• [Vk1wia-news] WIA News, Text Edition (1/2)

    From National News Broadcast Email List@3:633/10 to All on Friday, September 12, 2025 17:35:00
    XPost: aus.radio.amateur.misc, rec.radio.amateur.misc
    From: vk1wia-news@wia.org.au

    Weekly news from the WIA:
    MP3 edition of news available at: http://www.wia-files.com/podcast/wianews-2025-09-14.mp3 Text edition:


    -------------------------------------------------------------------69

    2025 SEPTEMBR 14 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:-

    We'll take a look at the RD Contest results, VI8POL the police special
    event station, and check in with Grant VK5GR for the OCDX contest.

    From Sydney, VK2COD and Youth, and Darwin VK8ZZ and the DARC new
    repeater.

    NOW FIRST
    A reminder on this afternoon, Sunday 14ths special event with Angelo.
    BUT WAIT - THERE'S MUCH MUCH MORE IN THIS 30 MINUTE EDITION OF NEWS FROM
    YOUR WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING SUNDAY SEPTEMBER
    14.

    I'M EDITOR GRAHAM VK4BB

    WIA

    JOIN THE WIA
    tinyurl.com/yyj87b9y

    Hello.

    This is Angelo VK2NWT, WIA Affiliated Clubs Coordinator.

    This is a quick note to remind all Affiliated Club Presidents that the
    WIA Webinar will be held this afternoon, Sunday September 14 commencing
    at 4:00 PM AEST.

    The Webinar, hosted by WIA President Scott Williams along with several presenters will discuss the range of topics on the meeting agenda
    informing Clubs of just some of the many items the WIA is actively
    working on for all Amateurs in Australia. The webinar is a great platform
    for Affiliated Clubs to come together, and I strongly encourage
    Presidents to attend and benefit your respective Club.

    Due to the large numbers of affiliated clubs, we can only invite one
    member from each club to attend.

    Invitations to register for the webinar were sent out via email earlier
    this week to all Affiliated Club Presidents and, to those attending,
    I recommend that you logon to the Webinar a few minutes prior to the
    starting time to ensure an orderly start for all. The Webinar should run
    for approximately one and half hours.

    If for some reason you have not received the link to attend the Webinar
    then please contact me as soon as possible via email on clubs@nationaloffice.wia.org.au

    For WIA National News this is Angelo VK2NWT ------------------------------------------------------------*
    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 New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters is advocating for a
    new band plan giving space to single sideband on 30 metres.

    Following the lead of the amateur band plan in place here in Australia,
    the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters is recommending the establishment of a new 10 kHz-wide sub-band for SSB on 30 metres. This
    change would divide the CW-only band in half, giving it 20 kHz at the
    bottom of the band.

    Digital mode operators would get 20kHz of spectrum -- double their
    current allocation - at the top of the band. Sideband's proposed 10 kHz
    would be found between 10.120 and 10.130 MHz.

    With SSB operation already legal in New Zealand, the association notes
    that only the approval of this revised bandplan stands in the way of the
    change taking place. The proposal is for this to occur on a 12-month
    trial basis, with a review to take place in the final months.

    Hams in India who received amateur radio licences in paper form are being required to replace those certificates with a digital licence from a

    a web-based portal of the Department of Telecommunications.

    There is no application fee for the process, which provides amateurs with a
    QR code-authenticated certificate. This is the equivalent of the amateur
    radio booklets that had been issued manually with paper certificates until December 31st, 2019.


    In early 2020, India began issuing all new and renewed amateur radio certificates digitally. The Telecommunication Rules of 2024 now require the holders of the older paper certificates to use the digital web-based portal
    as well. Failure to migrate will mean that when the licence expires, it
    cannot be renewed.


    Four research volunteers will soon participate in NASAs year-long
    simulation of a Mars mission inside a habitat at the agencys Johnson
    Space Centre in Houston.

    This mission will provide NASA with foundational data for human
    exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

    Ross Elder, Ellen Ellis, Matthew Montgomery, and James Spicer enter into
    the 1,700-square-foot Mars Dune Alpha habitat on Sunday, Oct. 19, to
    begin their mission. The team will live and work like astronauts for
    378 days, concluding their mission on Oct. 31, 2026.

    Emily Phillips and Laura Marie serve as the missions alternate
    crew members for this Houston event..

    The RSGB has responded to a further Ofcom consultation, which would see
    new users sharing spectrum within the 2.3GHz amateur band.

    The latest proposals would enable a new class of short-notice outdoor deployments in the 2320 to 2340MHz range, for up to 14 days at a time.
    In its response, the RSGB has taken the opportunity to highlight strong concerns regarding the UK amateur weak signal segment at 2320MHz.
    This follows earlier Ofcom proposals last year for indoor use only in
    this frequency range.

    An enthusiastic team of operators felt swept away by the challenge of
    their recent Islands on the Air Expedition to the Pajaros rocks off the
    Chilean coast.

    Then something else was swept away -- almost all of their equipment.

    A Honda generator. An IC 7000. Seven bandpass filters. Two multi-band
    antennas. A 500-watt amplifier. This equipment -- and more - are all gone
    now from the rock where the team on IOTA Number SA-100 began operating on
    the 18th of August as 3 G 1P.

    Ocean swells, considered the worst seen in five years - forced Cezar,
    VE3LYC; Felipe, XQ7IR and Johan PA3EXX to be evacuated by the Chilean
    Coast Guard three days later. Wearing wetsuits, the hams swam to the
    rescuers' boats, eyeing the carefully packed-up equipment they had to
    leave behind on the rock. Already they were making plans to return for
    its retrieval.

    Sea conditions prevented anyone from gaining access to the rock again
    until the 26th of August. Afterward, the team wrote on their website:

    "VERY BAD NEWS. There is absolutely nothing there except for the beam
    antenna that we left anchored, which has been damaged. They believe that
    all else was swept away by the sea.

    To see the team's daily blog, detailing their challenges, follow the link
    in this week's THIRTY MINUTE WIA NATIONAL NEWS.

    3g1psa-100.weebly.com/ -------------------------------------------------------------------

    OPERATIONAL NEWS - A FELIX VK4FUQ PRESENTATION
    --------------
    --------------

    THIS WEEKEND ARRL EME CONTEST.

    Contest Objective: To work as many amateur stations as possible via the earth-moon-earth path on any authorized amateur frequency above 50 MHz.

    The contest exchange is a station's four-digit Maidenhead grid square
    locator. The grid square also serves as the score multiplier.
    Analogue stations may optionally send a signal report in any mutually understood format if station size or propagation prohibit grid squares
    from being exchanged.

    This is weekend 2 of 4 for the AEM contest
    Weekends 1 and 2: 2.3 GHz & Up

    Weekends 3 and 4:
    50 to 1296 MHz - October 11-12, November 8-9, 2025.

    (sourced to ARRL)

    -------------

    ALSO ON THIS WEEKEND

    The Worked All Europe DX SSB Contest Saturday and Sunday.
    SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted,
    the exchange is signal report and serial number.
    (rsgb)
    ------------------
    Oceania DX (OCDX) Contest

    This is Grant, VK5GR, on behalf of the Oceania DX Contest Committee

    Its that time of year again, as we are only 19 days away from the start of
    the biggest Oceania focused DX contest of the year! The 82nd Oceania DX
    (OCDX) contest will once more run on the first two weekends of October, with the Phone contest starting at 06:00 UTC on Saturday 4 October and running for 24 hrs, and the CW contest starting on 06:00 UTC Saturday the 11 October also running for 24 hrs.


    Whether youre a newcomer or seasoned contester, or have only a modest
    station, the 2025 contest should be another exciting event thanks to the current peak in the solar cycle.


    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, its a chance to work many Oceania stations, from remote Pacific islands to the outback of Australia and jungles of Indonesia. For Oceania-based operators,
    its a fantastic opportunity to make lots of DX QSOs as stations from the rest of the world turn their beams towards Oceania searching for you!


    2025 is the 82nd birthday of the contest. Formerly known as the VK DX Contest and VK/ZL Contest, the contest was first run from 1935 through 1938 and then re-started in 1948, shortly after amateur licences were re-instated post-WW2. The contest has grown into a signature event for operators across Oceania and around the world, combining DX excitement, technical capability and operating skills.


    So, save the contest dates in your calendar, warm up the rig, tune the antennas, brush up on your operating skills, and join amateurs across the
    globe in October to make this another amazing OCDX party!


    See you all on the air! 73 from Grant VK5GR

    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.

    yotacontest.mrasz.org
    ---------------
    AHEAD OF WHEN I OPEN THE DX WINDOW, ALAN.

    "Hi. This is Alan VK4SN with the Remembrance Day contest results.

    VK7 once again takes out state honours with an impressive 40 logs submitted
    and a total score of 10,859 points.


