Garden city net in the evening :

GARDENCITY NET IN THE EVENING

FROM 01 OF OCTOBER ON 40 METERS

Information to all active 40 meters hams that there will be a Gardencity net on 7085 daily at 21.00hrs(IST) .The Gardencity net on7085 at 07.30(IST) will continue .

Source : VU3ITI

51st JOTA / 12th JOTI :

The 51st JOTA / 12th JOTI will take place on 18 and 19 October 2008.
Now is the time to start planning !

The information from their webpage http://www.scout. org/jota

Download the latest JOTA-JOTI circular.

More details are also available from:
for JOTI: joti.org
for JOTA: jota.sub.cc

ARSI QSL cards :

Since it is uneconomical for many amateurs to print individual QSL cards, ARSI is arranging to print an attractive card on which the individual operator can just write or affix a rubber stamp for personal details and the QSO details.

These cards will be available at the Gandhinagar Hamfest (HFI-2008) and from ARSI Bangalore later on.

The cost per card will be just Rs. 2.50 (plus postage costs if ordered from ARSI later)

Source: ARSICOM

New sunspot :

For the first time in months, a significant sunspot is emerging on the sun. It is a fast-growing active region with two dark cores, each larger than Earth. The magnetic polarity of the sunspot identifies it as a member of new Sunspot Cycle 24. Because the year 2008 has brought so many blank suns, some observers have wondered if we are ever going to climb out of the ongoing deep solar minimum. Today's new sunspot is an encouraging sign that the 11-year solar cycle is indeed progressing, albeit slowly.

Visit http://spaceweather.com/ for sunspot photos and updates.

Source: Space Weather News for Sept. 22, 2008

WEBINAR on Kit Building for the Amateur :

For those who are interested in Kit Building there is a free Web Seminar / teleconference by ARRL Atlantic division http://www.atldiv. org/training

The time is 8pm EST (-5) and may last 90 minutes. It will be early morning of Tuesday for those who are in India. A computer with decent broadband internet connection is required with VOIP - speaker and a mic. (Mic is optional, required only if you wish to ask questions).

Source: ARSICOM (Thanks to VU2AEA, OM Prasad )

VU2DFD Repeater :

Pathanamthitta district amateur radio club repeater, Kadammanitta, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, South INDIA.

Frequency is 144.475 +shift

• Height - Around 250m above from the sea level.
• State border - Located in Kerala Tamilnadu border.
• Wide range of coverage - Signal coverage around Kerala, Tamilnadu & Karnataka.
• Security - Easly accessible location with protection and power.

Source: http://www.vu2dfd.com/

Pathfinder Online to Discover QSL Info :

Pathfinder Online lets you type a callsign once and search more than 80 different sites for QSL information with a few mouse clicks.

The Web site also has a link for calculating postage to get QSLs delivered between here and there, as well as between there and there. A link for International Reply Coupons (IRCs) provides the lowdown on the current status of IRCs.

Pathfinder Online also has links less related to QSLing, but more related to making actual contacts that result in QSLs, including a trio of DX-related links and a quintet of propagation-related links.

Pathfinder Online provides access to the following 76 country-specific callbooks:

3A, 4S, 4X, 5Z, 9A, 9M2, 9M6, A9, BV, BY, C3, CE, CE9, CX, DL, DU, E7, EI, EP, ER, ES, EW, EY, F, FR, GU, HC, HL, HS, I, J7, JT, K, LA, LX, LY, LZ, OA, OD, OE, OH, OL, OM, ON, OZ, P2, P4, PY, R1F, R1M, S2, S5, S7, SM, SP, SU, SV, SV9, T7, TA, TF, TR, UA, UA0, UA2, VE, VK, VP9, VU, YB, YL, YN, YO, Z3, ZL, and ZS.

Actual Link: http://www.dxlabsuite.com/pathfinder/WebClient/

Source: DXlabsuite

CIS DX RTTY Contest :

The Scottish-Russian ARS and the European PSK Club have the honour to invite the radio amateurs all over the world to participate in the 5th CIS DX RTTY Contest 2008.

