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VK7AX > BCAST 10.05.26 04:34l 405 Lines 23336 Bytes #10 (0) @ WW
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VK7 Amateur Radio News 10May26
Text edition:
VK7 AMATEUR RADIO NEWS
SUNDAY 10th May 2026
Welcome to the VK7 Amateur Radio News for the 10th day of May 2026, your gateway to whatâ€Ös happening across the airwaves in Tasmania and beyond.
Coming to you from the Tasmanian Amateur Radio News Desk is Nic, VK7WW with the latest updates, stories, and insights from our amateur radio community.
Weâ€Öre broadcasting far and wide thanks to our dedicated team:
DMR Talk Group 5 & D-Star Reflector 91C via the Digital Group
MF & HF relays:
1.860 MHz – Any Takers
3.670 MHz – Ross, VK7ALH
7.140 MHz – Garry, VK7JGD
14.130 MHz – Any Takers
28.525 MHz – Tony, VK7VKT
And locally in Hobart on UHF CB Ch.24 - Mark VK7FMAC and HFCB24 with Luke (no Callsign).
Missed it live? Catch the replay Tuesday 8pm on repeaters VK7RAA (North), VK7RHT, and on UHFCB24/HFCB24 (South).
Stay tuned, and enjoy the news!
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WIA AGM and VK-Summit Wrap
As heard on the WIA National News - last weekend was the VK-Summit and the WIA AGM held in Albury in VK2. The event was hosted by the Albury-Wadonga Amateur Radio Club and they did a fantastic job! The event venue was the Albury Commercial Club which a huge facility. There was the vendors and talks hall, the dinner hall and a large meeting room used for the AGM. The weekend started with an informal dinner at the club.
The AGM on Saturday afternoon saw the welcoming of Justin Giles-Clark VK7TW onto Board officially and a range of reports delivered. The AGM was followed by the Merit Awards and a huge congratulations to Hayden Honeywood VK7HH who was awarded the Ron Wilkinson Award for his work promoting amateur radio through his YouTube Channel. Congratulations to Hayden and the award will be presented to Hayden this Wednesday night by new director Justin VK7TW. The AGM finished with an Open Forum for members to ask questions of the board.
At the Saturday night Dinner the special guest via zoom was Adrian KO8SMA from the Bouvet Island DXPedition and this was a fascinating presentation about what it takes to organise and run a DXpedition on a VERY remote island. Then there was an Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) contact by the Albury Scouts and Guides to an astronaut on the ISS. Very Special!
On the Sunday there was a half day repeat of some of the talks which was good as many who attended the AGM missed these talks on the Saturday. Justin attended the Band Plan and the ICOM design talks both which were fascinating.
The weekend finished around lunchtime on the Sunday and many stuck around and enjoyed lunch together. Sunday night Justin spent a very enjoyable Japanese dinner with John Maizels VK4JPM and Warren Harris ZL2AJ who is currently President of NZART. It was great to find out how the NZART operates.
On Monday Justin explored the sites in Albury and flew back to Hobart Monday night.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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VK7 News
Broadcast Statistics for the 25/26 WIA Broadcast Year
Given the WIA AGM was last weekend that means the WIA broadcast year ended last weekend.
How did VK7 do in the Broadcast callbacks stakes?
VK7 once again punched well above its weight, delivering an impressive total of 6,151 callbacks across the statewide broadcast network. Despite Tasmaniaâ€Ös comparatively small amateur population, VK7 finished second nationally behind VK2 for total callbacks. Tiny island. Huge engagement!
The largest audience came via the statewide FM repeater network of VK7RHT, VK7RDS, VK7RAA and VK7RWC on Sunday mornings, recording a massive 1,896 callbacks. This was followed by the Tuesday night statewide repeater broadcast with 946 callbacks, the D-STAR Reflector 091 network with 530, and the 7.140 MHz HF service with 487 callbacks. Strong support was also recorded on UHF CB Channel 24 with 358 callbacks, Discord streaming with 300, the southern DMR TG5 network with 272, and 28.525 MHz with an impressive 231 callbacks.