    VK3 was the closest rival submitting 38 logs and 5,436 points. 186 logs were received in total, including 5 paper logs,

    one of which was not identifiable.

    Congratulations to the following Individual winners:
    SOPH VK7TW
    SOCW VK2GR
    SOMX VK5LJ
    SOPH QRP VK7C
    SOCW QRP VK3VB
    SOMX QRP VK2IO

    M1 VK4M with VK4TS and VK4SN

    M2 VL4R with VK4DI and VK4ZD

    Best Rookie was VK3GCD from the SOPH section

    This year I introduced a Youth section to recognise and encourage youthparticipation.

    We had three entrants and in order of their scores we have

    VK3JFR with 154 points from the SOCW category
    VK4OTZ with 104 points from the SOPH category, and
    VK4IKZ with 57 point from the SOPH category.
    Well done all, and hope to see you again next year.
    There are no rule changes necessary as it's something I'm doing as manager,
    and I encourage other contest managers to do the same to foster youth
    entrants.


    Certificates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placings will be sent from the WIA.
    For those who did not supply names and addresses, you can pick yours up
    from the PDF downloads available on the RD contest page, along with
    a full report of winners and statistics.

    vklogchecker.com also has all the winners along with graphs of run rates
    and scoring, soapbox comments and other statistics.

    A bit of feedback on the Cabrillo log file that is needed, showed that some people think it's a special file. Cabrillo is the name given to the

    layout of information within a text file. Nothing special, just the
    log information and QSO format needed to be compatible with computer
    checking.


    Many thanks to everyone for their input, their logs and contributions to make this another successful contest.

    Best 73
    AlanVK4SN

    -----------------------------------------------------------------
    NOW THE DX WINDOW TO THE WORLD.-----------------
    ----------------- -----------------
    DX WINDOW
    -----------------

    Special event call VI8POL will be on air from Saturday 13th September to
    Monday 29th September 2025 to celebrate the 8th annual National PoliceWeek in Australia.


    National Police Week 2025 is a celebration of our nation's police.

    National Police Week includes National Police Remembrance Day held on Monday 29th September. It is a day dedicated to honouring and remembering police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This day serves as a tribute to their bravery, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit
    of public safety and justice. It is also a time to remember police officers who have lost their lives through illness or other circumstances.


    Sadly, a total of 829 police officers have been killed on duty in Australia.
    In the last few weeks we have sadly seen the death of 2 police officers in Victoria.


    VI8POL will be on air on the HF bands on SSB and the digital modes. The station will also be operated from significant police historical sites in
    South Australia.


    QSL is via myself, VK5PAS.

    More information on VI8POL can be found on QRZ.comThanks for listening.
    73Paul VK5PAS.
    -----------
    A52G Kingdom of Bhutan

    Gerben (PG5M) will be active as A52G from Dochula at 3,100m above sea
    level in Bhutan.

    Operation will be on 40-10m (perhaps some 6m) with CW and some FT8 on
    dates plus or minus a day or so October 3-9.

    dx.to/a52g/

    (m0oxo)
    ----------

    80th anniversary of the Technical University of Sofia operating
    special event station LZ 80 TUS. On the air now 1 through December 24th.
    (ard)

    ---------

    8K3EXPO is on the air until October 13, 1.8 MHz 10 GHz.
    This event marks the first time a callsign has been established with
    the 8K prefix and draws attention to the Osaka World Expo.

    (ard)
    -------------
    -------------
    -------------

    REMINDERS
    -------------
    -------------

    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)
    --------------------------------------------------------------
    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ARDF

    22nd World Championships of Amateur Radio Direction Finding (ARDF), was
    held August 16 22, in Lithuania. Overall, the championships featured
    over 300 athletes from 25 nations, a strong showing on the international
    ARDF stage.

    (arrl)

    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/

    Don't forget that the VKFF National Get Together October 24-27 Canberra
    and next week we'll hear again from Paul VK5PAS on this event.

    Sid, ZS5AYC and Adele, ZS5APT are pleased to announce that after much behind-the-scenes work with SOTA UK, Lesotho is now registered as a
    SOTA society, this from September One.

    With 103 registered peaks, this promises to be an exciting addition to
    amateur radio on the African continent as well as world-wide for chasers.

    (sarl)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - CW

    CANADIAN STRAIGHT KEY MONTH IS ON THE AIR

    Hearing C S K and M in morse?

    What you are hearing is a CW operator in one of Canada's provinces who's
    taking part in the Canadian Straight Key Month of the Straight Key
    Century Club. The event has eliminated the use of special callsigns.
    Now, hams will be heard calling "CQ C S K M," followed by their OWN
    callsign.

    According to the SKCC website, the change was made to make it easier for everyone to enjoy the event, which runs through to the 31st of September. Operators who work at least six different provinces are eligible for a
    special downloadable award.

    (newsline2497)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - DIGITAL.

    The Darwin Amateur Radio Club advise that they have acquired an ICOM 70cm D-Star repeater under the recent ICOM repeater grant program. It has been commissioned and operates as VK8RTE.

    The repeater has been on test for the last month and performance is
    better than expected with excellent coverage throughout the Greater
    Darwin area and stretching to the near fringe rural area. It is not yet
    housed in its home location as we are still awaiting the allocations of a Static IP address and various ports to be opened.

    The repeater operates on 438.100 MHz (-7.00MHz) DV only. It is connected
    to reflector REF023C from 06:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs (CST) daily and reverts
    to reflector REF091C from 16:00 hrs - 21:00 hrs CST daily.

    The Darwin Amateur Radio Club operates a D-Star digital net on Thursday
    nights at 20.00Hrs CST on the repeater VK8RTE and also on Reflector
    REF091C. The club callsign is net control station operating as VK8DA.
    D-Star users are encouraged to join the Thursday night net and say hi to
    some VK8's

    The club has been in discussions with ICOM about the list of repeaters available as a download from their web site. They have acknowledged that
    the list is well out of date. Clubs and individuals who operate a D-Star repeater are encouraged to update their details on the Australian D-Star Information page by contacting the Website Administrator at the link dstar.org.au

    This information will be provided to ICOM to update their database
    records.

    (vk8zz)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - FINAL FRONTIER
    AMSAT-VK Secretary - secretary@amsat-vk.org

    ISRO and Indias Prime Minister recently shared updated objectives for
    the countrys space program over the next decade and a half, with the
    ultimate goal of a crewed domestic Moon landing by 2040.

    A key change is the way ISRO will send astronauts to the Moon, rumoured,
    but now confirmed, LMLV will be Indias new heavy-lift Moon rocket,
    ostensibly replacing, but likely an evolution of, the out-of-favour and somewhat underpowered NGLV. LMLV is slated to be ready by 2035.

    (orbital index)

    As NASAs Artemis program trundles onwards at the blazing pace of a disused
    and very rusty crawler-transporter, the next mission on the list is gradually coming into focus.


    This will be the first crewed mission a flyby of the Moon following in the footsteps of 1968s Apollo 8 mission. As part of this effort, NASA is looking for volunteers who will passively track the Orion capsule and its crew of
    four as it makes its way around the Moon during its 10-day mission before returning to Earth.

    tinyurl.com/4nu2mw6t

    This follows on a similar initiative during the Artemis I mission, when participants passively tracked the radio signals from the capsule. For this upcoming mission NASA is looking for Doppler shift measurements on the Orion S-band (2200-2290 MHz) return link carrier signals, with the objective being
    to achieve and maintain a carrier lock.


    Currently pencilled in for a highly tentative April 2026, the Artemis II mission would fly on the same SLS Block 1 rocket configuration that launched the first mission, targeting a multi-trans-lunar injection (MTLI) profile to get to the Moon using a free return trajectory. The crew will check out the
    new life support system prior to starting the MTLI burns.


    Because Artemis II will be on a free return trajectory it will not be
    orbiting the Moon, unlike Apollo 8s crew who made ten lunar orbits. Incidentally, Apollo 8s crew included James Lovell, whod go on to fly the world-famous Apollo 13 mission. Hopefully the Artemis astronauts will be
    spared that level of in-space excitement.

    (twiar)

    The Japan Amateur Satellite Association, or JAMSAT, has announced progress in its development of an open-source multi-mode linear transponder for amateur radio on CubeSats. The project is called Blueberry JAM.


    The international team working on the project believes it will have a model available by the middle of 2026 and hopes to make it available to satellite developers and universities where CubeSats are being prepared for flight. According to a report by AMSAT News, Blueberry JAM will support linear operation and will have the potential for delay modes, data handling and
    other digital capabilities.


    Because of the project's fully open-source design, the ham radio community
    can expect to have access to design documents and details about the transponder's development. The ultimate goal is to have up to 10 spacecraft
    in flight with the transponder on board.