The rules are available on our web site at
www.cisdx.srars.org

Please check the rules as there are important changes. Since 2008 it's a RTTY contest only.

Starting time is at 12:00 UTC on Saturday 20.09.2008; ending time is at 12:00 UTC on Sunday 21.09.2008.

Everybody can work everybody for QSO and multiplier credit.

All the very best and 73!


CIS DX RTTY Contest Committee

www.cisdx.srars.org
ut7fp@srars.org

ut7fp

Source: QRZ

8th Coimbatore Fox Hunt :

Welcome to all to the Cotton city for the Coimbatore Fox Hunt on Sunday the 12th October 2008 at 9.00 A.M. IST at Coimbatore.This is a very good opportunity for the Hams and Swls to participate in the most interesting and enjoyable HAM activity. RADIO SPORT or AMATEUR RADIO DIRECTION FINDING (ARDF). HAMS and SWLs (with good receiver) can participate in this event.

Any number of persons can be included in a team but sorry to say ONLY THREE TROPHIES FOR EACH WINNING TEAM RULES :

1. The Fox Hole will be anywhere within the radius of 30 Kms from the Coimbatore Amateur Radio Club Station.

2. The Fox howl will be a tone 144.100 MHZ in omni direction for one minute duration, first 30 seconds will be with 5 watts followed by 30 seconds with 500 milliwatts.

3. The first howl will be at sharp 9.30am (All India radio time) and thereafter at every five minutes. NO QSO on the Fox's frequency please, it may disqualify the team.

4. At 11.00A.M. you can ask for the clue from the the game controller, who will be available through out the game in the call channel, 145.500 Mhz.AT 11.30A .M. you can ask for the second clue. AT 12.00 noon the game controller will declare the QTH of FOX and the winners. Closing of the game will be announced in 144.100 and 145.500 Mhz.

5. The competitor has to handover his team s ID SLIP to the fox immediately to register after reaching the fox.

6. ROLLING TROPHY will be awarded to the teams leader of the winning team and shields(maximum 3) to the first three winning team members. Certificates will be awarded to all participants.

Briefing about the hunt will be on Saturday the 11th October 2008 at 5.30p.m.at the Cosmopolitan Club.

Lunch minutes notes, kits containing local map, token for the lunch with some gifts will be provided at 8.30am on Sunday 12 th October 2008 at Cosmopolitan Club,Coimbatore.

Registration Fees. Rs 150.00 for a team of three and Rs 100.00 each of each additional hunter. Teams will be registered only under one callsign or name.Please Register early to avoid last minute rush. Registration before 30 th September 2008 is desirable. Important Note. One mobile will have only one team

Registration form can be contacted with.

R.R.Balasundaram

vu2RTF General ConvenorOrginizing Committee

c/o Coimbatore Amateur Radio Club11,

Parameshwaran lay outP.N.Palyam,

Coimbatore 641 037

Tips for a healthy voice :

A good voice is an indispensable part of our personality, but for professional voice users it is the very focus of their existence. Vocal fitness and a voice exercise routine are as essential to the vocal artiste as daily physical exercise is to the athlete. Professional voice users include singers, actors, lawyers, teachers, broadcasters, radio jockeys, dubbing artistes, anchors, sports commentators, sales and marketing personnel, telemarketing executives, receptionists, telephone operators, etc. i.e people whose profession is dependant upon the use of a good voice. The devastating professional, psychological and economic impact that a voice disorder can have on them requires specialised voice care and the expertise of a voice specialist.

