NERG NEWS Incorporated 1985 in Victoria

Reg No A0006776V - http://nerg.asn.au

July 2002
This Month:
NERG Inc.
7:45 PM THURSDAY 11th July 2002
PO Box 270 Greenhills Community House
Greensborough
Victoria 3088 Mark Beacham (NERG) VK3XXX
What’s on this month? Digital modes – new and old
NERG Mark Beacham VK3XXX is
demonstrating Digital modes – old and With live demonstrations!
new. See you at Greenhill’s Community
House located in Yandell Reserve, Greens-
borough (MELWAY 21-B1), off the
intersection of Mountain View Road and St.
Helena Road. Enter by the childproof gate
into the child minding centre and follow the
ramp to the meeting room.

June Meeting Report:

Our June Meeting was held at the Greenhills
Community House and was well attended
with about 30 members present.
Guest speaker for the evening was Ron
Daniels VK3AEO from the Melbourne
Packet Radio Group. Ron gave us a run
down on Packet, notes from which appear
later in this edition of NERG News.
The MPRG is very dedicated to maintaining
a reliable network of packet radio nodes
Stop Press – Oscar-7 lives again!
(repeaters) around Melbourne with an
emphasis on long-term stability of packet
backbone for Victoria. To concentrate on
NERG DAYTIME MEETING Membership Fees
this task, some of the traditional services and A great day was had at VK3JSE's on Tuesday A quick reminder to all NERG members that
experimental applications of packet, such as 25th June, with catering largely managed by fees are due on the 1st August. Fees rose
e-mail and APRS (amateur position reporting Besty, VK3HBK, a very good cook. Those slightly to $30 this year but still remains well
service) will now be run by the Moorabbin attending were Dave, Ian, Gerhard, Mark below inflation!
radio club. (VK3XXX) and Jim. The usually chatter was Send payment to our treasurer (address on
engaged and a most enjoyable time was had back of NERG NEWS) or drop in to our next
The meeting closed with the usual hot drink, by all. meeting and pay her there!
biscuits and discussions on Dxing, Dog-Piles,
foxhunting, ARDF, new gear, QSLing and The following schedule has been set for the International Lighthouse &
the non-arrival of cards for new counties etc. next few months on the 4th Tuesday:
Lightship Weekend
73, Greg VK3VT July VK3DBQ This event runs from 10 am (local EST)
August VK3JMB Saturday 17th to 10 am Monday. 19th of
September VK3EWM August, coinciding with the RD contest.
NERG NOVICE CLASSES! October VK3JSE
Classes start on Tuesday 23rd July for those November VK3BGE The aims of the lighthouse weekend are
interested in gaining their Novice license. simple:
Classes cover all theory subjects with 73, Jim VK3DBQ (a) Find a lighthouse or lightship,
assistance in regulations & Morse Code (b) Set up a portable station on or near it,
Amateur Exams held soon! (c) Talk to as many other lighthouse stations
Classes run for 14 weeks, NERG is holding an exam session in the next as you like!
and are followed by exams. couple of weeks. If you wish to sit for any This is NOT a competition - just a good
level of amateur exam contact Greg VK3VT excuse to get out in a stiff sea breeze and
Phone Peter Cosway on 9379-3626
(03) 9432 0563 as soon as possible so that play radios to celebrate the role radio and
or email Greg at vk3vt@nerg.asn.au
exam papers can be ordered. lighthouses played in bringing safety to the
More details inside this issue seas.
Continued…

1 NERG NEWS – JULY 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ILLW continued… NERG Novice Classes This leaves the US WWV & WWVH stations
Classes for the Novice Licence requirements as the most accessible frequency standard for
The NERG plan to run VK3CNE again this
commence on 23rd July at Greenhills calibrating amateur radio gear on 2.5, 5.0,
year. Mark VK3XXX is helping arrange this
Community House, Community Drive, 10, 15, & 20 MHz.
event.
Greensborough. For details contact Peter The Commission is keen to find a good home
Last year we went to the Time Ball Tower / Cosway VK3DU on (03) 9379 3626. for Radio VNG in its retirement - send your
Williamstown Lighthouse at Point Gellibrand
Usually classes are run on Tuesday nights for suggestions to Dr Richard Brittainme at the
Park in Williamstown to participate in the
around 14 weeks and commence at 8:00 PM. Commission, Ph 02-9856 0328 (direct),
ILLW. The Timeball tower is a tall square
Classes continue till around 10:00 PM with a e-mail rbrittain@nsc.gov.au.
grey bluestone structure, originally used to
synchronise ship’s clocks to the local break in the middle for a cuppa and a chat.
AO-7 satellite lives again!
observatory time standard. Even though Cost of the classes is $100 plus membership Oscar 7 was last heard of back in 1981 so it
QRM was bad at this site it is likely to be the of the club (currently $30). was a great surprise when it' s CW beacon
location for this year’s ILLW as alternative Past students are invited to join classes for a was heard on 145.974 MHz last month.
lighthouses are hard to find. free refresher – so long as they are current
Built by a team of German, Canadian, United
For more on the ILLW, see: NERG members!
States and Australian radio amateurs, this
http://vk2ce.com/illw/2002.htm The following topics are covered: satellite was launched in 1974, making it
For more Australian lighthouses see Malcolm 27.5 years old - not bad for a cheap amateur
Theory - Electrical laws & fundamentals,
MacDonalds: bird in a 1,460 km high orbit and built with
Semiconductors & valves, Power supplies,
http://www.lighthouse.net.au/ very few high reliability parts and little
Oscillators & amplifiers, SSB & FM
radiation hardening.
For more on the Williamstown lighthouse see transmitters, Receivers, Propagation,
Grant and Tracey Maizles excellent Antennas & transmission lines, Test Pat Gowan G3IOR heard it first at S9 on a
Lighthouse site at: equipment & measurement, Interference and vertical antenna and has since been
http://www.maizels.nu/lights/vic Safety. confirmed by several AMSAT members.

