“COFFS HARBOUR AND DISTRICT AMATEUR RADIO CLUB” History.
Written by Max Francis VK2BMK from club minutes and a few other documents that are available. From about 1990, notes were taken mainly from the “5x9” news letters.
In September 1978 three Coffs Harbour District amateurs, Norm Cameron VK2ZNQ, Brian Slarke VK2ZCQ[sk] and Max Francis VK2BMK, felt that as there was a lack of amateur activity in the area, an Amateur Radio Club would assist in the creation of more activity. With the aim of creating a club, they wrote to all amateurs in the area bounded by Macksville, Dorrigo and Woolgoolga, inviting them to a meeting to be held at the Ocean View Hotel, Urunga on 15th October 1978.
As it was felt that number of local CB operators would be interested in amateur radio, an invitation was issued to the Coffs Harbour CB club and several amateurs attended a meeting of the CB club to talk to the members and let them know the advantages of Amateur Radio.
The first meeting was held at the Ocean View with about 30 interested people in attendance. After an explanation of the reasons for the meeting and a general discussion several motions were presented and carried resulting in the formation of an Amateur Radio Club with the general boundaries of Macksville, Dorrigo and Woolgoolga and the name ‘Coffs Harbour and District Amateur Radio Club’. Several amateurs from the Port Macquarie area also joined to assist with getting the club running. Then assistance in the foundation was greatly appreciated.
A number of those present were CB operators. A provisional constitution, based on one suggested by the WIA was presented and adopted subject to final approval at the next meeting. The date of the next meeting was set as 3 December, again at the Ocean View Hotel. 25 of those present joined the club at the meeting. The initial membership list is thought to have been:-
Jack Gerard VK2ADN Arthur Monck VK2ATM
Harry Alderson VK2NSR [vk2ep] Fred Reid vk2dlw
Paul Ireland VK2DMV John Lake VK2OK
Stan Glyde VK2GC Morrie Allen vk2qv
Arnold Austin vk2ada Terry Thorne VK2TL
Peter Drady VK2NIE [dbi] Bruce Telfer VK2NHZ [ddu]
Ken Golden VK2NSJ-dgt Jim Brinkman VK2IS
Rick Fletcher VK2NSY-bkv Noel Hansen VK2AHH
Max Francis VK2BMK Norm Cameron VK2ZNQ-knc
Russel Ashdown VK2NUN Karen Ashdown VK2NUE
Brian Slarke VK2ZCQ Dave Harding vk2dur
Eric Collins vk2dah Brian Lackie vk2dlm
Ray Golden vk2brg
Note - call signs in lower-case were gained later on.
The first executive was :-
President Max Francis , Secretary Norm Cameron , Treasurer - Brian Slarke
Committee John Lake, Bruce Telfer, Rick Fletcher Peter Drady
>>>> silent key members
It was also passed that the club sponsor the Urunga Convention and Field Day held over the Easter week-end each year and that affiliate membership of the W.I.A. be applied for.
The second meeting of the club was held on 3 December when several recommendations from a committee meeting were put to the members and carried. One of these was that the Constitution as presented to the inaugural meeting be adopted subject to minor amendments, carried. Other motions were that a club net be operated on Mondays at 2000 EST on approx 3610 kHz, that a club call sign be obtained and that a Novice Training course be started in early 1979 with Rick Fletcher as the instructor. Meetings were to be held weekly on a Wednesday with a business meeting on the second Wednesday of the month. The Annual General Meeting was to be held in November.
The first club net was held on 4 December with Max VK2BMK as coordinator. To give the club access to W.I.A. educational information, application was made to join the Youth Radio Scheme. As the Club had no meeting room at this stage a request was made for the use of a room at the Coffs Harbour Technical College and permission obtained. The first meeting was held on 14 February 1979. The Novice Course began on 21 February. There were several instructors at this stage. Some of them were Tony Langman, Norm Cameron and Rick Fletcher. Hans Schumacher was the CW instructor assisted by several others.
After a short period the club began to look for other accommodation as the class in the next room complained that our class was making too much noise, particularly during the Morse practice. The room was like a garage, with a roller door at the front and only thin walls. There were no other rooms available at the college and the club remained until arrangements were made for the use of rooms in the Manual Arts block at the Orara High School in Bray St. The move was made about June 1979.
Rick VK2NSV, [later vk2bkv] ran the Novice courses until he left the area in 1985 and as a result of his training many operators gained their Novice licenses. Assistance has also been given to many Novice operators to enable them to gain their Full or Limited licenses.
To assist students or operators Harry Alderson VK2NSR, [later vk2ep] conducted an early morning slow Morse training session on the air for various periods between 1979 and 1982. This Morse session was also used by many prospective amateurs outside the club area. The call sign VK2DVF was granted to the club for use as the club call sign and also used by a station at the Orara High run for interested students by Rick Fletcher. In 1988 after the death of Harry Alderson, the club callsign was changed to VK2EP as a memorial to Harry Alderson for his assistance with Morse training.
One of the successes of the club has been the obtaining of permission for candidates to sit for the Novice and AOCP examinations in their local area rather than travel to the location of the Radio Inspector, in our case Lismore. This arrangement had been in existence prior to the split between the Postal Dept and Telecom. The campaign entailed many letters and phone calls to the Radio Branch of DOC, politicians and others who could be of assistance. The cause was also taken up by many other radio clubs and the WIA, becoming known as Campaign 81. The club member who carried the major part of the correspondence and contacting was Bruce Telfer VK2DDU [sk].
