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(Ian VK3KO Remote Station Officer) When: Saturday (14 Sep) at 10:00 Where: Famparc Club Rooms At the September business meeting (last Saturday) I demonstrated the trial Remote Radio System (RRS). This Saturday (14 Sep) at 10:00  we will hold an Induction Briefing at the club for members who would like to try using the RRS. The brief will take around 40 minutes and we will walk through how to: book a session login to the RRS operate the SmartSDR software to control the Flex 6400M and get on the air! What to Bring: Feel free to bring your laptop or tablet along and we will confirm everything is setup properly. You can download (before you come) the SmartSDR software from here . Helpful: It would be helpful (for account setup) if you let me know you are coming. Just email vk3frc.remote@gmail.com  with your name and callsign. See you on Saturday! Ian VK3KO

Use of microphone while driving At a recent Land Rover Club event I made a presentation that included the use of a microphone while driving. IT IS LEGAL to use a microphone while driving, and here is a summary of the applicable road rules, for various states around Australia. "Unlike Mobile Phones there is no legislation that prevents the use of CB radio or any other 2-way radio whilst driving. (See references below). However, there is legislation covering the proper control of a vehicle. So a driver could face prosecution while using the radio if it's use caused a distraction or affected the standard of driving. The more serious offence of careless or dangerous driving, causing death by careless or dangerous driving are also available to prosecutors if the distraction can be shown. Use of a CB radio or any other 2-way radio while driving is not illegal as long as a user maintains proper control of the vehicle. ACT: mobile phone includes any other wireless hand-held device designed or capable of being used for telecommunication other than a CB radio or any other 2-way radio.[Road Transport (Safety and Traffic Management) Regulation 2000, section 30B, subsection 3]. NSW: mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio. [Road Rules 2014, Rule 300, paragraph 4]. VIC: mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two way radio [Road Safety Road Rules 2009, Rule 300, paragraph 4]. QLD: mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two-way radio. [Transport Operations (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation 2009, section 300, subsection 2]. SA: mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two way radio [Australian Road Rules 2014, Rule 300, paragraph 4]. WA: mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two way radio [Road Traffic Code 2000, Regulation 265, paragraph 1]." As you can read they key point is that you have full and proper control of your vehicle. The interesting grey area is what happens when using a handheld radio, especially when you consider the cameras they are now using to detect mobile phones. I decided that for the sake of a $50 outlay I would by a speaker/microphone for my ID-51A, so that I'm not risking having it confused with a mobile phone, and having to go to the expense and hassle of challenging a traffic infringement notice. Our thanks to Phillip VK3LRO for writing up and posting this on the clubs Forum!!

3 September 2024 New fees, reminder to reassign or reconfirm call signs New amateur radio fees From 1 September 2024, we will introduce new fees for the following call sign activities: Reassigning a: special event call sign: $34.00 VK0 and VK9 call sign: $34.00 contest call sign: $15.00 Transferring a call sign to another amateur operator: $15.00 The amateur radio call sign policy and website has been updated to reflect these new charges. Information about how we set fees is in the Fees for service cost recovery implementation statement . Reassigning call signs Special event, contest, VK0 or VK9 call signs have a designated assignment period of 12 months. We will contact you before the expiry to remind you to apply to have the call sign reassigned to you (the fees listed above will apply). If a reassignment application is not made before the expiry date, the call sign will no longer be assigned to you, and will be made available on the call sign register. Amateur operators with 2-letter, 3-letter and F-series call signs should reconfirm ongoing use of their call sign every 5 years There is no cost for amateur operators to reconfirm ongoing use of their 2-letter, 3-letter and F-series call signs.  We encourage amateur operators to log into ACMA Assist to reconfirm their call sign, or apply to transfer or reassign call signs. Update to the amateur operating procedures Following feedback, we have made a minor change to the Amateur radio operating procedures to clarify that communications established with another station is also referred to as a ‘series of transmissions’.

