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VK7AX > BCAST 06.09.25 15:50l 709 Lines 26630 Bytes #298 (0) @ WW
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Subj: VK National News 07Sep25
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VK National News 07Sep25
Weekly news from the WIA:
MP3 edition of news available at: http://www.wia-files.com/podcast/wianews-2025-09-07.mp3
Text edition:
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2025 SEPTEMBR 7 WIA NATIONAL NEWS BROADCAST ON VK1WIA
------------------------------------------------------------*
THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL GET ALL WEEK
THIS LINK IS A VIDEO VERSION OF NEWS COMPILED BY VK5BD BEVAN
tinyurl.com/WIA-News-Videos
------------------------------------------------------------*
IN NATIONAL NEWS THIS WEEK:-
NSW Government establishes dedicated artificial intelligence unit. -
DISCUSSION POINT and Geoff, VK4ZPP, has been thinking. -
Ham Radio Retailer Suspends US Shipments Following Tariff Increase. -
WESTLAKES CUP 13th of September and the club has added a nice touch
30 minutes PRIOR to the contest. VK4FUQ will explain. -
A rare DX activation in the sub-Antarctic region is going to involve
young amateurs and VK2COD tells all.
BUT WAIT - THERE'S MUCH MUCH MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE
WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 7.
I'M EDITOR GRAHAM VK4BB
AUSTRALIANA
Kosciuszko Tourist Park has received a major connectivity boost thanks to the completion of a mobile base station which is providing new and improved 4G and 5G mobile coverage to the community, delivered through the Australian Governments Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP)
The new base station in the vicinity of Mount Kosciuszko considered one of Australias most popular inland tourist destinations will provide better access to emergency services, improve data connectivity and support productivity at the nearby Tourist Park. The mobile base station was co-funded by the Australian Government, the NSW Government and Telstra under Round 5A of the MBSP.
The NSW Government has formally established a dedicated artificial intelligence unit.
Housed within Digital NSW, the new Office for AI, will be overseen by Department of Customer Services chief information and digital officer Laura Christie, with an initial two-year run.
The unit will lead a coordinated rollout of AI across the NSW public sector, supporting AI adoption and capability uplift within individual agencies, DCS confirmed to iTnews, the source of this item. It will also develop NSW AI operational policy and implement the AI Assessment Framework across the government.
In a statement, Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said the office will set the roadmap on how to safely and responsibly incorporate and manage emerging technologies in government services.
DISCUSSION POINT
Hello, Im Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and Ive been thinking.
I am committed in family matters so my social calendar is something to
look forward to in the future. But for many of us, students and parents
and others who enjoy their radio, I have a question. How do you record
the events that you wish to enjoy so they dont slip by until it is rush
to prepare?
Being of the old school, so to speak, I use paper records to keep track
of appointments and events. The ubiquitous calendar fixed with a big
magnet to the fridge door is the main household source of these
reminders. For good measure, I use a pocket diary so that details are
available when I indulge in sports such as shopping. Not everyone uses a
smart phone and sometimes the old methods provide a level of redundancy
that a lost piece of electronics might lose.
The reason I ask the question is, I believe that a consistent platform to
inform our community would be helpful. There are events on the amateur
calendar which go from local to international and these need integrating
with personal events such as sports, other recreations and medical
visits, for instance.
Would it be a help if we had a platform to distribute regular detailed
updates and what would it be? Email was the go to in previous years but
the use of social media platforms seems to have replaced a lot of email
correspondence and how many people still regularly log into web sites to
check things like this?
Our WIA broadcast news and VK4's QNEWS carry a certain level of events
and the print schedule of the magazine goes against efficient updating.
Then once we have made a choice of method, there comes the necessity of
having a coordinator who can extract the information and compile the
necessary posts to get out to members. Assuming that the mechanics could
be sorted there is the reluctance that seems to be inflicted on our
communications hobby of getting the information from the sources to the
distribution point. Ask our News Editor how easy it is and you will
understand my point.
