Just wondering how many Amateur Radio operator's there are on the forums? I know of at least two.
Maybe we could get some net going for the amateur's on the forum. Obviously any net would have to be done on a band that is accessible to the F-Call licence holders so as not to exclude them. So 40m would be a good choice for distance and compatibility across the different licence classes.
Anyone interested? I know there is a travellers net on 20 and 15, 20 isn't available to F-Calls and 15 isn't the greatest of bands going for domestic comms.
How about you, anyone up for this?
biggles said
06:22 PM Jun 30, 2013
Hi Guys ..
Sounds like it could be an interesting venture .. and it would be interesting to see the numbers that can be rallied ..
It might also encourage me to get back on air .. I still have my HF and 40 M sounds feasible ..
Jon
VK2FACX
-- Edited by biggles on Sunday 30th of June 2013 06:27:42 PM
valiant81 said
12:00 AM Jul 1, 2013
VKPORTABLE;
Hi and what a good idear, and i'm all for it. The only thing that i can see it is most people that have a amature radio in their car most have 2 Meters / 70 Centremeters and possable also 477 Uhf as well. HF may be a nother thing. I have HF at home as well as the other two bands, I would have HF but the wife dosen't like the idear of a nother radio in the car, even if it's a remote head type.
40 Meters would be a good choice. Lets see what the othe members have to say.!!!!!
Regards VK3SVG
Poppy sore eye said
04:42 AM Jul 1, 2013
Now you will think I nam dumb, but would the amateur radio operator include us who would be totally new to UHF radios (I think that's what you call them )
PeterD said
06:23 AM Jul 1, 2013
Poppy sore eye wrote:
Now you will think I am dumb, but would the amateur radio operator include us who would be totally new to UHF radios
Amateur radio operators are those who have studied radio theory, passed an exam on the subject (plus other papers) and are qualified operators. They then have to obtain an amateur operators licence from ACMA. You will note the other respondents have included the call-sign from their licence in their signature. Unless you have one of those you are out in the cold. If you want to join the inner circle - see here
johnno02 said
11:15 AM Jul 1, 2013
Hi,
As Peter says,an Amateur radio Operator is someone who has
studied the theory required,as well as operating Procedures
etc,etc,and then passed a test,at least 70% meant a pass
anything under was a fail.Try Again
It is a lot easier today,than it was over 30 years ago,when
I was first Licensed as a Full Call,in those days one had to also
Pass the Morse Code test,which was for a full call 10 words/minute
send/receive,with only 4 mistakes allowed (I think)
they call them Ham radio's in America, no idea why, but apparently you do need a license to use them , and they have been used in emergencies when other communication cant be used ie in hurricanes etc
VKPORTABLE said
06:39 AM Jul 3, 2013
Poppy sore eye wrote:
Now you will think I nam dumb, but would the amateur radio operator include us who would be totally new to UHF radios (I think that's what you call them )
No not dumb at all.
Another good source of information would be the WIA www.wia.org.au, Wireless Institute of Australia. There is no requirement to be a member of the WIA, I'm not. Although these days they are responsible for the processing of licences - which I may add has seen additional time in licences being allocated.
UHF is CB (Citizens Band), although many people think the term 'CB' refers to the 27MHz CB's that were very popular in the 80's. Funnily enough, now that 27MHz has died off as the favourite, it makes a damn good band for groups to operate on with good range, especially if you have SSB units. The downside here is, there are no SSB (Single Side Band) units sold in Australia, but you can still buy the likes of the Cobra 138GTL from America for around $150 AUD as I have.
VKPORTABLE said
07:08 AM Jul 3, 2013
milo wrote:
they call them Ham radio's in America, no idea why, but apparently you do need a license to use them , and they have been used in emergencies when other communication cant be used ie in hurricanes etc
The term 'Ham' came from early operator's 'Hamming' it up for their potential audiences. As you say, an American terminology.
