Broadcast - 22 March 2026
There are radio contacts… and then there are the ones that stop you in your tracks. This event occurred last Sunday, in Tasmania to be precise, when a simple call in Morse code bridged more than just distance - it connected decades of amateur radio passion with one of the most historic sites in communications history.
When Nic VK7WW, tuned in and heard GB3RS from the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park, he wasn’t just making another QSO. To put things in context as to why it means so much I will quote a paragraph from some correspondence between Nic and the Radio Society of Great Britain, RSGB.
And I quote: “I am writing this letter to express my absolute delight at having had a CW QSO with GB3RS at the NRC last Sunday - volunteer operator was Simon M0KBJ. This is one of the most memorable occasions in my 57 years in amateur radio. Connecting with Bletchley Park resonates with me for several reasons. First licensed in 1969 as G8CCY and a member of the RSGB initially as BRS27869; I then emigrated to Australia in 1973. I have always been active in amateur radio, and the skills I gained enhanced my professional career as a Signals and Intelligence officer in the Australian Army.” Those were Nic’s words - and they capture the connection and feel perfectly.
From a technical point of view the QSO with GB3RS was received with a Readability Signal Strength and Tone of 559 in Tasmania, with Nic scoring an RST of 579 from Bletchley Park!
I think most amateurs would agree with Nic’s sentiments when he later said: “I applaud the efforts of the RSGB in establishing a showcase, the National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park. We don’t have an NRC in Australia; wish we did!” And the RSGB’s reply certainly puts things in perspective: “It’s great to receive such positive feedback. It really makes the efforts of the volunteers who keep the NRC open seven days a week so worthwhile.” Yes, you heard that correctly - the National Radio Centre is staffed entirely by volunteers, not occasionally, but every single day of the week. That’s an extraordinary achievement by any measure.
You can check out the photographs of the swish FlexRadio control room at Bletchley Park on the NTARC website, the actual live waterfall and if you look closely, you’ll even spot Nic’s QSO details written on the notepad beside the Morse key, proof that the contact really did happen. Hi-Hi
Can you remember the 3D printed handheld radio antenna holder that Colin VK7ZCF, brought in to a Tech Night recently? The one where Colin wanted to “tweak” his original design to make it fully usable? The one that, as the prototype was no longer needed, was quickly reassigned to a possible new job by Brendon VK7VIP. After many enquiries from people as to the outcome, I checked in with Brendan. It turns out that this piece of creative repurposing is indeed perfectly shaped for storing those pointy feathered missiles that people enthusiastically fling at dart-boards. You can admire the photo of this stroke of re-purposed engineering genius on the NTARC website.
Please note that there will be no Coffee Morning on Friday 3rd April, as it falls on the Easter Good Friday public holiday.
Pictures and Nic’s full letter to the RSGB will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Air Test and Technical Net session - Every Wednesday night, Test-Net and CW course on 3.580 MHz from 7 pm, then a Technical Net on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm till 8.30 pm. Your host for the evening is Nic, VK7WW.
Club Room Technical night - The next session will be Wednesday the 1st April and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Coffee Morning - Held every Friday in the NTARC Club rooms. With the exception of Good Friday! Time is from 10 am to noon.
Finally - If you have any items of news please email them to the Secretary at the following address news@ntarc.net all items to be received no later than 5 pm on the Friday prior to the Broadcast.
That’s all folks,
73, Stefan VK7ZSB.