    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - IOTA
    iota-world.org/
    --------------------------

    WE9G/KH2 - Guam - OC-026.

    Work Rikk, WE9G, operating as WE9G/KH2 from Guam, IOTA number OC-026.

    Rikk is on the air till the 26th of September as a single operator using
    two radios. His activation will be mostly digital modes with some CW and
    SSB.

    160-6m.

    See QRZ.com for QSL details.

    (newsline 2497)

    -------------

    One for next years IOTA Diary

    TX 9 XG on Rangiroa Atoll, OC-066.

    Haru, JA1XGI has announced that he will be active from Rangiroa Atoll,
    French Polynesia (OC-066) as TX9XG during April 1-8, 2026. He plans to
    QRV on 40-10m; CW, SSB, RTTY & FT8 using the new IC-7300 MK2.

    QSL TX9XG via Haru's home call, JA1XGI using OQRS Club Log.

    (dx-world)
    ----------------

    H44MS on Malaita Island in the Solomons, OC-O47

    Bernard, H44MS will be active from Manakwai village, nearby Maluu
    (northern Malaita island) covering the period September 20 to
    November 25 then a small break, followed by more activity next year from January 25 to April 10.

    (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

    ARRL VEC Youth License Test Fee Only $5!

    Our young friends in the USA, under 18 years of age, can earn their
    initial Technician license or upgrade a current license through the
    ARRL VEC Volunteer Examiner Coordinator program for only $5.

    The ARRL Youth Licensing Grant Program, has been in effect since 2022 and covers the one-time $35 application fee for new license candidates
    younger than 18 for tests administered under the ARRL VEC program.

    Then their $35 FCC application fee will be reimbursed after the ARRL VEC receives the completed reimbursement form and the new license has been
    issued by the FCC. Additionally, candidates younger than 18-years old pay
    a reduced exam fee of $5 to the ARRL VEC VE team at the time of the exam.
    Proof of under 18 status is required at the session.

    The program is sponsored by ARRL The National Association for Amateur
    Radio in the United States.

    (arrl)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO

    The Hurricane Watch Net (HWN) celebrates its 60th anniversary of
    providing critical communications support to the USA's National Hurricane Centre (NHC) and communities impacted by hurricanes.

    As Hurricane Betsy was pummelling the Caribbean on Labour Day weekend
    1965, a ham radio operator started hearing calls for information from
    operators in the Bahamas. Jerry Murphy, K8YUW, sprang into action.
    He began relaying surface data and storm conditions to help those in the
    path.

    That first net paved the way for what would become the Hurricane Watch
    Net.

    HWN Manager Bobby Graves, KB5HAV, says the net has been active for
    156 land falling hurricanes, including 60 major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). Of those, 12 struck as Category 5 hurricanes.

    The nets longest continuous activation occurred during Hurricane Matthew
    in 2016, when operators remained on the air for 151 hours straight.

    HWN operates on 14.325 MHz and 7.268 MHz, often simultaneously, with
    net control stations strategically positioned throughout the region to
    maximise coverage.

    (icq)
    ------------------------------------------------------------*
    IT'S A DATE

    Clubs are welcome to email text with audio for this section, nationalnews@wia.org.au

    Details of all WIA affiliated clubs and societies can be found
    on the WIA website, including email addresses and website links.

    ----------------------------

    2025

    VK - Sep 14 4-5pm AEST WIA Affiliated Clubs briefing webinar (wiacal)

    Time permitting the topics to be discussed include

    . WIA Grants Program
    . Repeater and Beacon Licensing
    . Class Licensing updates
    . WIA Digital Membership Card
    . New WIA Web Page (preview). WIA Callbook
    . WIA AGM and Field Day May 2026

    Plus, if time permits, answer general questions from the attendees.

    (text written by Chris VK3FY)
    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 Nov.15 10am (my-ee-nah) (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)
    final final

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    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    Oh... and to contact us with your news because
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    wia.org.au/members/broadcast/wianews/ (This is the link
    to the original text version and original audio on wia site) ------------------------------------------------------------*

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    [continued in next message]

    --- SoupGate-Linux v1.05
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair ---:- FidoNet<>Usenet Gateway -:--- (3:633/10)
  • From National News Broadcast Email List@3:633/10 to All on Friday, September 19, 2025 05:36:28
    XPost: aus.radio.amateur.misc, rec.radio.amateur.misc
    From: vk1wia-news@wia.org.au

    Weekly news from the WIA:
    MP3 edition of news available at: http://www.wia-files.com/podcast/wianews-2025-09-21.mp3 Text edition:

    2025 SEPTEMBR 21 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 WIA NATIONAL NEWS THIS WEEK:-

    New Radiocommunications License Conditions (Amateur License)
    Determination 2025 will commence 30 September 2025 and a fresh look at
    our breeding ground, CB, here in Australia aligns to much of the rest of
    the world. -

    WIA's Roger Harrison VK2ZRH, Editor-in-Chief of Amateur Radio magazine &
    WIA director Steven Green VK2TSG join us.. -
    BUT WAIT - THERE'S MUCH MUCH MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE
    WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21.

    I'M EDITOR GRAHAM VK4BB

    WIA

    JOIN THE WIA
    tinyurl.com/yyj87b9y

    Hello, this is one of your national WIA directors, Steven Green, VK2TSG,
    with this week's Board comment.

    As part of the WIA's commitment to working closely with affiliated clubs,
    we have been holding regular online meetings with club presidents or
    their delegates. At one such meeting last week, we received a good deal
    of feedback from over fifty (50) groups, and benefited from valuable discussions and insights. Much of this directly informs our priorities
    and decision making, allowing us to better work towards what is needed by
    the Amateur Radio community in Australia and its territories.

    At our Board meeting on Wednesday night, several of these subjects were considered and we will continue to work hard on these issues.

    One such matter was the lack of a Callbook, at one time the main method
    of finding contact details of other Amateurs. To that end, I have been
    asked to setup a working group to develop an e-callbook. This will be
    open to all Australian Amateurs, and to maintain privacy, would be setup
    on an opt-in basis with the information being collected from the
    individuals.

    If you are interested in joining myself on the working group and have a relevant skillset such as content curation, experience on similar
    projects, perhaps database management or web development; then please
    send an email to me, care of our WIA Secretary, Mr. Peter Clee, via the
    email address...

    secretary@wia.org.au

    The WIA would like to thank the affiliated Club presidents who attended,
    and ask that club members with suggestions or items of interest, discuss
    these with their president or delegate.

    This has been Steven Green VK2TSG. Until next time, 73.

    This is Roger Harrison VK2ZRH, Editor-in-Chief of Amateur Radio magazine.

    Issue No.5 of Amateur Radio magazine pranced off the press last Wednesday at the printer in Bairnsdale, Gateway to the Gippsland Lakes, where I understand there are some new sites of interest to Parks on the Air participants.


    This issues feature is Amateur Radio Adventures on Islands!

    No doubt many of you would have dreamed, at one time or another, of spending time living on an isolated island and the amateur radio adventures that you could have.


    Me, too. And, in fact, I got to live the dream. But thats a story for another time.


    Our 15-page feature covers amateur radio escapes on islands from the nearby South Pacific to the Indian Ocean, and as far flung as the UK.


    There are some quite adventurous tales to read some of them may raise a few gasps, but I am assured they are all true and verifiable.


    And for those among you who still harbour dreams of operating on the bands
    from an island, or any other exotic location for that matter, we have a comprehensive article on what you need to know to legally operate abroad.


    The theme of that article reminds me of what my scoutmaster said when I asked his daughter out on a date be prepared!


    Later in this issue, Amateur Radio magazines cartoonist in residence, Carmel Morris VK2NO, details how she mounted a Xeigu G90 transceiver in an ammo can
    so that she could have a ready-to-go radio.


    Our indefatigable world radio conference traveller and amateur radio
    advocate, Dale Hughes VK1DSH, proves once again that not only can he talk the talk, as he demonstrated in Issue 2, but he also walks the walk because hes
    an inveterate homebrewer.


    This time, he delivers the details on how he went about receiving Slow Scan
    TV images from some satellites. To verify his success, he provided us a
    panoply of pictures.


    Maintaining the trend of technical topics in this issue, Gary Gibson VK2DBN exposes the myths behind S-meter readings, setting out the real world of
    signal strength standards and the truth about how various contemporary transceiver measure up.


    Thats all from me for this week. This issue of Amateur Radio magazine is brought to you by the numbers 5 and 9, and the letter B. More news next week.


    More guts. Less gab. Serving hams across Australia since 1933. Proudly
    produced and printed in Australia.


    By the way, I was well prepared for my date with the scoutmasters daughter I gave her a bunch of flowers and a small packet from my wallet containing the concert tickets.