These days, in Australia at least (I might step on some toes here - so get your steel caps on) Amateur Radio use during emergency situations is all but non-existent, there is of course WICEN (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network), which ironically has no connection with the WIA except for the name. Mostly WICEN keep themselves busy providing communications for large scale events, like the Murray River boat races etc.
Obviously there are going to be those who like to hold onto years gone by and say that WICEN is an important service for emergency communications. Sure it is - if we ever face a disaster which takes out all communications transmitter sites in one blow! Is this likely to ever happen? With the exception of Armageddon, probably not.
These days there is just so much redundancy in communications networks, be it radio or mobile phone technology. Most mobile carriers, at least Telstra and Optus have COW's (Cell on Wheels) they can dispatch quickly. And most transmitter sites for emergency services have similar mobile replacements.
I am not so sure that emergency services converting to digital transmission modes en-mass like they are is such a good thing. At least with analogue you can easily find a radio to fill the bill should the need be, not so easy with digital or trunked systems, or both.
I am sure in years to come there will be some devastating disaster take place, and we will be back to square one with emergency services all saying 'We need a common method to talk to each other', just like they did after Cyclone Tracy in Darwin, which brought about the national UHF police allocation. This 64 channel allocation was used Australia wide and every police vehicle had UHF fitted for cross-border communications, including their own state domestic communications. Now they have all gone digital mad and no one either side of the border can communicate with each other via radio.
Honestly I don't think amateur radio in Australia is organised well enough to provide a viable alternative to emergency services for reliable and constant communications over an extended period. We don't have the correct infrastructure in place - unlike in America where amateur radio is well embedded with emergency services. Even hospitals there have dedicated rooms with amateur equipment all ready to go if need be. This sort of situation would never happen in Australia, for many reasons which I don't need to elaborate on here.
If anyone is thinking about getting their Amateur Radio licence, these days it is very very simply, especially with the Foundation Licence Class that is available. There is a very basic test, which is conducted by Amateur Radio Clubs throughout Australia. There is no electronics theory as such in this test. Just basic radio knowledge and safety. The Foundation level gives you access to 4 of the HF bands, along with 2 of the VHF/UHF bands. Power output is limited to 10 Watts PEP/FM. Whilst some may say 10 Watts isn't much (it isn't) you can still work other stations within Australia and overseas if you have a half decent antenna and pick your time of day.
For example, work the grey-line period on 40m (7 MHz) and you will do very well. Grey-line is the where your area comes into and out of sunlight for a basic explanation. So around an hour either side of sunrise and an hour either side of nightfall gives you the best opportunity to work overseas contacts. Of course other bands can open up and wonderful things can happen there to!
I've even experienced times when a 2m repeater from Tasmania was stronger then our local repeater (both on same frequency).
VKPORTABLE said
07:13 AM Jul 3, 2013
valiant81 wrote:
VKPORTABLE;
Hi and what a good idear, and i'm all for it. The only thing that i can see it is most people that have a amature radio in their car most have 2 Meters / 70 Centremeters and possable also 477 Uhf as well. HF may be a nother thing. I have HF at home as well as the other two bands, I would have HF but the wife dosen't like the idear of a nother radio in the car, even if it's a remote head type.
40 Meters would be a good choice. Lets see what the othe members have to say.!!!!!
Regards VK3SVG
Hmm any chance of portable operation, maybe a radio tucked away and a long-wire or squid pole
I have a FAMPARC antenna, been awhile since I looked at it, I think its the 5 band job 80/40/20/15/10-11. Of course I have my trusty squid pole to!
johns said
09:11 PM Jul 3, 2013
Sorry, Im a bit late with my comments. I must be one of those who only look at the general forum and forget the rest, anyhow how did it go? Im interested just tell me the time and frequency
Sorry, Im a bit late with my comments. I must be one of those who only look at the general forum and forget the rest, anyhow how did it go? Im interested just tell me the time and frequency
John VK5FLJ
Well it hasn't started as yet. If there is enough interest we can decide on a time/frequency suitable for all.
