Broadcast - 3 May 2026
Back on the 22nd of March 2026, we shared the story of Nic VK7WW’s unforgettable CW QSO with GB3RS at the National Radio Centre, Bletchley Park. What seemed at first like a routine contact quickly revealed itself to be something far more meaningful. Nic later wrote to the Radio Society of Great Britain, calling the exchange one of the most memorable moments in his 57 years in amateur radio. He reflected on his early days as G8CCY, his long RSGB membership, and the skills that shaped his Signals and Intelligence career with the Australian Army after emigrating from England. This month, Nic’s meaningful letter has been published in the RSGB’s May edition of RADCOM magazine, giving the story a wider audience. It’s a perfect opportunity to revisit the original article and appreciate the dedication of the volunteers who keep the NRC running every day. If you get a chance, check out the RSGB feature and re-live his remarkable contact.
While we are on the subject of achievements, NTARC would like to congratulate member Peter VK7PD. He has received official recognition, with a certificate, for his outstanding results in the 2026 Ross Hull Memorial VHF‑UHF Contest, conducted by the WIA. Peter achieved excellent placings across multiple sections of this prestigious national contest, which celebrates operating skill across VHF, UHF and microwave bands, including digital modes.
Peter obtained a:
9th place in Section A: All Modes, Best 7 Days
2nd place in Section B: Phone, Best 7 Days
3rd place in Section E: All Modes, Best 2 Days
2nd place in Section F: Phone, Best 2 Days
These results reflect consistent performance across both long and short duration operating periods and highlight Peter’s dedication to VHF/UHF contesting. Congratulations Peter on an impressive set of achievements and for representing NTARC so well.
Last Technical Night Ross VK7ALH, slightly changed his usual approach for “Show and Tell” and tried “Show and Eat” for something completely different, the Tim Tam biscuits, spring rolls and sausage rolls were delectable. Continuing the food theme, Denis VK7DCH, brought in a heap of home-made pizza servings, that were muchly appreciated.
Members were also treated to a close look at a brand new Vici VC480C+ milliohm meter, brought in by Stuart VK7ES. The compact instrument immediately drew interest, especially from those of us that have had a need for accurate low-ohmic-resistance testing, which is not possible with a general purpose multimeter. However this one can measure from 0.01 milli-ohms to 2 thousand ohms. This may seem a bit strange but very common where determining the condition of relay contacts, electrical joints or connector resistance is required.
At first glance this unit could possibly pass as a multimeter…. Except for the fact that it has two individual leads going to each of the two test probes. The reason being is this type of instrument employs a four wire sensing approach commonly known as “4Terminal sensing” or “Kelvin sensing”, after William Thomson or should I say Lord Kelvin. Yes, that’s the fellow that determined the correct value for absolute zero as approximately -273.15 degrees Celsius which was evermore referenced as zero degrees Kelvin.
But back to the probes with two leads, each probe had an alligator clip with one lead going to each of the individual jaws. Then the two leads from each alligator clip go back to their separate meter terminals.
By this method two leads supply 100 milli-Amp current across the component and the other two separate leads sense the voltage across it. Because the voltage‑sensing wires carry almost no current, they don’t suffer from voltage drop in the leads. That means the meter measures only the resistance of the component itself, not the resistance of the test leads or contact points. Think along the lines of a balanced Wheatstone bridge.
Stuart obtained the instrument after experiencing problems with his 12 Volt fridge tripping out on low voltage to protect itself. He subsequently found there was a one and a half volt drop between his battery and the small fridge while running. Stuart worked his way back from the battery and ended up replacing some suspect switches and connectors and one very suspect circuit breaker.
As usual pictures 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 13th May 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. 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.