More light info can be found at: Morse code (optional) - introduction to the Not only is the beacon working but the
code, an introductory tape and other telemetry data even makes sense, giving
http://au.geocities.com/aust_lighthouses2/wil documentation. Morse code practice and clues as to its sudden reappearance.
liamstown/williamstown_lighthouse.htm tuition starts at 7:30 PM on class nights.
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi- Regulations - are not specifically studied but
bin/heritage/register/site.pl?005516 are generally covered in dealing with other
http://au.geocities.com/aust_lighthouses2/gell topics on the course. Copies of the ACA
ibrand/gellibrand_lighthouse.htm, regulations are supplied if unable to obtain
them from the WWW. Details of the
For Victorian Lighthouses see Kristie regulation requirements and a full copy of the
Eggleston' s: question bank (these are the actual questions
http://au.geocities.com/aust_lighthouses/inde that the exams are taken from) can be
x.htm downloaded from the WIA Vic. Division' s
web site.
Great Aust. Science Show
Fellow Amateurs - The WIA Victorian Following completion of this course a
OA-7 High reliability NiCd battery
affiliated clubs are holding a public relations bridging class is usually held to take the
exercise at the GASS ' 2002. student to the Full Call level and runs for Originally back in 1981, the NiCd battery
about 4 weeks. cells (pictured) shorted out one by one until
This year it is being held at the new there was insufficient voltage to power the
Melbourne Museum from Friday 23rd to Examinations are held at the end of each
electronics.
Sunday 25 August as part of Science Week. course and at other times as required.
Now, 21 years later, it appears a cell has
This is a great opportunity to promote If you would like to try a sample exam to see
finally gone open circuit, allowing the solar
Amateur Radio to many people with an how you are going then have a look at the
cells to power the electronics directly!
interest in science and technology as well as trial exams at the WIA Vic Division' s web
groups of secondary school students (on site. Jan King, W3GEY notes AO-7 is almost
Friday). Last years event was good fun and certainly running only off the solar panels.
was appreciated by many of the younger VNG Time Signal out of time It is very likely to be on only when in the sun
visitors. Our good old Australian standard time and and off in eclipse. Since it is resetting each
frequency transmitter has finally closed after orbit it may not come on every time and
Our club has been invited to participate and 38 years of service. when it does it may be in Mode A,B, or C.
would appreciate several volunteers for Reports of hearing the beacon just as it
morning and afternoon shifts on the WIA Originally transmitting on 4.5, 7.5, and 12
comes out of eclipse would be particularly
stand. All amateurs are invited to visit the MHz from Lyndhurst (N-E of Melbourne), it
interesting.
stand and provide short-term relief for the was down graded and moved to Llandilo,
volunteers. near Sydney in 1991 where it operated on The Mode-B transmitter is working with
2.5, 5.0, 8.638, 12.984 and 16.0 MHz until rumors that contacts have been made through
Please let me know if you can help out, now. the Mode-A 2m to 10m translator. It may be
Mark Harrison, VK3BYY ph 9435-3043 worth listening out for the beacons on 29.502
The National Standards Commission and
MHz (200 mw Mode A) and 435.100 MHz
Classic Kolm Cartoons other government and commercial users now
(previously intermittent, 400 mw and 10mw).
For a good laugh, check out some classic employ alternative means, such as GPS
amateur radio cartoons from John Kolm (our satellites and high stability oscillators, to News from AMSAT, for full story see:
April guest speaker) : disseminate traceable time and frequency http://www.amsat.org/amsat/news/ans2002/a
standards around Australia. ns02174.html#02
http://www.radiomag.com/special.html