Other strong contributors included 3.670 MHz with 268, BATC video stream via VK7AX with 224 callbacks, Dazzler Range VK7RDR with 151, 11m HF CB Channel 24 with 131, Stowport VK7RTV with 126, 14.130 MHz also with 126, and 1.862 MHz with 65 callbacks. Northern Tasmaniaâ€Ös 11m HF CB Channel 35 added a further 40 callbacks.
This is an extraordinary effort by all our rebroadcast stations and everyone who calls in each week. Give them an extra thank you when you call in this week!
73, Justin, VK7TW
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WWFF, SOTA, POTA, LLOTA and IOTA Weekly Wrap Up
With snow hitting the ground and colder conditions this week, it hasnâ€Öt stopped VK7 activators from getting out.
Jim and Travis pulled on the hiking boots and made their way to the summit of Trestle Mountain, standing 1128 metres above sea level. Despite wet and challenging conditions, including periods of sideways rain, both operators successfully activated the summit, making 11 contacts each across the 15m and 40m bands. Highlights of the activation included a contact into New Zealand, proving once again that a bit of rough weather is no barrier to getting on the air.
Rodney, VK7HAM, Peter, VK7ZPE, and Al, VK7AN, headed to the Sideling Range 719 summit, located between Launceston and Scottsdale. First activated in 2015, Sideling Range 719 has seen a total of six activations to date, with Rodney, Peter and Al responsible for five of those activations. Rodney, Al and Peter were spotted calling CQ from the summit on 40m.
Donâ€Öt let the colder weather keep you away from those activations.
73, Matt, VK7MAT
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Statewide SSTV Nights
A quiet net night that saw the following participants, VK7s – AX, ZAB, PAK, OO and ZCF, all sharing forty five photos.
The main themes were:
Iconic attractions like Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay and Strahan Harbour
Snow on Mt. Wellington
The Batman Bridge across the Tamar River and Kings Bridge in Launceston
Your first car – a Holden FX and Fiat 500
And other highlights were:
A promotion for SSTV series 32 from ARISS that is being broadcast at the moment and ends on the 12th of May
The VNA and RF attenuator that were presented at the last NTARC club room night
Toroids and an antenna Balun
An “N” connector change-over relay with itâ€Ös inside mechanism
A tattoo of the “hairy body butterfly” from the Netherlands
And 73 from a Hex beam with an Aurora Australis background
Again Tony VK7AX interconnected VK7RJG to his SSTV International Gateway and VK7s exchanged photos with PC1K and PA3MHV in the Netherlands. Please remember to leave a 30 second break between transmissions to allow the European countries a chance to send photos.
Note - Ken VK7KRJâ€Ös and Steve VK7OOâ€Ös fully automatic 24/7 monitoring sites that allows anyone testing, to send a picture and the ability to check their transmission on these pages almost immediately, any time, both South and North Tasmania.
If you missed the net there are archives of these SSTV nights on Kenâ€Ös and Steveâ€Ös websites or on NTARCâ€Ös website under blogs.
https://vk7oo.tasme.com/vhfsstv/
https://sstv.vk7krj.com/scrolling%20web%20gallery.html
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
https://www.qsl.net/vk7ax/sstvgate3/index.html
73 from Andreâ€Ö VK7ZAB
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Tassie Ham-E-Con Radio Conference
Bookings are OPEN!!
The theme for Tassie Ham-E-Con 2026 is Hack the Ether: Education, Ingenuity, Connection â€ö a nod to the experimental DNA of amateur radio, where learning meets invention and curiosity drives everything forward.
This yearâ€Ös conference is all about moving beyond nostalgia and building what comes next. It brings together amateurs, experimenters, educators and storytellers for a fully catered weekend of practical learning, creative collaboration and ideas that actually go somewhere.
The program is built around four key streams: Hack the Mind exploring education and learning futures… Hack the System diving into ingenuity and experimentation… Hack the Culture focused on engagement and connection… and Hack the Future, tackling leadership and purpose. The preliminary program is online and bookings ARE OPEN.
It all happens Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of November 2026 at the Sir Stanley Burbury Theatre at UTAS Sandy Bay, with pre and post-conference events in the works. Keep an eye on the conference website as more details roll out.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/tassie-ham-radio-conference/
73, Conference Organising Group.
