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The FAMPARC Contest Team had a great rehearsal day today :-). It started with Roy GB and his torch at 6:30am scoping out the site for the 80-metre antenna! Now that's commitment! The rest of us arrived around 9:30 am and got stuck into it. Outside, we erected the 80-metre dipole, an 80-metre vertical and a 160-metre dipole. Inside, we setup the two temporary stations for 80-metres and 160-metres, along with logging computers. It was a lesson in modern technology because each computer had a different interface to the accompanying radio! One used a USB cable, one used ethernet and the third used the proprietary Icom CI-V protocol. Thanks to David DLR and Peter IJ for loaning their equipment. By lunch time we finally had it all connected and working. Patrick APL had done a great job providing the data cabling inside the clubroom, so it was very neat setup. After a cup of tea and a snack, we started testing the cross-band interfence. As expected, there is some cross-band effect, but nothing that cannot be easily managed. When everyone was happy, we dismantled everything and discovered that packup is a lot quicker than setup! It was a great rehearsal day! We bumped into all the issues we expected, but we resolved them. The team is looking forward to the Trans-Tasman Contest on 18 July.

At the last club meeting I mentioned the potential of the open-source AEtherSDR as a free option to connect to the Online Shack for club members who only use Apple products or Linux. After a bit of investigation I now have the spectrum and waterfall working with our club system. AEtherSDR is open-source and built on the Qt framework. The source code is available on GitHub but there are binary installer files available for Mac, Linux and Windows. If you would like to try it, you will still need to register for credentials to our club Online Shack. To obtain them, just send me an email at vk3frc.remote@gmail.com. AEtherSDR connected to the club remote system on a Mac-Mini

Setting Up SSB Audio Properly - Mic Gain, ALC & Proc Setting up SSB audio on a modern HF transceiver is actually much easier than many people think… once you understand the balancing act between: Mic Gain ALC Compression / Processing Output Power In this video I show you the exact process I personally use whenever I set up a new radio. We look at: What ALC actually does Why overdriving sounds terrible Why no ALC is important for digital modes How compression stabilises your signal Why your power meter jumps around on SSB Mic technique and distance Common mistakes new operators make Why “more mic gain” is often the WRONG answer This isn’t a laboratory-grade engineering lecture - it’s simply the practical real-world method I use in the shack every day. Whether you’re brand new to HF or you’ve been operating for years, hopefully this helps you get cleaner, stronger and more consistent audio on the air. 73, Callum - DX Commander

Hi Fellow Members, Come and join our Monthly Famparc Members Coffee and Cake morning. Visitors also welcome. CLUB COFFEE AND CAKE MORNING Monday 15TH JUNE 2026 10aM. This benefits everyone and gives us the opportunity to discuss various life topics, not just Amateur Radio. Enjoy a good laugh! NEW LOCATION! TWISTED SISTA CAFE Within the Karingal Hub Shopping Centre. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS S059 / 330 Cranbourne Road,Frankston Karingal Hub.Near Reject Shop.. Roof Top Parking next to Cafe. Find Twisted Sista at the Coles entrance, opposite Just Cuts, near the Reject Shop. PHONE 03 8766 0618 OPENING HOURS Monday – Thurs: 7.30am – 5pm Sat & Sun: 7.30am – 5pm Fridays: 7.30am – 9pm Monday 15TH JUNE 2026 10aM. Hope to see you there !

May 2026 UPDATE! For those of you that are lucky enough to have an Apple iMac or Macbook, you know doubt know of the beautiful macOS operating system the these computers use, and the simplicity on how the OS works. There is an excellent macOS App called RUMLog NG, a brilliant full bells and whistles Ham Radio Logging program. I have been using this amazing Logging program since around 2010 for memory. It is updated on a very regular basis. I have been working with Tom, the App designer and builder to add the up and coming Australia Day Contest.. There are many many Contest that he has available. I have now Beta tested the Contest addition the program and also worked with Alan VK4SN to make sure the uploaded file is in the correct format for the contest. He has approved the file format. So Tom, the App designer and writer, has submitted the updated version to the Apple App Store. Once approved by Apple, it will be available for worldwide download. Note: This is not just a Contest Program, it is also a fully blown Logging program that will talk to you modern transceiver, as well as integrate into your WSJTS (FT8) software, as well as update, QRZ, HamLog, HamQth and much more. There is also IOS Apps for both iPhone and iPad, that also talk to your database that RUMLog NG uses.. For example, you can have your Database stored within the Apple Cloud, so that any changes are also updated across all devices and vice a versa. As of 21 May 2026.. As requested by me, the Trans-Tasman Contest, has been added to the latest update. Note: Except for offering help to the designer which then helps other Hams, I have no affiliation to this program etc. Hope this helps.. Craig vk3ncr