2 NERG NEWS – JULY 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Faster than a speeding Cheap Power Supplies !
microwave…
The latest iteration of Intel’s Pentium 4 This is a special deal for NERG members on brand New Switch-Mode Power Supplies
processor chip runs at 2.53 GHz, which One-off' s are more expensive than if we purchase in quantity, so if we can get a few orders
means it has an ‘oscillator inside’ running together we can save up to $20.00 per power supply!! One off prices shown below:
at a higher frequency than most
microwave ovens (2.450 GHz) ! Single O/P Caged versions:
Intel claims its ultra-fast clock speed will
give smoother, more lifelike animation in
3D games, and gives the power to create,
edit, and share movies and photos quickly
and easily.
I think they secretly wanted to build in the
kitchen sink, as well as the toaster, the MP-3110 12V 12.5A (150W)
kettle and a microwave oven. The plan is $92.80 + GST + Del.
to keep programmers at their desks for 24
hours a day and never need to get up for
coffee or hot-dogs!
Pentium 5 is rumoured to come with a
refrigerated co-processor unit that
dispense cola and chilled chocolate
bars….
Mark, vk3byy

Victorian Clubs Forum MP-3118 13.8V 18A (248W)

$172.00 + GST + Del.
Representatives of WIA Victoria affiliated
clubs and groups met on 20 June for WIA
Victoria' s second club' s forum.
Among the decisions taken was the
mounting of an amateur radio display at Boxed versions:
the Great Australian Science Show to be
held at the Melbourne Museum. The
dates chosen were Friday 23 August to
Sunday 25 August, the last three days of
Science Week.
The proposed Low Level Entry Licence -
often referred to as the Foundation
Licence - was discussed in terms of how it
could be implemented and fit in with the
general system of amateur radio licensing.
If, as anticipated, the World Radio-
communications Conference next year
determines that CW is no longer required
as a condition of some licence grades, the
number of grades will reduce from the
current five, to two, and there will then be
room to accommodate the proposed new
licence. MP-3074 13.8V 10A 138W $107.18 +GST
MP-3075 13.8V 15A 207W $111.32 +GST
Attendees at the forum indicated that
there appeared to be considerable interest This is about 50% off the normal price around town (check out Jaycar…).
from people wishing to enter the hobby For those interested, please contact me by e-mail or Mobile.
via this new licence grade, with a number David Aston, VK3THY,
of people already wanting to register on
waiting lists.
Inter-Club and Club-WIA Victoria A field day for satellites?
communication were discussed and Strap on your rocket boosters and go into orbit for the satellite field day! - well, not quite, but
appeared to be adequate, with WIA AMSAT does run out of this world field days! It held for 24 hours on the 4th weekend of June
Victoria requesting notification of exams in conjunction with the ARRL sponsored Field Day for Emergency Preparedness.
and classes so prospective radio amateurs We' ve missed it this year so look out for it in June 2003. As usual the aim is to make as many
can be provided with that information. contacts as possible through as many satellites as possible. Competition is so tough there is a
From http://www.wiavic.org.au/news/ "one QSO per FM bird" rule to avoid congestion of FM sats and ISS. Working SSB, CW and
all digital modes is encouraged though. (Contest rules available from AMSAT News)

3 NERG NEWS – JULY 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Packet Radio revealed: Once you can receive packets you are well on IARU Region 3 ARDF
First of all, what is “Packet”? the way. When connecting the radio, focus on
getting one function working at a time - PTT championships 2003
Packet radio is a means of sending digital first, then Microphone, then Speaker This important event will be held in the
information across a radio link. The connections. If you have several radios, Ballarat area from Friday 28 November to
information can be anything that can be make adaptor cables for each radio to a Wednesday 3 December 2003.
stored in digital format – text, pictures, common connector (such as DIN connector) Organisers are expecting more than 100
sounds, programs, if fact virtually anything and adaptor cable/s from the common participants from member societies in IARU
you’d keep on a computer! connector to (all) your TNC’s. Make cable Region 3 including Japan, Korea, China,
from radio long, from TNC short. Mongolia, New Zealand, and Australia.
The information is sent across the radio link
by modulating an ordinary amateur What can packet be used for? Guest competitors from other Regions are
transmitter with an audio frequency signal Packet can be used to hold a simplex QSO by also expected to attend.
that sounds similar to a FAX machine. typing messages to each other or in a group. The event will be run by the Victorian ARDF
Packet can be sent direct or via a digipeater group and is sponsored by WIA Victoria.
Its called “Packet” because long messages or
(repeater) or via a chain of many repeaters
data files are broken in to many smaller Put it in your diary NOW and if you can
(to reach interstate or internationally nodes).
“packets” of a data which only take a few assist in any way contact the ARDF group or
seconds each to send. The receiving station Packet can operate like an e-mail system, Greg VK3VT (at vk3vt@nerg.asn.au)
checks each packet as it comes in, requesting forwarding messages around the world while (translators, bus drivers, transmitter
it again if it’s not received correctly or asking unattended. You can put out messages sitters, and assistants of all kinds
for the next packet if it’s ok (this is called requesting assistance, Ron gave examples of required!!!).
handshaking). The packets are reassembled this. Ron has taken packet radio with him
back into the full message at the receiver. around the world twice. All that is required EMR limits further delayed
is a really old Laptop PC, a TNC, and a The Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) limits
Each transmitter checks that the frequency is
2 meter hand held. for amateur stations that were expected to
clear before sending its packet, otherwise
waiting its turn to avoid “colliding” with any Packet can be used for DX spotting by begin on 1 July 2002, have been delayed at
other transmissions. By using handshaking monitoring the DX “cluster” messages where least six months.
and collision avoidance, several interleaved hams everywhere report DX openings and The Australian Communications Authority
QSO’s can take place simultaneously on the activity of rare stations. Overseas traffic can (ACA) had planned to implement the EMR
same radio channel without interfering with go via HF, amateur satellite, or the Internet. human exposure limits through the licence
each other (other than slowing down the condition for amateur stations. However, the
packet transfers rate of each QSO). How do you know what commands to use?
These days intelligent software handles ACA has now advised the WIA that it has
You can hear all this happening if you tune everything and you don’t need to remember decided to delay the issuing of the new
into a busy packet frequency – you often hear all those dozens of old commands. Another Licence Conditions until it can formally
strong local and distant weak stations bonus is that messages are often compressed adopt a new radiation exposure standard.
blurting packets at each almost constantly to speed up transmission. The Australian Radiation Protection and
with only very short breaks between Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has
transmissions. Usually the data packet is Speed:
Most user traffic is at 1200 baud on 2 meters developed a new Radiation Protection
long (several seconds) and is followed by a Standard - Maximum Exposure Levels to
brief acknowledgment (<1 sec) – this is why while some 70cm traffic is at 9600baud.
(about 100 and 900 characters per second Radiofrequency Fields 3kHz to 300 GHz.
its often called RACKET radio.
respectively). A range of frequencies used The ACA was using the lapsed Australian
Packet - What equipment is needed? for simplex and digipeaters are published in and New Zealand Standard AS2772.1 - and
A number Terminal Node Controllers (TNC) the WIA callbook. not the new standard. In practice, there is
can get you on the air: little difference between the two standards,
Further information:
- simple "BAYCOM” hardware with MPRG web site, under construction but at least as far as the Amateur Service is
TSThost software for PC, or, improving rapidly: www.mprg.org.au concerned.