For what it is worth, do you think we could benefit by a simple system of
notification that would allow the best planning for us all?
Im Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and that's what I think, how about you?
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS is with thanks to Amateur Radio Daily, ARRL,
DX-WORLD, eHam, Hackaday, IARU, IRTS, NEWSLINE, NZART, RAC,
Radioworld.com, RSGB, SARL and the World Wide sources of WIA.
The following is a press release from Passion Radio:
European Ham Radio Retailer Passion Radio Suspends US Shipments Following 15% Tariff Increase
To our US Amateur Radio Clients and Community
Because of the recent 15% tariff increase on products imported from the European Union, the suspension of several carrier services to the US, and the growing complexity of the US import system, our online shop Passion-Radio.com must suspend all shipments to the United States until further notice.
In particular, La Poste, the French national postal operator, suspended parcel shipments to the United States as of August 25, 2025 (1), removing one of the main EUUS postal channels. At the same time, UPS announced that starting September 8, 2025, an additional international processing fee will apply to all import shipments, regardless of origin.
An obscure shortwave radio channel, broadcasting from a military base
somewhere in Russia, has sprung to life.
Through a fog of static, at 4625 kHz on the shortwave dial, a man's voice
can be heard, speaking in monotone: "Nikolai, Zhenya, Tatiana, Ivan."
He repeats the message -- spelled out in the Russian phonetic alphabet -- followed by a series of numbers and letters.
This radio station, dubbed UVB-76, has spent much of 2025 broadcasting cryptic messages, strange music, and pirate interruptions. The channel has elicited fascination for decades. This time, however, something is different. Now, Moscow's network of propagandists and warmongers are suddenly fascinated by this obscure channel and why it appears stronger and is "back on air."
The Guinness World Records team confirms that Wonderys New Heights podcast has set a record. The August 13 episode that featured Taylor Swift discussing her new album had the most concurrent views for a podcast on YouTube ever, with a total of 1.3 million.
That was despite technical glitches that took the stream down for a while.
Since then, the two-hour episode has gone on to be viewed more than 21 million times on the platform. The announcement this week that Swift is engaged to New Heights co-host and NFL star Travis Kelce will undoubtedly give the episode an additional bounce of listeners and viewers.
The woman is a record-breaking machine, Guinness says in the announcement. It notes it is not the first record for Swift, who set the mark for most streamed album on Spotify in 24 hours with the release of her The Tortured Poets Department last year. It had a total of 313.7 million in a single day.
On September One, New Zealand's Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) released
an updated Radio Standards Notice, an important step forward in ensuring
New Zealands radio products meet modern compliance expectations.
Key highlights include:
Revision of outdated standards to better align with todays radio
environment.
Inclusion of new standards that support emerging technologies and
applications.
Coverage of previously unmandated products, ensuring a more comprehensive
compliance framework.
Together, these changes are designed to make compliance clearer for
suppliers, improve spectrum efficiency, and encourage innovation all
while protecting users from harmful interference.
gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2025-go4751
DXers who looked forward to hearing a friendly, familiar voice from
Iceland were saddened last month to learn that the contact they were
hoping to log had become a Silent Key.
The death of Odinn Thor TF 2 MSN on the 19th of August in Reykjavik was
reported by the Icelandic Amateur Radio Association, sharing the news
provided by his family.
First licensed in 2011, Odinn began as an enthusiastic operator on SSB,
later embracing such digital modes as FT4 and FT8.
According to TF 3 J B, president of Icelandic Radio Amateurs, Odinn had
been in poor health, following an accident on a fishing boat.
Ham radio was his life almost 24 hours a day.
Odinn, TF2MSN was Two and Sixty years of age at his going silent Key.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATIONAL NEWS - A FELIX VK4FUQ PRESENTATION
--------------
WESTLAKES CUP
13th of September 8:30pm until 9:30pm local time
thats 1030 to 1130UTC.
Operation is Phone on 80 and 40 metres, and all Australian stations may
be worked. Maximum power is 10 watts for Foundation licences and
100 watts for Standard and Advanced.
IMPORTANTLY, an announcement will be made prior to the start of the
contest at 1015Utc on 3585kHz and 7115kHz outlining the rules
and for any questions to be answered.
"nice touch Westlakes".
(vk2wi news)
------------------------------
Oceania DX (OCDX) Contest
Everyone is invited to the 2025 Oceania DX Contest party!
It's time to get ready for the 82nd Oceania DX contest on the first two weekends of October. The focus of the contest is on promoting HF contacts between stations in Oceania and the rest of the world. For operators outside the region, it's a chance to work many Oceania stations, from remote Pacific islands to the outback of Australia and jungles of Indonesia.
The SSB portion of the contest runs from 06:00 UTC on Saturday, the 4th of October to 06:00 UTC on Sunday, the 5th of October 2025. CW operation then runs from 06:00 UTC on Saturday, the 11th of October to 06:00 UTC on Sunday, the 12th of October 2025. 2025 is the 82nd birthday of the contest. It has become the signature event for operators across Oceania and around the world, combining DX excitement, technical capability, and operating skills.
(IRTS)
wia.org.au/members/contests/oceania/
---------------------
YOTA Contests December
The Fishers Ghost Amateur Radio Club are hosting the inaugural
VK YOTA CONTEST, the entire month of December.
yota.fgarc.org.au/
Then just 3 days from the end of what we call the VK YOTA CONTEST comes
ROUND 3 of the YOTA contest organized by the IARU R1 Youth Working Group
in cooperation with the Hungarian Amateur Radio Society.
DECEMBER 29.
A great way to gain extra contacts for the VK Contest organised by
Fishers Ghost AR Club.
yotacontest.mrasz.org
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NOW THE DX WINDOW TO THE WORLD.
-----------------
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ZL 100 C is the callsign celebrating the centenary of NZART
the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters which was formed
on 16 August 1926.
The callsign is valid until 6 August 2026.
QSL via the bureau and LoTW.
(425dxnews)
-----------
Angola.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Angola, team
D 2 A will be active from Ilha do Mussulo (a peninsula near Luanda)
between 17 and 28 October on 160 to 6 metres CW, SSB, RTTY, other digital
modes. This team will have up to six stations. QSL via EA 7 FTR.
See www.qrz.com/db/D2A
(sarl)
--------------
Celebrating the Deutsche Amateur-Radio-Club's 75th anniversary,
four special callsigns have been activated by DARC till 31 October:
DC7, D5D, DD7, DK7 and DR75DARC.
See darc.de/der-club/referate/dx/sonderdiplome/
for the "75 Jahre DARC" certificate.
QSLs via the bureau, or direct to DL2VFR.
(425 DX NEWS)
------------
It was 25 years ago but We Do Remember You.
Special Event to Honour the Victims of 9-11:
New York City Shanksville PA. and Washington D.C.
September 06 00:01 UTC ending Thursday September 12, 23:59 UTC.
Many members of the Alabama Contest Group will activate K4A for the
fifth year. This year's event will be called "9-11 We Do Remember."
SSB, FT8, CW, and RTTY on all bands 160 through 10 meters, including
WARC bands.
(ard)
-------------
Celebrating the 68th anniversary of Malaysias independence
(31 August 1957), members of Terengganu DX (West Malaysia)
are active as 9 M 1957 M until September 30. They are operating
SSB, CW and FT8 on 80-10 metres.
QSL direct to 9 M 2 RDX
(425dx)
---------
80th anniversary of the Technical University of Sofiai operating
special event station LZ 80 TUS. On the air now 1 through December 24th.
(ard)
-------------
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ASTRONOMY (and Wireless Weather)
Swiss weather intelligence company Meteomatics has unveiled the Meteoglider, a reusable glider platform designed to improve the way atmospheric data is gathered. Meteoglider advances the familiar radiosonde concept with a sustainable, GPS-guided recovery capability that promises significant operational and environmental benefits.