WHERE: Famparc Club Rooms WHEN: September Business Meeting (7 Sep) 10:00AM FAMPARC REMOTE RADIO SYSTEM At the September Business Meeting (7 Sep)  there will be a demonstration of the new FAMPARC Remote Radio System (RRS). The RRS has been developed for a six-month trial to gauge the club interest in having a remote service available. An induction briefing for interested members will be held the following week on Saturday 14 September from 1000  at the club. If you are interested in obtaining an RRS account, please email vk3frc.remote@gmail.com  prior to the briefing with your name and callsign. The RRS uses a FLEX 6400M radio (provided by Peter VK3IJ), so members will be able to use the Flex SmartSDR software to access the radio. The software is free on Microsoft Windows and can be downloaded here . Hope to see you there....

If you like to keep the old brain ticking along and you like the mix of Amateur Radio and Computers.. This could be a good one for you. If you have an interest in using the Raspberry Pi 5 with Ham Radio, but don't know where to start, then check out this new book from Elektor.  We go through the book and even perform some of the projects which are highly detailed within the book. http://www.elektormagazine.com/raspbe... You can purchase a range of Raspberry Pi products from Core Electronics here in Australia. Many links are in the Youtube Notes... Looks like a heap of fun... Perhaps the club could buy it for all to enjoy and build etc.. Let's see how many comments we get from members.

PerthTech 2024 Announced Saturday 21 September Caravans and Campers onsite  Friday to Sunday Trade and Club Tables available We're seeking expressions of interest from presenters. Bob VK6POP President WAARN More Click Here..

As we have a new group of members, the club is doing another production of club badges. Either drop me an email at vk3frcweb@gmail.com with your name and callsign and I'll pop you in the list for the next run, or write your name on the clubs whiteboard at the club rooms. Note: there are still a couple of badges which need to be paid for from the last production, they are at the club rooms ready for pick up and payment. $15.00 which the club receives $5.00. (approx.) Total $15.00 All we need is your name and callsign. Show off your Name and Callsign to other members.. And help our club. And!! A Pin Clip on the rear for easy attachment.

Hi members, It has been brought to my attention that some members and perhaps visitors are driving too fast through the school grounds. This was reported to me from another club which is also on the school grounds. Without going into details, can all members that visit the club (which is located on the school grounds), please obey speed signs and keep your speed to an absolute minimum. I am sure you are aware that speeding near or within school grounds is extremely dangerous. Slow Down Please!! Thank you ! Craig Famparc President vk3ncr

After much research, I have added more videos to our amazing Famparc website. Below.. Our Shared Gallery... This is available to all Famparc Members to view and upload your own images and videos.. I have now added some videos from VK3FS.. Click Here Below.. Our Video Library for all to view... I have now added more vidoes from VK3FS.. Enjoy.. Click here

Remembrance Day Contest 17th & 18th August 2024 Contest Manager Alan Shannon VK4SNvk4sn@wia.org.au Rule changes in 2021 1. Foundation Licence sections discontinued 2. Remote station operation is allowed. Contest Introduction This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants. It is held on the weekend closest to the 15th August, the date on which hostilities ceased in the southwest Pacific area.A perpetual trophy is awarded annually to the Australian state or territory with the best performance. The name of the winning State or Territory is inscribed on the trophy, and that State or Territory then holds the trophy for 12 months. The winning State or Territory is also given a certificate, as are leading entrants. Aim Of The Contest Amateurs will endeavour to contact amateurs in VK call areas, ZL and P29 on all bands except WARC bands. Modes allowed are PHONE, CW and RTTY as per the era remembered.

BAREC Radiofest 2024, hosted by the Bendigo Amateur Radio and Electronics Club. This exciting event will bring together enthusiasts, experts and hobbyists from all over to celebrate and explore the world of amateur radio and electronics. Event Information Date, Time and Location Sunday August 18, 2024. Doors open at 10:00 AM.East Bendigo Public Hall,35 Lansell Street, East Bendigo, VIC 3550.Google Maps: 67WV+7R3 East Bendigo, Victoria Admission $5 per person, sold at the door. Food and Drinks will be available for sale on-site. For more information, email radiofest@barec.net.au, or phone our secretary, Peter VK3PWJ on 0421 349 169, or Mark VK3PDG on 0407 844 063. Vendors Tables are $20 and this fee includes 1 admission. Additional persons required are available at $5 each.Table bookings are processed in the order they're received. Powered tables are limited so please ensure to register as soon as possible. Vendors registration: BAREC Radiofest 2024 Vendor Table Registration Form.