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VK5 South Australian Amateur Radio Forum
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#1
Contesting / Re: New SA Parks
Last post by VK5MCH - May 13, 2025, 08:56 AMThey just added area to existing parks, not created new parks.
Are there any parks that have still not been activated?
Are there any parks that have still not been activated?
#2
WICEN South Australia / Re: WICEN SA News 4th May 2025...
Last post by VK5ZAR - May 12, 2025, 03:24 PMCurrent newsletter including 2m & 70cm FM repeater listing
#3
Contesting / Re: New SA Parks
Last post by VK5GA - May 11, 2025, 03:15 PMHi Mick,
The stated parks are already recognised in WWFF & POTA.
Murray River National Park (VKFF-0372) & (AU-0768)
Maize Island Lagoon Conservation Park (VKFF-0827) & (AU-0809) and
Sceale Bay Conservation Park (VKFF-1093) & (AU-0699)
Unless there is an update to the CAPAD document with either name changes of existing parks or a complete new park, this is only when a new park number is created in the WWFF system.
Not sure what POTA has in it's rules in what type of park qualifies in there system.
Cheers,
Adam
VK2YK & VK5GA
VK5 VKFF Co-ordinator
The stated parks are already recognised in WWFF & POTA.
Murray River National Park (VKFF-0372) & (AU-0768)
Maize Island Lagoon Conservation Park (VKFF-0827) & (AU-0809) and
Sceale Bay Conservation Park (VKFF-1093) & (AU-0699)
Unless there is an update to the CAPAD document with either name changes of existing parks or a complete new park, this is only when a new park number is created in the WWFF system.
Not sure what POTA has in it's rules in what type of park qualifies in there system.
Cheers,
Adam
VK2YK & VK5GA
VK5 VKFF Co-ordinator
#4
Contesting / New SA Parks
Last post by VK5MCH - May 07, 2025, 10:07 PMhttps://glamadelaide.com.au/sa-adds-725-hectares-to-national-parks-in-major-conservation-expansion/
Does this mean we can get more POTA?
This may be your chance to get yourself permanently enshrined as the first activator of a new park.
Does this mean we can get more POTA?
This may be your chance to get yourself permanently enshrined as the first activator of a new park.
#5
Editorial / Re: Is it worth keeping this f...
Last post by VK5ZKR - May 07, 2025, 03:55 PMQuote from: VK5GR on Apr 24, 2025, 10:59 PMRe reconstituting the state boards - I am already working on proposals to put before the WIA board and intend to raise it during the Q&A session at the WIA AGM in Bendigo next weekend (which I am going to in person).
Hi Grant,
I am interested in the response from the WIA in receiving your proposal?
Regards..
#6
Radios / Re: Baofeng hardware - legal i...
Last post by VK5AAD - May 07, 2025, 07:12 AMA subtle point perhaps, but you will not "get my license". Since 19/02/2024 any new Amateur Radio operator has operated under a "class licence". Other radio services such as Citizens Band also operate under class licences, and in the case of CB radios have for about 40 years now.
The difference for hams is that unlike CB where only the use of "type approved" equipment is allowed, hams can use any equipment, including transceivers they may construct themselves. To operate under the Amateur Radio class licence, one must prove technical proficiency and a knowledge of the regulatory environment they operate under before being eligible to obtain a certificate of recognition from the ACMA and an amateur radio service callsign.
The regulatory environment (predominantly for amateurs, the Class Licence) lays out technical requirements on things such as spurious emissions - eg
It is these spurious emissions that some Baofeng models in particular (but certainly not all) are often criticised for. Apart from being able to illegally transmit on non-amateur bands, spurious transmissions while transmitting on amateur bands may interfere with other services such as aviation. So as a bona-fide Amateur, the possession and even use of a "Baofeng" radio is probably not illegal, the use of it in non-compliance of the requirements would be. Note that even though an amateur can legitimately use any radio on amateur bands, even an amateur cannot legally use a non-type approved device on the CB bands.
In any case, many new and not so new
amateurs go for the inexpensive Quansheng radios. They work fine out of the box, are easily programmed using Chirp, and most can be flashed with a variety of third party firmware for improved and increased functionality.
The class licence details of the frequency bands, modes, bandwidths and power levels permitted according to the level of proficiency recognised by ACMA. Initially you may do the Foundation theory, regs and practical exams, and so within a day or two can be on air on a subset of bands and a maximum power of 10w.
I'd strongly suggest going to the ACMA Amateur Radio site at https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio and follow the links to download a copy of the Class Licence and the syllabus for the level of proficiency you're aiming at.
In most cases (better than 95%) it is possible to attend a Foundation course and complete the exams all in one day. If you already have some radio experience (eg as a SWL, scanner enthusiast etc) then it should be a fait accompli.
The difference for hams is that unlike CB where only the use of "type approved" equipment is allowed, hams can use any equipment, including transceivers they may construct themselves. To operate under the Amateur Radio class licence, one must prove technical proficiency and a knowledge of the regulatory environment they operate under before being eligible to obtain a certificate of recognition from the ACMA and an amateur radio service callsign.