As for frequencies anything from 7080 to 7120 is probably going to be chockas most times. Maybe a bit higher up the scale, say 7180? Any suggestions.
johns said
07:35 PM Jul 4, 2013
Ill give it ago this afternoon 04/07/2013 on the frequency suggested 7.180 at 1330 S.A. time. See if we get any tackers
VK5FLJ John Adelaide
johns said
08:33 PM Jul 4, 2013
As my reply was quick and some may not be available today, I will also be on the frequency 7.180 at 1330 S.A. time or 0400 UTC next Monday 8th John VK5FLJ
rik said
02:37 AM Sep 8, 2013
Just noticed this one. When traveling always listen to 7070KHz, local 2M rep, 146.500MHz, Ch40 UHFCB. 7060KHz from 6am EST is the Early Birds Net and the Coral Coast Net from 7am with Peter VK4MIT. Lots of guys on the road log in there and migrate up to 7065 - 7080 for their own chats. I'm also VKS737 member. 73 de VK5MU prev VK4, 5, and 8KRX.
beiffe said
11:06 PM Sep 10, 2013
I have a marine wireless operators license but I assume this is no where good enough for what we are discussing.
My friend in Adelaide is a HAM and he has been on me for years to get a radio for the bus so will have a talk with him this week
Regards
Brian
rik said
07:19 PM Sep 11, 2013
There's not a lot of study these days to get the Foundation license. http://www.wia.org.au/licenses/foundation/about/ refers . My 'better half' just got the $24 book and is looking forward to being VK5Faaa where the aaa are three letters. CW / Morse is no longer compulsory (although I think you may have used that and enjoyed it. I do! ) And there two higher grades of license to aspire to - Standard and Advanced. You may prefer to do one of those first up if your knowledge base is ready to go. ... Rik.
LEON said
11:56 AM May 13, 2016
I reckon that a VK Grey Nomad Net would be a great idea. If there the numbers out there, a time and frequencies would need to be decided on.
The net could be used similar to the VKS737 net for contacts between travelers including brakdown/trouble comms.
Leon
VK3VGA
-- Edited by LEON on Friday 13th of May 2016 11:57:07 AM
aussie_paul said
10:09 PM May 13, 2016
LEON wrote:
I reckon that a VK Grey Nomad Net would be a great idea. If there the numbers out there, a time and frequencies would need to be decided on.
The net could be used similar to the VKS737 net for contacts between travelers including brakdown/trouble comms.
Leon
VK3VGA
-- Edited by LEON on Friday 13th of May 2016 11:57:07 AM
I think that would be a great idea Leon. I have been an Ham since 1978, VK3 BWC, but not active for 20 years as other things to do. I plan to eventually have a HF rig set up to use. I think I have a Yaesu FT7nin my trunk of Ham gear.
Aussie Paul.
Aus-Kiwi said
11:53 PM May 13, 2016
Strange how these subjects come up . I just pulled up on station site in WA . The guy beside me mounted a 10m arial . He said it was amiture radio .. I have always found it interesting . As a kid my neighbour was into it .. He said he was just talking to a guy in Itali ..
rik said
10:40 AM May 15, 2016
So has a sked ever been decided? If 40m then daytime would be the best me thinks. 7060 or 7070 at 0000hrs UTC maybe?
Rik VK5MU
Vulcan said
07:02 AM Apr 14, 2018
Well, almost two years since the last post on this thread. I know there are a number of operators who are nomads, so some sort of net might be a good idea. The other side of the coin is they may well be on the Travellers Net or Coral Coast Net and a GN net is not needed?
Personally, I think any get-together which keeps people connected and keeps the bands active is a good thing.
For the record - John VK4BZ is me!
Mike Harding said
07:24 PM Apr 16, 2018
I note VKPortable's last access to this forum was in 2014.
