News 18.08.2019
Please note that the VK2RAG D-Star service is still out of action due to what could best be described as a hardware failure (although a more technical term is not fit to be put to air). It will be a complex process to rebuild the system with Ian VK2HK at the helm, so members are asked to remain patient until normal service has been restored. The P25 Pacific Talk Group 10400 is not affected, and IRLP has not been abandoned; it is hoped to have further news in next week’s broadcast.
Looking further ahead, the Shahzada 400km Horse Enduro will be as usual on the last full week of August, being held over the 25th to 31st. Although not an official Club event, many members take part in it; you can turn up for a day or so, or the full week, and you will have fun (especially those with four-wheel drives).
All meetings of the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club are held at the Club rooms in Dandaloo St, Kariong, just past the fire station. Meetings start at 1pm, preceded by the famous sausage sizzle run by master chef Steve VK2SKC from noon, followed by Karen VK2AKB’s home cooking; a specialty being her homemade cakes and pikelets.
The Club rooms are accessible by bus, with a stop just opposite Dandaloo St, serviced by the route 34 bus from Gosford railway station every hour, and one can usually arrange a lift back. The Club rooms are usually open from 10.30am on Saturday, for general chit-chat and access to the Club workshop and library.
The Club relays VK2WI News broadcasts every Sunday morning and evening. Callbacks are taken after the morning news only, on the Somersby 6 and 2m repeaters VK2RAG on 53.725 and 146.725 MHz respectively; both repeaters require the standard sub-audible tone of 91.5 Hz.
The 70cm VK2RAG repeater on 439.950 MHz is a mixed-mode repeater, currently supporting analogue FM and P25, with IRLP and Echolink access coming soon. A 91.5 Hz tone is required for analogue access, and is highly recommended for receiving (unless you like listening to digital noise).
There is a net every Thursday from 7pm, on the 2m repeater VK2RAG on 146.725; all members are encouraged to join.
Further information about the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club can be found on the web site www.ccarc.org.au.
— Dave VK2KFU, Publicity Officer, Central Coast Amateur Radio Club