The regulatory environment (predominantly for amateurs, the Class Licence) lays out technical requirements on things such as spurious emissions - eg
Quote(1) A person must not operate an amateur station if its operation causes harmful interference to radiocommunications.
(2) A person must not operate an amateur station if its radio emissions include spurious emissions that are not attenuated below the power contained within the emission's necessary bandwidth, supplied to the antenna transmission line, by:
(a) for frequencies less than 30 MHz – the lesser of:
(i) 43 + 10 log (pX) dB;
(ii) 50 dB;
(b) for frequencies equal to or greater than 30 MHz – the lesser of:
(i) 43 + 10 log (P) dB;
(ii) 70 dB;
It is these spurious emissions that some Baofeng models in particular (but certainly not all) are often criticised for. Apart from being able to illegally transmit on non-amateur bands, spurious transmissions while transmitting on amateur bands may interfere with other services such as aviation. So as a bona-fide Amateur, the possession and even use of a "Baofeng" radio is probably not illegal, the use of it in non-compliance of the requirements would be. Note that even though an amateur can legitimately use any radio on amateur bands, even an amateur cannot legally use a non-type approved device on the CB bands.
In any case, many new and not so new
amateurs go for the inexpensive Quansheng radios. They work fine out of the box, are easily programmed using Chirp, and most can be flashed with a variety of third party firmware for improved and increased functionality.The class licence details of the frequency bands, modes, bandwidths and power levels permitted according to the level of proficiency recognised by ACMA. Initially you may do the Foundation theory, regs and practical exams, and so within a day or two can be on air on a subset of bands and a maximum power of 10w.
I'd strongly suggest going to the ACMA Amateur Radio site at https://www.acma.gov.au/amateur-radio and follow the links to download a copy of the Class Licence and the syllabus for the level of proficiency you're aiming at.
In most cases (better than 95%) it is possible to attend a Foundation course and complete the exams all in one day. If you already have some radio experience (eg as a SWL, scanner enthusiast etc) then it should be a fait accompli.
#7
VK5 Forum Events and Notices / Re: Forum is staying
Last post by VK5GA - May 06, 2025, 07:57 PMGreat to hear the forum is staying, hopefully others will utilise this medium instead of some others.
Keep up the great work Mick and others with moderating the forum.
Cheers,
Adam
VK5GA & VK2YK
Keep up the great work Mick and others with moderating the forum.
Cheers,
Adam
VK5GA & VK2YK
#8
Radios / Baofeng hardware - legal in Au...
Last post by SWLVK5ANDY - May 06, 2025, 06:32 PMI'm still working on get my license, and was trawling through a number of websites looking at hardware prices. I came across one site that was talking about Baofeng handhelds which to be honest looked too cheap to be true, but came across another website that insisted Baogeng equipment was illegal in Australia.
Searching the official ham radio websites I found one that had a list of hardware that was not legal in Australia but did not list Baofeng, yet more people were insisting you could not legally use them in country.
Scratching my head and reading carefully, I could assume that Baofeng are not legal to use inless you have a ham license, the websites that said you should not buy them listed reasons about how they would allow transmission on emergency services bands but no-one actually clarified the license requirement.
Does anyone have any knowledge on the subject and can clarify for me?
Searching the official ham radio websites I found one that had a list of hardware that was not legal in Australia but did not list Baofeng, yet more people were insisting you could not legally use them in country.
Scratching my head and reading carefully, I could assume that Baofeng are not legal to use inless you have a ham license, the websites that said you should not buy them listed reasons about how they would allow transmission on emergency services bands but no-one actually clarified the license requirement.
Does anyone have any knowledge on the subject and can clarify for me?
#9
WICEN South Australia / WICEN SA News 4th May 2025.
Last post by VK5ZAR - May 03, 2025, 09:34 PMWICEN SA News 4th May 2025.
This is the transcript from the WICEN SA news segment broadcast on the VK5 Sunday broadcast on 4th May 2025.
The WICEN S.A. AGM and Social Get Together was held yesterday Saturday 03th May 2025 @1000am down at the Scouts S.A. Adventurous Activities Centre where a motivated, dynamic and committed team have been elected to guide WICEN S.A. into the future.
The meeting was televised live via Zoom by Arno VK5ZAR for those members who were unable to attend in person and who did not want to miss out on the day and the guest speaker.
The day finished off with a free complimentary BBQ Sausage Sizzle, Soft Drinks etc., and no Amateur or guest went home Hungry or Thirsty on the day.
The new committee wish to thank those outgoing committee members who have donated their time and skills over the past few years and who have guided the organisation to become such a professional organisation.
WICEN South Australia assisted with the Anzac Day Youth Vigil for 2025, by providing Handheld Transceivers to the young people and Organisers of the Anzac Day Youth Vigil at Morphet Vale so that the young people who were providing and participating in the overnight vigil could have a safe and secure environment for them with the safety of utlising transceivers for a safety net over the Anzac Day period.
