRM - I am experiencing interference (man made) QRN - I am experiencing interference (natural) REPEATER BOOK APP This a very hand App that is available for your smart Phone. It's available for both platforms Android and IOS. Search for Repeater Book. RepeaterBook Amateur Radio's most comprehensive, worldwide, FREE repeater directory. Powered by the popular community database of RepeaterBook.com Easily find repeaters across the world. • No network connection required. • Comprehensive search, selection and sorting. • Displays distance, heading and full repeater details. • Fast and flexible, to help you use repeaters. • Portrait or Landscape views for phone and tablets. • Easily submit updates/additions. Thanks to Amateur Radio Victoria.

Hello Members, NEW FOR 2025 DISCOUNT CARD Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and a great start to 2025! Happy New Year! I've accomplished something from the 2025 Wish List, and it's now ready for everyone. Your very own Handy Famparc Business Card, featuring our Account Numbers for both Jaycar and Altronics. The card will fit into your wallet, purse, carry bag, etc. How to use it: The card serves as a reminder for you, so when you're visiting Jaycar or Altronics, take out your card and at the time of purchase, just mention our account number printed on the card for that store. Depending on the product you're buying, the store will give you a discount. Please don't share the card as the discounts offered by the stores are exclusively for Famparc Members. So the next time you're at the club, make sure you pick your Handy Dandy Famparc Discount Card. Cheers. Craig vk3ncr

WHAT: VK-OzHUB AllStar Hub 61624 WHEN: Join in on the Friday evening Tech & Chat Net. 8.00PM EST Brisbane time (10.00 UTC) WHERE: VK-OzHUB – Allstar Hub (Node number 61624) went online 16/5/2024. This hub has no radio attached, think of it as similar to a “Talk Group” on DMR or a “Room” on Fusion or a “Reflector” on D-Star as it essentially is used in the same way. The vision is for VK-OzHUB to be a meeting place for VK AllStar users, plus any amateur operator that wishes to connect. Also to have repeaters connected, including at least one international connection. VK-OzHUB can be the place to ragchew with friends, host nets, host tech discussions, pretty much anything users wish to do. VK-OzHUB now has an admin team, Simon VK3XEM, Ron VK3ANT and myself Glenn VK4NGA. Click the link to view VK-OzHUB’s Website The Morning Brew – East Coast Reflector – Node 27339 Morning Brew Net every Monday to Thursday 7- 9AM Eastern Time (USA) So That’s 11PM – 1.00AM AEDST (12.00 UTC) – perfect if you’re a night owl ! Listen or join in on this fabulous net! Brewmasters:K2CMT – Mike, W2BLT – Scott, KE0GKF – Jeff,K8BAC – Allen, N2BH – Bill, KE8VKY – Vicky,WB2JPQ – The Godfather PLEASE NOTE – VK-OzHUB Auto connects prior to the net and auto disconnects after. This net is only available via Allstar, our other links – Echolink/YSF/Wires X/DMR are not connected whilst this net is running, this is at the request of the East Coast Reflector. Tech / Swap Net – East Coast Reflector – Node 27339 This Net runs every Tuesday evening at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (USA) and runs until approximately 10:00 PM. So That’s Wednesday 12.00 Midday AEDST (01.00 UTC) Listen or join in on this fabulous net! Net Hosts:Dick – WB2JPQ, Kevin-KE7K, Scott – W2BLTSwap Net Host: Kevin-VE3BZ PLEASE NOTE – VK-OzHUB Auto connects prior to the net and auto disconnects after. This net is only available via Allstar, our other links – Echolink/YSF/Wires X/DMR are not connected whilst this net is running, this is at the request of the East Coast Reflector.

SSTV Event Upcoming! Just in time for the holidays and New Year, we're planning an SSTV event from December 25 to January 5 .  Celebrate with us with some great memories of ARISS 2024 in this series. UPDATED: Thanks to Stanley VK3BOT found this update.. WHEN: December 25 2024 to January 5 2025 CURRENT POSITION: More Details Here... Thanks to Terry VK3BMX for this event information.

Hello members... The year 2024 has been fantastic for the club and many of its members, though we did lose two remarkable individuals: Bill VK3MMM and the beloved Bruce VK3UV. Aside from those losses, the club has thrived, welcoming many new members and making upgrades to our club shack. This is all due to our outstanding members and their incredible efforts and dedication. I have relished my role as president, and despite experiencing some highs and lows, along with a bit of frustration, I have been honored to serve the club and its members. I wish all our members a safe and healthy 2025 and extend my gratitude for your support and understanding. While 2024 was an excellent year, I would like to share my Wishlist for the club for 2025. My 2025 wishlist for the club: 2M Full Duplex FM Repeater Project: A 2-meter repeater (a full duplex FM repeater) that is, if possible, linked to the AllStar Network, allowing our members to stay in touch while away from home. For the repeater to join the AllStar network, it needs a communications port and, like any Duplex Repeater, the appropriate 2M cavities, along with an antenna system. Additionally, a prime location with internet access is essential. Not too much hey? BIG NEWS! Since creating this wish list for 2025, I have been in talks with the administrators at Moorabbin Club, and they have generously donated a VHF 2M Repeater along with Cavity Filters to our club. I must say I was amazed by their generosity. And we thank them! So for 2025, we will have an exciting project indeed... The setup, tuning, and testing of a VHF 2M Repeater. I expect that once we learn how to do this, we will use our club rooms as a temporary location, as the next part of the project is to find a suitable location for it. I believe this is a significant step for our club, and I hope it will enable our members to engage more with one another by utilising their own club repeater. Sample Image only club room split system air conditioner: Our good friend Stanley vk3bot, along with others, proposed a Split system for the club to enhance our comfort. This is an excellent idea since it tends to get quite chilly in winter and very hot in summer. Sample Image Only, but you get the idea! club room soldering bench: Another initiative is to establish a soldering workbench equipped with two or more soldering stations for everyone to use. We have sufficient tables, and with some rearrangement of our tables, chairs, and other items, we can set up a soldering station. Maybe not as flash as this, but you get the idea club MEMBERS CARD: How about a club members Laminated Card with the details, which include our discounts from both Jaycar and Altronics. The card would display our club logo, website link, etc along with the Discount details for each of the above stores. This would be a laminated card which you can then keep handy for when you go shopping for some gear. Sample Card MORE CLUB OUTING ETC: This year, we launched a Club Coffee and Cake morning, typically taking place on a Monday each month. It has been very successful, providing an opportunity for both members and non-members to catch up and chat. Depending on the interest from members, I would like to continue this event and possibly expand it to include a pub meal. I have also discovered a new venue, Harbourside Cafe Hastings . However, it would be wonderful if members could suggest other locations! Harbourside Cafe Hastings MORE FAMPARC CAMPING TRIPS: This year, Stanley VK3BOT organized our Famparc Camp-Out, which was once again a success, and I encourage Stanley to keep it going for 2025. In 2024, we camped twice at The Poplars , a beautiful spot about an hour and a half from the Frankston area, perfect for a few days to a week. Stanley has suggested including a weekend in 2025 to accommodate members who can't get away during the week. Well done, Stan... I'm sure many of us are looking forward to it again. Gerard and Stanley attempting to cook! THANKYOU! That's all from me for now... until I think of another great idea! LOL.. If you have any project suggestions for the club and its members, please feel free to share them in the comments below. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members who have supported me as president. It has been, and continues to be, a pleasure to serve the club. Your assistance, support, and guidance have been invaluable, and I thank you sincerely. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, and enjoyable New Year 2025. Craig vk3ncr Famparc President