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Hi, would like to go to Poowong on Thursday 6th Feb. I’m told it’s wonderful to do a POTA as there is a lookout or something, my plan is to go there and set up the Icom 7300 say around 11:00, not intended to catch Ron, I don’t want to rush there by 10am. Later, a pub meal. The Poowong Hotel looks good. Daryl VK3HBP. More details:  Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve Poowong Hotel For those wanting to join Daryl vk3hbp and others from the club..... Where: Location:  Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve 660 Lang Lang-Poowong Rd, Poowong VIC 3988 When: Around 10:30am 6th Feb. Poowong Hotel: Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LJsDmfyo6GYit72f6   Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dgAL2UU41pM1MjJQA POTA:  AU-0289 WWFF: VK-0289 A few from the club will be attending this outing. Arriving around 10:30am at the  Nyora Nature Conservation Reserve, play some radio and try and make some contacts from this POTA / WWFF location. Then a table has been booked for 12:30 at the Poowong Pub under the name of Daryl. Bring along your radio gear, chair, table etc.. There are no facilities at the reserve. Hope to see you there.

Famparc is the place to be! We have many activities planned this year, including a members' trip to the Flinders Ranges in SA. It's actually Terry's vk3bmx Holiday, but we're joining in on the adventure. Stay tuned here and on the members' forum for updates. Club Forum Link Phillip vk3lro found this amazing site for us. Thanks, Phillip! 17 Incredible things to do in the Flinders Ranges that will put it on your bucket list

ABOUT: The Train and Hobby Show’s humble beginnings in 2007 are from a group of enthusiastic railway modellers that wanted to have a small model train show, to fill in a gap that was left by a cancelled major show. The first show had just over 40 exhibits in one room at Sandown. The show has now grown to over 80 exhibits  with more than 600 exhibitors, spread over 2 indoor levels and 3 outdoor spaces and expanded out to additional hobbies In 2016 we introduced radio controlled models with RC Trucks and RC Tanks on display and then in 2019 even more radio controlled models were added to the lineup including RC boats & RC drones setup in an exciting racing display.  That year also saw the addition of other hobby activities such as art & craft and Ham Radio. There is plenty to do and see including train rides, LEGO, radio controlled vehicles of sorts, interactive displays, club information stands just to name a few. With so much to see and do, there is a whole day of family fun at a price that even the most budget conscious families can afford. WHEN: 2025 Date & Time Saturday 15th March 10am – 5pm Sunday 16th March 10am – 4pm WHERE: Sandown Racecourse and Entertainment Centre 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale, VIC, 3171 Melways: Map 80 C10 Air conditioned and carpeted Free onsite car parking Elevator and Escalators available Sandown Racecourse is fully accessible venue. Dedicated parking spaces are available at Gate 2.  Further Details Click Here... Are you able to help out? Last year, several members from our club organised an impressive display that highlighted both our club and the hobby of Amateur Radio. We need assistance!!! If you're able to help, please raise your hand and comment below. With around 70 members, can we gather numbers to support and represent our club?

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.

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 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:

ANOTHER YEAR Hello Famparc'rs .... Well, 2024 is almost over.. Yes, another year has passed quickly.. While our club has successfully attracted new members through word of mouth, our website, and the dedicated work of those managing the Foundation Courses, we've also experienced some sorrowful moments with the loss of our dear friends, Billy VK3MMM and, more recently, the legendary Bruce VK3UV . Plus.. Our dear friend Ken vk3mjf is currently in the hospital recovering from a recent motorcycle accident. We hope Ken can join us for our club's Christmas break-up. Get well soon, Ken! We all miss you. MONTHLY MEETING This is also our last monthly meeting for the year, so please do you best and come along. MEETING SPEAKER This month thanks to Phillip vk3lro, John vk3jco we have another guest speaker and demonstration. Mark Eddey is a new member of our club. Mark Eddey - With 27 years of service at Ambulance Victoria, Mark has worked in both rural and urban environments. He is currently a MICA Clinical Support Officer in Melbourne's metro west area. Mark is jointly responsible for clinical supervision and training in his region while also serving as a metropolitan clinician with Triple Zero Victoria. Mark will deliver a presentation to our club right after the meeting, discussing topics such as "What is a Heart Attack?," the function of a defibrillator, and basic CPR. With Mark's expertise, this promises to be an engaging presentation and demonstration. Mark also recently passed his Foundation exam. Congratulations! Mark's callsign is VK3MDE. CHRISTMAS BREAKUP Christmas is a time for gathering and celebrating, not just the holiday itself but also the friendships we share. So this year, 2024, our Xmas break-up will be at the Club rooms, Saturday Dec 7th. TERRY VK3BMX Another club legend, Terry vk3bmx, has graciously volunteered this year to organise our Xmas Break-up BBQ Lunch. Terry is coordinating a variety of meats for the BBQ along with salads. There might even be some cake... Yes, cake!! So in summary.. 2024 has experienced its highs and lows... Our last Meeting for the year, Presentation, and BBQ Celebration is an event you won't want to miss... So come along, bring your partner, a friend, or even a stranger you might meet on your way to the club. 10am Monthly Meeting.. 11am Presentation and Demonstration from Mark. 12 Mid. BBQ Lunch.