From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 06 / 08 / 2017
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The digital mode FT8 although still in Beta testing has caught on, luring many using the popular JT65 weak signal mode.  The WSJT-X 1.8.0 beta software has the FT8 mode described as fast with an entire QSO taking about a minute, which is four times faster than JT65.

Developed by Steven K9AN and Joe K1JT – the name FT8 stands for its creators Franke and Taylor and 8-Frequency Shift Keying modulation.  Using a 15-second transmit and receive sequences it provides 50 per cent or better decoding probability down to minus-20 dB.  Like JT65 it requires accurate time synchronisation.

An auto-sequencing option can also respond automatically to a CQ call decoded reply.  An excellent HF DXing mode and multi-hop sporadic-E propagation on 6 metres where deep fading may make fast and reliable QSO completion desirable.  Some are comparing FT8 use to that of JT65, and believe more are on air trying the new one.  Experimenters have a Facebook page available here.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 04 / 08 / 2017
Author : WIA Spectrum Strategy Committee

Arguing for no reduction in current conditions enjoyed by amateur licensees, coupled with advocacy for less burdensome administrative arrangements and ongoing engagement with regulatory processes, are strong themes running through the Wireless Institute of Australia’s (WIA) submission on the draft radiocommunications legislation.

The Radiocommunications Bill 2017, released publically in late May, followed with a raft of supporting papers and fact sheets, has set the scene for a new era in spectrum management in Australia, intended to simplify the regulatory framework and support new and innovative technologies and services.

The Department of Communications and the Arts sought stakeholder feedback, with a closing date for submissions of 30 June 2017, which was later extended to 30 July in response to requests from the industry.  The Department gave the WIA an extension to 4 August.

Emailed on the morning of the due date, the more than 3000-word submission provides comment on most parts of the 21-part Bill.  A three-page attachment with the submission explains about amateur radio, its role in the community context, and the benefits to society.  Although one of the Government’s prime objectives for the new act was simplification to remove unnecessary burdens on spectrum users, the WIA submission points out that the number of pages in the draft Bill compared to the current Act suggests that this simplification was not achieved.

Overall, the WIA expressed the view that the Bill appears to meet all the existing challenges to spectrum management.  Noting that the amateur service in Australia has formally existed since 1912, following passing of the original Wireless Telegraphy Act, the WIA does not want to see any reduction of amateurs’ existing conditions.

That said, the WIA added that it also wishes to work with any future regulatory bodies in developing subordinate regulations – such as licence conditions documents – to ensure that the basic principles of the amateur and amateur satellite services are addressed in a sensible manner, adding that, as technologies move forward, the rules that affect development must be fit for purpose.

The Department of Communications and the Arts now has its work cut out to analyse the responses from all stakeholders.  The Minister advised in May, with the release of the Bill, that the Government intends to present a further Exposure Draft to stakeholders for comment before finalising the legislation for introduction to Parliament.  This subsequent Exposure Draft will be informed by stakeholder feedback from the consultation just concluded.

The submission was prepared by the WIA Spectrum Strategy Committee. It can be downloaded here.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 30 / 07 / 2017
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The WIA trial theory assessments available online since May this year requires a simple registration process, and the feedback has been that they exceeded the expectations of those who have used the exams.  Organised by WIA Trainer Fred Swainston VK4FE/VK3DAC and following feedback and comments, the trial exams these will be converted to tutorials and left online.

The trial theory papers at the Foundation, Standard and Advance level are similar to those used in the actual multi-choice exams.  These were a ‘proof-of-concept’ exercise and a move closer by the WIA towards enabling WIA Nominated Assessors to use online exams for candidates needing a remote assessment.

Fred VK4FE / VK3DAC says a test of their use in remote assessments has been greatly helped by the feedback received.  Quite a few requests were made to provide some additional material and answers to these trial examinations.  Two Standard licence trial papers are being converted to tutorials where the answers are provided.  Then will come the Regulations trial papers.

