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Next Saturday, before the business meeting, Ian (VK3KO) will give a short demonstration of HamSmith , the new Smith Chart app he has developed for the design of impedance matching networks and stub filters. When: 1000 am, next Saturday (1 Feb 25) Where: Club room Duration: 20-30 minutes, prior to the business meeting.

Hello Members, On my 2025 Wish List is a club Repeater, and now it's here... There's still a lot of work to be done. Note: This is a year long project to learn and have this repeater running for our club. UPDATE 3RD JAN 2025 Today (Friday, January 3rd, 2025), a group of us went to the Moorabbin Club to pick up our Club Repeater and Cavities. We are thrilled to implement our own club Repeater, which is a fantastic project for everyone to learn not only how a repeater functions but also how it is assembled. A few items that are required are: Power Supply (Done - Sort of) Power Supply Cable (Done) Programming Cable (Done) I believe we have other required components at the club: Coax and Coax Connectors, Antenna. I will utilize this blog page to showcase the build project. Club Repeater Donated by Moorabbin & District Radio Club Inc Club 2Mtr Cavities / Duplexers More fun to come... Cheers.... Craig vk3ncr THANK YOU! On behalf of Famparc and its numerous members, I would like to express gratitude to the Moorabbin & District Radio Club Inc for their generous donation of the aforementioned hardware. https://mdrc.org.au UPDATE 6TH JAN 2025 After collecting the hardware, I dropped it off at the club rooms on Saturday 4th Jan 2025. Everyone looked to be very impressed by the hardware and are excited in this new club project. A while back I managed to find and download many PDF for the MX800 Repeater, as well as the Windows Software to program it. With the amazing knowledge of Rakshit VK3DHR, he managed to get the software running on a PC at the club rooms. On Saturday I emailed to companies that I understand offer asssitance and parts for the repeater. I sent a request for the Power Cable, as it is quite unique. I will also make enquires for the programming cable. That's about it at the moment. Issues we face: Most of us within the club have either none or little experience in setting up a VHF Repeater, that includes me. Issues : Procurer Power Cable (DONE) Procure or make Comms Cable to communicate with Repeater to setup. (DONE) Setup Repeater (DONE - SORT OF) Find a suitable set of frequencies Re-Tune Cavities once we work out how to setup Repeater Looking for a clear Duplex Repeater Frequency. The one I looked at was 147.950/147.350, however I was told by Ken from Moorabbin Club that these frequencies are close to 500 watt Pages which are near by. The Cavities that we have, have been tuned for the Moorabbin Clubs own local repeater. The new frequencies I am looking at are: 147.275 147.875 Which is used by Repeater VK3RMP Caveat North Central Vic. If we find these frequencies perhaps suitable, we then need to setup the Repeater, and also get the Cavity Filters tuned for those frequencies. Summary : Find a suitable Frequencies. UPDATE 7TH JAN 2025 I have received a quote for the Power Cable and Comms Cable and requested a invoice so we can pay for the items. The quote was approved by the Committee. The supplier is Spectra Engineering WA. I am researching available and perhaps potential Frequencies for our Repeater. So far... 146.875 146.275 No go! 146.775 146.175 Possibility 147.025 147.625 147.200 147.800 147.275 147.875 If you would like to suggest a frequency, or check the above, feel free.. Please Post below. UPDATE 10TH JAN 2025 The Repeater Power and Serial Comms Cable have arrived.. We will begin doing to testing on Saturday 11th Jan. Look out! there could be blue smoke escaping LOL UPDATE 11TH JAN 2025 A fun morning at the club rooms with both Colin and myself learning and playing around with the Repeater. Now that we have the new Power Cable and Serial Comms Cable, we plug it into power and to our surprise it fired up. I then installed the programming software on our old PC near the fridge, and managed to get the software to talk to the repeater. After a while searching for a password so we could properly log into the repeater, Rakshit turned up and got stuck in to getting the software to adjust frequencies etc. After lots of fun and learning, we managed to use our radios to test the operation of the repeater and to our relief it looks to be