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Classic Exchange Sunday 29th January 2012

Classic Exchange Sunday 29th January 2012

All amateur radio operators are invited to join in on the Classic Exchange this coming Sunday, January 29.

It's a low key contest/QSO party for folks who enjoy running older equipment of any age or variety. You can find details at http://www.classicexchange.org/ . Click on January 2012 CX ANNOUNCEMENT.

SGARS February 2012 Meeting and AGM

The first meeting of The St George Amateur Radio Society for 2012 will be held on Wednesday 1st February 2012. This meeting will also be the 2011 Annual General Meeting.

This is your opportunity to be part of the action by being a member of the society and consider standing for a position on the committee.

Remember, many hands make light work. Only financial members can vote at the AGM.

To become a member of SGARS, download an application form here.

This year will be an exciting year with many activities proposed including construction of a communications trailer, training and assessment of new amateur operators, contests, technical presentations, repeater upgrades, club nets and much more.

There will be something for everyone so come along to the AGM meeting and get involved in your local amateur radio club.

The 2012 AGM Meeting will be held at the club's meeting rooms, Donnelly Park, Kyle Parade, Kyle Bay, on Wednesday 1st February 2012 commencing at 7.30 PM.

APCO P25 Digital comes to Amateur Radio

P25 Digital Mode comes to Amateur Radio

A number of ex commercial Motorola XTS3000 UHF hand held transceivers are currently available from a popular online auction site. These Model 3 units have capacity for 255 channels, either analogue or P25 digital, in either 12.5 or 25 kHz spacing.

Operation with P25 digital mode is available for use by Standard and Advanced level operators, and is becoming more accepted as an alternative mode to conventional analogue format.

The WIA Band Plan has 438.950 MHz allocated as a simplex frequency for APCO P25 mode. Also some Sydney repeaters will facilitate digital P25 operation. ACMA has suggested Astro ID - Client Number; Network Access Code (NAC) - 293 (Source WIA Band Plan).

Yaesu is considering providing APCO P25 mode on future amateur radio transceivers, a discussion paper is available from the Yaesu web site, click here.

XTS3000 ex commercial transceivers may not be supplied with batteries, charger or programming cable. Batteries are available from on-line suppliers, including Premier Batteries. Chargers and programming cables and software is also available on line.

For more information come along to the SGARS February 2012 meeting. Programming assistance may be available to SGARS members.

Disclaimer - The author has no connection with any suppliers of ex commercial Motorola XTS3000 transceivers.

For Sale - Vibroplex Blue Racer - 1944 model

For sale by a Morsiac is a Vibroplex Blue Racer, a 1944 model morse key, with extendadot" fitted as well. The seller says that the key appears to be in very good condition and certainly looks magnificent.

The photo is an example only, but a photo of the actual key can be provided.

There may also have some printed pages of information available..

If you are interested in this Blue Racer key and would like more information, please contact Brian This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2012 VHF UHF Summer Field Day

2012 VHF UHF Summer Field Day Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th January

VK2DAG was one of the winners of the 2011 Spring VHF UHF Field Day. Congratulations Matt.

Cameron VK2CKP and the SGARS team operated a club station from Mt Bindo during the Spring VHF UHF Field Day. Read More for Cameron's report. See photos click here.

Members and friends are welcome to join the SGARS team to operate the club station VK2LE during the Summer VHF UHF Field Day, over the weekend 14th & 15th January 2012.

New operators are most welcome. No previous experience in contest operating is necessary. You do not need to have a vast array of equipment either. The only requirement is to have a sense of adventure, fun and the ability to go without sleep for 24 hours helps. Also you must be self sufficient with food, water, clothes, toilet paper and sleeping kit.

For more information please contact Cameron VK2CKP by email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .