Recent happenings at SERG

Recent Happenings July - December 2006

Click here for a look at the recent 24GHz record attempts by Col VK5DK, Niv, VK5NC and Russell VK3ZQB

Thanks to Andrew VK5KET for the above link

On Sunday 17 December 2006 a group of hams helped Colin fix his 6M beam.
This photo shows the old beam on its way down, with climbers David VK5HDW and Col VK5DK
Some cruel people commented that this is the best photo they have seen of Col - at least he seems to be awake - see Jan to July 2006 Recent Happenings Page.

5th November, 2006, seven club members travelled to the "Ballarat Buy and Sell" Day.
While there Kevin VK5OA took this photo of well known Western Zone identity Woody, VK3AGD

Friday night 6 October 2006 at the exchange

Last Friday night the club visited the Mount Gambier telephone exchange. In amongst all the wizardry of fibre optics, ADSL, consumer telephone wires, air conditioning, backup generators and batteries we found that history still paid a part in technology. These photos from Tom VK5EE show some of the more unusual aspects of the exchange away from the high technology.

Tim VK5AV, summarizes his talk to the group at the exchange

"Now where's the VHF section?" Col VK5DK explores a test bench of yesteryear.

Greg VK5ZGY lusts over a generator like this one for his outback trips

When all else fails the SERG will provide backup communications on 2M with a faithful FM828

"Just thinking about telephones gives me an appetite, don't show this photo to Sandy" says David VK5HDW
We don't know whether the 'Nuts' sign is giving a special message.

The next few photos were taken at the AGM for SERG on Friday 18th August 2006

Some of the crowd at the AGM on 18th August 2006

The club executive for 2006/07 is: John VK5DJ President, David VK5HDW Secretary, Dave VK5DG Treasurer.

John Sheard VK5JA demonstrates spark transmitters and how they work

Some of the devices demonstrated by John

Charles VK5XCP (left) receives the 2005/6 President's Appreciation Award for outstanding club service	Brian VK5FROB (right) receives the inaugural Roy Goodwin Award for outstanding participation in AR as a Foundation Licencee
Tom VK5EE receives Life Membership from VP Col VK5DK	Two very surprised, new Life Members John VK5DJ and Tom VK5EE

The election of new officers was conducted by Niv VK5NC and all offices were filled promptly, mostly by last year's officers who willingly stood for another year. Written reports will be posted on the Web as soon as they all come to hand.

Guest speakers included Murray VK5BWA who spoke about the installation of short antennas in a limited space. Members were re-introduced to the Windom and vigorous discussion followed. Next we heard from John VK5JA who spoke about the early days of radio and spark transmitters. He showed his model of a coherer based receiver and thrilled us all with his spark generators and description of how they were used. There is no truth to the rumour that Past President Wayne had jet black hair before he touched the spark gap.

The Annual Lighthouse Activation Days took place on 19/20 August 2006

Tony VK5ZAI organised a special event callsign VI5CJ paid for by the Riverland and South East Radio Groups.
Members of the two clubs travelled to Kingston for the weekend and activated the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, now located on land following removal from the Margaret Reef some 10 years ago.

The new scary image being projected across Lacepede Bay
David VK5HDW becomes the siren of Cape Jaffa Lighthouse

Col VK5DK provides HF operating advice, John VK5DJ works the log and Kevin VK5KJ reels them in for VI5CJ.

Due to a rather exciting set of circumstances earthing was a bit of a problem. It was entertaining to see Kevin's cautious approach to the microphone button after discovering with his finger that there was a fair bit of RF floating around for a while. The experience brought a whole new perspective to the term 'Hot lips'. An opportunity for a new nickname for Kevin.

Hill Climb Rally

In November the club provided the communications for the Mount Gambier Auto Club's Hill climb. The event was held from the bottom of the Valley Lake Carpark to the top of the road near the summit.

Here are some photos of the event. there was an excellent number of volunteers and these photos encapsulate the helpers but doesn't necessarily include all of them as the event was held over two days and a roster operated. Photos by Ron VK5AKJ

I'm losing it!