Radiosondes carried aloft by weather balloons have long provided vital measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind conditions. These instruments supply essential input for forecasts, climate models, and atmospheric studies. However, conventional radiosondes are almost always lost after deployment. Out of approximately 600,000 units launched worldwide each year, an estimated 80 percent are never recovered, leaving most as non-reusable debris.
The Meteoglider overcomes this challenge by gliding back under control after its flight. Constructed of lightweight foam and weighing only 250 grams, the vehicle ascends to heights of about 110,000 feet before release. Guided by GPS, the Meteoglider can return to its launch point or a designated location, typically completing the descent in around 25 minutes while reaching speeds of nearly 460 feet per second.
(twiar)
WORLD WIDE SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP NEWS
SUMMITS ON THE AIR, WORLD WIDE FLORA, FAUNA PROGRAM,
PARKS ON THE AIR and other ADVENTURE GROUPS.
hema.org.uk/index.jsp
minesontheair.com/about-mota
parksontheair.com/
sota.org.uk
sotawatch.sota.org.uk/en/
facebook.com/SotaAustralia/
wwffaustralia.com/
VKFF National Get Together October 24-27 Canberra
Matt, VK7MAT, in last weeks VK7WI news answered question he had taken
from a listener.
"How can you activate a reference for multiple programs?
A great question, and the answer is that it happens more often than you
might think.
Its not uncommon for operators to activate a SOTA, VKFF, and POTA
reference all from the one outing.
The first step is to choose a location that carries multiple references.
Many parks overlap with WWFF and POTA, and some summits fall within
national or state reserves that also qualify. Once youve arrived at your
chosen reference, the important part is to set up in line with each
programs rules. For example, SOTA requires that all equipment is carried
in by the activator, while POTA and VKFF have more flexibility.
Logging, one effective approach is to maintain a master log, which can
then be adapted for the other programs with just a few small adjustments,
such as updating the park or summit reference. Popular logging apps like
Ham2K make this even easier, allowing you to generate three separate logs
with just a couple of clicks.
With a little planning, a single trip can achieve multiple activations,
making your time on the air more rewarding. Its also a great way to
attract more hunters and chasers who follow different programs.
Next time youre looking for an activation site, check whether it
qualifies for more than one award scheme, you might be surprised
just how many opportunities are out there.
This September, Brandon Zietsman, ZS6LZ, will embark on a Lesotho
Micro-DXpedition, which has been organised in conjunction with the
Sandton Amateur Radio Club.
Over six days, starting 17 September, he will traverse the
MalotiDrakensberg escarpment, operating from ten summits, all above
3 000 metres, including the highest point in Southern Africa south of
Kilimanjaro. The route covers about 100 kilometres on foot, with nearly
five thousand metres of climbing through some of the most remote
wilderness areas in the region.
Nine of the target summits are registered 10-point SOTA peaks in
South Africa, six of them have workable activation zones extending into
Lesotho, from where Brandon will operate as 7P8LZ.
Only three of these peaks have ever been activated before.
(sarl)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - FAITH.
wacral.org/category/chota/
open.spotify.com/playlist/0XDrUVZQMeEt47eAT2oE4P?si=6869c1069e6f45b1
Churches and Chapels on the Air event Saturday 13 September.
CHOTA is held on the second Saturday in September each year.
The World Association of Christian Amateurs and Listeners was founded in
order to link Radio Amateurs around the world who share the Christian
faith.
Since 1957, when it was founded as the Huddersfield South Methodist Radio
Club, G 3 LQK by the Reverend Arthur W Shepherd, it became an
international organization in 1958 called WAMRAC -- the World Association
of Methodist Radio Clubs. It then changed its name in 1978 to reflect the
growing ecumenical nature of its membership and became WACRAL.
Remember, Churches and Chapels on the Air event Saturday 13 September.