    Im Roger Harrison VK2ZRH for WIA National News.

    ACMA NEWS
    ACMA remakes Amateur Licence Conditions Determination and thanks all
    those involved in the consultation process.

    In April 2025, ACMA consulted on their proposal to remake the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination
    2015.

    They have now made the Radiocommunications Licence Conditions
    (Amateur Licence) Determination 2025 which will commence on
    30 September 2025.

    You can find full details on the ACMA website

    tinyurl.com/2phwztum

    The Australian Communications and Media Authority is making changes to the Citizens Band Radio Station Class Licence Rules of 2015, which are about to sunset.


    The regulator is remaking the rules, with minor changes, saying that they reflect new developments in technology in the ensuing years. The ACMA characterised the changes as "minor" says ARNEWSLINE.ORG which filed this
    item.


    Changes include permission to use, on 27 MHz FM, which was previously restricted to AM or SSB. This aligns CB in Australia with operations in much
    of the rest of the world


    The rules also remove the requirement that calls be initiated only on
    specific call channels, giving operators the freedom to begin contacts on channels they customarily use. The ACMA also declared it would no longer be responsible for taking action against such on-air behaviour as harassment and threats, leaving enforcement issues instead to police and other authorities.


    ------------------------------------------------------------*
    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.

    On August 29th, 2025, the FCC Space Bureau granted a license to
    AST Space Mobile for using the 430 440 MHz amateur radio allocation
    for Telemetry, Tracking and Command for 20 additional satellites.

    The FCC Space Bureau commented: At this time, to address the concerns
    raised by amateur radio operators and the petitioner, we issue a limited
    grant to AST to conduct emergency operations in the 430440 MHz band when
    no other bands are available for the 20 additional satellites authorized
    herein for a period not to exceed 24 hours.

    This decision is the result of over 2500 comments to the FCC by ARRL and several IARU member societies, these, as the WIA Secretary told our
    editor included our own WIA.

    The IARU maintains its view that the use of Article 4.4 of the ITU Radio Regulations is inappropriate in this matter, in particular as there are existing allocations in the UHF spectrum for Telemetry, Tracking and
    Command operations. There are no technical or operational requirements
    for AST & Science LLC to intrude the 430440 MHz spectrum which is a
    primary amateur and amateur satellite service allocation in ITU Region 1
    and in several countries in Region 2.

    The IARU and its member societies will continue to monitor the further development of this issue.

    The UK is poised to become Europe's first country offering legal satellite connectivity for smartphones. The regulator Ofcom has released a consultation authorising the move and is requesting comments no later than the 10th of October.


    Making this service available to standard mobile phones would provide the
    most remote parts of the UK with the access needed to send texts, make phone calls or even connect to the Internet - functions presently not possible in areas without mobile phone coverage.


    This is known as "direct-to-device" and operation would be permitted after Ofcom has provided a variation to the licences of Mobile Network Operators.
    The change would also grant such use to mobile handsets and any other devices that make use of SIM cards.


    Data centers and the electrification of devices that previously ran on fossil fuels is driving increased demand for electricity around the world. China is addressing this with a megaproject that is a new spin on their most famous piece of infrastructure.


    At 250 miles long with a generating capacity of 100 GW, the Great Solar Wall will be able to provide enough energy to power Beijing, although the energy will more likely be used to power industrial operations also present in the Kubuqi Desert. NASA states, The Kubuqis sunny weather, flat terrain, and proximity to industrial centers make it a desirable location for solar power generation. As an added bonus, previous solar installations in China have
    shown that they can help combat further desertification by locking dunes in place and providing shade for plants to grow.


    The Great Solar Wall is expected to be completed by 2030 with 5.4 GW already installed in 2024.


    hackaday.com/2025/08/18/chinas-great-solar-wall-is-a-big-deal/

    FCC EYES GIVING OK TO MOBILE PHONE JAMMING AT PRISONS

    Jamming is illegal in the United States but the FCC is considering
    whether to give prisons permission to jam cell phones of inmates.

    The commission has scheduled a vote this month to remove a restriction
    that keeps the prisons from such jamming. The inmates are not authorized
    to have the phones, which the commission said are being used to assist
    them in conducting criminal activity while behind bars.

    US law prohibits the use - and even the sale or distribution - of any
    equipment that can jam authorized signals such as radio communication,
    police radar, GPS devices and cell phones.

    The vote is scheduled for September 30th.

    The Young Ladies Radio League has announced six scholarship recipients for
    this year - two each for the Ethel Smith K2LMB Memorial Scholarship, the Mary Lou Brown NM7N Memorial Scholarship, and The Martha Wessel KEPE Memorial Scholarship.


    Congratulations to Grace Papay, K8LG and Neeti Sonth, KN6JJ for their
    selection as recipients of the Ethel Smith scholarship. Grace, who was
    Amateur Radio Newsline's Young Ham of the Year in 2024, is a top contester
    and youth mentor. She is studying electrical engineering at Cedarville University in Ohio. Neeti is a PhD student at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she is studying toward her PhD in aerospace engineering sciences. She is the communications officer for the school's amateur radio club.


    Madison Clogher, KC1KJT, and Camrynne Ellis WX5CAM, have been chosen for the Martha Wessel scholarship. Madison is active in public service and emergency communications and worked recently with the Federal Emergency Management
    Agency in its office of planning and preparedness. She has a bachelor's
    degree in emergency management and is pursuing her master's in cybersecurity. Camrynne is entering her final year at Texas A&M University where she is studying meteorology and atmospheric sciences. She became involved in ham
    radio through the school's Texas Aggie Storm Chasers organization.


    Rachel Jones KO4HLC, and Katherine Forson, KT5KMF are receiving the Mary Lou Brown scholarship. Rachel, a PhD candidate in aerospace sciences at the University of North Dakota, has been a presenter on radio space science for students and is currently the winter manager of KC4USV at McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Katherine is a senior meteorology student at Texas A&M University and active as an officer in the campus radio club W5AC. She is also a liaison between the club and the Texas Aggie Storm Chasers, where she serves as radio and licensing director. Katherine received the ARRL's Hiram Percy Maxim Award in 2021.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    OPERATIONAL NEWS - A FELIX VK4FUQ PRESENTATION
    --------------
    --------------

    Oceania DX (OCDX) Contest

    The OCDX contest is Oceania's only international style contest where
    contacts with stations all over the globe are able to participate.

    Oceania stations may contact any station for QSO points whilst
    non-Oceania stations are required to contact any station in Oceania
    for QSO points.

    The contest runs over the first two full weekends in October and has
    SSB, CW and SWL categories

    Phone 4/5 Oct.

    CW 1/12 Oct.

    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

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    NOW THE DX WINDOW TO THE WORLD.-----------------
    -----------------

    Special event call VI8POL is on air to Monday 29th September to
    celebrate the 8th annual National Police Week in Australia.
    QSL is via VK5PAS.

    More information on VI8POL can be found on QRZ.com
    -----------
    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)
    -------------

    October 5th through October 11th, a special Canadian annual event will
    be promoting fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, with the theme
    being Lithium-ion battery fire safety.

    Stations usually participating include: KF2IRE, N1F through N9F, and
    VA3FIRE from Ontario and a printable certificate is available from
    hamfire.com where the event information is. VA3FIRE is a wildcard station
    that can help with earning that certificate.

    The various stations spot themselves on DX Summit and as it is not a
    contest stations can be found on most HF bands working SSB and some FT-8.

    (ard)
    ---------------

    Special callsign LA 100 A is active throughout 2025 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio two-way contact between Norway
    and the USA in November 1925.

    QSL directly to LA100A, via the Bureau, or QRZ.com

    (RSGB)

    ------------

    Switzerland.

    4 U 0 ITU is the call sign for the International Amateur Radio Club
    at ITU HQ in Geneva to use from 16 May to the end of the year in
    celebration of the 160th anniversary of the International
    Telecommunication Union.
    QSL via LoTW, Club Logs OQRS, or direct to
    IARC, PO Box 6, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.

    (sarl)

    -------------

    CROATIA

    9 A 169 TESLA

    This is a special callsign that will be used until 31 December in
    celebration of the 169th anniversary since the birth of Nikola Tesla
    (10 July 1856).

    QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, Club Log, and QRZ Logbook.

    (425dex)

    -------------
    -------------

    REMINDERS
    -------------
    -------------

    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)

    A52G Kingdom of Bhutan

    Gerben (PG5M) will be active as A52G from Dochula at 3,100m above sea
    level in Bhutan.

    Operation will be on 40-10m (perhaps some 6m) with CW and some FT8 on
    dates plus or minus a day or so October 3-9.

    dx.to/a52g/

    (m0oxo)
    ----------

    80th anniversary of the Technical University of Sofia operating
    special event station LZ 80 TUS. On the air now 1 through December 24th.
    (ard)

    ---------

    8K3EXPO is on the air until October 13, 1.8 MHz 10 GHz.
    This event marks the first time a callsign has been established with
    the 8K prefix and draws attention to the Osaka World Expo.