working ok. Lots more steps to go yet. Colin was also playing around with the cavities. These will need to be changed to another frequency group. I think the next step is to connect the repeater to the Cavities and continue testing and learning. UPDATE 15TH JAN 2025 During the Wednesday at the club rooms, I managed to find some cables and connectors to be able to connect the Cavities to the Repeater unit, After some frustration trying to find the parts, I connected the Cavities to the Repeater and Cavities to the Diamond X200 Antenna above the front door of the club. Did some testing using my hand held.. So far looks to be working fine. Rakshit did do an amazing job of programming the repeater last Saturday which not only included setting frequencies of the Repeater for the Cavities frequencies, but also setting the power output, 91.5 Hz CTCSS, and to my surprise the Repeater Ident. The next step is to make or procure some better coax patch leads between the Repeater, Cavities and Antenna. I believe based on the sockets on both the Repeater and Cavities, this is what leads we require. After further research concerning Coax, I received this reply from a fellow Repeater Builders. Update Concerning what Coax to use: "As the author of the Repeater Builder website - please don't use RG213, RG58 or LMR type cables in duplex service.  Use double-shielded - silver plated cables everywhere possible.  RG214, RG400, and RG142 are excellent choices.  Please don't be tempted to use LMR400 or similar tinned braid over aluminum foil construction cable.  These make noise in duplex service - as in a repeater." Update Concerning Connectors: Rg214 crimp N connectors, be careful with modern T connectors, some of the cheap units have a spring that makes the connection from the leg inner conductor to the cross (top of the T) inner conductor. At 2m and 70cm this spring can act as an inductor, this has been known to cause issues with the tuning of the system. The old T connectors have a straight soldered connection inside! Cheers Stu VK4SDD. Update Concerning Antenna's: Also don't use a dual band antenna, I tried using a diamond as a test antenna for a 2m repeater and the desense was huge, swapping to a 2m only antenna, the desense disappeared. Don't know why there was a problem, did not really want to waste time on it. I found the Diamond F23H Monoband antenna for 2M could be a solution for this. Strictly ham show them on his website. https://www.strictlyham.com.au/diamond-f23h Small update.. After some basic testing and reviewing the many Repeater Frequencies, I think setting the Repeater and Cavities to : 146.775 146.175 As the closest repeater at these freq.s is as above. A good distance away. Of course this all depends on the ACMA. UPDATE 17TH JAN 2025 After much research and help from fellow Famaprc Members, the 3 Repeater to Cavitiy Cables have been ordered from https://www.eyou.com.au These cables are built using RG400 Coax which was suggested as above. I could not get a cable made with N Type to SO239, so we need a Gender Changer which will be for the cable that connects the Cavity to Antenna. A Website for working out Line of Site for RF Propagation. RF Line-of-Sight The RF Line-of-Sight tool allows users to easily drag-and-drop locations and obtain point-to-point line-of-sight information anywhere using Google Maps. This map is useful in planning and troubleshooting cellular networks for IIoT / SCADA monitoring applications . SCADACore’s Industry 4.0 solutions include true 3D HMI / Digital Twin and Web HMI that works over the web. This free online tool takes antenna height and the topographical formations of the earth to calculate the line-of-sight of a radio path. Note that buildings and other obstructions is not taken into consideration when calculating line-of-sight using this tool. https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/ UPDATE 20TH JAN 2025 Our ordered Patch leads have arrived as of Monday Morning.. With amazing service from https://www.eyou.com.au I found a brilliant video from W6NBC on Youtube concerning Cavity / Duplex devices for repeaters. John talks about an article that he has produced which I have also created a link below. The Cavity Duplexer Book Anyone interested in our clubs 2M Repeater Project Build, I suggest you watch this excellent vidoe by John W6NBC.. Our thanks to John Portune W6NBC for both the article and video. Cheers.. Craig. vk3ncr Any suggestions please make comment below.