- a dedicated TNC which has more hardware Yahoo Newsgroups (not used much): The ACA has developed a discussion paper
and it’s own processor. More of the work is www.yahoogroups/vk-packet to stimulate industry and community
done in the TNC. considerations of its proposal to change the
Other packet sites I have found since this EMR standards and is seeking submissions
In both cases you need a computer (any meeting include: in response to the issue raised in the paper by
obsolete computer will do) and software: the end of July. The paper and addresses for
- TPK - this has a DOS keyboard focus. Australian Amateur Packet Radio
written comments can be found at the ACA
- Winpack – for Windows. Association: http://www.aapra.org.au/
offices and web site.
A computer with sound card based solution is List of NSW packet BBS, other stations, and
The adoption of the new standard won' t
also available and only needs simple their frequencies:
significantly change the EMR limits already
interfacing to the radio to operate. The http://members.ozemail.com.au/~vk2wi/html/
proposed by the ACA and publicised in the
computer does all the hard work in this case. Packet.html
June edition of Amateur Radio magazine.
Of course a radio is required as well - Most Packet radio site in the US with lots of stuff:
In the meantime the WIA recommends that
of the operation is on two metres so an FM http://www.tapr.org/tapr/html/pktf.html
radio amateurs continue to be sensible with
box is required - a hand-held is fine. (TAPR is perhaps THE biggest packet radio
the use of RF energy, and keep in mind the
group in the world!)
proposed EMR limits when installing
Setting up:
In setting up a TNC Ron recommends that More good gear from Buck K4ABT: antennas.
operators first do a factory reset then set your http://www.packetradio.com/
From WIA Vic, 1st July 2002
callsign (MYCALL command). If you can 73 from Greg, VK3VT, and Mark VK3BYY http://www.wiavic.org.au/news/ and also
get a PK232 handbook this can be a good ACA web site www.aca.gov.au
guide to packet operating.

