Icom Inc has issued preliminary details of a new D-STAR mobile radio called the ID-4100A/E.  The radio will come with the new terminal and access point modes that will be incorporated into its other new D-STAR handportable, the ID-51A/E PLUS2.  The Callsign routing terminal mode feature will allow each radio to be connected like an access point to the worldwide D-STAR repeater network through the internet*.

Planned features include:

• Terminal & Access Point Mode (Optional data cable and free-download application required)
• DR (D-STAR Repeater) Function
• Full Dot-Matrix Display
• Easy-to-Read Characters and Icons
• Compact and Detachable Controller for Flexible Installation
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Operation (Optional Bluetooth unit and headset required)
• Integrated GPS and microSD Card Slot (microSD card required)
• Enhanced Remote Control Apps for Smart Devices (Optional Bluetooth unit and free-download application required)

Click the image above to download the ID-4100A/E preview brochure (which is just a high res version of that image).  Pricing is yet to be released

*Icom gateway network

Paul VK2ICQ adds:

With its ID-880 like form factor and single receiver fitting it in under the ID-5100, I’m guessing a $500ish AUD RRP is on the cards.  Terminal and Access Point modes sadly are NOT a replacement for a DVAP & Raspberry Pi or Dongle and their usefulness is very limited outside of Japan.  These modes only perform callsign routing and only work with repeaters that have been upgraded to the new Icom G3 Gateway software – they will not (currently) connect to a reflector.  See this thread.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 23 / 02 / 2017 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The commemorative callsign VI3FB75 will be active on March 17-19 at the Lake Boga Catalina Communications Bunker at Swan Hill, in northwest Victoria.  This facility was successfully used for the ANZAC Day 2015 centenary with the VI3ANZAC callsign that proved to be popular.

Now Thomas VK3EO of Swan Hill and Noel VK3FI from Mildura, both members of the Sunraysia Group, will supervise the VI3FB75 operation to mark the 75th anniversary of Lake Boga.  A number of other radio amateurs will also be involved.  It was the RAAF secret No. 1 Flying Boat Repair and Service Depot during WWII for many amphibian aircraft.  In addition to RAAF aircraft, many allied flying boats landed for repairs, including those of the United States of America and the Netherlands.

In total 416 aircraft were serviced, repaired, restored, rebuilt or overhauled.  These aircraft included Catalina, Dornier, Sikorsky KingFisher, Sunderland, Walrus and Martin Mariner.  The 75th anniversary will include fly-ins and other historic events.  The site was an integral part of allied defence and helped to keep Australia safe.  The 75th anniversary will include fly-ins and other historic events.  The museum has a theatrette telling the war-time story with narrated archival footage as it was being built and throughout its operation.

VI3FB75 will be at the underground communications bunker which is set up with some original equipment – AR7 receivers, a telephone switchboard, power supply, photographs of it in operation, together with wartime uniformed models.

A commemorative QSL card is being designed and will be available.  Good publicity for Amateur Radio is expected as Swan Hill and Mildura district radio amateurs are on hand to answer questions from the public.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 23 / 02 / 2017 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The Rotary Foundation began in 1917 with a meagre donation, to now being able to fund a number of activities for the world including the eradication of the disease polio.

Rotary members have supported thousands of projects to provide clean water, fight disease, promote peace, basic education, and grow local economies.  Now Rotary is highlighting the Foundation’s work over the past 100 years.

Rotarians of Amateur Radio in Australia hit the HF bands for three months from February 26 to May 26, with the special event callsign VI100TRF.  More information on qrz.com

It’s that time of year again!  See the website for more info.

See you all there!

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 21 / 02 / 2017 
Author : John Marshall WIA – 2017 Postal Ballot Returning Officer

The Wireless Institute of Australia election information pack, the 13 statements by candidates, instructions, two envelopes and a coloured ballot paper is now with Australia Post due for delivery to financial WIA members this week.

The pack has been inserted in the WIA journal Amateur Radio magazine for March, while those who do not get an individual magazine paper copy will receive the same election information through Australia Post.  The inserted pack is under the normal magazine address label sheet, and the mail-out letters, were confirmed on Monday February 20 as being with Australia Post.  It should be received along with a WIA AGM Proxy Instrument mostly by the end of the week.

Voting is only permitted by financial members on the original ballot paper and using the supplied envelopes as set out in the instructions.

The election closes on the 27th of March.  Its conduct is explained in the “Wireless Institute of Australia Regulation Postal Ballot for the Election of Directors”, that is on the WIA website via this Link.

The ballot paper list of candidates are: 

• Peter Clee
• Roger Harrison *
• David Ford
• Gregory Kelly
• Philip Wait *
• Garry Page
• James Linton
• Marcus Berglund
• Justin Giles-Clark
• Brian Clarke
• John Fisher
• Ewan McLeod *
• Fred Swainston *

* Retiring Director and eligible for re-election