(eHam)
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - FINAL FRONTIER
AMSAT-VK Secretary - secretary(at)amsat-vk.org
Canadian Space Agency's CubeSats Initiative for STEM, a project known as
CUBICS, is moving ahead toward the manufacturing phase after its design
passed final review recently.
Professors and their students are involved in the design, build and
launch of satellites as part of CUBICS at nine universities.
Ultimately the nine 3U CubeSats are to be deployed next year by
Exolaunch, a German launch-services company based in Berlin. The
satellites will conduct a number of experiments relevant to amateur radio
and utilise the ham spectrum for their command and control. They will
also conduct research on wildlife migration, monitor oceanic and
atmospheric changes and study radiation-mitigating technologies that can
be used in space. The payload will include digipeaters as well as
digital and CW telemetry beacons.
(arnline)
Russia has launched the Bion-M No. 2 spacecraft carrying, wait for it,
75 mice and 1,500 flies into polar orbit to study how they respond to
the polar radiation environment.
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - IOTA
iota-world.org/
------------
--------------
LORD HOWE ISLAND - OC-004
VK2/SP9FIH.
Janusz, SP9FIH, is active as VK2/SP9FIH from Lord Howe Island,
IOTA OC - 004, now until 13 September.
He is operating on most HF Bands BUT due to a damaged SSB TX most of his
activity so far has been on the higher bands using FT8 / SuperFox.
(dx-world)
---------------
---------------
OC REMINDERS
------------
----------
OC-002 CHRISTMAS ISLAND
VK 9 QO October 3-7, 2025 on 40-6m; CW, SSB, RTTY, the FT modes and
Satellites QO-100 and RS-44.
HF / VHF QSL via JI 1 LET.
SAT QSL via JA 3 GEP.
(DX-WORLD)
-------------
OC-054
The DX Obsessed Group will be active as FW5K from Wallis Island
(OC-054) from 20 October to 7 November, including a Multi-2 entry in the
CQ WW DX SSB Contest. Six operators will be QRV on 160-6 metres CW SSB
FT8 and RTTY. QSL via Club Log's OQRS; QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW
6 months after the end of the DXpedition.
(425 DX and dxobsessed.org/home)
-----------
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR YOUNG TIMERS - YOTA
(Youngsters On The Air)
WIA committee:- Steve VK6SJ, Alec VK2MV and Pete VK2LP.
ham-yota.com/category/yota-region-3/
facebook.com/groups/YOTAOC/
youtube.com/channel/UClAapljf0VQ751sOgu2IzaA
A rare DX activation in the sub-Antarctic region is going to involve young amateurs in core roles.
The planned DXpedition for South Georgia Island in March of 2027 isn't just about activating one of the rarest and more challenging sites for portable amateur radio. A central focus for the team will be its role in mentoring the young radio amateurs who will be accompanying the more experienced operators to the sub-Antarctic island. The team, using the callsign VPSG, is giving these youngsters top priority.
Project team leader Rune, LA7THA, told Newsline in an email that one or two licensed young operators are expected to be part of the operations on the island. He said: [quote] "They will be involved in every phase of the expedition - from setup and daily operations to teardown - working alongside veteran DXpeditioners in challenging real-world conditions." [endquote] He said the team is working closely with NCDXF on this initiative, which is in sync with so many amateur radio youth engagement activities around the world.
Meanwhile, there is much work to be done regarding this environmentally sensitive DX entity with its mountainous landscape and volatile weather patterns. The shore camp will have five operating positions but details still remain unclear on any additional stations that are capable of being operated remotely. Rune said that final team composition and operating plans also need to be fine-tuned.
The DXpedition fulfils the mission of the Norway-based Amateur Radio DXpeditions, which devotes itself to giving hams around the world a chance to contact remote parts of the globe.
-----------------
WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RADIO AMATEUR OLD-TIMERS
qcwa.org
raotc.org.au
From the website of RSGB's "Front Page News" we see they have announced
an exciting new volunteer role, which will be tasked with attracting
older people to amateur radio.