Bargain hunters, it’s going to be an absolutely  ripper of a day, make sure you come along. 2024 Ballarat Hamvention When: Sunday the 2nd of Feb 2025. Put it in your diary NOW! Where: The Ballarat Polo-Crosse Club Pavilion, Ballarat Airport. Access off Airport Rd (This link will open in Google maps.) ( 207 Airport Rd, Mitchell Park VIC 3355 ) Click on Map for Google Map DETAILS: Traders: $20  per table  booked which  includes one entry; Traders enter from 8AM. Traders are required to to prepay when booking to secure their tables and streamline entry on the day.  General entry is $7 per person;  General entry to the selling floor is from 10AM. NOTE: EFTPOS facilities will  NOT be available for entry. Cash only and correct money will be appreciated. General Entry is $7.00 per person Accompanied under 15 is free. Entry includes 1 ticket for the door prize, $3 extra gets you an extra 4 tickets for the door prize! Some food and drinks will be available. Coffee van will be available. The usual and popular pre-loved equipment displays and sales. (You never know what you may find!!) NOTE: EFTPOS facilities will  NOT be available for entry. Cash only and correct money will be appreciated. Click Here for more details.

Last year I had a fun three nights on my own at Wunghnu Near Shepparton . I wasn't really on my own, there were heaps of people over the weekend. It was the Goulburn Valley Vintage Tractor & Farm Machinery Club 40th Annual Vintage Rally and Tractor Pull. I was free and very relaxing, plenty of room for all types of camping, of course I was in my caravan. On the Saturday night, you grab your chair and wonder across from you camp to the Tractor Pull Area and watch the Tractor Pull Under Lights. Example of one of the many tractors during the Tractor Pull. I reckon this year if we have a few members wanting to go and stay for the weekend, we could setup a display in the camp ground promoting our club and Amateur Radio. Update: I spoke to Lloyd Healey (Listed below), and he was quite ok for us to setup a display right next to the sheds.. There are Toilets and Showers available as well. I'm going !!!! Whooo Hoooo When: Sat, 29 Saturday 29th– Sun, 30 Mar 2025, to Sunday 30th of March, 2025, Where: Wunghnu Recreation Reserve, Goulburn Valley Hwy Wunghnu, VIC 3635 Cost: FREE Contact: Lloyd Healey on 0458 299 466 or mail@gvtractorclub.com.au Website: www.facebook.com/share/p/18Y8smg9bC… or https://gvtractorclub.com.au/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHq3C5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYSDzl5F80CDXNI_UTXkySyZwDvs9Rn87r2gWA5ZNGYFrFGESrMAUDfQRw_aem_i3jO6GTUhsrGRpYCL_37FA Times: From Saturday 29th March 2025 - 9am till 8pm From Sunday 30th March 2025 - 9qm til 4pm A Huge Weekend of Entertainment: Start Up Of Crossley Engine - Hourly Tractor Pulling With 2 Sleds - 2:30pm Saturday & 9:30am Sunday Working Exhibits with Machinery of Yesteryear Tractor Trek Saturday Morning - 10am Twilight Tractor Pull - Under Lights Saturday Night - weather permitting GV Wood Turners Moira Miniature Rail - Train Rides Onsite Catering and Camping.. Plenty of Room! Federation Picnic Car Display Sunday A fun day for all ages. Even you! Click on Image for more details Location .. Click on Image for Google Maps

With thanks to Amateur Radio Victoria.. With new Amateurs joining our hobby of late, I thought a small guide to Amateur Radio Repeaters would be of help. HAVE A LISTEN: What is a repeater? A repeater is a receiver/transmitter combination that is usually placed on a high location listening and simultaneously retransmitting the received signals. By doing this two stations can communicate that might not be able to do so via a direct path. In order to listen and transmit at the same time, repeaters use two frequencies and the difference in frequency is known as the offset. Without having an offset the repeater would simply hear itself and nothing else. Even with the offset, the two frequencies are close enough that some additional isolation is required to prevent overloading the repeater receiver. Isolation is achieved by placing a device called a duplexer, or sometimes cavities in both the receiver path and the transmitter path. On the 2-meter ham band the offset is 600 kilohertz. On the 70cm band the frequency offset is generally 5Mhz because the band is wider than 2m and can accommodate the larger split. The duplexer or cavities can also provide better isolation. For this exercise