The following are broad guidelines for maintaining a healthy voice :

• Frequent clearing of the throat is traumatic to the vocal folds. Instead, take small sips of water or swallow silentlywhen you feel the urge to clear your throat.
• Talking loudly, cheering or screaming habitually can ruin the voice. Speaking at softer levels reduces vocal strain.
• Many good voices are destroyed by overuse or excessive talking. Reducing vocal output just a few hours daily is a helpful strategy for a strained voice.
• Avoid talking over noisy environments viz. in discos, aeroplanes, noisy classrooms, over loud music, over officeequipment.
• Avoid addressing large audiences without amplification. Drink at least 3 litres of water a day to keep your vocal folds moist.
• Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate vocal folds, thereby affecting the voice. For every mug of coffee you take, drink atleast one extra glass of water.
• Avoid excessive intake of alcohol, coffee and colas.
• Don't expose your voice to excessive pollution and environmental dehydrating agents viz. cigarette smoke, chemicalfumes, dry air.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking irritates the tissues of the throat. It is the leading cause of laryngeal cancer [cancer of the voice box].
• Avoid speaking at too high or too low a pitch. Don't sing beyond your comfortable pitch range.
• Avoid spicy and oily foods & late night eating as they lead to spill over of stomach acid into your voice box [acidity],leading to a swelling of the tissues lining your vocal cords.
• This usually results in a heavy, hoarse voice. Don't slouch. Adopt a balanced and aligned viz. a comfortably erect posture as incorrect physical and spinalalignment can squeeze the voice and affect breath support.
• Efficient breath management is important for a good voice.Don't demand more of your voice than you would of the rest of your body.
• Avoid strenuous use of your voice when you are ill or tired.

Source : Dr. Sadhana Nayak

Coimbatore Amateur Radio club Fox Hunt :

Coimbatore Amateur Radio club is organizing the Radio Sport event AMATEUR RADIO DIRECTION FINDING (ARDF) or FOX HUNT on Sunday, the 12th October 2008 in Coimbatore. This is the 8th such event conducted by our club from inception.

All HAMs and SWLs are eligible to participate in this event. The Fox hole (Amateur Radio Station) will operate anywhere within the radius of 30 KM from the city center. Fox Hunters i.e., other licensed amateur operators will have to locate the FOX with the help of the tone, which the Fox will emanate at regular time intervals. The tone will emanate continuously for one minute at every five-minute interval on 144.100 MHz.

The operator to reach the Fox first is declared as winner of the contest. A Rolling Shield and Shield for the members to the first three winning teams will be awarded.

We have organized this fox hunt on Sunday, the 12th October 2008, for our members and other amateur radio operators. The contest will start at 9.00 am and end by 12.00 noon.

We request the Hams to enroll themselves for the event before 30th Sep 2008.

Thanking you,


Source: (R R Balasundharam VU2RTF) Organizer – VIII VHF Fox Hunt 2008

SRT HF contest SSB :

TypeWorld Wide Contest. All stations can be worked Date Third week-end of September. In 2008 it will be the 20th and the 21st of September starting Saturday at 13:00 UTC until Sunday at 13:00 UTC; No time off, stations may work 24 hours.

CategoriesA) Single operator High power (+150 watts) All Band SSBB) Single operator Low Power (150 watts max) All Band SSBC) Multi operator single transmitter High power (+150 watts) All Band SSBD) Multi operator single transmitter Low power (150 watts max) All Band SSBE) SWL.

All operators can use packet cluster
Bands and modes - 10/160 meters (no WARC) SSB
Exchange - Signal report (RS) followed by the CQ zone number
ScoringQSO Points0 points for qso with stations of the same country1 point for qso with stations of another country but in the same continent3 points for qso with stations of another continent Multipliers DXCC entities + WAE and CQ zones are multipliers. Stations can only be counted once for multiplier credit Final Score Final score = total QSO points x total multipliers Miscelaneous Station may be worked once per band.Mode is SSB only, no cross mode contacts.No repeatersMaritime mobile and aeronautical mobile stations do not count for QSO or multiplier credit.Logs-Logs must be sent before the 15th of November to the Log Manager, mailto:francoik8wej@

Logs will be follow IARU standards: date, time (UTC), RS(T) received andRS(T) transmitted.
Duplicate qsos not marked as dupes and removed from the final score will be penalized.
Logs will be submitted using standard Cabrillo format. Most all of the commercial contest logging software supports Cabrillo format. (see softwarebelow)
Log files must be named with your callsign.