Nevertheless it's an excellent idea and I'm up for it. However I think weekly would be better than daily at this stage.
I suggest an 80m frequency at 8pm on Tuesdays - this should work across all the eastern half of Oz for those in the east and all the western side for those in the west. 40m, at night, probably won't work much for anyone. And as most respondents will be in the east....
I suspect net operation will be sketchy as there are not many of us and we'll not be able to make it regularly but may I suggest:
3.570MHz at 8pm AEST on Tuesdays and we call it the Grey Nomad Net?
Any other suggestions?
NB. Despite the recent band changes 3.570MHz is legitimate for SSB because it's LSB so it's 3.56750MHz to 3.570MHz.
rik said
07:33 AM Apr 17, 2018
Good morning all,
After reading all the comments by all 16 participants dating back to June 2013 (and there aren't a lot!) I think I would be safe to say that waiting for a reply here may indeed require a lot of patience.
I'm an Aussie who has participated in both amateur (ham) radio, travel and the CB/UHFCB fraternity for agricultural, marine, recreational and technical persuits.
If I may be so bold as to summarise and make some conclusions.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
It would seem that about half on this forum already posess an Amateur Radio licence. Several are Foundation. Most members who have licences would like to take part in a net. Several suggestions were put forward as to frequency, band and times. These suggestions were made during the forum's activoty of (almost) five years.
The remainder are a mix of inquisitive and bemused members who range from seeking more information about amateur radio, licencing to socialising.
Some similarities and reminiscing is evident - comparing an amateur net to that of the historic VKS737 and RFDS nets of the past.
CONCLUSIONS
Yes, it's a great idea.
I had a listen on all frequencies suggested through out the forum's time and only heard one conversation that lasted for about twenty minutes.
Given there are only eight amateurs on the forum who have not been able to maintain a continuing thread on this forum; I doubt a sked could be maintained on any basis (weekly, monthly on any frequency/band otherwise).
Times are a'changin'. I too remember tha many sked of the past when people actually had time and wanted to talk at length about all sorts of interesting (and not so interesting) subjects.
Sadly, these days are now a thing of the past and will bearly be remembered in another decade.
Another sad statistic is the ever-declining interest in amateur radio (despite the occasional "die hard" who says it's not dead - and he/she is right) coupled with the pressure bought about by other services requiring mre spectral space on the bands. This, coupled with a general opinion that we all want something at a basement price (and many hams want it free) only adds weight to the notion that the net will not survive.
SUMMARY
It's a fantasic idea. If the numbers supported the notion, we would all be having a great time on 80, 40 or 2 metres (a national net on VHF is viable given mirrors, digital modes, IRLP and the like). However, the facts are that eight amateurs cannot and will not maintain a net if they have been unable to maintain a consistent thread on this forum at any time during the (almost) five years it has been running. For thos who think I've been derogatory, please note I include myself in these facts.
There, someone had to say it
73's de Rik VK5MU (previously VK5KRX, 4KRX, 8KRX, 5ZRX, 5NAF, HI3HI, VKS737 and RFDS participant - in the radio sciences since 1970)
"The same tar and brush has been used to paint us all"
rik said
07:40 AM Apr 17, 2018
beiffe wrote:
I have a marine wireless operators license but I assume this is no where good enough for what we are discussing. My friend in Adelaide is a HAM and he has been on me for years to get a radio for the bus so will have a talk with him this week Regards Brian
How's the trip going down the Murray? Would like to hear how it has progressed. Apologies for straying from the subject everyone. We will take this thread somewhere else if it develops.....
Regards, Rik.
Mike Harding said
07:14 PM Apr 19, 2018
Hi Rik
I think you miss the point somewhat.
It really doesn't matter if it has the capability to become a regular net or not - there is no reason it cannot be a casual net and if people turn up then all well and good and if they don't then nothing lost.