we will concentrate on the 2m band. As a general rule repeaters with an output frequency (what you listen to) below 147 Mhz have an offset of minus 600 Khz. Repeaters with an output frequency above 147 MHz have a positive 600Khz frequency. Example One VK3RML You listen on 146.700Mhz You transmit on 146.100Mhz This repeater therefore has a minus offset of 600Khz Example Two VK3RMM You listen on 147.250Mhz You transmit on 147.750Mhz This repeater therefore has a plus offset of 600Khz Modern amateur radios usually have the off set programmed into them and all you need to do is set the + or - shift and the radio will do the rest. Note: There are exceptions to the offset rule so check local repeater listings. These are available in the WIA callbook, information is also available from our repeaters page and Repeater book How do you call someone on a repeater? Always listen first to make sure someone else isn't using the repeater. If there is no traffic you can put out a general call by saying VK3XXX listening on VK3RMM. If someone is listening they may reply to your call and you can begin a conversation. To call a particular person just say VK3AAA this is VK3XXX are you about John? If John VK3AAA is available he will answer you and you can begin the conversation. Repeater Etiquette As previously stated ALWAYS LISTEN first before you transmit. It's fine to join a conversation just wait for a break in transmission and then announce your callsign. The next person to transmit will acknowledge you and invite you to join in. If you are on a particularly busy repeater its a good idea to move to a simplex frequency if you are in range of the other station. This allows other stations without a direct path to use the repeater. Remember to wait until the repeater has reset its timer (see REPEATER TIMERS below) , otherwise your turn short will be cut short, then leave a couple of seconds before commencing your transmission. This delay allows other amateurs to put out a quick call or announce emergency traffic. There is no need to use your callsign on each over as the regulations only require you to identify with your call sign every 10 minutes. It is good practice to identify with your callsign when you have finished your conversation. Doubling If you are in a round table discussion using a repeater to avoid 'doubling' (two or more stations talking at the same time) make sure at the end of your over to hand it to the next operator. Example: VK3AAA to take it this is VK3XXX. If you don't do this it will end up in total confusion as to whose turn it is. Repeater Timers Most repeaters have an inbuilt 3 minute timer and will shut down after this time. This is so that everyone gets a fair go using the repeater. Make sure that the repeater resets the timer at the end of an over. This is done by letting the repeater transmitter to drop out before you start talking. On some repeaters you may hear a courtesy tone that indicates the repeater timer has reset and there is no need to wait for the repeater transmitter to drop out. If you jump in without letting the repeater reset your over is limited to three minutes minus the duration of the previous over. If the repeater times out it will not reset until all traffic using it has stopped. You will also occasionally hear the repeater identify itself using morse code. CTCSS Tones Some repeaters in high noise areas have tones access enabled on them to prevent false triggering of the repeater. The tones are sub audible and you must have the tone enabled on your transmitter to access these repeaters. Most repeaters in Victoria that have tone enabled use the standard 91.5 Hz tone. Check the callbook or enquire with your local club to see if you need to program a tone on your radio for the local repeater. Some dual mode repeaters (Analogue and Digital) have tone access on both the transmit and receiver. This is done so that your analogue radio needs the receive tone to open the squelch and you don't hear the repeater when it is operating in digital mode. Most modern amateur radios have the CTCSS option installed in them. DTMF Tones These tones are the same as used on your telephone. These are generally used to access certain functions on a repeater. This could be getting the repeater to respond with local temperature, time of day or perhaps battery condition. Not all repeaters have this function. The more common application is for accessing IRLP (Internet Repeater Linking Project) enabled