The transceivers and use of were provided free of charge to the Mclaren Vale RSL and the organisers of the event as part of our community engagement policy within WICEN S.A.
To watch a replay of the Youth Vigil, go to the WICEN Newsletter and click on the Youth Vigil Hyperlink in the webpage or go to the WICEN S.A. Facebook Page to obtain the Newsletter for viewing.
The Shannon's Rally of The Heartland was held over this weekend the 25h to the 27th April 2025 up at Burra and Surrounds in the Mid North of the state. The band of exceptional and highly skilled Ham Radio Operators volunteers from WICEN S.A. provided Radio Communication's, Logging, Logistics and manning of SOS Points. The committee of WICEN S.A. cannot thank our wonderful volunteers enough who provide such professionalism and skills for this event.
The organiser of the rally state that it is so valuable having WICEN S.A. help run the event, with ever reliable comms and an extra army of reliable officials as a bonus should we need you. I know the events lean on WICEN S.A. Volunteers occasionally and do more than your allocated comms role, and I am always impressed that you guys take that on in good cheer. It is great to receive such positive feedback to us as a group and all WICEN S.A. Volunteers should be proud of themselves of the statement provided by the Rally Organisers.
The Organisers of the rally have stated that they could not run this rally without the exceptional WICEN S.A. volunteers with their dedication, professionalism and skills that provide a exceptional Radio Communications and Back Up Support Network.
Don't forget today Sunday 04th May the WICEN S.A. Net will be held at 20:00hrs Local time utilizing the Adelaide Linked Repeater Network and we look forward to chatting to you all on the Net next Tonight Sunday the 04th May @ 20:00hrs
This has been David VK5LSB and on behalf of the WICEN S.A. Committee saying thank you for listening. 73 and Stay Safe.
This is the transcript from the WICEN SA news segment broadcast on the VK5 Sunday broadcast on 4th May 2025.
The WICEN S.A. AGM and Social Get Together was held yesterday Saturday 03th May 2025 @1000am down at the Scouts S.A. Adventurous Activities Centre where a motivated, dynamic and committed team have been elected to guide WICEN S.A. into the future.
The meeting was televised live via Zoom by Arno VK5ZAR for those members who were unable to attend in person and who did not want to miss out on the day and the guest speaker.
The day finished off with a free complimentary BBQ Sausage Sizzle, Soft Drinks etc., and no Amateur or guest went home Hungry or Thirsty on the day.
The new committee wish to thank those outgoing committee members who have donated their time and skills over the past few years and who have guided the organisation to become such a professional organisation.
WICEN South Australia assisted with the Anzac Day Youth Vigil for 2025, by providing Handheld Transceivers to the young people and Organisers of the Anzac Day Youth Vigil at Morphet Vale so that the young people who were providing and participating in the overnight vigil could have a safe and secure environment for them with the safety of utlising transceivers for a safety net over the Anzac Day period.
The transceivers and use of were provided free of charge to the Mclaren Vale RSL and the organisers of the event as part of our community engagement policy within WICEN S.A.
To watch a replay of the Youth Vigil, go to the WICEN Newsletter and click on the Youth Vigil Hyperlink in the webpage or go to the WICEN S.A. Facebook Page to obtain the Newsletter for viewing.
The Shannon's Rally of The Heartland was held over this weekend the 25h to the 27th April 2025 up at Burra and Surrounds in the Mid North of the state. The band of exceptional and highly skilled Ham Radio Operators volunteers from WICEN S.A. provided Radio Communication's, Logging, Logistics and manning of SOS Points. The committee of WICEN S.A. cannot thank our wonderful volunteers enough who provide such professionalism and skills for this event.
The organiser of the rally state that it is so valuable having WICEN S.A. help run the event, with ever reliable comms and an extra army of reliable officials as a bonus should we need you. I know the events lean on WICEN S.A. Volunteers occasionally and do more than your allocated comms role, and I am always impressed that you guys take that on in good cheer. It is great to receive such positive feedback to us as a group and all WICEN S.A. Volunteers should be proud of themselves of the statement provided by the Rally Organisers.
The Organisers of the rally have stated that they could not run this rally without the exceptional WICEN S.A. volunteers with their dedication, professionalism and skills that provide a exceptional Radio Communications and Back Up Support Network.
Don't forget today Sunday 04th May the WICEN S.A. Net will be held at 20:00hrs Local time utilizing the Adelaide Linked Repeater Network and we look forward to chatting to you all on the Net next Tonight Sunday the 04th May @ 20:00hrs
This has been David VK5LSB and on behalf of the WICEN S.A. Committee saying thank you for listening. 73 and Stay Safe.
#10
APRS, Packet Radio, LoRA and Digital / Re: Retevis RT3s programming c...
Last post by VK5KKS - May 02, 2025, 03:50 PMI am still unable to get the Retevis RT3s radio to show up on any computer. I get 'STM Device in DFU mode' showing under USB controllers in Device manager. I need to see a serial port. I try as admin as well as standard user to no avail. Trying to update drivers doesn't help. Tried with Windows 10 and Windows 7 computers.