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QSL News
Inwards QSL Bureau Information
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH
SOTA/WWFF PARKS GROUP
The Summits On The Air/World Wide Flora and Fauna parks group meets twice weekly – Mondays and Fridays 10.30AM till 12.00 at the Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry Street, Launceston.
For more information contact Al on 0417 354 410.
73, Al, VK7AN
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Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
www.ntarc.net
Now that I have your attention, there have been quite a few requests as to whether the club rooms would be opening up to watch the REAST club forum on “Our New Band Plans”. Well the 13th of May coincides with this Wednesdayâ€Ös Technical Night. So doors will be open by 6:30 pm as usual and at 7:30 mobile phones will be put on silent and we will cross to the live stream on the REAST YouTube channel. There will be no “Show and Tell” on the night but feel free to continue on with Ross, VK7ALHâ€Ös idea of “Show and Eat” or maybe even “See and Eat” this week. So instead of watching from home, feel free to come along and enjoy it on a large‑screen monitor, in a calm, distraction‑free environment.
Now to catch up on our last club technical night.
Ian VK7IGâ€Ös latest piece of test gear turned up on his doorstep only a few hours before our clubâ€Ös technical night, but that didnâ€Öt stop him from bringing it along for an early look.
At first glance itâ€Ös “just” an RF attenuator, but this one is far from the usual fixed value pad. The device is the HTOOL DA001, a compact broadband digital attenuator built around the ADI HMC624A‑EP gallium‑arsenide chip. It covers 100 MHz right through to 6 GHz and includes a physical adjustment knob paired with a bright 25 mm OLED display that shows the attenuation in real time. Power comes from an internal battery charged via USB-C, and RF connections are handled through SMA sockets. The whole unit sits in a neat black anodised enclosure measuring roughly 75 × 40 × 33 mm.
Performance wise, it offers an attenuation range from 0 to 31.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps, with an accuracy of around plus or minus 0.2 dB. Itâ€Ös designed for 50‑ohm systems and can handle input levels up to 28 dBm, making it a handy inline tool for lab work, field setups, or general RF experimentation.
It appears to be a very nicely executed piece of Dutch design, and at around $80 itâ€Ös surprisingly affordable for what it offers. Once Ian has had a proper chance to put it through its paces, weâ€Öre hoping heâ€Öll bring it back to the club for a more in depth evaluation and perhaps a few live demonstrations.
Peter VK7SPâ€Ös latest acquisition is a NanoVNA-F V2 Network Vector Analyser. This model sits neatly between the original compact NanoVNA and the much larger tablet-style SysJoint VNA, so calling it a mid-sized unit seems about right.
Unlike the early NanoVNA designs, which were essentially bare circuit boards with no protective enclosure, this version comes housed in a proper case, giving it a much more robust and finished feel. The unit provides frequency coverage from 50 kHz through to 3 GHz, making it suitable for a wide range of RF measurement tasks. Itâ€Ös supplied in a moulded plastic storage and carry case, with cut-outs for the analyser itself along with the open, short, and 50 ohm load SMA calibration pieces, plus room for leads. With its 105 mm Ă— 65 mm colour display, SMA RF connectors and a rechargeable internal battery, the unit is well suited for portable analysis both in the shack and out in the field. Thanks Peter.
Rowan VK7III also gave us an in‑depth look at the MeshCore repeater map for Eastern Australia, which is freely accessible online. The interactive map displays live traffic between MeshCore nodes all the way down the eastern seaboard, including South Australia and Tasmania.
Rowan also explained how certain nodes can run “observer” software to capture local traffic data. This information is then forwarded over an internet connection to the map server, where it appears on the display in near real time.
Check out the link in the text version of the broadcast: eastmesh.au - Community MeshCore Network
What was special about the 5th of May this year?
If May the 4th can be Star Wars Day, then the very next day deserves a mention as well.
May is the fifth month, so the 5th of the 5th at 5 oâ€Öclock gave us a perfect little moment of symmetry and a fitting anniversary. Because back in 1971, Swiss engineer Hans Camenzind was creating a chip that would become a legend in its own lifetime; the 555 timer. That makes this year its fifty-fifth birthday. And honestly, who in electronics hasnâ€Öt used one? For a design to last half a century and still be on workbenches everywhere, now thatâ€Ös something worth celebrating.
A neat date for a timeless IC, the triple five.
