QNews for September 15th 2024

Hi - I'm John VK4JPM, Secretary of the Darling Downs Radio Club. Toowoomba is known for many things, and one of the most famous is the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. The 75th Carnival kicked off last Friday and it runs through to 7 October. You can check out what's on the program at the website, tcof.com.au. We're a friendly lot in the Darling Downs, and very proud of the Carnival which is at least as good as Floriade and much closer! Our next club meeting is on Monday 14 October. Details on the club website: www.ddrci.org.au Dates again: Monday 14 October for the meeting; Saturday 12 October for lunch; Carnival on right now; Garden City award at any time, and details at ddrci.org.au I'm John VK4JPM, and thanks for listening.

Hello, I’m Geoff Emery, VK4ZPP, and I’ve been thinking. As the northern hemisphere prepares for winter and all that it can bring, we in the south are finding the Spring weather is consolidating with the promise of what Summer will bring. The long-range weather forecasts paint the picture of warmer weather and variable rainfall fall so in one perspective, outdoor activities seem promising until the end of the year. We can hope this is true as the Wet Season is projected to start early in the top end. It will be interesting if the crocodile nesting season coincides with the computer modelling this year. For the avid tourists to the various major gatherings around the world, the climax has been the Tokyo Hamvention which saw some Aussie amateurs attending. The major news has been the release of new radio models from the three largest Japanese manufacturers and the prospect that samples will be appearing around the world at smaller events. There has been some tentative pricing information on a flagship model but with Australia suffering an economic sickness, I suspect very few sales can be expected here. What is interesting is that the radio from Yaesu, apart from its innovative design features, is that it fits the pattern of the shack in a box. Of course, this is not a new segment for this manufacturer but it is a slot that many smaller manufacturers have been enjoying some fierce competition in promoting. The low-power multi-mode radio has been well used in various pursuits such as parks, hilltops and other venues where outdoor participation is necessary. The development of alternative battery technology has reduced the weight of a station which can be comfortably carried in a backpack and conveyed to places not normally accessed by radio hobbyists. Combine these various features with the peak of a sunspot cycle and it is like manna from heaven to the enthusiastic HF QRP operator. Add into the mix the various rigs coming from Asian countries, other than Japan and the accessories for portable operating that are on the market, it is quite opportune to upgrade one’s station and expand the operating geography we can use. Traditionally the warmer months, are when many contests happen and with good equipment, good weather and good band conditions, what more could a happy camper that plays radio be looking for? For me, I think it is in my genes to be frugal so finding ways to save comes naturally. Building a station tends to be a progressive enterprise with tools, accessories and equipment added when time and funds allow. Building, or home brewing as we call it, tends to be the most economical way to get items for the station and it is undoubtedly the most instructive as we tend to read the manual and research the gear before, during and after completing a project. Combining retail or swap meet purchases with some time spent at the workbench seems to be a good way to go. Keeping an eye open for bargains on your favourite sales and auction sites can often grab a winner. Whatever we do, enjoy it. I’m Geoff Emery VK4ZPP and that’s what I think….how about you?