The RSGB Honorary Mature Members Officer will also be responsible for
retaining and engaging with our existing senior members.
The individual will research organisations or groups with memberships
that include older people who may be interested in amateur radio as a
hobby. They will also help to identify ways the RSGB can support lifelong
enjoyment of amateur radio, including accessibility, training and social
engagement.
If you are an RSGB member and interested in this role, go to
rsgb.org/volunteers to read the full description.
(rsgb)
------------------------------------------------------------*
IT'S A DATE
Clubs are welcome to email text with audio for this section,
nationalnews(at)wia.org.au
Details of all WIA affiliated clubs and societies can be found
on the WIA website, including email addresses and website links.
----------------------------
Now it's always good to get details and audio of events of interest
BUT DOUBLY SO when a club takes the time to let us know how the event we
have published for them goes!
Enter ROBERT THOMPSON VK4TFN:-
We at the R & DRC VK4RC wish to extend our
appreciation and gratitude to the amateur radio community
for your support of our carboot sale, on Saturday
30th Aug.
Thank you for your support.
It was a brilliant success made possible by membership
teamwork and the support of the amateur radio community.
The proceeds of the carboot sale will go towards the
completion of the installation, of our 146.925 Mhz
(formerly Wamuran) 2m repeater hut, at the new Ocean
View site.
Once again, thank you for your support,
bye for now and 73's from the R & DRC VK4RC.
Thank you & 73's
Robert Thomson VK4TFN
2025
VK4 -SunFest at Beerwah Community Hall 25 Peachester Rd 9.30 Sept 13
(wiacal)
VK - Sep 14 4-5pm AEST WIA Affiliated Clubs briefing webinar (wiacal)
VK/3 - Sep 18 RAOTC AGM AND lunch, Caulfield RSL, Elsternwick (raotc web)
VK4 - Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club HamFest and AGM 26 Sept.
at Maraboon Powerboat & Ski Club near Emerald Central Queensland.
(wiacal)
VK2 - Westlakes Field Day 8am October 26 on club grounds. (vk2wi)
VK4 -Townsville Amateur Radio Club's Cardwell Gathering Field Day
October 3 at Meunga Creek Caravan Park & Camp (wiacal)
VK5 - AREG's Amateur Radio & Electronics Sale Sunday 26th October
at David Roche Park, Kilburn (VK5QI)
VK - VKFF National Get Together October 24-27 Canberra. (vk5pas)
VK4 - Qtech2025 a two-day conference Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd
November at Kedron-Wavell RSL (vk4uh)
VK4 - GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY 2025 HAMFEST NOV 9
Country Paradise Parklands 231 Beaudesert Nerang Road. (vk4dmh)
VK7 - Miena HamFest Saturday November 15 10am (vk7news)
VK3 - Rosebud RadioFest, Eastbourne Primary School, Rosebud (wiacal)
November Sixteen.
VK2 - PICTON HAMFEST November 23 Picton Show Ground 8AM (vk2xqx)
VK8 - Darwin Amateur Radio Club Xmas Party 6:30pm Dec 3 (wiacal)
VK - Dec 7 WIA Affiliated Clubs briefing webinar (wiacal)
--------------------- SOCIAL SCENE 2026 ------------------
VK - WIA AGM May 2 at 2pm Albury VK2 (wiacal)
Reception Reports
No we DO like to hear where in the world you are listening to this,
the WIA NATIONAL NEWS SERVICE.
WIA News rebroadcasters often give Short Wave Listeners a
welcome to the broadcast as they commence call-backs
straight after the Local News. Local news follows National
news in all states. It would be great if those SWL's would
email their reception reports and location to
callbacks(at)wia.org.au
Not only but also those watching us on YouTube, leave a comment , access
is just below the picture on screen and again tell us where and maybe
even the day and time you are listening
---------------------------------------------------------------*
(Posted to the packet network courtesy Tony VK7AX)
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