It's rather like nipping down to the pub to see if any of your mates are there; if they are you have a chat, if they aren't you drink your beer and go home or maybe you find another person to chat with?
Just wondering how many Amateur Radio operator's there are on the forums?
I know of at least two.
Maybe we could get some net going for the amateur's on the forum.
Obviously any net would have to be done on a band that is accessible to the F-Call licence holders so as not to exclude them.
So 40m would be a good choice for distance and compatibility across the different licence classes.
Anyone interested?
I know there is a travellers net on 20 and 15, 20 isn't available to F-Calls and 15 isn't the greatest of bands going for domestic comms.
How about you, anyone up for this?
Hi Guys ..
Sounds like it could be an interesting venture .. and it would be interesting to see the numbers that can be rallied ..
It might also encourage me to get back on air .. I still have my HF and 40 M sounds feasible ..
Jon
VK2FACX
-- Edited by biggles on Sunday 30th of June 2013 06:27:42 PM
VKPORTABLE;
Hi and what a good idear, and i'm all for it. The only thing that i can see it is most people that have a amature radio in their car most have 2 Meters / 70 Centremeters and possable also 477 Uhf as well. HF may be a nother thing. I have HF at home as well as the other two bands, I would have HF but the wife dosen't like the idear of a nother radio in the car, even if it's a remote head type.
40 Meters would be a good choice. Lets see what the othe members have to say.!!!!!
Regards VK3SVG
Now you will think I nam dumb, but would the amateur radio operator include us who would be totally new to UHF radios (I think that's what you call them
)
Amateur radio operators are those who have studied radio theory, passed an exam on the subject (plus other papers) and are qualified operators. They then have to obtain an amateur operators licence from ACMA. You will note the other respondents have included the call-sign from their licence in their signature. Unless you have one of those you are out in the cold. If you want to join the inner circle - see here
Hi,
As Peter says,an Amateur radio Operator is someone who has
studied the theory required,as well as operating Procedures
etc,etc,and then passed a test,at least 70% meant a pass
anything under was a fail.Try Again
It is a lot easier today,than it was over 30 years ago,when
I was first Licensed as a Full Call,in those days one had to also
Pass the Morse Code test,which was for a full call 10 words/minute
send/receive,with only 4 mistakes allowed (I think)
it was a long time ago
John
VK2CJO
Yes Jeff, since Jan 1 2004. See this link
to use them , and they have been used in emergencies when other communication cant be used
ie in hurricanes etc
No not dumb at all.
Another good source of information would be the WIA www.wia.org.au, Wireless Institute of Australia. There is no requirement to be a member of the WIA, I'm not. Although these days they are responsible for the processing of licences - which I may add has seen additional time in licences being allocated.
UHF is CB (Citizens Band), although many people think the term 'CB' refers to the 27MHz CB's that were very popular in the 80's.
Funnily enough, now that 27MHz has died off as the favourite, it makes a damn good band for groups to operate on with good range, especially if you have SSB units.
The downside here is, there are no SSB (Single Side Band) units sold in Australia, but you can still buy the likes of the Cobra 138GTL from America for around $150 AUD as I have.
The term 'Ham' came from early operator's 'Hamming' it up for their potential audiences. As you say, an American terminology.
These days, in Australia at least (I might step on some toes here - so get your steel caps on) Amateur Radio use during emergency situations is all but non-existent, there is of course WICEN (Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network), which ironically has no connection with the WIA except for the name. Mostly WICEN keep themselves busy providing communications for large scale events, like the Murray River boat races etc.
Obviously there are going to be those who like to hold onto years gone by and say that WICEN is an important service for emergency communications.
Sure it is - if we ever face a disaster which takes out all communications transmitter sites in one blow!
Is this likely to ever happen? With the exception of Armageddon, probably not.
These days there is just so much redundancy in communications networks, be it radio or mobile phone technology. Most mobile carriers, at least Telstra and Optus have COW's (Cell on Wheels) they can dispatch quickly. And most transmitter sites for emergency services have similar mobile replacements.
