Broadcast - 6 September 2026
The first item is a quick update on NTARC providing safety communications and rider tracking at an Equine Endurance ride held at Santarena Park Scottsdale recently. Everything relied on 2 Metre voice communications, and good old paper. However electronic card reader tracking was deployed in tandem at one checkpoint, this allowed “real life” field testing of the latest software version.
All the contingency had assembled by 6 am Saturday morning and were heading out to the checkpoints for the start of the 80 kilometre event at 6:30 am. Ride Base was staffed by VK7's André ZAB, Stuart FEAT and Stuart ES. Checkpoints were operated by Roger AN, Idris ZIR and Stefan ZSB. With additional support from Jim JZ and Brian BW of REAST / WICEN, with Rob ARG and Pru from NWTARC, along with Pete from the Ulverstone Radio Operators Club. Thank you Roger for another round of excellently coordinated safety logistics.
The weather was indeed good to us and even the sun made a cameo appearance around mid-day. Operationally the day went smoothly without any horse or rider mishaps. Thank you to all who assisted in the running of the communications for what ended up being a truly multi group event.
Last club room technical night, Liam VK7WUF, showed us his brand new, all mode, HF transceiver, that supports eight HF bands. Manufacturer by Buluti, the model uSDX-Plus is certainly a compact QRP unit.
It is based on SDR architecture, incorporating direct digital modulation on transmit and capable of up to 5 Watt PEP SSB output and 3 Watt CW. An External CAT control connector is provided, making it ideal for digital modes like FT8, JS8, and FT4. Power is provided either via the 13.8 Volt DC external socket or the internal 11 Volt, 4 AH rechargeable battery. An independent battery charging connector is also provided. All of this functionality is contained within a very small foot print, the black anodised aluminium case measuring 110 mm by 85 mm by 40 mm.
Once Liam has a semi suitable antenna erected for proper testing, I am sure it will be put through its paces and a run-down of performance will be forth coming at a later tech night.
Eric VK7ZPE brought along a neat little field strength meter for us to have a look at. Despite its compact size, roughly that of a cigarette packet, it covers an impressive range from 100 kHz right through to 1 GHz. Most of the front panel is taken up by a classic analogue meter movement, with a sensitivity control tucked neatly along the bottom edge. On top you’ll find an SMA socket fitted with a 150 millimetre flexible whip antenna. All the manufacturer markings and control labels appear to be in Chinese, adding to the mystery of the unit. It’s an interesting piece of gear, and its styling is very reminiscent of the CB days.
To stem any more questions, NTARC club rooms will be opening up to watch the REAST presentation, on Wednesday the 23rd September, by Mogens Anderson and covering ADSB aircraft tracking. It should answer any questions you might have regarding that short vertical antenna on the peak of the club room roof. Doors will be open by 7:00 pm and at 7:30 mobile phones will be put on silent and we will cross to the live presentation on the REAST YouTube channel. So rather than sit at home watching, feel free to come along and watch in a distraction and stress free environment.
And now for something completely different. In case you missed Slow Scan TV this week, and if this is Sunday when you are listening to the broadcast, then it is sixty years to the day that Canadian audiences saw the first TV series episode of Star Trek!
However, if this is the Tuesday night rebroadcast, then it is sixty years to the day since it was first broadcast in the United States! I just can’t believe that Canada was ahead of the United States! So according to Wikipedia, from September 1966 we have been boldly going where no man has gone before. Not sure about just “man”, but think about the pivotal role, Nyota Uhura, played and all the communications technology that she had at her fingertips. Happy 60th birthday to Star Trek and the NCC-1701.
As usual pictures will be available on the NTARC Web site under “Blogs” for this broadcast. NTARC Blogs
UPCOMING EVENTS
CW course - Every Wednesday night, on 3.580 MHz from 7 to 7.30 pm. Your CW Coach for the evening is Nic, VK7WW.
On Air Test and Technical gathering - Wednesday nights, on 3.567 MHz from 7.30 pm.
Club Room Technical night - The next session will be Wednesday the 16th September and will commence at the usual time of 6.30 pm at the Club Room Archer Street, Rocherlea.
Club Room special night - Wednesday the 23rd September, a live feed of REAST presentation by Mogens Anderson on ADSB aircraft tracking.
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.