    (ard)

    --------------
    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)
    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    MEDIA WATCH

    Texas Radio Shortwave

    For shortwave band listeners, Texas Radio Shortwave will be active during October with a couple of special channels.

    Frequencies used will be 6160kHz or 3975kHz manly for European audiences
    (but worth trying to log them from VK) these will be transmitted from
    Germany using either 1kW into a crossed dipole or 10kW into a vertical
    antenna.

    Specific times and further information may be found at the
    Texas Radio Shortwave Facebook page.

    facebook.com/texasradiosw/about

    (sourced to IRTS)

    -------------------------------------------------------------

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - FINAL FRONTIER
    AMSAT-VK Secretary - secretary@amsat-vk.org

    The International Space Station has been in orbit around the Earth, at least
    in some form, since November of 1998 but not without help. In the vacuum of space, an object in orbit can generally be counted on to remain zipping
    around more or less forever, but the Station is low enough to experience a
    bit of atmospheric drag. It isnt much, but it saps enough velocity from the Station that without regular reboosts to speed it back up , the orbiting complex would eventually come crashing down.


    Earlier this month, a specially modified SpaceX Cargo Dragon became the
    newest addition to the list of spacecraft that can perform a reboost. The
    craft will boost the Station several times over the rest of the year, which will provide valuable data for when it comes time to reverse the process and de-orbit the ISS in the future.


    To make reboosting with the Dragon possible, SpaceX added additional
    propellant tanks and a pair of rear-firing Draco thrusters within the spacecrafts un-pressurized trunk module. This hollow structure is usually empty, but occasionally will hold large or bulky cargo that cant fit inside
    the spacecraft itself. Its also occasionally been used to deliver components destined to be mounted to the outside of the ISS, such as the for the outside of the ISS, such as the International Docking Adapter (IDA) and the roll-out solar panels.


    While the ability to have the Dragon raise the orbit of the International
    Space Station obviously has value to NASA, the implications of this
    experiment go a bit farther.


    SpaceX has already been awarded the contract to develop and operate the
    Deorbit Vehicle which will ultimately be used to slow down the ISS and put it on a targeted reentry trajectory sometime after 2030. Now that the company
    has demonstrated the ability to add additional thrusters and propellant to a standard Dragon spacecraft via a module installed in the trunk, its likely
    that the Deorbit Vehicle will take a similar form.


    So while the development of this new capability is exciting from an
    operational standpoint, especially given deteriorating relations with Russia, its also a reminder that the orbiting laboratory is entering its final days.

    (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

    Not long to go now before the 2025 VKFF National Get Together in
    Canberra. This event is for those interested in the World Wide Flora
    Fauna park program, no matter if you are a beginner or an experienced
    park activator or hunter.

    The Get Together commences on Friday 24th October and concludes on Monday
    27th October, 2025.

    The Get Together includes a Friday evening dinner, Saturday
    presentations, a raffle with excellent prizes, a Saturday evening dinner
    with a guest speaker, a Sunday morning BBQ breakfast and linked dipole construction session, Sunday VKFF park activations, a Sunday evening
    dinner, and some visits to Canberra tourist locations on Monday.

    You must register to attend this event.

    Walk ups will not be accepted.

    You can attend whatever part of the Get Together you choose, but you must register. Registration closes on Friday 10th October 2025.

    More information on the 2025 VKFF National Get Together can be found on
    the WWFF Australia websitet:

    wwffaustralia.com

    Many thanks for listening.
    73
    Paul VK5PAS
    The VKFF National Co-Ordinator.

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - IOTA
    iota-world.org/
    --------------------------
    ----------------
    Listen for Claudio, HB9OAU, operating as SV5/HB9OAU from Karpathos Island in the Dodecanese Islands, IOTA number EU-001, from the 13th through to the 25th of September. He will operate SSB and CW on 40-6 metres. See QRZ.com for QSL details.

    (newsline2498)

    Members of the Inverness and District Amateur Radio Society will be active
    as GS 0 RIV from the island of North Uist (EU-010) now until 26September.

    They will operate SSB, CW and FT8/FT4.

    QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, Club Log, eQSL and QRZ Logbook;
    paper QSLs unfortunately will not be available.

    (sourced to 425dx news)

    ---------------
    ---------------
    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-026 - WE9G/KH2 - Guam.

    Work Rikk, WE9G, operating as WE9G/KH2 from Guam, IOTA number OC-026.

    Rikk is on the air till the 26th of September as a single operator using
    two radios. His activation will be mostly digital modes with some CW and
    SSB.

    160-6m.

    See QRZ.com for QSL details.

    (newsline 2497)

    ---------

    OC-047 - H44MS - Malaita Island in the Solomons.

    Bernard, H44MS will be active from Manakwai village, nearby Maluu
    (northern Malaita island) covering the period September 20 to
    November 25 then a small break, followed by more activity next year from January 25 to April 10.

    (dx-world)

    -------------

    OC-054 - WALLIS ISLAND.

    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)

    -----------

    One for next years IOTA Diary

    OC-66 - TX9XG - Rangiroa Atoll.

    Haru, JA1XGI has announced that he will be active from Rangiroa Atoll,
    French Polynesia (OC-066) as TX9XG during April 1-8, 2026. He plans to
    QRV on 40-10m; CW, SSB, RTTY & FT8 using the new IC-7300 MK2.

    QSL TX9XG via Haru's home call, JA1XGI using OQRS Club Log.

    (dx-world)
    ----------------

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ASTRONOMY (and Wireless Weather)

    Like a solar storm itself, a controversy over solar cycle predictions is heating up. Andy Morrison K9AWM tells us more.


    As this year brings the solar maximum of Cycle 25, a different kind of solar storm has been raging - one that challenges the longstanding and prevailing paradigm scientists use to help arrive at forecasts. Sociologist and statistician Frank Howell K4FMH has done an extensive study of this so-called NASA-NOAA-ISED prediction formula, which utilizes a consensus methodology, pitting it against the work of solar physicist Scott McIntosh of Lynker
    Space.


    In this busy, high-profile year for the sun and its activity, Frank has
    written extensively and presented a series of virtual talks on the subject in the US and overseas. He has also discussed the competing models extensively
    in his blog, K4FMH.com. Frank's most recent talk, "Progress in the
    Revolution: Sunspot Cycle Forecast Accuracy at Cycle 25," was given to
    Pennine [PEN-NINE] Ham in the UK, and can be seen on their YouTube channel.


    This is Andy Morrison K9AWM.

    Whether the NASA team or the McIntosh team prevails, one thing is certain:
    Like CMEs themselves, this scientific competition over solar predictions promises to rage for some time to come.

    (NEWSLINE2498)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS ---- MARITIME.

    The Battleship Iowa Amateur Radio Associations (BIARA) NI 6 BB will
    celebrate the U.S. Navys 250th birthday with radio operations from
    October 4 - 19, 2025.

    Frequencies will be on or near those listed on biara.org

    Battleship Iowa Amateur Radio Association will use modes at the
    discretion of the individual control operators manning NI 6 BB and
    operating hours are expected to be between 1400 and 2400 UTC.

    QSLs will be available per the detailed instructions found on the
    biara.org website.

    (arrl letter)

    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

    Our story this week takes us inside the pages of a new fiction book for
    young readers.

    There are many dimensions to Lorilyn Roberts, KO4LBS. The Florida
    resident is an educator, a storyteller and a ham -- something she has
    wanted to be since childhood. Although she enjoys CW, one of her
    preferred modes when she is OFF the air is fiction. In many of the books
    she has authored, she uses that mode to communicate with faith and
    passion, reaching out most especially to young adult readers.

    In her latest book, released September 5th, Lorilyn shows yet another
    dimension of her work, one that is reflected in its title
    "Eighth Dimension - Frequency."

    This is a work of fantasy fiction. It's the story of a teenager who gains fluency as an amateur radio operator but off the air, struggles to
    communicate as a caregiver for her mother who has dementia. The young girl, named Chumana, believes that her faith and her future have been shattered and she questions why things happen as they do in this universe.


    Like Lorilyn, the protagonist at the core of this tale is a communicator - a gift that serves her well as she begins to make some unusual and unexpected connections via the digital modes.


    Lorilyn told our US sister service, Newsline in an email, that her hope is
    that young readers will discover amateur radio - and something more - by hearing Chumana's story. In fact, perhaps they will end up

    "on the same frequency."
    (newsline2498)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO

    The RSGB has issued a note re the intense flooding in East Malaysia.