As usual pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast.
https://www.ntarc.net/blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Air Test and Technical Net session - Every Wednesday night, Test-Net and CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a Technical Net on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic, VK7WW.
Special Club Room Technical night - The next session will be this Wednesday the 13th May and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea. There will be a live stream of REAST presentation, “Our New Band Plans”, commencing at 7:30 pm.
Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10 am to noon.
Finally - If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
Thatâ€Ös all folks,
73 from Stefan, VK7ZSB, Secretary NTARC Inc.
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NEWS FROM THE NORTH WEST
North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Club Inc.
Club provides assistance with safety communications
The club received a request for assistance with safety comms, from the Ulverstone Radio Operators Club based in Ulverstone, for a ride being run by the Cradle Coast Endurance Riders, on Saturday the 18th April, commencing at 5am.
Their club owns an ACMA commercial frequency, and the event was run on their radio network. There was a base at Sassafras and 4 checkpoints dotted around the Sassafras area, and the nearby pine plantations.
We had Stefan VK7ZSB, Andre VK7ZAB and Roger VK7ARN offer to help out.
Barring the early morning start, and 50 riders participating, the event had 100km,40km and 20km rides, and was incident free.
73, Eric, VK7EV
News Officer, NWTARC Inc.
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NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania
https://www.reast.asn.au/
https://www.facebook.com/reasttas/
https://www.youtube.com/reasthobart/
May Presentation
Tecnorama and Tour
https://technorama.org.au/
John Maizels VK4JPM opened the session with a fascinating introduction to the world of broadcasting, exploring the relationship between community radio and amateur radio and how both services are built on technical skill, experimentation, and public service. The presentation covered the evolution of studio and transmitting equipment, broadcast antenna fundamentals, and the history of recording technology, showing how broadcasting has transformed from analogue systems into highly integrated modern digital platforms.
The session also explored how all these elements are brought together inside a functioning broadcast station and the wide range of skills needed by a broadcast technician. Topics included:
the balance between integrity and continuity in broadcasting,
where keeping a station on-air can sometimes require creative problem solving under pressure.
John also explained where Tecnorama fits within the broader broadcasting landscape and
highlighted the many reasons people volunteer in community broadcasting, from technical interest and learning opportunities through to community connection and public engagement.
Following the Tecnorama session, Jim Parish presented on Hobart FM and guided attendees through the brand new Hobart FM radio station, from the studios through to the technical control room where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens.
A huge thank you goes to John Maizels and Jim Parish for generously sharing both their knowledge and practical experience with the group.
If you are interested in becoming involved in supporting Community Radio in Tasmania then please reach out to VK7TW and he can put you in touch with Jim Parish.
A recording of Johnâ€Ös presentation will become available on the REAST YouTube Channel very soon.
73, Justin, VK7TW
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May Forum Night - Our New Band Plans
This Wednesday May 13th from 7:30pm, itâ€Ös REAST Forum Night, and this time weâ€Öre diving into the new band plans. With recent changes affecting where and how we operate, this is your chance to get across whatâ€Ös shifted, whatâ€Ös new, and what it all actually means on the air. Whether youâ€Öre into digital modes, voice, or CW, understanding the band plan is key to staying effective, compliant, and not accidentally annoying half the band.
Join us in person at the Queenâ€Ös Domain clubrooms or catch the session streamed live as we walk through the major updates, highlight where different modes now sit, and help you make sense of the changes. If youâ€Öve been wondering where to operate or just want to avoid becoming “that station”, this is one night worth showing up for.
https://www.reast.asn.au/event/may-forum-night-new-band-plans/
73, REAST Committee
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REAST Training and Assessment Update
https://www.reast.asn.au/information/amateur-licence-assessments/
Are you looking to join the world of amateur radio or upgrade your license? REAST has you covered with regular Training and Assessment Days for all license levels!
Key Dates:
Standard, Advanced, and Regulations Assessments: Held on alternate months, next is on 30th May 2026.
Foundation Training and Assessment Days: Held every two months with the next one on Saturday the 27th June 2026.
Check out the full schedule on the REAST Events Page.
https://www.reast.asn.au/news-events/upcoming-events/
Do you need to secure your spot or ask a question - email: reast.assessor@gmail.com and your inquiry will go directly to the Learning Organiser, who be in contact.
