VK Tech Net No 3

 

More information to come . . .

Participants: 

1. VK3UA (NC) - Mark 
2. VK3ZPG - Steve
3. VK3DJC - Dave
4. VK3DFL - Jim 
5. VK3UCD - David
6. VK3DNQ - Ian
   
7. VK3HJV - Paul
8. VK3HEW - Peter
9. VK3LTA - Trevor
10. VK3MCL - Scott
    

Thank-you to all who participated. 

73

Cambo

VK Tech Net No 2

 

 

More information to come . . .

Participants: 

1. VK3UA (NC) - Mark 
2. VK3DFL - Jim 
3. VK3ZPG - Steve
   
4. VK3HJV - Paul
5. VK3DJC - Dave
   

Call-ins: 

1. VK3KHT - Bill

Thank-you to all who participated. 

73

Cambo

VK Tech Net No. 1

VK Tech Net No. 1 occurred on 4th Feb, 2022. 

There were 4 participants, including Net Control, and 2 call-ins.

NC introduced the net and proceeded with the topic for the night, which was: managing transceiver temperature in a hot operating environment.

This came about from the experience of a local ham whose transceiver suddenly stopped transmitting mid over during a contest on a hot day. He estimated the temp in the shack to be over 40℃. Testing the transmitter later found there was now no output power on transmit, so it doesn't look good for the finals.

VK3UFO was the first to respond.

Summary: Jim's recommendation was to make sure there is nothing on or around the radio that is blocking airflow. If the radio is still running hot, an external fan can be employed to blow air across the radio's heatsink to provide further cooling. Need to note that when running digital modes the radio's amplifier is working much harder than when running SSB.

 Audio of VK3UFO - managing transceiver temperature in a hot operating environment

VK3ZPG then responded from the point of view of valve transmitters.

Summary: Steve said that the best practice with valve transmitters is to use a fan to suck heat out, rather than blow cooler air in as it tends to go to spots that can be damaged.

Audio of VK3ZPG - managing transceiver temperature in a hot operating environment

VK3DFL, Jim, mentioned it is possible to mount a computer muffin fan on the heatsink of your radio.

With no further input about the nights topic, NC then asked if there were any other questions, or information, that anyone would like to provide on any technical topic related to ham radio.

With no responses forthcoming, NC thanked the participants and closed the net.

Listen to complete VK Tech Net 1

From this small beginning, I hope that this net will continue to grow from here.

Participants: 

1. VK3UA (NC) - Mark 
2. VK3DFL - Jim 
3. VK3UFO - Jim 
4. VK3ZPG - Steve 

Call-ins: 

1. VK3LTA - Trevor 
2. VK3UCD - David 

Thank-you to all who participated. 

73

Cambo

VK Tech Net - Protocol

 The VK Tech Net is run a bit differently to the usual net operation of ham radio operators calling in and going onto a list, to then be called in order to have a say.

Read about the ideas behind the VK Tech Net

This net is run in segments.

Generally like this:

Net Control (NC) will open the net. There will not be a call in.

NC will announce the topic of the Learning Section, and then continue with it.

Learning Section - about some aspect of radio operation or setup. Possibly in response to questions on previous nets. These Learning Sections will also be posted on this website for later reference. Where possible they may be interactive. This section may be run by NC, or there may be another operator that will be announced to run it.

Q+A Section - Technical. Anyone with a technical question they would like answered  (eg. my radio doesn't work. What's wrong?) can call in to ask for help. Others on the net will then be asked if they can offer assistance. NC may also make a suggestion to help resolve the issue. At times, for longer responses, the involved parties will be asked to QSY to continue their "thread". They can then return to the net when finished if they like.

Q+A Section - Antennas. As above.

Info Section. This is the more general section of the net and will work more like a normal net. NC will ask if anyone wants to contribute information about something they are working on, involved in, or planning, about radio that will be useful to other participants. 

The net will be closed when NC decides they have had enough. At this time, NC will conduct a call in, ala WIA broadcast style, of anyone who would like to announce their involvement, whether it be active, or just listening in. There will be no judgement of SWLing. I am sick of snide comments on other nets about those who just want to listen in. 

Let me be clear about the running of this net:

NC WILL decide what is RELEVANT to the ideals of the net, and will MANAGE the nets content. That may mean informing you that your topic is not relevant to the current activity on the net. 

If you don't agree with the NC's decision, remember, you are not obliged to participate in the net.

73 

Cambo

VK Tech Net - beginnings

I had been thinking about starting a net on 80 Metres for a long time. 

Not that there aren't enough nets around, but on the whole they are pretty bland. Just "g'day, nice weather, my sciatica is playing up, 73". 

While I am not against chat or welfare nets, they just don't get my interest. 

I want to talk about Ham Radio. You know, electronics, transmitters, receivers, components, accessories, mobile set-ups, portable operating gear and "go bags", field day how to, modes of operation, and of course, antennas. 

Basically anything and everything technical about ham radio, in the broader sense of the word.

I believe there is just not enough of this information being disseminated (look it up) on the air regularly.

Anyway, a conversation with local ham Steve, VK3ZPG, and subsequent conversations with some recently licensed hams at the club, prompted me to make a decision and kick things off. The net is not a club activity. This is open to all licensed hams that can hear us and want to participate.

I have had a lot of thoughts about the format and how to run it, but ultimately, it's going to be suck it and see. The net will evolve in it's own way.

Will it work? Is the interest there?

My hope is that it will be useful.

Time will tell.

73

Cambo