    Although last Monday, 15th, it still would be prudent to adhere to the
    request from the Malaysian Amateur Radio Transmitters Society's
    Disaster Management Committee to keep 7.110MHz free for use by teams
    helping in the flooded area of Papar District, Sabah.

    In one California county, radios are becoming more and more of a safety net.

    In Sonoma County, California, floods, wildfires and earthquakes are among the best reasons for becoming a radio operator. With that in mind, the county's Department of Emergency Management has entered the second year of a
    three-year program that includes helping more Sonoma Springs area residents
    to get licensed and get on the air. The initiative has been funded through a $70,000 federal grant.


    Emergency management officials are now preparing for training sessions in October that will prepare area residents for an exam leading toward a license to use handheld radios, especially at times when cellular telephone networks fail. The radios are part of General Mobile Radio Services, or GMRS, a
    licensed service operating between 462 MHz and 467 MHz. The county is coordinating with amateur radio operators in the North Bay Communications Cooperative and its Auxiliary Communications System. The goal is to
    coordinate frequencies so that the GMRS users can work seamlessly within the broader emergency communications system.


    No matter what happens, you have something that will work.
    says Nancy Brown, Emergency management specialist.

    The focus is on residents in the community of Sonoma Springs, which is classified as an evacuation zone when there are wildfires.


    The county's program can supply as many as 175 of the radios to participants who successfully complete the program.

    (icq)
    ------------------------------------------------------------*
    IT'S A DATE

    Clubs are welcome to email text with audio for this section, nationalnews@wia.org.au

    Details of all WIA affiliated clubs and societies can be found
    on the WIA website, including email addresses and website links.

    ----------------------------

    2025

    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 Nov.15 10am (my-ee-nah) (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)
    final final

    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@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
    Submitting news items

    If you would like to submit news items for possible inclusion
    in the VK1WIA broadcasts, please email your item in text to nationalnews@wia.org.au and don't JUST send url's links or

    [continued in next message]

    --- SoupGate-Linux v1.05
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair ---:- FidoNet<>Usenet Gateway -:--- (3:633/10)
  • From National News Broadcast Email List@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, September 25, 2025 21:30:49
    XPost: aus.radio.amateur.misc, rec.radio.amateur.misc
    From: vk1wia-news@wia.org.au

    Weekly news from the WIA:
    MP3 edition of news available at: http://www.wia-files.com/podcast/wianews-2025-09-28.mp3 Text edition:

    2025 SEPTEMBR 28 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:-

    Worldwide SDR Radio Telescope Network to Monitor the Sky. -

    Immediate Past President of ALARA Michelle VK2AYL. -

    Equatorial Guinea temporarily suspends all amateur radio licenses. -

    Editor-in-Chief of Amateur Radio magazine Roger Harrison VK2ZRH. -
    BUT WAIT - THERE'S MUCH MUCH MORE IN THIS EDITION OF NEWS FROM THE
    WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA FOR WEEK COMMENCING SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28
    2025..

    I'M EDITOR GRAHAM VK4BB

    WIA

    JOIN THE WIA
    tinyurl.com/yyj87b9y

    This is Editor-in-Chief of Amateur Radio magazine, Roger Harrison VK2ZRH,
    with more about Issue 5 now on its way by post and to the shelves of selected newsagents throughout Australia.


    Further from last weeks outlining of various articles, we have something for those with dreams of getting aboard the digital express Dave Abel VK1DJA details how to go about building digital communications systems on-screen, in software, no soldering required.


    Daves article on Homebrewing digital with GNU Radio takes you on a DIY path into software-defined radio SDR technologies and techniques. The term GNU Radio refers to a software toolkit for signal processing that is used in software-defined radio SDR providing free non-proprietary software to build radio systems.


    The article comes complete with an acronym converter so that you dont get
    lost among the D-S-Ps and G-U-Is essential to the topic. As Dave says,
    digital signal processing is a versatile and powerful addition to a
    homebrewers skills.


    Under the umbrella of Your WIA working for you, Publications Committee member Bruce Kendall VK3WL has a commendably short article on why a claim that a
    deal between the ACMA-DoD-WIA denied us the 5 MHz band is Bunkum.


    And, to ensure that the entire amateur radio community has access to this information that debunks the disinformation on 5 MHz in VK, weve posted it to the Amateur Radio magazine Issue 5 web page, for download. That means it will be there in perpetuity.


    For enthusiasts of the shortwave bands, we have a Solar Cycle Update that considers the key questions of these exciting times are we there yet?, and
    did we miss it?


    Meanwhile, way beyond the pleasure and pain of the HF bands, VHF-UHF and microwave band enthusiasts have been out on hilltops and verandahs spending
    MAD winter days, making and breaking distance records.


    That word I just used mad is an acronym for microwave activity days not a Field Day, but a day to get out on the hilltops and test the equipment and
    see what you can do.


    With Spring in full swing, with glorious Summer to follow, its contesting season.


    Trent Sampson VK4TS, has advice on the perfect radio fix for the time-poor amateur. Get into contesting! It offers something unique in amateur radio a chance to condense weeks of operating into a single weekend. For those of us who struggle to find an hour here or there, says Trent, contesting delivers
    the ultimate radio fix on hyper-drive.


    In an article possibly yet to come, I suspect Trent will explain the fun to
    be had with speed soldering and marathon construction methods. Can hardly
    wait.


    Hold on, theres more the ALARA column, Below 25, Over to you, WestNews, the regular WIA DX Awards tables and so on.


    This issue of AR magazine is brought to you by the numbers 5 and 9, and the letter B.


    More guts. Less gab. No bunkum. Serving hams across Australia since 1933. Proudly produced and printed in Australia.


    Im Roger Harrison VK2ZRH for WIA National News.

    AUSTRALIANA

    ALARA this year has celebrated 50 years and YOU can relive lots of the years celebrations NEXT YEAR right in your own home shack.


    Michelle VK2AYL joins us with news of their 2026 Calendar.

    (audio intensive).

    -------------------
    Plans to mandate passkey adoption by end of this year.

    VicRoads is set to phase out passwords for its registration and licensing services as part of an effort to strengthen cyber security and streamline access for its 5 million users.


    There have been many account breaches in Australia in past years, and
    passkeys are actually helping to improve security posture and protect
    customer accounts by being an efficient [attack] resistance and a form of MFA by design, it was reported in itnews.


    Passkeys are way faster and provide a high-volume success rate, and most importantly, passkeys saved a lot of costs, as they are much cheaper in terms of operational costs compared to SMS one-time passwords in

    large-scale applications and organisations like VicRoads.

    A highly specialised drone research fleet is providing the opportunity for Australian researchers to fast-track a range of projects from solving daily traffic snarls to targeted monitoring and protection of coral reefs.


    The University of Queensland (UQ) Drones Collaborative Research Platform
    offers both aircraft and significant piloting and technical expertise to
    assist with corporate, government and academic projects. Platform Director Associate Professor Steven Micklethwaite said the goal was to democratise drones and help researchers across the country to harness the many potential uses they offer.


    Our aim is to provide highly specialised gear that they normally couldnt afford, so they can collect data in new and more effective ways,
    Micklethwaite said.


    The expanding fleet of about 30 drones is managed by a team at UQs
    Sustainable Minerals Institute, with custom models built in UQ labs including the heavy-lift Earthdrone. About the size of a single mattress, it features eight rotors and can drop and retrieve sensors used for geoscience research using a retractable arm, with applications including remote water sampling
    and ground scanning.

    (critical comms)

    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    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.
    EQUATORIAL GUINEA

    The Government of Equatorial Guinea temporarily has suspended all
    amateur radio licenses. This decision follows the revelation of a
    case involving a foreign amateur radio operator who gained access to sensitive areas with unauthorized equipment.

    The authorities are committed to establishing a new regulatory framework
    that guarantees effective control over the use of telecommunications frequencies and equipment, in accordance with national security
    requirements.

    The information was reported on 10 September.

    ahoraeg.com
    I'd think most of us have seen, or are aware of those massive radomes
    used by the bureau of meteorology.

    Imagine one almost destroyed by mother nature.

    That's what happened in New Zealand where, following a massive lightning
    strike Westland Rain Radar near Hokitika.

    The radar has sustained significant damage, and repairs will be complex.

    The radar is to remain offline for an extended period.

    How could a lightning strike cause this?

    A 156,000-amp lightning strike (the NZ national average is around 29kA
    so that's about 5 times more powerful than a typical bolt for NZ) hit the
    area. Thats enough energy to power an average home for over two years!

    A lightning strike can heat the air it passes through to about 30,000
    degrees Celsius, which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun, unleashing a blinding flash, deafening thunder, and a shockwave strong
    enough to destroy the radome. Moisture in nearby structures likely
    vaporised instantly, leading to explosive damage.