repeaters. Using DTMF tones you can link to another IRLP enabled repeater either here in Australia or around the world. A list of IRLP nodes and current status can be found at http://status.irlp.net/index.php?PSTART=3 Signal Reports The only valid signal report that can be given on a repeater is to indicate that incoming signal you are listening to is fully quietened. This means that there is no back ground noise on the persons signal can be heard. Remember that the signal strength on your radio is not an indication of the other persons signal but is an reading of how well you can hear the repeaters output. Some Common Q Codes Heard on Repeaters QTH - What is your location? Or my location is QSL - I understand or can you acknowledge receipt QSY - I am changing frequency to, or can you change frequency to QRZ - Who is calling me? QRT - I am finished transmitting or please stop transmitting QSO - Can you communicate Or I can communicate QRM - I am experiencing interference (man made) QRN - I am experiencing interference (natural) REPEATER BOOK APP This a very hand App that is available for your smart Phone. It's available for both platforms Android and IOS. Search for Repeater Book. RepeaterBook Amateur Radio's most comprehensive, worldwide, FREE repeater directory. Powered by the popular community database of RepeaterBook.com Easily find repeaters across the world. • No network connection required. • Comprehensive search, selection and sorting. • Displays distance, heading and full repeater details. • Fast and flexible, to help you use repeaters. • Portrait or Landscape views for phone and tablets. • Easily submit updates/additions. Thanks to Amateur Radio Victoria.

Hello fellow FAMPARC members.. Notice of Annual General Meeting 2025 That time of the year has come around again.. The Annual General Meeting for 2025. When: Saturday 1st March 2025 10:30am WHERE: FAMPARC Club Rooms, Riverend Road, Bangholme (Rear of Cornish College) All committee roles will be declared vacant, and a formal election for Office Bearers will be conducted. We are now accepting applications from interested members to fill these positions. An application form can be found on the webpages and links provided below. The form must be completed by the applicant and/or a proposer. The Officers of the Club shall all be licensed Radio Amateurs and shall consist of:-     a President;     a Vice-President;     a Treasurer;     a Secretary and     an Assistant Secretary. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of filling these positions, so please take action. Again we have both On-line and PDF Form available for all via the website. The online form is simple and can be completed in just a few seconds. Additionally, you are welcome to nominate yourself. Craig vk3ncr President Famparc.

Hello Members, NEW FOR 2025 DISCOUNT CARD Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and a great start to 2025! Happy New Year! I've accomplished something from the 2025 Wish List, and it's now ready for everyone. Your very own Handy Famparc Business Card, featuring our Account Numbers for both Jaycar and Altronics. The card will fit into your wallet, purse, carry bag, etc. How to use it: The card serves as a reminder for you, so when you're visiting Jaycar or Altronics, take out your card and at the time of purchase, just mention our account number printed on the card for that store. Depending on the product you're buying, the store will give you a discount. Please don't share the card as the discounts offered by the stores are exclusively for Famparc Members. So the next time you're at the club, make sure you pick your Handy Dandy Famparc Discount Card. Cheers. Craig vk3ncr

WHAT: VK-OzHUB AllStar Hub 61624 WHEN: Join in on the Friday evening Tech & Chat Net. 8.00PM EST Brisbane time (10.00 UTC) WHERE: VK-OzHUB – Allstar Hub (Node number 61624) went online 16/5/2024. This hub has no radio attached, think of it as similar to a “Talk Group” on DMR or a “Room” on Fusion or a “Reflector” on D-Star as it essentially is used in the same way. The vision is for VK-OzHUB to be a meeting place for VK AllStar users, plus any amateur operator that wishes to connect. Also to have repeaters connected, including at least one international connection. VK-OzHUB can be the place to ragchew with friends, host nets, host tech discussions, pretty much anything users wish to do. VK-OzHUB now has an admin team, Simon VK3XEM, Ron VK3ANT and