WEST AUSTRALIAN VHF GROUP (INC)

                Minutes of 545th General Meeting, Monday, September 27, 2004

                     Held Wireless Hill Meeting Room, Applecross

President, Alan VK6ZWZ, opened the meeting at 2025, following the AGM.

Apologies: Cec 6AO, Terry 6TRG, Wal 6KZ, Luigi 6YEH, Terry 6ZLT, Ralph 6KRB and 
Bob 6KW.

Visitors: Anthony Benbow VK6AXB and Robyn Edwards VK6XRE.

NEW MEMBERS: Applications were received from Anthony 6AXB and Robyn 6XRE.

Both were made welcome as new members.

MINUTES: 

The minutes of the August Meeting were read and accepted.

BUSINESS ARISING:

* The submission to the ACA about the 5.8 Ghz band was despatched. A copy is 
available on the Group's website.

* As promised Anthony 6AXB had attended VK6RSW Augusta and reported that access 
was arranged via the local Garage proprietor but once again it was clear that 
this was done under protest with pressure to make the visit as brief as 
possible. The beacons were found to be off air and as on a previous occasion it 
was found that the AC power had been disconnected at both ends of the extension 
cord. The transmitters were restored and came straight up, however there is some 
doubt that full RF power is available from the 1296 MHz tx. Given the push to 
leave the site ASAP, it was not possible to do more in the time available. It is 
clear that access to the site and its coverage performance is unsatisfactory.

Local sites in a better location were at the Golf Club or the Gun Club. It was 
agreed that the Gun Club site should be investigated further on the basis that 
there is already a CBRS radio repeater site there which might improve the chance 
of cooperation and understanding of our needs. It would be likely though that 
power costs at least would be levied. It would probably be preferable to 
transfer the existing pipe mast and antennas. Anthony undertook to continue 
enquiries.

************ACTION: Anthony 6AXB.

CORRESPONDENCE:

In: 

AR Magazine.

Out:

* ACA 5.8 GHz submission.





REPORTS:

Treasurer:

Chris 6KCH advised that:-

* The bank balance at 18th August was $1638.79.
* Ten subs renewals had been received, including three new members. 
* A $55.00 surplus of accumulated Supper Club donations had been transferred to 
general revenue.
* It was proposed that an effort would be made to send a personal account 
drawing attention of members to outstanding subscriptions, at least to those on 
the e-mail list.

*************ACTION: Chris 6KCH.

Bulletin:

A volunteer is urgently needed for the post of Bulletin Editor as Ben 6IC has 
expressed a wish to retire.

Museum:

Tom 6ZAF reported in detail about efforts to repair the beam rotator for use at 
the open day on 16th October. 

Beacons:

Don 6HK reported:

* The visit to VK6RSW by Anthony 6AXB is detailed in "Business Arising".
* Two FM880 format UHF transmitters had been donated for beacon purposes as a 
result of the efforts of Phil 6ZKO. 
* No major changes to operational beacons had occurred since the last report.

UNUSUAL VHF EVENTS:

* Don 6HK reported on the expedition proposed by Rex VK7MO to Central Australia 
during October 5-10. Rex plans to try to work all call areas in Australia in one 
day from a site near Coober Pedy in VK5 using Meteor Scatter propagation and 
WSJT digital software. 


GENERAL BUSINESS:

(1) The VHF Scramble took place on Sunday 26th September. The winner was 
pronounced to be Phil 6ZKO with 23 points.

(2) Don 6HK suggested that the Group arrange a permanent e-mail address which 
could accept mail to be forwarded to the incumbent Secretary or other nominee in 
future.

**********ACTION: The Secretary

(3) A proposal that the old ATV Repeater equipment presently stored in the 
Museum Radio Room be transferred to Robyn VK6XRE was discussed and agreed. Robyn 
plans to reactivate the transmitter initially and to redevelop the Repeater if 
sufficient interest is shown. An elevated site and material for telecast can be 
provided. There would be no cost to the Group. It was pointed out that the Group 
wished to retain the existing rack and power distribution therein, together with 
any blank panels as the rack was intended for use for beacon equipment. Robyn 
will arrange with Phil 6AD for access and collection of all the rackmounted 
modules and interconnecting cables. In the event that the equipment was no 
longer required it was also agreed that the Group would be consulted before it 
was disposed of. 

**************ACTION: Robyn 6XRE.


(4) Anthony 6AXB spoke about the matter of tower climbing regulations. HE has 
prepared a paper on the topic and will e-mail a copy to the Secretary for 
information.

***************ACTION: Anthony 6AXB.



The meeting closed at 2125, to be followed by coffee and ragchew.



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