WEST AUSTRALIAN VHF GROUP (INC)

                Minutes of 532nd General Meeting, Monday July 28, 2003

                     Held Wireless Hill Meeting Room, Applecross

President, Alan VK6ZWZ, opened the meeting at 2000.

Apologies: Terry 6TRG, Cec 6AO

Visitors: Cliff 6LZ, Christine 6ZLZ.

MINUTES: 

The minutes of the June meeting were read and accepted. (Phil 6AD/Wal 6KZ).

Business arising:

Nil.

CORRESPONDENCE:

In: 

* Bank Statement
* Licence for VK6RSP.

Out:

* E-mail to Graham Lewis re 2.4 Ghz equipment.

REPORTS:

A/Treasurer:

Chris 6KCH advised that:-

* The bank balance at 18th July was $1306.35. The account balance at 30th June 
2003 was $1312.95.
* Membership subscriptions for 2003/4 are now due.

Satellites:

Al 6ZAY advised that many European contacts are to be had on AO-40. 

Beacons:

Wal 6KZ reported that:-

* VK6RPH, VK6RSW, VK6RBS, VK6RSX, VK6REP and VK6RBU are operational.
* A licence has been received for SHF beacons at Wireless Hill with the callsign 
of VK6RSP.
* The 10GHz transmitter for VK6RBS has been modified by Terry 6TRG to 
accommodate the exciter and keyer at ground level. Don 6HK is adding an RF 
monitor facility and some other minor items. 
* Arrangements for the VK6RST installation at Mt Barker are proceeding. 
Volunteers are sought to help with an installation party most likely during the 
school holiday period 26/9 to 13/10/2003. Rigging assistance has been offered by 
the site lessee, Tim Smith. 

* Wal also raised the matter of improving the security of the tower at Wireless 
Hill. An on-the-spot site inspection resulted in Steve 6SQ volunteering to 
arrange to add suitable outriggers laced with barbed wire. The interior of the 
tower would also be wired off with arc mesh to deter climbers. The ladder side 
wire segment would be removeable by two padlocks to allow maintenance access.

**********ACTION: Steve 6SQ.

ACTIVITIES:

Phil 6AD reported on the monthly Foxhunt. Three teams took part with the fox 
being concealed up a tree at Belmont. The participants enjoyed coffee at nearby 
McDonald's afterwards.

MEETING PROGRAMME:

July:  "An improved 13.8V battery booster" by Luigi 6YEH.
August: "A DSP receiver"
September: AGM
October: : "PICs Revisited"

GENERAL BUSINESS:

(1) Alan 6ZWZ advised that the VHF Scramble would be held on Sunday 21st 
Septemeber. Rules would be in the Bulletin.

(2) Al 6ZAY advised of an invitation by the Murdoch Astronomical Society to 
attend an evening to observe the closest approach to Earth of the planet Mars. 
This will be held on the 6th September and a small fee would be charged. 

(3) Don 6HK reported on the position with the Group order for 2GHz equipment. 
After a long delay an e-mail had been received from Graham Lewis VK2XGL advising 
of various problems. Prices had risen and some items were not available. A new 
website had been set up and new conditions of purchase established. The Group 
was trying to confirm that an offered 10% discount which partially offset price 
rises would apply to individual members but again no reply had yet been 
received. The Group hoped to make a purchase of some items for the 2.4 Ghz 
beacon project at Wireless Hill, but in view of events detailed recommended that 
individual members proceed with orders seperately at their discretion.


The meeting closed at 2050, to be followed by a presentation by Luigi Iemei 
VK6YEH on the topic of "An improved 13.8V battery booster". 



......................President                    ....................Secretary