    Needless to say, this kind of strike can fry electronics and overwhelm
    even robust grounding systems, and that weather our radar took the full
    hit.

    ARRL has launched a grassroots campaign throughout the USA aimed at
    securing the passage of federal legislation that would grant Amateur
    Radio Operators the same rights to install antennas on their property as
    those enjoyed by users of TV antennas, wireless internet, and flagpoles.

    The campaign, follows the reintroduction of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act in February 2025. The bipartisan bills are designed to
    prevent restrictive homeowners association (HOA) rules that currently
    prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas,
    even when such antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look like flagpoles.

    This legislation is about restoring equal rights to licensed Amateur
    Radio operators, said ARRL President Rick Roderick.

    Well you may not WORK them BUT you MAY hear them.

    Once again Italian radio amateurs have been authorized to use the
    40 MHz band until the end of the year.

    They are allowed to operate from 40.660 MHz to 40.700 MHz with a
    maximum power of 10 watts.

    The Italian regulator has given permission until 31 December also
    for 70.1, 70.2, and 70.3 MHz.

    Radio Communications Foundation Trustee, Andy Webster, G7UHN will be at
    this year's RSGB Convention to deliver a fascinating lecture on using
    radio technology to engage and inspire non-radio amateurs.

    In particular, he will look at this within STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education settings, using the subject to connect
    with young people. Matthew Phillips, G6WPJ will also be at the Convention
    where he will be discussing the use of low-power software-defined radio
    to rejuvenate medium and short-wave broadcasting.

    AM Radio For Every Vehicle Bill Advances

    We brought you this story well over two years ago, Help Save AM Radio In
    Your Car, and it would seem like the wheels of the US Congress indeed
    turn slowly. However, this issue has not died and appears to be closer
    to passage in Washington.

    More than two-thirds of the U.S. House of Representatives have now signed
    on to co-sponsor a bill seeking to block automakers from removing AM
    radios from new vehicles, a move supporters say is essential for public
    safety and emergency communications.

    As of mid-September, the measure had attracted 296 co-sponsors in the
    House, easily surpassing the two-thirds threshold, with members from both parties lining up behind it. In the Senate, a companion bill has secured
    61 co-sponsors, also demonstrating bipartisan support and giving the
    proposal strong momentum in both chambers.

    The push to preserve AM radio has also become a symbolic debate over technology, tradition, and safety.

    Lawmakers say the issue resonates with constituents who may not listen to
    AM daily but want it available when disaster strikes. Rural
    representatives have been especially vocal, pointing out that their
    districts rely heavily on AM signals that cut through terrain where
    cell service is unreliable -------------------------------------------------------------------

    OPERATIONAL NEWS - A FELIX VK4FUQ PRESENTATION
    --------------
    --------------
    ALARA CONTEST 2025
    WINNERS ARE GRINNERS

    Stacey VK2SJC with 476 is the top scoring Australian YL and receives this
    years trophy.


    Alisha VK2FASH just 6 points behind is the runner up to Top Score YL.

    With 292, is Linda VK7QP the top Score of a VK7 Member and
    then Deena VK6DEE with 234 is the top score YL using EchoLink and also
    Top Score for a VK6 ALARA Member.
    (alara web)

    ------------------

    The CQ Worldwide DX RTTY Contest runs from 0000UTC on Saturday the 27th to 2359UTC on Sunday the 28th of September.


    Using RTTY on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report and CQ Zone.

    (rsgb)
    ------

    Oceania DX (OCDX) Contest

    The OCDX contest is Oceania's only international style contest where
    contacts with stations all over the globe are able to participate and the
    Phone section is next weekend 4/5 October withe CW the weekend after,
    11/12 Oct.

    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
    ---------------

    W.R.T.C. ANNOUNCE HQ SITE IN ENGLAND

    Organizers of next year's World Radiosport Team Championship have
    announced the location of the event's headquarters as being the
    market town of St. Neots in Cambridge.

    Organisers have identified three hotels close to the event where
    activities will take place from the 8th through to the 14th of July.

    wrtc2026.org/

    (newsline 2499) -----------------------------------------------------------------
    NOW THE DX WINDOW TO THE WORLD.-----------------
    ----------------- -----------------
    -----------------

    Special event call VI8POL is on air till tomorrow, the 29th September celebrating the annual National Police Week in Australia.
    QSL is via VK5PAS.

    More information on VI8POL can be found on QRZ.com
    -----------

    WW 0 WV

    The WWV Amateur Radio Club will host special event stations, using the
    callsign WWWWV, to celebrate the 106th anniversary of WWV.

    The event is 'timed' to last 96 hours, from Zero Hours UTC October 2
    through 2359 October 5, 2025.

    Suggested frequencies are the decimal Four Eights.
    7.048 MHz CW, 7.248 MHz SSB for example.

    (arrl)

    ------------
    Celebrating the 68th anniversary of Malaysias independence
    (31 August 1957), members of Terengganu DX (West Malaysia)
    are active as 9 M 1957 M until Tuesday September 30.
    They are operating SSB, CW and FT8 on 80-10 metres.
    (425dx)

    ---------
    Angola.

    A team of Spanish and Portuguese operators will be active as D 2 A from
    near Luanda, Angola, between 17 and 28 October. The activity is to
    celebrate the 50th anniversary of the independence of Angola.
    That call, D2A.

    -------------

    REMINDERS
    -------------
    -------------

    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)
    ---------

    A52G Kingdom of Bhutan

    Gerben (PG5M) will be active as A52G from Dochula at 3,100m above sea
    level in Bhutan.

    Operation will be on 40-10m (perhaps some 6m) with CW and some FT8 on
    dates plus or minus a day or so October 3-9.

    dx.to/a52g/

    (m0oxo)
    ----------

    80th anniversary of the Technical University of Sofia operating
    special event station LZ 80 TUS. On the air Nov 1 through December 24th.
    (ard)

    ---------

    8K3EXPO is on the air until October 13, 1.8 MHz 10 GHz.
    This event marks the first time a callsign has been established with
    the 8K prefix and draws attention to the Osaka World Expo.

    (ard)

    --------------
    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)
    ------------
    October 5th through October 11th, a special Canadian annual event will
    be promoting fire safety during Fire Prevention Week, with the theme
    being Lithium-ion battery fire safety.

    Stations usually participating include: KF2IRE, N1F through N9F, and
    VA3FIRE from Ontario and a printable certificate is available from
    hamfire.com where the event information is. VA3FIRE is a wildcard station
    that can help with earning that certificate.

    The various stations spot themselves on DX Summit and as it is not a
    contest stations can be found on most HF bands working SSB and some FT-8.

    (ard)
    ---------------

    Special callsign LA 100 A is active throughout 2025 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first amateur radio two-way contact between Norway
    and the USA in November 1925.

    QSL directly to LA100A, via the Bureau, or QRZ.com

    (RSGB)

    ------------

    Switzerland.

    4 U 0 ITU is the call sign for the International Amateur Radio Club
    at ITU HQ in Geneva to the end of the year in
    celebration of the 160th anniversary of the International
    Telecommunication Union.
    QSL via LoTW, Club Logs OQRS, or direct to
    IARC, PO Box 6, 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland.

    (sarl)

    -------------

    CROATIA

    9 A 169 TESLA

    This is a special callsign that will be used until 31 December in
    celebration of the 169th anniversary since the birth of Nikola Tesla
    (10 July 1856).

    QSOs will be uploaded to LoTW, Club Log, and QRZ Logbook.

    (425dex)

    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    MEDIA WATCH

    Texas Radio Shortwave

    For shortwave band listeners, Texas Radio Shortwave will be active during October with a couple of special channels.

    Frequencies used will be 6160kHz or 3975kHz manly for European audiences
    (but worth trying to log them from VK) these will be transmitted from
    Germany using either 1kW into a crossed dipole or 10kW into a vertical
    antenna.

    Specific times and further information may be found at the
    Texas Radio Shortwave Facebook page.

    facebook.com/texasradiosw/about

    (sourced to IRTS)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- ASTRONOMY (and Wireless Weather)

    Worldwide SDR Telescope Network to Monitor the Sky.

    The Wow@Home project, inspired by the famous Wow! signal detected in 1977, is advancing its effort to establish a global network of small, software defined radio (SDR) telescopes dedicated to searching for transient astrophysical events and potential techno signatures. Testing of hardware and software continues, though progress has been slowed by a shortage of low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), a key component expected back in stock soon.


    Project organizers note that the original Wow! signal was strong enough to
    have been detected by a modest home telescope, underscoring the scientific value of a distributed approach.


    A worldwide network of small radio telescopes offers distinct advantages compared to professional observatories. These low-cost systems can operate autonomously around the clock, providing continuous sky monitoring that large instruments cannot sustain.