Hi Guys, At the meeting the other day, my recently built Aursinc Allstar Node was on display and connected to the club repeater through the AllStar system, using my iPhone hotspot. As you're aware, our club's repeater is linked to the AllStar system, Node 66111. This connection enables you to use the repeater not just through the standard RF method, but also with a suitable device, like a phone with the appropriate app, or via RF into a HotSpot Device, such as an Allstar Hotspot. (Below) All you need if a FM UHF Radio. Aursinc Allstar Device attached to a Raspberry Pi3B... These AllStar HotSpots can be bought on several websites, but I was able to purchase one for a discounted price of $76.00, along with a small shipping fee. Even though I already have a high-powered Hotspot Node at home, it's not very portable. Therefore, I created this one for portable use, like camping and other activities. .. You can connect it to a AllStar node such at our club repeater 66111, or any of the over 40,000 nodes around the world. What you need: Aursinc Allstar RF Device $68.99 (approx). Click Here Raspberry Pi 3/4/5 $63.00 plus (depending on the model) 3B is just fine. Click Here You can also use a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W $30.00 Click Here ASL3 OS Free. Click Here Available from Aursinc Click Here NOTE: As of 31st Dec. 2025 There has been changes to the setup procedure that may not be represented on the video's below.. You can use the link above or here to see the new updated setup: ASL3 OS Free. Click Here Here is the PDF as well.. Cheers... Craig vk3ncr Setting it up can be quite challenging, but there is plenty of help available on YouTube. I'm more than willing to assist. The videos below can also be found on the Video page of our club's website. I have managed to get a Water Proof Box to enclose my device in.. A couple of leads off Ebay, one for the antenna and the other is the USB Power feed... Any questions.. drop in a comment below.. Cheers.... Craig vk3ncr

ID-5200A/E Expands Your Operating Possibilities with a Full Range of Advanced Features Icom Inc. proudly announces the launch of the ID-5200A/E, 144/430 MHz dual-band transceiver for amateur radio, in summer 2026. ID-5200A/E The ID-5200A/E is a mobile transceiver equipped with a large 4.3-inch color touchscreen. The radio features a waterfall display, allowing users to easily see signal activity and band conditions. It features independent dials, volume knobs, and squelch knobs for the A and B bands, positioned on the left and right sides respectively, and includes dedicated physical buttons for frequently used menus and functions, enabling smooth and intuitive operation. The ID-5200A/E supports enhanced D-STAR functions such as Terminal Mode, Access Point Mode, DV Repeater Monitor, and image transmission and reception. It also supports Wi-Fi connectivity (with built in access point capability), allowing comfortable use of Terminal and Access Point modes via an Internet connection. Support for APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is planned through a future firmware update. The radio supports true dual-band simultaneous reception, including FM/FM, FM/DV, and DV/DV. Users can monitor two D-STAR repeaters or listen to another repeater while in QSO. It also supports V/V, U/U, and V/U dual receive, including Airband. In addition, several optional mounting brackets are available, including in vehicle mounts, docking brackets, and desktop stands, allowing flexible installation to suit various operating environments. See all Features Here!

REMINDER! VERY IMPORTANT!! Thanks to John VK3JDD who brought this to my attention. Rather than attempt to explain this on this blog, Hayden VK7HH has produced a video. In brief, if you do not setup an account with the ACMA Assist portal and do not Reconfirm your Amateur Radio callsign/license, after five years, your callsign will be surrender AUTOMATICALLY. ACMA ASSIST PORTAL HERE. I advise you to watch this video, and !! setup an account via the ACMA ASSIST PORTAL, and reconfirm your callsign. I have completed all of this and reconfirmed my callsign, which now needs to be done again in April 2030. Thanks to online calendars and reminders, my Apple Calendar will notify me in early April 2030 to reconfirm my callsign. So, start this now. If you haven't done it yet, you have 2 years to complete it. A big shoutout to Hayden for making this video! Craig, vk3ncr

On Saturday, July 4 the Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club will be hosting a Hamfest sale. The venue is at the Longwarry Community Hall at 14 Kennedy St. Longwarry, approx 60km East of Dandenong, Vic. The venue is easy to find. It is just 3 km South of the freeway interchange, 150 metres South of the Longwarry train station and level crossing. When: Saturday July 4th 2026 Where: Longwarry Community Hall at 14 Kennedy St. Longwarry Click Here for Google Map Location.

