Some members of the Snowy Mountains Amateur Club assisted the 1st Cobargo Scouts Group recently to participate in the 2022 Jamboree of the Air.
Please click on the link below to read Bruce, VK2DEQ’s report on this fun event and click on the other link to see one of the Scout’s fun projects.
Fred VK3DAC is starting another online Standard/Advanced course in September. If you are interested in doing the upgrade then Fred’s course comes highly recommended by those that have completed it.
FROM FRED VK3DAC:
For those who may be interested, I am planning to commence an Amateur Radio Standard and Advanced theory program to commence on the 1st of September 2022.
The course will run for about 14 weeks each Thursday evening from 7 pm until 10 pm, East Australian Time
The course is online and delivered face-to-face. The course covers theory and regulations.
There is a fee of $20.00 for the course.
Should you wish to express interest please email: trainsafe@silvertrain.com.au
Regards
Fred Swainston VK3DAC, VK4FE
This is a small soft-covered book written to assist newcomers to gain an amateur radio licence produced by one of our members, Bruce, VK2DEQ. The book provides the reader with a concise summary of the “need-to-know” theory, regulations, and practical skills required to successfully complete the assessments and qualify for the Amateur Radio Foundation Licence.
You can find out more about the book including how to order it here: https://smarc.org.au/getting-your-license/
The Club received its first certificate from an official WIA Field Day. The Club participated in the John Moyle Field Day in March 2022 in what was less than ideal weather conditions. Whilst we made a limited number of contacts we are looking forward to JMFD 2023 with even better results.
It is with great sadness that we must note the recent passing of Richard Mackay VK2HRM. Richard’s funeral was held last Friday, May 13 at Adaminaby.
Richard was a highly qualified automotive engineer working in Canberra following his trade in the industry. He was very mechanically proficient and interested in all to do with motor vehicles.
He initially became attracted to CB radio, and later studied for and passed his Amateur Radio licence qualification. Richard was a founding member of the Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club back in the early 2000s and acted as President for a couple of years early in the history of the Club.
Richard built the repeater system, VK2RSM at the Table Top and Queen Gallery sites near Dry Plain south of Cooma, including the installation of the antenna tower, antennas, and the facility that housed the repeater systems. This system operated for many years as the main feature of the SMARC offering 2 Metre Amateur Radio coverage on the Monaro.
At the height of his involvement, the VK2RSM repeater systems operated on 70cms, 2M, and 6 metres with links to repeaters installed in Jindabyne and Nimmitabel.
Unfortunately, Richard’s health deteriorated in recent years, reducing his ability to be as active as he would have wished. He did however continue to be involved and interested in the activities of the Club as well as 2MNO Community Radio and the social side of the Club’s activity.
Richard will be greatly missed as a friend and a great mate.
Vale Richard Mackay VK2HRM.
Bill Steptoe VK2ZZF.
Our Club participated in the 2022 John Moyle Field Day on Saturday the 19th of March. We met and set up at Piper’s Lookout near the top of Brown Mountain in what was initially, a misty, wet, and bleak morning. We made about twenty-five HF contacts during the day into Queensland, NSW, and Victoria, and whilst we didn’t break any records, we had a lot of fun meeting up for this event. Field Days are lots of fun and help to improve our skills making radio contacts off-grid in just about any location.
The Club participated in the Summer VHF/UHF Field Day and set up at Mt Gladstone just south of Cooma on Saturday, the 15th of January. It was only a small turnout due to the heavy overnight rainfalls and unpredictable weather, however, it turned out just fine in the end. It’s always good to catch up with each other for these off-grid events and we look forward to the next chance to get together. More photos on our Club Photos page. https://smarc.org.au/photos/
Several South Coast Club members enjoyed the usual coffee on a Sunday afternoon with a special guest – Stuart Bartlett. Stuart is currently completing his post-grad studies at the University of New South Wales while working at the Australian Centre for Space Engineering Research. Plenty of lively and very interesting discussion about CubeSats, space exploration, robotics, and even a bit of radio was enjoyed by all. From left to right were Paul VK2MTZ, Dino VK2AFP, Stuart Bartlett, Russell VK2VRW, David VK2DE, Peter VK2DIE, and Steve. (Absent from the photograph is Bruce VK2DEQ).
The Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club Inc. encourages younger members of the community to take an interest in Amateur Radio. The Club is very pleased to announce that we now offer free membership to students and youths up to the age of eighteen years. You can find out more about membership here: https://smarc.org.au/membership/
