From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 23 / 06 / 2017
Author : Shane Lynd – VK4KHZ

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is to encapsulate its accomplishments over two decades by transmitting a set of 12 SSTV images from space.  ISS Ham Radio Program Manager Frank Bauer KA3HDO has announced the initiative that is expected around the weekend of July 15, depending on the availability of the International Space Station.  The SSTV images will depict the first ARISS meeting in November 1996, the joint operations on the MIR space station, and the extraordinary developments that have occurred in the past 20 years.

ARISS can be proud that it has touched the lives of many and inspired and educated countless students to pursue science, technology, engineering and math careers.  It has had over 1,000 school contacts.  More details on the SSTV image event will be known from ARISS in coming weeks as it develops.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 23 / 06 / 2017
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

In May the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) began its trial of theory and regulation assessments on-line that have proved to be very popular with about 230 people accessing them.  As explained by WIA Trainer Fred Swainston VK4FE VK3DAC, the Institute had been working toward some on-line assessments for its candidates, and used the trial exam system as a ‘proof of concept’ exercise.

He advises that the trial has been now been completed and a draft process for future on-line exams worked out, to possibly be used by WIA Nominated Assessors with candidates needing a remote assessment.  It is intended that the on-line exams will be available to all candidates.

The on-line development will then be explained in detail by the WIA to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) seeking its approval for them to be used.

By the end of this month the suite of assessments now available will be joined by two trial Foundation Licence assessment papers – all similar to those used in the actual multi-choice exams.  These exams will be converted into tutorials and remain on-line as an educational resource.  Fred Swainston VK4FE VK3DAC says many thanks to the radio amateurs, upgraders, and those wanting to get into the hobby for giving the trial exams a try.

To assess the trials, which will remain and require the latest version of the flash player, are to log on to the website here.  As part of the security process, you must first register by clicking on the Amateur Radio tab.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 18 / 06 / 2017 
Author : Roger Harrison VK2ZRH and the Spectrum Strategy Committee

As Advised previously, this consultation is being conducted in three phases.

• Phase 3 – outstanding issues – opens 17 June, closes 30 June 2017.  Click here.
• Phase 2 – proposed changes to each licence grade – opened 5 June 2017, closes 25 June 2017.  If you haven’t already done so, to provide your responses to Phase 2.  Click here.
• Phase 1 – general principles: opened 17 May, closes 20 June 2017. If you haven’t already done so, to provide your responses to Phase 1.  Click here.

Background

The WIA has advocated and promoted reform of the Amateur licence conditions since it was invited by the ACMA to provide a submission on the subject in 2014.  The Board and Spectrum Strategy Committee made extensive efforts since then to “prepare the ground” with the ACMA on the proposed changes to Amateur licence conditions and the principles underlying the proposals.

In April 2016, an updated submission was provided to the ACMA, again, at its request, which consolidated what had transpired over the period since the first submission, along with Amateur community and member feedback, periodic discussions with the ACMA, and the federal government’s Spectrum Review.  That submission can be downloaded here. 

In summary, the underlying purpose is to enable greater self-determination for the amateur service, along with proposing updates to the licence conditions for all licence grades in order to ensure amateur radio remains relevant in the digitally-connected age. Key proposals include:

• enabling use of digital modes for Foundation licensees
• access to more bands for Foundation and Standard licensees
• relaxing permitted bandwidths for all license grades
• removing mode restrictions
• enabling DIY construction for Foundation licensees
• review of Foundation callsigns to provide 3-letter suffixes
• increased maximum power for all licensees.

This consultation exercise is to provide the ACMA with formal evidential support for the proposed changes to the Amateur licence conditions.

The key principle is that future licence conditions should not unnecessarily limit the breadth and depth of experimentation amateurs can explore and the technologies capable amateurs may wish to adapt and exploit.

WIA member or not, your responses have equal weight.

Click here to complete the Phase 3 consultation.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 16 / 06 / 2017 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) had representatives at recent consultation sessions in Sydney and Melbourne, held by the Department of Communications and the Arts to further explain to stakeholders important aspects of the new Radiocommunications Bill.  The sessions have helped WIA’s Spectrum Strategy Committee to analyse the Bill information package in advance of preparing a comprehensive response.

The Department of Communications and the Arts’ Spectrum Reform Team used a slide show to present its information on the Bill and related material.  You can download a copy here.

The Communications Minister, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, advises that the Government will later present a further Exposure Draft of the Bill to stakeholders for comment before finalising the legislation for introduction to parliament.  The new Exposure Draft will be informed by stakeholder feedback from the initial consultation currently under way, to conclude on 30 June.  A WIA report on the Bill when it was released can be read here.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 16 / 06 / 2017 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

Avid contester Alan Shannon VK4SN (pictured) had the best combined effort in three out of seven Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) sponsored contests for 2016, and was declared the WIA Contest Champion.  Announced by the WIA Contest Champion Scorer, Peter Richardson VK2PR, he congratulated Alan VK4SN on the win, having also won the title in the years 2012 and 2014.

Alan VK4SN was first on 380 points, second place with 280 points went to Barry Simpson VK2BJ, and in third place Gerard Hill VK2IO having 220 points.  Peter VK2PR said: “Congratulations to the winner, and special mention goes to Barry VK2BJ who increased his tally in 2016 compared to the previous year by 200 points; that included winning his categories in both the Oceania DX Phone and Oceania DX CW contests.”

The Trophy, named in honour of WIA stalwart Peter Brown VK4PJ (sk), encourages log entries in at least three WIA contests.  He died in 2013 aged 100; was the Contest Manager in the 1970s and 1980s, and after an absence of 25 years, the Trophy he had initiated was reintroduced as a fitting tribute.  The Peter Brown VK4PJ Trophy goes to highest scoring WIA member who has participated in at least three WIA contests and submitted log entries.

The full championship rules can be read here.