To access the trials you need the latest version of the flash player, then log on to the Silvertrain website and click the Amateur Radio tab.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 26 / 07 / 2017
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The commemorative Amelia Earhart around the world flight by pilot Brian Lloyd WB6RQN crossed the Pacific Ocean, landing first

at Pago Pago in American Samoa, then Hawaii via a symbolic flyover of Howland Island.  The Mooney M20K 231 registration number N916BL named ‘Spirit’ has expanded fuel capacity, modern satellite avionics gear, and a Ham radio transceiver enabling WB6RQN Aeronautical Mobile to talk to hundreds of radio amateurs.  At Pago Pago (July 23) he was greeted by a news reporter for an interview, then got the latest weather information, with Ellie from the National Weather Service finishing her shift and taking him to a downtown restaurant for a meal of Samoan Oka (rockfish).

Brian WB6RQN said the next stage was the hardest leg of the trip that was going to “push both the plane and me to the limit of our abilities”.  He explained that the single engine propeller driven ‘Spirit’ was fully fuelled including three hours flying time of reserve fuel because “there are scant alternatives should problems mount up for any reason”.  Earlier the flight had magneto problems, a fuel vapouring scare that caused him to turn back to New Zealand, not to mention adverse weather with fierce winds, blasting sandstorms, severe tropical conditions, thunder snow and high altitude ice.  After leaving Pago Pago just before sunrise with about 19 hours ahead there was the planned flyover of Howland Island dropping a floral wreath where Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan tried unsuccessfully to land.

Brian WB6RQN in reflection said: “My respect for Amelia Earhart has risen a thousand per cent now that I have flown 20,000 miles in her shoes.  I am talking about flying the plane and dealing with the issues that come up as part of the flight.  She was the sole pilot in her plane as I am with mine.  Speeds are comparable and I have had to deal with the same weather she did.”

Project Amelia Earhart funded by The Classic Aircraft Aviation Museum and other donations retraces the route taken by the famous aviator in June 1937.  Brian WB6RQN then headed for Hawaii to land at the Honolulu International Airport (July 25).  After an overnight stay he took off again (July 26) passing over the historic Pearl Harbor sites on his final flight over the Pacific Ocean to Oakland California, then to the Amelia Earhart Museum in Atchison Kansas.

The epic flight taking in about 20 countries began on June 1, was to end at Kestrel Airpark Texas on July 30, which is the pilot’s starting point and his home airfield.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 23 / 07 / 2017
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The commemorative around the world flight marking the 80 years since the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart has finally left New Zealand (July 23) and is headed for Pago Pago American Samoa.

Brian Lloyd WB6RQN the 62-year old pilot has reported all is well after sorting out the reason for an aborted flight out of Hamilton in New Zealand’s north island a week earlier.  On that flight headed for Pago Pago the plane’s engine spluttered and stopped, but with a lower altitude saw him regain control, but decided to return to Hamilton and sort out the problem.  He advised that the test flight had confirmed the earlier fault was a combination of a partial blockage in the fuelling system and vapour lock, where the fuel had vaporised before reaching the engine.

The single engine ‘Spirit’ plane on that test was taken to an altitude of 23,000 feet but could not replicate the earlier fault.  Before taking off from Hamilton, Brian WB6RQN gave his estimated itinerary of Pago Pago International Airport, then an overfly of Howland Island, to Hawaii and the USA mainland to complete the circle.  He intends to drop a floral wreath on Howland Island to pay respect to the Earhart flight that disappeared near there in 1937.

The two month flight began on June 1, and has included South America, Africa, India, South-East Asia, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.  At each country he has put a flag sticker on the plane’s fuselage Brian WB6RQN embarked on the Project Amelia Flight in memory of aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart.  During the flight he has been heard talking on the Amateur Radio bands.

Stuie VK8NSB who met the pilot when in Darwin reports he has worked WB6RQN today on 15m and 20m with the bands being very good.  Many VK’s, ZL’s and also a couple of American stations have made the contact.