4 NERG NEWS – JULY 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Buying a Mobile Phone? DTMF keypad - offer #1 DTMF keypad - offer #2 !
This month the Australian Communications I have 7 Miniature Inquiry Terminals that NERG has a small number of self-contained
Authority (ACA) released its “Mobile Phone could be used to dial up IRLP Nodes on pocket DTMF keypads for sale at $6 each.
Tool Kit”. The Tool Kit provides simple and radios without CTCSS facilities. They were
clear information to assist consumers in designed for the early days of phone banking.
selecting the right mobile phone package. They are physically about 85 mm in diameter
The pack includes typical user examples and and 30mm thick.
a questionnaire to help consumers identify
Each unit requires a small (40mm or less) 8
which category they fall under.
ohm speaker and a Power Supply. They are
The Mobile Phone Tool Kit is available in currently powered by the phone line, I have
hardcopy, CD ROM and on the ACA website tried a small 6v battery and it works OK.
at http://toolkit.aca.gov.au
A small AC plug pack could also be used.
Fibreglass for antennas
Quador (Aust) P/L is an importer of
heatshrink tubing and Fibreglass. Popular
amongst antenna builders and kite
enthusiasts, the fibreglass comes in rods
3mm to 38.1mm diameter, round and square
tubes 25 to 51 mm, angle and channel 38 to
150 mm. Standard length is 6m but can be
purchased in shorter lengths for a small
cutting fee.
Quador, 16 -18 Queen St Nunawading 3131, Simply hold close to a radio’s microphone
(03) 9874 7388 and push the buttons to dial up IRLP nodes,
and special repeater functions. Small enough
Powerline communications to hold against microphone with one hand.
fact sheet Contains TT-5088 DTMF chip & Piezo Spkr.
Powerline communications (PLC) equipment
I am willing to GIVE these units to any Requires two small calculator type batteries
delivers voice and digital services over
NERG club member FREE of charge. (A76 or AG13 - $3.98/pair @ Dick Smith).
existing power lines and could be a great
threat to amateur radio. To manage the risk So for a few minutes work and a small outlay See me at the next NERG meeting (may not
of unwanted emissions or interference by (for speaker & battery) IRLP is possible on be at July meeting) – Mark VK3BYY.
PLC equipment to radio-based services, the any radio (such as FM92 or RT-85)!
Australian Communications Authority (ACA)
Any requests to my Email Address:
DTMF keypad - offer #3 !
has recognised European and international This is another free offer for homebrewers!
geowils@alphalink.com.au ,
standards to cover this type of equipment
or vk3gfw@wia.org Tony, VK3BBD has kindly donated a
under its electromagnetic compatibility
George VK3GFW number of new telephone DTMF circuit
(EMC) regulatory arrangements.
boards. They use a Mostek MK5087 (equiv
A new fact sheet talks about mandatory Dave’s DX Info Texas Inst. TCM5087) DTMF encoder chip
standards for PLC equipment intended for Belgium operator’s are/were using the OS and various discrete parts. Requires addition
low voltage installations only. The ACA at prefix to celebrate the Golden spurs battle of of a box, keypad, speaker and battery.
present has no mandatory standard in its 1302. The battle of 12 Hertford place See Mark VK3BYY about these.
EMC regime for PLC equipment intended for (VK3JMB’s QTH) still continues!
high voltage distribution systems. VK3RMH upgrades
Christmas Islands:
It’s official! VK3RMH has new licenses for
Low voltage PLC equipment is required to VK3XV is operating until May 25th then he a 6 meter beacon and a dedicated IRLP link.
comply with one of several standards
will be at Lord Howe isle.
mandated by the ACA. Most cover The 6 meter beacon has moved to the new
frequencies between 3kHz to 148.5 kHz From June the R.N.A.R.S. will be operating frequency of 50.295 MHz, sending CW with
although IEC 61000–3–8 specifies as GB5ER to celebrate the golden jubilee. 10 watts into a omni-directional horizontally
disturbance limits in the frequency range polarised antenna. Signal reports should be
QSL Cards: sent to vk3rmh@hotmail.com . The beacon
from 3 kHz up to 400 GHz.
Can be obtained at reasonable prices contact hardware constructed by Ewen VK3OW will
Although the ACA currently has no be out of service while we make a few
VK3JMH or VK3DBQ for further info.
mandatory standards for PLC equipment that modifications and get it onto the new
transmits information on frequencies above Club QSL manager is now Bruce Renn frequency. We expect to have it on air well
525 kHz., penalties apply in accordance with VK3JWZ and he will handle club cards before the summer DX season.
section 197 of the Radiocommunications Act inwards and outwards. Greg VK3VT is still
1992 to a person or company who knowingly NERG QSL manager for all other cards. The IRLP link connects the VK3RMH 70cm
or recklessly causes interference to repeater to another site where we have high
radiocommunications services. New Radio: speed Internet access and can connect to the
Mark vk3xxx is now the proud owner of a rest of the world. This link operates on 70cm
Find out more at: but is in the 420 & 440 MHz sections
http://www.aca.gov.au/standards/emcbook/in TS2000 with 23cm module fitted.
reserved for dedicated repeater linking.
dex.htm. Regards Dave VK3JMB
or get the fact sheet at: The new link will allow us to provide better
http://www.aca.gov.au//consumer/fsheets/ind [ Congratulations Dave on getting QSL control over IRLP connections and allow
ustry/fsi23.pdf cards back from 100 countries on HF! Now local emergency traffic on the repeater to
it’s time to do it all again using CW , Ed.] take priority.