Famparc Contest GROUP testing Details: The Famparc Contest Group will conduct tests to educate and refine the hardware and other components this Saturday at the club rooms. Please be aware that the Contesting Group will need to utilise the Radio Shack and other club facilities. When: Saturday 16th May 2026. Time 10am. Where: Famparc Club Rooms. Agenda: 1. Review the Campaign Plan. - Discuss the plan - Answer team questions - Decide on our approach to the open questions. (~45 mins) 2. Practice using N1MM software with headset and foot switch in the shack. - Setup an external field station - Record a set of simulated contacts with a second local field station - Test the network functionality of N1MM (~45 mins) I would like to commend Ian VK3KO for his ideas and efforts in further engaging members and enhancing our club.

Inside the Volunteer Team Building the Future of Parks on the Air James VE7UVL Activating CA-3948 Peace Arch Provincial Park, British Columbia Just after sunrise, a portable antenna rises beside a picnic table somewhere in America. A coax connector tightens. A radio face lights up. A callsign cuts through the noise floor. Within seconds, operators from across the country, and increasingly across the world, begin calling back. For many amateur radio operators, this ritual has become as familiar as morning coffee. A folding table. A wire in a tree. A radio powered by a lithium battery. Sometimes snow on the ground. Sometimes blistering summer heat. Sometimes a rare national park. Sometimes a small state wildlife area miles from the nearest town. Read More Here! With thanks to Q5 Magazine. Details here at Q5 Magazine. Parks On The Air

Anderson's Mill, Elizabeth Street, Smeaton, Victoria, 3364 WHAT: Mills on the Air - Anderson's Mill WHEN: May 9th & 10th 2026. WHERE: Anderson's Mill, Elizabeth Street, Smeaton, Victoria, 3364 DETAILS: The annual 'Mills on the Air' weekend is on again, Saturday May 9th and Sunday May 10th! This coincides with the National Trust Anderson’s Mill Heritage Weekend. The atmospheric Anderson's Mill comes alive with displays of heritage crafts, machinery and historical exhibitions. The free event runs from 10 am to 4 pm on both days. BAREC will have an amateur radio station at the Mill, and radio club members will be setting up from 8 am on the Saturday. More information about the heritage weekend, including location, can be found at: https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/daylesford-and-the-macedon-ranges/whats-on/history-and-heritage/national-trust-andersons-mill-heritage-weekend https://www.facebook.com/AndersonsMillSmeaton https://www.qrz.com/db/VI3MILLS Special event callsign VI3MILLS - Mills on the Air. From the QRZ.com page: Anderson's Mill, Smeaton, Victoria, Australia. Saturday May 9th and Sunday May 10th 2026. Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club will be operating from Anderson's Mill on May 9th and 10th. The Mills on the Air event is held annually in May. It coincides with the National Mills Weekend, run by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (UK). See the following sites for more information: https://www.facebook.com/AndersonsMillSmeaton https://www.nharg.org.uk/content/about-mills-air-mota https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/daylesford-and-the-macedon-ranges/whats-on/history-and-heritage/national-trust-andersons-mill-heritage-weekend This is not a contest, but rather an opportunity to promote the hobby of amateur radio and at the same time promote the preservation of heritage. The VI3MILLS callsign is available for BAREC from May 7th to May 11th. Stations that have worked the BAREC VI3MILLS callsign during that period will automatically receive an emailed QSL card. Make sure your QRZ.COM details are correct including your email address. If you do not use QRZ.COM, or your email address is not in QRZ.COM, email the QSO details toVI3MILLS@barec.net.au, including your callsign, to receive an emailed QSL card. You do not need to send a QSL card, however we will be happy to display any QSL cards received in our club room. VI3MILLS frequencies and nodes for the Saturday and Sunday from Anderson's Mill. SSB and FT8. HF: 80 metres on 3.655 MHz + - and 40 metres on 7.115 MHz + -. VK3RCU No. 2 Mt Moliagul [VK Repeater Linked System], 438.350 -7 MHz offset, CTCSS 91.5. IRLP Node 9503, AllStar Node 50522. VK3RWA Ben Nevis repeater, 147.100 MHz + offset, CTCSS 91.5. Listen out during the Saturday and Sunday on 80 and 40 metres, VK3RCU and VK3RWA, or call in via IRLP Node 9503, as well as AllStar Node 50522. FT8 may be used at times on the Saturday and Sunday. We may have an operator at the Mill using our remote Gredgwin site working DX - look out for the callsign on other HF bands. Regards, Graeme VK3GRK. Bendigo Amateur Radio & Electronics Club Inc. Media and Communications Graeme Knight Phone: 03 5441 5461 0417 389 357 media@barec.net.au www.barec.net.au https://www.facebook.com/Bendigo-Amateur-Radio-and-Electronics-Club-996152083728736