We have learning resources available including our Foundation Licence Training Videos that are a must-watch for beginners. Find them on the REAST YouTube Training and Assessment Playlist.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsnsP_zjw831mdC6sY4XqavRUY-53ZWUn
Practice Makes Perfect so, prepare with the WIA Foundation Trial Exams and the link can be found on the email edition of the broadcast.
https://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/onlineexams/foundation.php
Whether you're starting your journey or leveling up, REAST is here to guide you every step of the way.
73, Reg, VK7KK
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Contest News
John Moyle Memorial Field Day Results
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Regular VK7 gatherings and events over the coming months:
VK7 Regular gatherings:
Sewing Circle Net – Daily on 3.640MHz commences at 6:30pm AEST.
Statewide SSTV Net - held every Thursday night via the North/South Link on VK7RAF/VK7RJG from 7:30pm. In the North and North West - VK7RJG on 438.55 -7MHz and in the South - VK7RAF (146.650 -600kHz) CTCSS tone 141.3Hz to link RAF North-South. Plus VK7AX International SSTV Gateway connected to VK7RJG for the duration of the net.
State-wide – MICROWAVE QSO Party – following the Sunday broadcast call-back on 1296.15 MHz FM. One group in the greater Hobart area and another in the greater Launceston area.
Then North-south digital contacts on 1296.2MHz using Q65-60B.
Stations in the Launceston area transmitting on the odd minute. Southern stations on the even minute.
REAST - 6m AM Net on 53.1MHz Everyday from 4:30pm
SOTA/WWFF Group – Meeting Mondays and Fridays 10.30-12.00 midday at Glebe Gardens Cafe, Henry St, Launceston.
NTARC TestNet and TechNet session - Every Wednesday, TestNet/CW course on 3.580MHz from 7 pm, then a TechNet on 3.567MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic VK7WW.
NTARC Technical night session - Wednesday 13th May from 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
NTARC Coffee Mornings are held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. Time is from 10am to noon in the Rocherlea Clubrooms.
NW VK7 – Wednesday from 8:00pm local – NW Tassie Amateur Repeater Group Net on 2M VK7RMD and Allstar Node 56780
NW VK7 - Thursday commencing at 8:30pm local - N.W. Tassie 2m DX Net 144.190 USB
VK7 Events:
REAST - 13 May - Forum Night - New Band Plans - Queens Domain clubroom from 7:30pm and streamed
REAST - 3 June - Astrophotography with Lisa VK7SGZ - Queens Domain Clubrooms from 7:30pm and Streamed
REAST - 10 June - Forum Night - DMR Programming - Queens Domain Clubrooms from 7:30pm and Streamed
VK - 7-8 Nov - Tassie Ham-E-Con Amateur Radio Conference - UTAS Sandy Bay
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A reminder to those people rostered for next weekâ€Ös broadcast:
Newsreader: VK7TW
Repeaters: REAST, NTARC and in the NW thanks to NWTARC, WCRG, NWCRRA, VK7AX, VK7JH and VK7DC
160m: Any Takers
80m: VK7TW
40m: VK7ALH
20m: Any Takers
10m: VK7JGD
UHFCB24 & HFCB24: VK7FMAC
DMR: Talk Group 5 and D-Star Reflector 91C - Digital Group
2026 Roster -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iTod4MGlJRjXxi2vuDrHngoytZebSMph/view?usp=drive_link
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A big thank you to everyone who contributed to and supported this weekâ€Ös broadcast of the VK7 Amateur Radio News.
Thatâ€Ös it for this week! If you missed the live transmission, remember you can always catch the rebroadcast Tuesday at 8:00pm on VK7RAA in the North, VK7RHT, and UHFCB24/HFCB24 in the South.
Got news, stories, or updates to share? Weâ€Öd love to hear from you! Send them to vk7arnews(at)gmail.com by Friday 9pm. You can also join the conversation on our VK7 Amateur Radio News Groups.io page.
groups.io/g/vk7arnews
Stay tuned now for callbacks on this frequency, with each relay station using their own callsign.
On behalf of the VK7 News Team, this is Nic, VK7WW, wishing you good DX, and a great week ahead!
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(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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