    The prototype Wow@Home telescope is a meridian-style system modelled after
    the Big Ear telescope used in the Ohio State SETI project. With a fixed elevation and a wide 25-degree beam, the telescope surveys a full 360-degree strip of sky each day as the Earth rotates. Over time, multiple passes yield full-sky coverage.

    (amsat)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - FINAL FRONTIER
    AMSAT-VK Secretary - secretary@amsat-vk.org
    NIGERIA CALLING:-

    This was no scam call, but a call to the ISS via Belgium, South Africa,
    that originated in Nigeria.

    In a landmark moment for Nigerias space sector, students from 20 schools in
    the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, had a once-in-a-lifetime interaction
    with astronaut Zena Cardman aboard the International Space Station.


    The National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), in its strides
    to position the country among global players in the space sector, connected
    via Amateur Radio on the International Space Station, ARISS, to give the students a lifetime experience.


    The programme was moderated in Belgium, through the manned ground
    station, ZS6JON in South Africa.

    The event marks Nigerias entry into direct human contact with space
    exploration and represents more than symbolism.


    It is a milestone for science education, technological advancement, and empowering young people to dream bigger.

    tinyurl.com/35v23ddh
    (radionigeria)

    Open Letter from AMSAT-SM Highlights Need for Full Duplex Handheld Radio.

    The AMSAT-SM group in Sweden has issued an open letter to several major
    amateur radio manufacturers calling for the development of a new handheld transceiver with true full duplex capability. The initiative, led by Lars Thunberg, SM0TGU, highlights the strong demand within the satellite operating community for modern equipment that supports simultaneous transmit and
    receive on different bands without desense.


    The letter was sent to a dozen manufacturers, including Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Baofeng and AnyTone.


    These companies represent both long-established Japanese firms and newer Chinese brands that have introduced a wide variety of handhelds in recent years. While todays radios often feature APRS, GPS, Bluetooth, and USB-C charging, none currently provide the full duplex FM capability needed for effective satellite operation.


    AMSAT-SM emphasized that full duplex operation is vital for amateur satellite use, allowing operators to hear their own downlink while transmitting. This feature was present in older, now-discontinued models such as the Kenwood TH-D72, but is missing from all currently produced handhelds. The group
    argued that satellite operators would be willing to pay a premium for this capability, and that manufacturers could capture a unique market by stepping into this, dare I say it, "space".

    (sourced to AMSAT)

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - IOTA
    iota-world.org/
    --------------------------

    A NEW IOTA - AS-178

    AT 2 AH is the callsign issued to the DXpedition to Hope Island
    AS 178, (new one for IOTA), which is scheduled to take place now
    until October 2.

    [425DXN].
    ---------------

    OC REMINDERS

    OC-002 CHRISTMAS ISLAND VK9QO October 3-7.
    -------------
    OC-047 - H44MS - Malaita Island in the Solomons until November 25 then
    a small break, followed by more activity next year from January 25 to
    April 10.
    -------------
    OC-054 - WALLIS ISLAND FW5K 20 October to 7 November.
    -----------
    OC-066 - TX9XG - Rangiroa Atoll April 1-8, 2026.

    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

    Our Australian Army Cadet Drone Racing Team is scoring big in the UK!

    Cadets CUO (Cadet Under Officer) Rhys subb20 James,
    CUO Zac Shutterspeed Melvaine and CAPT (AAC) James Griffiths
    left Sydney on 12 September for London to participate in the Military International Drone Racing Tournament or M I D R T 2025


    After landing at 5am in the UK, the team spent the day fighting jet lag with
    a trip to the historic university town of Oxford.


    The team then continued their travels to the Royal Military Academy
    Sandhurst, where the tournament is being held.


    After a challenging first day, CUO James and CUO Melvaine came in second in
    the final heat.


    Day 2 of qualifying was a very successful day for the team.

    CUO James finished in 10th position and CUO Melvaine finished t in 7th position.


    On the final day of the Tournament, Shutterspeed and subb20 both achieved amazing results, placing 1st and 2nd respectively in the cadet class.
    Congrats go to Zachary and Rhys!


    During the tournament , they took the opportunity to share their experiences with members of allied militaries, including the UK, US and Philippines.


    Being great ambassadors for Australia that they are, the two CUOs also took
    an opportunity to introduce British Army Cadets to the fast-paced world of drone racing - all set against the historic backdrop of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.


    For many of the British cadets, this was their very first experience flying racing drones, and their enthusiasm was sky-high.


    Congrats and well done go to Zachary and Rhys!

    For WIA National News, I am Alan VK2COD in Sydney. Now back to you Col.

    WW SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS --- RESCUE RADIO

    When wildfires tore through parts of Altadena and the Palisades in January, many amateur radio operators lost more than their homes.


    They also lost the equipment that kept them connected during power and phone outages -- and pieces of a hobby that brought them community.


    Now, the San Fernando Valley Amateur Radio Club (W6SD) is stepping in to help those hams rebuild their stations. "We're probably the oldest Amateur Radio Club in Southern California," Richard Frankie, president of W6SD, said.
    "We're 70-plus years old." The goal with this drive is to identify licensed amateur radio operators in Altadena and the Palisades who have lost equipment and match them with radios and antennas that can get them back on the air. Frankie noted that even a simple wire antenna can be built with modest materials, but radios are harder to replace. That is where the clubs lending and donation program comes in.

    (eHam)
    ------------------------------------------------------------*
    IT'S A DATE

    Clubs are welcome to email text with audio for this section, nationalnews@wia.org.au

    Details of all WIA affiliated clubs and societies can be found
    on the WIA website, including email addresses and website links.

    ----------------------------

    2025

    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 Nov.15 10am (my-ee-nah) (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)
    final final

    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@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
    Submitting news items

    If you would like to submit news items for possible inclusion
    in the VK1WIA broadcasts, please email your item in text to nationalnews@wia.org.au and don't JUST send url's links or
    posters, but take the time to pen YOUR contribution.

    To submit audio, email nationalnews@wia.org.au
    and send BOTH the audio and the text

    We would appreciate items certainly no longer than 1.5 mts in
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    Remember the sooner you submit material the more the
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    Each recorded item will only be broadcast once, if you want a couple
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    Promote your local rebroadcast; details on wia.org.au/members/broadcast/contribute/

    A reminder when supplying HamFest info we obviously can't
    plug DEALS from commercial traders "on air", but we at the
    WIA will put your supporters 'goods' in this text edition
    "no worries."

    We will not give blatant 'plugs' to raffles, be it raffles
    at the event or "on-line".

    ------------------------------------------------------------*

    Oh... and to contact us with your news because
    If It Matters To You It Matters To Us!
    Click the links below to download the most recent edition of
    National News, BUT this is ONLY the backup site!

    WIANEWS backup thanks to Brendan VK4BLP can be found on
    wiaq.org.au

    BACKUPS OF THE BACKUP!! thanks to Tony VK7AX
    www.vk7ax.id.au/wianews/

    wia.org.au/members/broadcast/wianews/ (This is the link
    to the original text version and original audio on wia site) ------------------------------------------------------------*

    WIANews - we've reported...YOU decide.

    TWITTER twitter.com/VK1WIA

    Societies and Club News Letter Editors can EXCHANGE a feed
    prior to the actual broadcast date, e-mail
    nationalnews@wia.org.au

    Call-backs follow the RF editions, but also for text readers
    you may lodge a quick reply to let us know you read it, who
    knows, you might even get a "cheerio call".

    Thanks to our dedicated band of broadcast volunteers who
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    Who and where are they?
    wia.org.au/members/broadcast/where/
    Promote your local rebroadcast; details on wia.org.au/members/broadcast/contribute/
    The purpose of "WIANews" is to rapidly provide news of
    interest to WIA affiliated clubs and active amateurs residing
    in Australia and the globe.

    We strongly encourage membership in the Wireless Institute of
    Australia and participation in the activities of local clubs.
    Opinions expressed in "WIANews" are those of the writers who
    submit material and do not necessarily reflect those of the
    rebroadcasters, nor the National WIA, but IF broadcast, are
    done so in the spirit in which they were submitted."

    If you would like to see the call-backs reported each
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    How do I join this REBROADCASTERS List?
    (subscribe for an automatic feed.)
    Email to vk1wia-broadcasters-join@lists.wia.org.au
    from the email account that you wish the emails to go to.

    How do I join this National News List?
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    Email to vk1wia-news-join@lists.wia.org.au
    from the email account that you wish the emails to go to.
    How do I leave this National News List? (unsubscribe your
    weekly feed)
    Open mail program which sends mail from the address you want
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    unsubscribe address vk1wia-news-leave@lists.wia.org.au
    You will be sent a confirmation mail and must follow the
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    Once your unsubscription has been processed, you will
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    ------------------------------------------------------------* _______________________________________________
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