E-mail your log with your callsign plus SRT in the subject line (Forexample: IK8WEJ SRT) to the Log Manager: mailto:francoik8wej@

PrizesFirst, second and third place awards for each operator category will be presented at the 6th International DX Convention, Salerno 2009.Penalties-A two QSO penalty will be issued for duplicate QSOs not marked as dupes or for busted calls.

Stations not following the Contest Rules or submitting logs with an excessive dupes and or busted calls will be disqualified for this event and will not be allowed to participate in the event for the following year. All decisions of the contest committee are final.SoftwareLogging for this event can be done by using one of the following contest software programs. Select CQ WW DX SSB as the contest template.CT by K1EA (http://www.k1ea.com/)NA Logging (http://www.contesting.com/datom/)OH2GI Ham System (http://www.kolumbus.fi/jukka.kallio/) Super-Duper by EI5DI (http://www.ei5di.com/) TR Log by N6TR (http://www.qth.com/tr) Writelog (http://www.writelog.com/)

Source: http://www.strangeradioteam.com/

HF antennas for small spaces :

In urban metros like Mumbai it is difficult to install HF antennas. While surfing on internet I came through this website it is really interesting. It may be a boon for most of our HAM friends. Herewith I am giving u the link do check it out

Click here :Isotron Antennas

QSL cards designed by me :

Besides HAM radio hobby I am into computer graphics too. Here are collection of QSL cards which I have designed for myself as wellas some of my friends. Anyone intrested in getting QSL card designed can email me vu2sgw@gmail.com 

VU2HDC

VU2NKS

VU2EOJ (Front side)

VU2EOJ (Back side)

AT0AI (Front side)

AT0AI (Back side)

My very first QSL

My latest QSL

AT0EI (Front side)

AT0EI (Back side)

My QSL Cards Collection II :

4S7SV

XW3DT

VU3RSB

AU2RSB

AT2RS

HA800NAR

HA0NAR

E74AW

A5100A

ET3BN

ET3AA

AT8LH

JQ1QKK

9M2PGA

YV4GD

A52AM

GM4NTL

EX8MAT

ON64POL

ON3CYV

VU2JAU

VU2AY

JW/F8DVD

VP6DX

Yaesu VX-8 :

Diamond X50 at last :

Finally I installed my Diamond X50 dual bander antenna 2m/70cm. On Saturday itself I called my HAM friend VU2WSM, OM Satheesh and Bijoy that I want to install my antenna and they confirmed. Next day we started at 1600 IST, the installation was pretty simple no hassle at all and safe too. We first dismantled my 5/8 lambda and replaced it with X50. After installing it, we saw a rainbow, perfect semicircle very clear and really a spectacular thing to watch. Rarely this kind of thing is seen in urban metros.


The testing part was not up to the mark, We all felt 5/8 lambda 2M antenna which was my previous one was much better. We had test QSO with VU2PDN, OM Srini an old timer with a sound technical background and VU2UBP, OM Ulhas. Then I got a simplex call from VU2OSK, OM Omkar and we tried 70cm the copy was blasting with 500MW. Was really upset then at around 2200 IST I gave a lima lima to VU2WSM lets try simplex. It was 59++ blasting signal with 500MW, then I tried it with 100MW and it was same this gave me relief.

Final setup

Garden City CW Contest 2008:

There is a Garden city CW contest on 40 meters on 27th sept. 2008 06Hrs(ist) to 28th sept. 2008 18 Hrs (IST) freq 7000 to 7040 mhz . only for VU hams and 4s7. No DX contacts. Usual logging of sl.no and report.

First Eight places prizes will be given.

The prizes sponsored by VU2DEV and certificates by VU2FI.

All are requested to participate for the contest to keep the cw active.

log should reach by 15th of October 2008 to VU3ITI.

QSL info:
G.VARADARAJAN
19.VENKATA RAMANAPPA LAYOUT
SARAKKI ROAD. J.P.NAGAR P.O.
BANGALORE 560078