The team from HADARC had a very successful JOTA this year with many interested youngsters keen to have a try on HF radio.
We put them in contact with other JOTA stations in VK2 and VK4, on 40m and 20m.
There are some pictures from the day here.
The October main meeting of HADARC will have presentations by both Chris Williams VK2YMW and Rob Dolphin VK2DIO. See you on Tuesday at Mt. Colah Community Centre for an 8:00pm start and another great night. Order your Anderson Power Poles on the night.
Chris VK2YMW will present a short slide show some of the interesting technologies both new and old while on his cruise holiday this year with his XYL Helen. Rob VK2DIO will revisit some of the key principles of digital communications and talk about some the current Amateur digital modes.
Update: Fri 18 Oct 2024 10:39:32 AEDT
The working bee went well. Thanks to the half dozen or so who attended and helped out. The vegetation was much worse than expected but we got the bulk of it cleared. We may need to do a follow up visit in a months time or so.
There's a few photos of the event here.
On this coming Friday morning, 11th October, we'll be holding a working bee to clear some vegetation from the repeater site. (note that 18th October was mentioned at the September meeting, but we bring it forward a week as weneed to be doing JOTA preparation then).
The plan is to start meeting there from 8am for bacon and eggs breakfast on the public barbeque, then work the 40m net from 9am. Then, at 10am or so, spend some time chopping the vegetation. It shouldn't take long, so please come along if you are free.
Storey Park, 12 Old Berowra Rd, Hornsby NSW 2077
As discussed at the September meeting, the Club will be making a bulk purchase of Anderson Power-Pole Connections on behalf of members.
Pairs of red and black connectors are available in 15A, 30A and 45A capacities. Other colours are also available.
If you are interested in participating then please contact Steve VK2AAV with details of the numbers and capacities that you may require.
Pricing is yet to be finalised. We will notify the interested parties when it is known so that they can confirm their orders.
At the September held on, 24th September, HADARC special guest speaker Con Bugden gave a presentation on the James Webb Space Telescope.
At the August meeting, Tony VK2BTL did a short talk on his time working at HMAS Albatross Naval Airbase, as engineer in charge during the mid-1980s;
Steve VK2KHA made a presentation about touring on narrowboats in the UK, beginning with a history of the canal network from its origins right up to the latest technological innovations of today. This was followed by images of his tour of the Montgomery canal on the Welsh/English border.
HADARC will be participating in the Remembrance Day Contest coming up on Saturday, 17th August. Operating portable at our favourite location of Golden Jubilee Field in North Wahroonga, shelter will be provided if required and it is highly likely that sausages and other essential supplies will be available, so please come along for an enjoyable day or listen out for contacts with Club station VK2MA.
Rules and Regulations of the contest are here on the WIA website.
Update on Friday, 23rd
The day went well nice conditions. Eleven members in attendance. Contacts were made on 40m SSB and CW, 6m and 2m SSB and FM.
Update on Friday, 16th
Weather forecast looks promising but Walter XWB's excellent gazebo and cover shelter is available if required.
Contest starts at 1300 with opening broadcast from WIA starting at 1245. We should look to arrive and starting setting up from 12 noon.
BBQ with Sausages and at least one flagon of wine will be provided. Please bring other food and drinks as you might require.
We'll have two radios operating that can cover HF, 6m, 2m, 70cm bands. Am not sure about HF antennas, so please bring your portable HF antennas for 40m and 20m just in case.
We've folding tables organised, but please bring chairs for yourself and maybe a spare or two for others.
We will look forward to seeing you all tomorrow. A good turnout and an enjoyable day is anticipated
-- Cheers, Steve VK2AAV
At HADARC's July monthly meeting on this Tuesday, 23rd, Rod VK2DAY presented 'A Practical Guide for the use of a VNA for today’s Amateur Radio Operator.'
Rod's talk covered what a VNA is and why it is the Swiss Army Knife of test gear for amateurs, the various types including some popular VNA’s from last century to now; plus, the good, the bad and the ugly of each, and how each one still has its own place in the shack today. Also covered was calibration and how to improve the test sweeps of the popular NanoVNA and some practical uses in and around the shack.
It was a comprehensive talk with a large crowd in attendance. Thanks Rod.
As discussed at the June meeting, HADARC is trialing the element/matrix messaging system for communications amongst members. Initial indications suggest that it will be a worthwhile thing.
To get access to HADARC Members room:
Browse to app.element.io, select Create Account and follow the bouncing ball.
Probably best to use your callsign as the username.
Then, tell us your user name and we will invite you to the room. You will then receive an email with a link to HADARC Members room.
You can tell us you username by sending email to the committee or via online form here
Update: Monday, 24th June
Eight hardy folk from HADARC braved the appallingly cold and wet conditions to take part in the field day.
Twelve contacts were logged on the 6m, 2m and 70cm bands.
Thanks to VK2XWB for providing some excellent shelter.
A good time was had by all.
Some photos of the event are here
Saturday 9am update
We will be operating regardless of the miserable weather
The radio setups and cooking will be undercover, plus our cars can be parked right alongside, so we can operate from their heated comfort if need be.
Rugging up will be necessary though.
--
HADARC will be fielding a contingent in this year's Winter Field Day:
VHF/UHF Winter Field Day Golden Jubilee Field\nEsk St, North Wahroonga NSW 2076 Saturday 22nd June From 11am.
We'll look to set up on the grass verge on the left, adjacent to the oval as you enter the field.
We are expecting a decent turn out, especially if the weather is good. Forecast is for some showers with top of 17, so be prepared.
The rules for the contest are on WIA website here.. Stations need to exchange their 6-digit maidenhead locator which, for Golden Jubilee, is QF56NH
For home stations looking to make contact, you can find your locator at this website.
We'll be operating on or near the designated call frequencies, namely:
| band | mode | MHz |
|------|------|--------:|
| 6m | FM | 52.525 |
| 6m | USB | 50.200 |
| 2m | FM | 146.500 |
| 2m | USB | 144.200 |
| 70cm | FM | 439.000 |
| 70cm | USB | 432.200 |
| | | |
And, of course, we'll be monitoring the VK2RNS 2m repeater.
Please let others know and bring your antennas, radios and portable gear.