myself Glenn VK4NGA. Click the link to view VK-OzHUB’s Website The Morning Brew – East Coast Reflector – Node 27339 Morning Brew Net every Monday to Thursday 7- 9AM Eastern Time (USA) So That’s 11PM – 1.00AM AEDST (12.00 UTC) – perfect if you’re a night owl ! Listen or join in on this fabulous net! Brewmasters:K2CMT – Mike, W2BLT – Scott, KE0GKF – Jeff,K8BAC – Allen, N2BH – Bill, KE8VKY – Vicky,WB2JPQ – The Godfather PLEASE NOTE – VK-OzHUB Auto connects prior to the net and auto disconnects after. This net is only available via Allstar, our other links – Echolink/YSF/Wires X/DMR are not connected whilst this net is running, this is at the request of the East Coast Reflector. Tech / Swap Net – East Coast Reflector – Node 27339 This Net runs every Tuesday evening at 8:00 PM Eastern Time (USA) and runs until approximately 10:00 PM. So That’s Wednesday 12.00 Midday AEDST (01.00 UTC) Listen or join in on this fabulous net! Net Hosts:Dick – WB2JPQ, Kevin-KE7K, Scott – W2BLTSwap Net Host: Kevin-VE3BZ PLEASE NOTE – VK-OzHUB Auto connects prior to the net and auto disconnects after. This net is only available via Allstar, our other links – Echolink/YSF/Wires X/DMR are not connected whilst this net is running, this is at the request of the East Coast Reflector.

SSTV Event Upcoming! Just in time for the holidays and New Year, we're planning an SSTV event from December 25 to January 5 .  Celebrate with us with some great memories of ARISS 2024 in this series. UPDATED: Thanks to Stanley VK3BOT found this update.. WHEN: December 25 2024 to January 5 2025 CURRENT POSITION: More Details Here... Thanks to Terry VK3BMX for this event information.

Hello members... The year 2024 has been fantastic for the club and many of its members, though we did lose two remarkable individuals: Bill VK3MMM and the beloved Bruce VK3UV. Aside from those losses, the club has thrived, welcoming many new members and making upgrades to our club shack. This is all due to our outstanding members and their incredible efforts and dedication. I have relished my role as president, and despite experiencing some highs and lows, along with a bit of frustration, I have been honored to serve the club and its members. I wish all our members a safe and healthy 2025 and extend my gratitude for your support and understanding. While 2024 was an excellent year, I would like to share my Wishlist for the club for 2025. My 2025 wishlist for the club: 2M Full Duplex FM Repeater Project: A 2-meter repeater (a full duplex FM repeater) that is, if possible, linked to the AllStar Network, allowing our members to stay in touch while away from home. For the repeater to join the AllStar network, it needs a communications port and, like any Duplex Repeater, the appropriate 2M cavities, along with an antenna system. Additionally, a prime location with internet access is essential. Not too much hey? BIG NEWS! Since creating this wish list for 2025, I have been in talks with the administrators at Moorabbin Club, and they have generously donated a VHF 2M Repeater along with Cavity Filters to our club. I must say I was amazed by their generosity. And we thank them! So for 2025, we will have an exciting project indeed... The setup, tuning, and testing of a VHF 2M Repeater. I expect that once we learn how to do this, we will use our club rooms as a temporary location, as the next part of the project is to find a suitable location for it. I believe this is a significant step for our club, and I hope it will enable our members to engage more with one another by utilising their own club repeater. Sample Image only club room split system air conditioner: Our good friend Stanley vk3bot, along with others, proposed a Split system for the club to enhance our comfort. This is an excellent idea since it tends to get quite chilly in winter and very hot in summer. Sample Image Only, but you get the idea! club room soldering bench: Another initiative is to establish a soldering workbench equipped with two or more soldering stations for everyone to use. We have sufficient tables, and with some rearrangement of our tables, chairs, and other items, we can set up a soldering station. Maybe not as flash as this, but you get the idea club MEMBERS CARD: How about a club members Laminated Card with the details, which include our discounts from both Jaycar and Altronics. The card would display our club logo, website link, etc along with the Discount details for each of the above stores. This