5 NERG NEWS – JULY 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 604 VK2RTZ Newcastle NSW 146.775 start to finish including the mount, drives,
IRLP node numbers 621 VK2TTA Wahroonga NSW 439.250
626 VK2WAG Wagga Wagga 147.125
tracking and feed systems. (VK3UM)
Here is a very rough guide to node numbers 634 VK3DRB Mt. Waverley 146.475
for IRLP repeaters around the world. There Integration of a 1W 10GHz PA with a
631 VK3HEG Ballarat VIC 146.550
are many holes in this list, but it will give 639 VK3JED Experimental 146.550 650mm offset fed dish. (VK2EI)
you an idea of which countries are available 630 VK3RGL Melbourne VIC 147.000
635 VK3RMH Melbourne VIC 438.325 Basic testing techniques at UHF and above.
via IRLP. Stations in the USA fill in many of 633 VK3RPU Arthur's Seat 439.725 (Peter ZL1UKG)
the gaps in the number range and were too 632 VK3WRM Merbein VIC 438.525
numerous to list individually here. 640 VK4BAB Ipswich QLD 147.050 System integration with the Milliwave power
641 VK4FC Bundaberg QLD 147.800 amplifier at 24GHz (VK2EI)
Use this list for “Mystery QSO” – just pick a 648 VK4RCA Cairns QLD 146.950
number in the range for a country’s of your 650 VK5UJ Adelaide SA 146.775 XLNEC - free antenna design software.
660 VK6AMS Karratha W.A. 146.700 (Peter Ward)
choice and see where you end up! 661 VK6RAL Albany W.A. 146.725
620 VK6RFM Fremantle WA 146.950 Siting the next generation radio telescope -
(P.S. Always announce your callsign after 610 VK6RNC Perth WA 146.625
connecting to a node – it’s actually illegal the Square Kilometre Array. (VK2AMT)
662 VK6XAA Collie W.A. 146.900
to cause a transmission on another node 670 VK7AX Ulverstone TAS 146.750 Poster/Demo: Transmission line fault-finding
without a callsign! (It’s also bad manners 671 VK7DY Tea Tree TAS 147.875
672 VK7HTW Murdunna TAS 0.000 using a simple homebrew TDR. (VK3ZRX)
and you will be regarded as another 680 VK8ZAB Darwin NT 146.850
annoying international “button pusher”). More at: http://www.qsl.net/vk3bez/
For the full node number list and the current Radio Repair Web sites Calendar July-Sept 2002
status of all nodes, look up the WEB at: Looking for repair and modification notes for
JULY
amateur radio transceivers, TNC' s and other
http://status.irlp.net/ accessories? Here is a great site containing 13th and 14th July
IRLP node codes by Country: hundreds of notes from manufacturers and World Radiosport Team Championships
amateurs for all the mainstream brands:
Canada 100 to 295 The Amateur Radio Olympics (WRTC2002)
USA 300 to 504, 568-599 http://www.mods.dk will this year involve 52 competing two
and many others… member teams located in Finland with
Another site with amateur radio schematics,
England 510 to 560 unique OJ callsigns, working within the
manuals, and programming software is at:
Australia 600 to 680 IARU Contest. Organisers have put out a
New Zealand 691 to 692 http://hamradio.online.ru/sch_eng.html plea asking for as many radio amateurs as
Sweden 800,801 possible to listen for the OJ stations and keep
It also has an interesting range of Russian them busy with contacts, and submit a log.
Japan 820 commercial radios and test gear!
Ecuador 730 The WRTC2002 teams will be using special
' 2x1' type of callsigns with special OJ1-OJ8
Dominica 700,710 GippsTech2002 Conference prefixes (e.g. OJ1A). These prefixes have
Trinidad and Tobago 712, 750, 760 Ooops, too late to go this year, but there is
Barbados 777 never been used before. The event will be
always next year! If you have ever wondered
South Africa 830, 840 jointly hosted by the Contest Club Finland
what happens at GippsTech conferences,
Grenada 850 (CCF) and the Finnish Amateur Radio
then here is the list of seminars held this
Netherlands 860 to 862 League (SRAL).
year. As you will see it covers subjects for
McMurdo Station – Antarctica: 888 beginners through to hardened experimenters AUGUST
IRLP Reflectors: and DX’ers.
17th and 18th August
A reflector node allows many other IRLP RF Radiation: Does your Station meet the
new licensing assessment requirements? International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend
nodes to be connected together. This allows
people in several states or countries to hold Obtaining a High power permit. (VK3UM) Remembrance Day Contest - 17th and18th
group discussions. Reflectors are good "$5 directional coupler" & "$5 slotted line". 24th and 25th August
places to call CQ if you want to demonstrate (Peter Ward)
IRLP as there are often people all over the ALARA Contest
world listening. Speech Acoustics & Intelligibility
(A review of the acoustic characteristics of SEPTEMBER
900 Vancouver BC Canada speech and the basic factors affecting speech 19/20th September
910 Toronto Reflector ON Canada intelligibility in communications systems)
920 Denver Reflector CO USA (John VK2TK) Jamboree On The Air (JOTA)
921 Raleigh NC USA
WSJT meteor scatter experiences. (VK7MO) 26/27th September
925 Las Vegas NV USA
930 Saskatoon Reflector SK Canada Using JT44 for tropospheric and EME Ballarat Hamvention:
931 Fredericton NB Canada propagation. (VK2FLR) At the Wool Pavillation at the Showgrounds,
940 Yellowknife NWT Canada access off White Street. Info: Steven Dick
950 Sydney - Virtual PUB NSW Australia The trials and tribulations of running a basic VK3MNA 5331 5526 vk3mna@barg.org.au
960 Philadelphia PA USA VHF-UHF station. (Bob VK2TG) Hamvention will be held at the Ballarat
970 Lancaster LANCS England Showgrounds, on the corner of Creswick
Two unusual antennae for 2.4GHz. (Peter
Ward) Road and Howitt Street Wendouree, on the
Australian IRLP nodes in Callsign order:
last weekend of October, this is the same
Node, Call, Location, Frequency (MHz) Solving noise problems in modern radio location as previous years, access is off
systems. (Bryan VK3YNG) White street.
611 VK1RBM Canberra ACT 438.025
606 VK2RAG Gosford NSW 438.075 Entry is $5.00. (under 15 free), trestles hire
Building coaxial gain antennas - overlooked
600 VK2RBM Sydney NSW 147.050 is $10.00 per trestle (Bookings Essential)
605 VK2RCZ Sydney NSW 439.425 principles. (Peter Ward)
622 VK2RIC Lismore 438.675 from WIA Vic. News Web site
602 VK2RMB Terry Hills 146.875
Predicting Es propagation. (Brian VK3BCZ)
601 VK2RMP Wollongong 146.850
The VK3UM 10 metre dish installation: A
603 VK2RMR Mt Riverview 439.575
pictorial presentation of the installation from