I am not so sure that emergency services converting to digital transmission modes en-mass like they are is such a good thing. At least with analogue you can easily find a radio to fill the bill should the need be, not so easy with digital or trunked systems, or both.
I am sure in years to come there will be some devastating disaster take place, and we will be back to square one with emergency services all saying 'We need a common method to talk to each other', just like they did after Cyclone Tracy in Darwin, which brought about the national UHF police allocation. This 64 channel allocation was used Australia wide and every police vehicle had UHF fitted for cross-border communications, including their own state domestic communications. Now they have all gone digital mad and no one either side of the border can communicate with each other via radio.
Honestly I don't think amateur radio in Australia is organised well enough to provide a viable alternative to emergency services for reliable and constant communications over an extended period. We don't have the correct infrastructure in place - unlike in America where amateur radio is well embedded with emergency services. Even hospitals there have dedicated rooms with amateur equipment all ready to go if need be. This sort of situation would never happen in Australia, for many reasons which I don't need to elaborate on here.
If anyone is thinking about getting their Amateur Radio licence, these days it is very very simply, especially with the Foundation Licence Class that is available.
There is a very basic test, which is conducted by Amateur Radio Clubs throughout Australia. There is no electronics theory as such in this test. Just basic radio knowledge and safety. The Foundation level gives you access to 4 of the HF bands, along with 2 of the VHF/UHF bands. Power output is limited to 10 Watts PEP/FM. Whilst some may say 10 Watts isn't much (it isn't) you can still work other stations within Australia and overseas if you have a half decent antenna and pick your time of day.
For example, work the grey-line period on 40m (7 MHz) and you will do very well. Grey-line is the where your area comes into and out of sunlight for a basic explanation. So around an hour either side of sunrise and an hour either side of nightfall gives you the best opportunity to work overseas contacts.
Of course other bands can open up and wonderful things can happen there to!
I've even experienced times when a 2m repeater from Tasmania was stronger then our local repeater (both on same frequency).
Hmm any chance of portable operation, maybe a radio tucked away and a long-wire or squid pole
I have a FAMPARC antenna, been awhile since I looked at it, I think its the 5 band job 80/40/20/15/10-11.
Of course I have my trusty squid pole to!
Sorry, Im a bit late with my comments. I must be one of those who only look at the general forum and forget the rest, anyhow how did it go? Im interested just tell me the time and frequency
John VK5FLJ
Thanks Peter.
Well it hasn't started as yet. If there is enough interest we can decide on a time/frequency suitable for all.
As for frequencies anything from 7080 to 7120 is probably going to be chockas most times. Maybe a bit higher up the scale, say 7180?
Any suggestions.
Just noticed this one. When traveling always listen to 7070KHz, local 2M rep, 146.500MHz, Ch40 UHFCB. 7060KHz from 6am EST is the Early Birds Net and the Coral Coast Net from 7am with Peter VK4MIT. Lots of guys on the road log in there and migrate up to 7065 - 7080 for their own chats. I'm also VKS737 member. 73 de VK5MU prev VK4, 5, and 8KRX.
My friend in Adelaide is a HAM and he has been on me for years to get a radio for the bus so will have a talk with him this week
Regards
Brian
I reckon that a VK Grey Nomad Net would be a great idea. If there the numbers out there, a time and frequencies would need to be decided on.
The net could be used similar to the VKS737 net for contacts between travelers including brakdown/trouble comms.
Leon
VK3VGA
-- Edited by LEON on Friday 13th of May 2016 11:57:07 AM
I think that would be a great idea Leon. I have been an Ham since 1978, VK3 BWC, but not active for 20 years as other things to do. I plan to eventually have a HF rig set up to use. I think I have a Yaesu FT7nin my trunk of Ham gear.
Aussie Paul.