would be a laminated card which you can then keep handy for when you go shopping for some gear. Sample Card MORE CLUB OUTING ETC: This year, we launched a Club Coffee and Cake morning, typically taking place on a Monday each month. It has been very successful, providing an opportunity for both members and non-members to catch up and chat. Depending on the interest from members, I would like to continue this event and possibly expand it to include a pub meal. I have also discovered a new venue, Harbourside Cafe Hastings . However, it would be wonderful if members could suggest other locations! Harbourside Cafe Hastings MORE FAMPARC CAMPING TRIPS: This year, Stanley VK3BOT organized our Famparc Camp-Out, which was once again a success, and I encourage Stanley to keep it going for 2025. In 2024, we camped twice at The Poplars , a beautiful spot about an hour and a half from the Frankston area, perfect for a few days to a week. Stanley has suggested including a weekend in 2025 to accommodate members who can't get away during the week. Well done, Stan... I'm sure many of us are looking forward to it again. Gerard and Stanley attempting to cook! THANKYOU! That's all from me for now... until I think of another great idea! LOL.. If you have any project suggestions for the club and its members, please feel free to share them in the comments below. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the members who have supported me as president. It has been, and continues to be, a pleasure to serve the club. Your assistance, support, and guidance have been invaluable, and I thank you sincerely. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy, and enjoyable New Year 2025. Craig vk3ncr Famparc President

KEN VK3MJF (See Updates below) Our dear friend and fellow club member Ken vk3mjf was involved in an accident during his motorcycle trip back from the Grampians. Ken, a highly experienced rider, lost control of his motorcycle on a roundabout close to his home. Ken is currently in the ICU at the Alfred hospital , recovering from several injuries. While they are not life-threatening, we all hope for Ken's full recovery and good health, as we will greatly miss him at the club rooms. Get well Ken and see you soon! If you have his phone number and wish to get in touch, it might be a good idea to send him a text message beforehand. Else, you can wish him all the best by making a comment below. KENS UPDATE: From a few phone calls Ken has been moved from the ICU to a ward at the Alfred Hospital, 5 West. Get well Ken. We are all thinking of you! KENS UPDATE 25TH NOV.: Managed to visit Ken at the Alfred Hospital. Although he is still not the best and has many weeks ahead of him, he was sitting up in the chair and chatting to the many that were visiting him on the day. Good to see he is on the mend.. Hang in there Ken! KEN IS HOME 4TH DEC.: I'm sure we are pleased to hear that Ken is now home, I collected Ken from the Alfred Hospital on the 4th Dec. and although he has many weeks of recovery, he is on the mend. Welcome home Ken. KENS UPDATE 19TH DEC.: Ken is on the mend and has managed to get to the club rooms... He is still having a few problems, so we wish him a speedy recovery. Looks like his bike did not come off as well as Ken, looks like it's a write off.. So Ken will be looking for a replacement. From Craig and the members from Famparc.

ABOUT VK3RWN Reflector Connection Hardware Maintenance WHERE Located on Mount Dandenong Victoria The very popular DStar Repeater VK3RWN on Victoria's Mount Dandenong is currently operating as a stand alone DStar Digital Repeater as the hardware that allows it to connect to the Reflector Network is away for maintenance as well as other hardware such as power supply etc. DTAR & DIGITAL NET Each Thursday Night at 8pm Melbourne Time the Victorian DStar and Digital net is held. The net is professionally run by Terry VK3BMX, our DStar and Digital Guru. Until the Repeater is fully operational the Net will be held via Relfector 23C, so you will require a hotspot for your radio or computer to connect to relfector 23C. Seeing that the repeater is not connected to the internet and 23C, the net will not be repeated using the repeater. Hope that makes sense! APPROX. DOWNTIME As of the time of this post, we expect the maintenance to be around 3 weeks.. UPDATED: VK3RWN Port B/C is now up and running and connected to Reflector 23C. How's that for good news!! I missed it! VK3RWN Coverage: