Here is a pic of Kate, VK5FKLY, doing a magnificent job with the video switching gear in the O.B. Hut on the Saturday and a couple of pics of the remote link for the wirelessly linked camera.
Here are a few of my shots. Not many action as the camera is only a point and shoot and the ones I got are pretty blurry.
The static shots give a small idea of what the drivers and navigators had to contend with.
Enjoy. Col. VK5HCF
While the “Workers” braved the elements to give the masses video of the event some just kicked back, relaxed and actually enjoyed themselves.
Here is a shining example of how to make the best of a poor situation.
The weather did not worry this fella as he just makes the best of it.
Seriously – a very big “Thank You” to ALL who helped out.
Well done and see you next year.
Back in 2016 during Tim, VK5AV’s term as President Greg, VK5ZGY and Norbert, VK5MQ, were awarded Life Membership of the Group because of their outstanding contribution to the Group over many years.
Although they received their Life Member medallions we forgot to present them with their Life Membership Certificates.
This was remedied for Norbert at last Night’s Business meeting.
Greg, VK5ZGY had already received his. (See earlier post below).
Every few years the President and the Executive may decide that there is a Club Member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Group.
This year Club President Peter, VK5BE, and the Executive decided that Andrew, VK5KET, was a very worthy candidate for this honour because of his many years of input to the very efficient running of a number of annual events.
Andrew has been the major force behind the running of the Legend of the Lakes Hill Climb for many years as well as the organiser of our involvement with the huge Generations in Jazz Event plus organising events for the kids for J.O.T.A. and J.O.T.I. just to name a few.
Peter is shown presenting a very surprised Andrew with his award Certificate and medallion.
A few photographs of the presentations made at our 2019 A.G.M.
The Major Award for the night was the 2019 Presidents Award.
Club President Peter,VK5BE, described how, for the past three years, this award has gone to a non-Club Member and how deserving the recipients have been. He then awarded the Presidents Trophy for 2019 to Brian Roberts, VK5VI, who’s huge support of our Groups repeater network has been a very important part it’s efficiency. Brian has supplied parts and equipment and done a lot of construction work on some of the major components of our wonderful system – all without reward or recompense. He is a very worthy recipient.
Past President Tim, VK5AV, presented Greg, VK5ZGY, with his Life Member Certificate which we forgot to present in 2016.
Club President Peter, VK5BE on the phone to inform Brian, VK5VI, that he has been awarded the President’s Trophy for his outstanding contribution to our terrific repeater network. Brian was mobile with his wife on their way home from Strathalbyn at the time. (Hands free – of course).
Club President Peter, VK5BE, presented the 2019 Roy Goodwin Award for the most outstanding Foundation Licence member to Leith, VK5FLAR, for his long standing commitment to helping the Club in many ways. (Tower climbing and, in particular, his outstanding work in helping to set up the Legend of The Lakes Hill Climb over many years).
Recently a number of South East Radio Group members have been tracking weather balloons here in South East South Australia.
A balloon is released automatically from the Mount Gambier Airport each Monday and Thursday morning at 10.45 a.m. local time and if some unusual weather conditions are expected, at any time.
We watch the predicted flight path on Hab Hub Predictor and then track the actual flight path on Hab Hub Tracker. Sometimes the two plots agree and others not very well.
The prediction for yesterdays balloon originally had it landing somewhere near Hamilton but this was revised to a spot just East of Strathdownie in Victoria.
Charles, VK5HD rang me at about 11 a.m. and asked if I was going to chase it or if I might be interested in doing so. As it was not going to be very far from the Mount I suggested that I ring Tom, VK5EE, and invite him as well. Charles agreed and Tom and I met up with him at his home in Mt. Gambier at 1 p.m. and off we went.
After crossing the border on the way to Casterton we turned right onto West Strathdownie Road and then turned right onto McGrath’s Road. We travelled along McGrath’s Road for a short time until our GPS indicated that we were getting close to the landing area.
Charles had his hand held on and tuned to 401.500 Mhz. and right on cue we started to hear the signals from the Sonde. It had landed pretty much exactly where the tracker had placed it. We turn off McGraths road and drove a few hundred metres up along the Western edge of a stand of pine trees and parked.
After climbing over the fence into the paddock Charles thought he could see the Sonde but it turned out to be the wool from a sheep carcass.
Col, VK5HCF thought that he saw it just a bit to the North and so we changed direction and carried on walking. Bingo. There was the Balloon, (in tatters of course), and the parachute. Col traced the flimsy line from the tangled mess of the Balloon back to the actual sonde. The line was surprisingly long, maybe 30 metres or so.
All good. Charles coiled the whole mess up and we carried it all back to the car pretty happy with such an easy recovery.
We were only away for about an hour or so which meant minimal disruption to our day.
The Club is once again connected to the internet.
The I.R.L.P. and the remote station are all working properly and there has been a dramatic increase in upload / download speeds.
John, VK5DJ, has updated the Remote Access details on the relevant page of this site.
A huge “Thank you” to Brett of T.D.R.S. for:-
1. Supplying us with excellent internet at no cost.
2. For maintaining the system – also free of charge.
3. Updating the system to the N.B.N.
If you are looking for a new provider – look no further than T.D.R.S. who are, of course, locals.
This year our Club end of year BBQ was held at the home of Greg, (VK5ZGY), and Gabi at Worrolong. This proved to be a very lucky move as the weather was cold, wet and windy and their back patio provided shelter from both the wind and the rain.
Attendance was possibly down a little on last years event but the quality of those attending was excellent.
President Peter, VK5BE, formally thanked Greg and Gabi for allowing us to hold the BBQ at their home and he also thanked those present for coming along. He then wished everyone all the very best for Christmas and the New Year.
Much chatter was evident and some lucky members got a tour of Greg and Gabis very environmentally conscious garden and all the electronic and bio friendly wizardry that is associated with it.
There was also a bit of “Show and Tell” with Chris, VK5MC, parading his recently acquired Elad S.D.R. radio and Tom, VK5EE showed off his Solar Panel.
All present had an enjoyable afternoon.
On Monday 5th. November The Club held a working Bee at the Clubrooms.
Colin, VK5DK, had made arrangements for Blue Lake Cranes to come along and help us to swap the old and dilapidated 2 metre antenna for the brand new one built by Ian, VK3DNQ and modified by Trevor, VK5NC.
With plenty of willing helpers the exercise went well, (after a few minor hiccups) and the new antenna is now ready to use.
Here are a few shots taken of the event by Club Treasurer Andrew, VK5VKC.