So has a sked ever been decided? If 40m then daytime would be the best me thinks. 7060 or 7070 at 0000hrs UTC maybe?
Rik VK5MU
Personally, I think any get-together which keeps people connected and keeps the bands active is a good thing.
For the record - John VK4BZ is me!
I note VKPortable's last access to this forum was in 2014.
Nevertheless it's an excellent idea and I'm up for it. However I think weekly would be better than daily at this stage.
I suggest an 80m frequency at 8pm on Tuesdays - this should work across all the eastern half of Oz for those in the east and all the western side for those in the west. 40m, at night, probably won't work much for anyone. And as most respondents will be in the east....
I suspect net operation will be sketchy as there are not many of us and we'll not be able to make it regularly but may I suggest:
3.570MHz at 8pm AEST on Tuesdays and we call it the Grey Nomad Net?
Any other suggestions?
NB. Despite the recent band changes 3.570MHz is legitimate for SSB because it's LSB so it's 3.56750MHz to 3.570MHz.
After reading all the comments by all 16 participants dating back to June 2013 (and there aren't a lot!) I think I would be safe to say that waiting for a reply here may indeed require a lot of patience.
I'm an Aussie who has participated in both amateur (ham) radio, travel and the CB/UHFCB fraternity for agricultural, marine, recreational and technical persuits.
If I may be so bold as to summarise and make some conclusions.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
It would seem that about half on this forum already posess an Amateur Radio licence. Several are Foundation. Most members who have licences would like to take part in a net. Several suggestions were put forward as to frequency, band and times. These suggestions were made during the forum's activoty of (almost) five years.
The remainder are a mix of inquisitive and bemused members who range from seeking more information about amateur radio, licencing to socialising.
Some similarities and reminiscing is evident - comparing an amateur net to that of the historic VKS737 and RFDS nets of the past.
CONCLUSIONS
Yes, it's a great idea.
I had a listen on all frequencies suggested through out the forum's time and only heard one conversation that lasted for about twenty minutes.
Given there are only eight amateurs on the forum who have not been able to maintain a continuing thread on this forum; I doubt a sked could be maintained on any basis (weekly, monthly on any frequency/band otherwise).
Times are a'changin'. I too remember tha many sked of the past when people actually had time and wanted to talk at length about all sorts of interesting (and not so interesting) subjects.
Sadly, these days are now a thing of the past and will bearly be remembered in another decade.
Another sad statistic is the ever-declining interest in amateur radio (despite the occasional "die hard" who says it's not dead - and he/she is right) coupled with the pressure bought about by other services requiring mre spectral space on the bands. This, coupled with a general opinion that we all want something at a basement price (and many hams want it free) only adds weight to the notion that the net will not survive.
SUMMARY
It's a fantasic idea. If the numbers supported the notion, we would all be having a great time on 80, 40 or 2 metres (a national net on VHF is viable given mirrors, digital modes, IRLP and the like). However, the facts are that eight amateurs cannot and will not maintain a net if they have been unable to maintain a consistent thread on this forum at any time during the (almost) five years it has been running. For thos who think I've been derogatory, please note I include myself in these facts.
There, someone had to say it
73's de Rik VK5MU (previously VK5KRX, 4KRX, 8KRX, 5ZRX, 5NAF, HI3HI, VKS737 and RFDS participant - in the radio sciences since 1970)
"The same tar and brush has been used to paint us all"
How's the trip going down the Murray? Would like to hear how it has progressed. Apologies for straying from the subject everyone. We will take this thread somewhere else if it develops.....
Regards, Rik.
Hi Rik
I think you miss the point somewhat.
It really doesn't matter if it has the capability to become a regular net or not - there is no reason it cannot be a casual net and if people turn up then all well and good and if they don't then nothing lost.
It's rather like nipping down to the pub to see if any of your mates are there; if they are you have a chat, if they aren't you drink your beer and go home or maybe you find another person to chat with?
It doesn't have to be formal.