6 NERG NEWS – JULY 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 16C84 pin: 11 10 9 8 7 6
CTCSS tone generator for transceivers TONE FREQ RB5 RB4 RB3 RB2 RB1 RB0 Notes
Here is a circuit by VK5AH using a PIC microprocessor for 000 1000 0 0 0 0 0 0 Test tone
generating CTCSS tones. CTCSS stands for Continuous Tone- 001 67.0 0 0 0 0 0 1
002 69.4* 0 0 0 0 1 0
Controlled Squelch System and is a system whereby a receiver only 003 71.9 0 0 0 0 1 1
opens its squelch if the incoming audio signal contains a low 004 74.4 0 0 0 1 0 0
005 77.0 0 0 0 1 0 1
frequency (sub-audible) tone. This device is ideal for upgrading 006 79.7 0 0 0 1 1 0
amateur and ex-commercial radios such as the FM900 and IC-22S. 007 82.5 0 0 0 1 1 1
008 85.4 0 0 1 0 0 0
CTCSS is often used to access repeaters, either because nearby 009 88.5 0 0 1 0 0 1
interference makes normal squelch unreliable, or as a means of 010 91.5 0 0 1 0 1 0
011 94.8 0 0 1 0 1 1
activating special features of the repeater. For instance 012 97.4 0 0 1 1 0 0
Melbourne’s VK3RHF cross-band repeater must hear an 88.5 Hz 013 100.0 0 0 1 1 0 1
CTCSS tone before it will rebroadcast you signal on its non-novice 014 103.5 0 0 1 1 1 0
015 107.2 0 0 1 1 1 1
band outputs. This helps prevent novices calling on the 70 cm input 016 110.9 0 1 0 0 0 0
from accidentally re-broadcasting on 6m and 23 cm. The most 017 114.8 0 1 0 0 0 1
018 118.8 0 1 0 0 1 0
commonly used tones for VK repeaters are 123 Hz & 88.5 Hz. 019 123.0 0 1 0 0 1 1
020 127.3 0 1 0 1 0 0
I have the program code and can program the PIC' s for those 021 131.8 0 1 0 1 0 1
interested, or download from VK5AH at: 022 136.5 0 1 0 1 1 0
http://homepages.picnowl.com.au/wavetel/pic.htm 023 141.3 0 1 0 1 1 1
024 146.2 0 1 1 0 0 0
025 151.4 0 1 1 0 0 1
I am also interested in hearing from anyone who may be interested 026 156.7 0 1 1 0 1 0
in a Morse Code Decoder using a PIC with a LCD display. The unit 027 159.8* 0 1 1 0 1 1
decodes and displays Morse from your HF receiver and can also 028 162.2 0 1 1 1 0 0
029 165.5* 0 1 1 1 0 1
have a Morse key connected so that you can practice and see what 030 167.9 0 1 1 1 1 0
you really sent and at what speed. (Runs from a 9V Battery) 031 171.3* 0 1 1 1 1 1
032 173.8 1 0 0 0 0 0
Regards, David Aston, VK3THY 033 177.3* 1 0 0 0 0 1
034 179.9 1 0 0 0 1 0
035 183.5* 1 0 0 0 1 1
036 186.2 1 0 0 1 0 0
Circuit Notes: 037 189.9* 1 0 0 1 0 1
038 192.8 1 0 0 1 1 0
Use a 4Mhz crystal with 2 x 18pF capacitors. 039 196.6* 1 0 0 1 1 1
PTT line is active LOW. PTT is RB7 Pin 13. 040 199.5* 1 0 1 0 0 0
OUTPUT tone is on RA2 Pin 1, see Lowpass Filter notes. 041 203.5 1 0 1 0 0 1
042 206.5* 1 0 1 0 1 0
043 210.7 1 0 1 0 1 1
A DIP switch can be connected to pins RB0-RB5 to set tone 044 218.1 1 0 1 1 0 0
frequencies in table 1. A “1” indicates RB pin is logic HI (switch 045 225.7 1 0 1 1 0 1
open or OFF). All RB port pins have internal pullup resistors and 046 229.1* 1 0 1 1 1 0
047 233.6 1 0 1 1 1 1
will go HI if left open. The binary inputs are only read at power up 048 241.8 1 1 0 0 0 0
and not when the PTT is keyed. 049 250.3 1 1 0 0 0 1
050 254.1* 1 1 0 0 1 0
For CTCSS tones, use a Low pass filter as shown to smooth the 051 255.0* 1 1 0 0 1 1
052 1750 1 1 0 1 0 0 Eu Tone
squarewave output from the PIC. An extra active low pass filter 053 1800 1 1 0 1 0 1 Eu Tone
will further improve waveshape and remove audible harmonics. 054 1200 1 1 0 1 1 0 Packet
R0 is a padding resistor to adjust output level - typically 20k. 055 2200 1 1 0 1 1 1 Packet
056 800* 1 1 1 0 0 0 Test tone
Philips FM900/FM92 hints: 057 900* 1 1 1 0 0 1 Test tone
058 1100* 1 1 1 0 1 0 Test tone
You can find a suitable PTT signal at SK403 pin 6 or switch it 059 1300* 1 1 1 0 1 1 Test tone
manually or just connect the PTT input to ground permanently. 060 1500* 1 1 1 1 0 0 Test tone
Use a 2Meg resistor for RO and inject at U301 pin 9. Both of these 061 2000* 1 1 1 1 0 1 Test tone
062 2500* 1 1 1 1 1 0 Test tone
locations are on the Synth/Control board of the FM900. 063 3500* 1 1 1 1 1 1 Test tone
* Indicates NON-EIA standard tone
All CTCSS tones are within EIA standard of .08% .

7 NERG NEWS – JULY 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The NERG Inc. Reg No A0006776V http://nerg.asn.au Classes
The North Eastern Radio Group, Inc. is an amateur radio club devoted to NERG occasionally runs classes and exams for Amateur license candidates.
encouraging members and others to enjoy the hobby of amateur radio. It tries Callsigns and Repeaters (25km North East of Melbourne)
not to hang on ceremony and endless reporting but rather participate in the fun
aspects of this fascinating hobby. Club call - VK3CNE http://www.qsl.net/vk3cne
6m rpt VK3RMH FM 52.550 MHz in 53.550 MHz out
Membership Fees (due each August):
70cm rpt VK3RMH FM 433.325 MHz in 438.325 MHz out
Full: $30 Family: $40 Concession: $20 IRLP node 635
Committee 6m beacon VK3RMH CW 10 Watts 50.295 MHz – Soon!
President Greg Williams VK3VT 9432 0563 10m bec’n VK3RMH CW 20Watts 28.2565 MHz
Secretary Mark Beacham VK3XXX 9459-9876 Occasionally home to the Scout Radio & Electronics Group repeater:
Treasurer Marg Baxter VK3VOJ 9467 1253 2m VK3RSR FM 146.375 MHz in 146.975 MHz out
Committee Dave Prictor VK3JMB 9465 9708 NETS
Betsy King VK3HBK 9431 2191 NERG NETS run on 146.575 MHz FM Simplex (8.30 – 9.30 pm Thursdays).
Peter Cosway VK3DU 9379 3626 Please join the discussions. NERGs often monitor this frequency and the 70cm
Social Sec. Don Haslam VK3KDT 9439 1102 VK3RMH repeater.
Repeaters Mark Harrison VK3BYY 9435 3043
WEB Sites: http://nerg.asn.au and http://www.qsl.net/vk3rmh
Meetings
2nd Thursday of each month at 7.45 PM (excepting Dec. & Jan.) NERG NEWS submissions and comments invited:
Greenhills Community House, Yandell Reserve, off St. Helena Road, editor: Mark Harrison VK3BYY
Greensborough. (Melway map ref 21-B1) ph: 9435-3043 hm (btwn. 7.30-9.30 p.m. please)
post: 266 Nell Street West, Watsonia, 3087
email: vk3byy@nerg.asn.au

Incorporated 1985
BOX 270 GREENSBOROUGH VIC 3088

MEETING this week::

7:45 PM Thursday 11th July 2002
on the 2nd THURSDAY of each Month at
Greenhill’s Community Centre, Yandell Reserve, Greensborough
This Month: Mark Beacham, VK3XXX, on Digital Radio Modes

CALENDAR 2002
th
July 11 Next month’s NERG MEETING – Digital Modes
th
July 13/14 World Radiosport Team Championships (WRTC2002) - 52 teams with never before
used OJ1-OJ8 prefix callsigns (e.g. OJ1A) compete in Finland during IARU Contest.
th
July 19 Friday Night Fox Hunt - Fox for the evening will be the VK3VR/MZ/JMD/TVB team.
Start and supper locations to be announced
th
August 8 NERG Annual General Meeting & Birthday Party
th
August 17/18 International Lighthouse Weekend (NERG activity)
AND Remembrance Day Contest (HF & VHF)