1978
Sep. Formation of amateur radio club suggested. Local Amateurs and CB operators contacted.
15 Oct. Inaugural meeting at Ocean View Hotel Urunga.
22 Nov. 1st Committee meeting
3 Dec. Foundation meeting at Ocean View Hotel.
4 Dec. Club net commenced.
1979
14 Feb. 1st club meeting. Held at Coffs Harbour Tech College.
21 Feb. 1st Novice Class. Held at Coffs Harbour Tech College.
13/15 Apr. Urunga Convention
Minutes from March to July 1979 not available.
June Offer of Yaesu FT2F 2M Transceiver and aerials by Great Lakes Radio Club to be used as a 2M repeater
accepted. Picked up at Port Macquarie Field Day.
11 Jul. Club meeting place changed to Manual Arts Building at Orara High. Club moved to have supper after
meetings. Bruce VK2DDU First ‘tea lady’. Offer of Xtals for repeater by Peter Drady VK2DBI. accepted.
15 Oct. Club news session starts on Net. Rick Fletcher first news reader.
26 Oct. Club to donate Weller Solder Station to Orara High. $10 open order to top electronics student at Orara High.
28 Nov. Xmas party at Sandy Beach.
1980
16 Mar. Family day at Urunga.
19 Mar. Talk by Bill Morris and Allan Wentworth from Integrated Engineering on Basic Digital Electronics.
4-6 Apr. Urunga convention.
9 Apr. Harry Alderson VK2NSR starts morning Slow Morse session.
Apr. Meeting at Coffs Harbour RSL. Farewell to Norm Cameron VK2ZNQ and Peter Drady VK2DBI.
23/24 May. Exhibit at Coffs Harbour Show.
31 May. Exhibit at Bellingen Show.
4 Jun. Start Novice.course #3. 26 enroll.
11 Jun. Request to Dept Posts and Telegraphs for Novice Exams to be held at Coffs Harbour instead of candidates
having to travel to Lismore. Start of campaign to have Exams held in applicant’s local area. Later to become
‘Campaign 81’.
20 Aug. Clause 52 added to Constitution.
Rick Fletcher VK2BKV elected club WICEN co-coordinator.
10 Oct. Harry Alderson recommence morning slow Morse.
Nov. Presentation of Weller Soldering station and $10 open order as for 1979.
18 Nov. Novice Exam — 13 candidates. 9 pass.
19 Nov AGM.Start of ‘Campaign 81’ in full.
Application to be made for Club Call sign.
Ken Golden net controller.
7 Dec. Xmas party at Sandy Beach.
10 Dec. Xmas meet at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club.Bill Howell KA6HYK and xyl Laura guests.
1981
11 Feb. 1st meeting for 1981 start of 1981 Novice course #4 25 enroll . AOCP course 6 enrol & 6 pass.
18 Mar. Percy Sara VK2QV joined club. Morse Tutor to be bought in conjunction with school in lieu soldering station.
15 Apr. Morse Tutor received.
Moved that all club funds, be put into a single account. Advice that Phil Smith was to be examined for the
L.A.O.C.P. at his home, after many approaches to DOC. Part of Campaign 81.PhiL is confined to a
wheelchair, And, as this was the Year of the Disabled this enabled pressure to be used on Phil’s behalf.
17/19 Apr. Urunga Convention.
9 May. Repeater VK2RCH fired up at Mt Coramba.
18 May. Novice Exam. 7 candidates.
24/25 May. Exhibit at Coffs Harbour Show
27 May. Club Call Sign VK2DVF received.
13 Jun. Death of Mike Claughton VX2DKX.
17 Jun. Norm Napper VK2VMP news reader.
24 Jun. Novice Exam at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club.
1 Jul. Visit to NRN-11 Studios.
21 Jul. Max Francis VK2BMK WICEN observer at Air Port emergency-exercise at Coffs Harbour.
30 Aug. Family & field day at North Beach.
10 Sep. Rick Fletcher nominated for Dick Smith Educator of the Year Award.
19-20 Sep. Week-end Field day at George’s Gold Mine.
WICEN Search Exercise in conjunction with Police, SES and VRA for missing aircraft at Barrington
Tops. Max, VK2BMK attended.
23 Sep. Visit to Coffs Harbour Telephone Exchange by Fred McSkimming VK2BFM.
Oct. JOTA.
18 Nov. AGM. Ken Go1den VK2DGT net controller. Follow up to Campaign 81. VHF Group formed.
29 Nov. Family Day at Boambee.
9 Dec. Xmas social at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club.
1982
3 Feb. Commencement of Novice class #5. Display night of Amateur equipment and operations. 17 students.
16 Feb. CW exam held at Coffs Harbour.
17 Feb. Moved that Rick Fletcher be nominated for Dick Smith. Educator of the Year Award.
Harry Ussher VK2DUJ Net Controller.
22 Mar. Novice students invited to shacks to see Amateur radio in action.
9/11 Apr. Urunga Convention
Apr. Visit to Coffs Harbour Drive--In.
11 May. Novice exam. 14 candidates. 4 pass.
25 May. Novice exam at Yacht Club— 14 Coffs & Oxley candidates. Phil. Smith VK2FLC Net controller
Moved that club assist Orara High in purchase of metal bender.
30 May. Family outing.
3 Jun. Farewell to Bob Brien VK2DQB at Yacht Club. Bob & Xyl Shirley to do medical work in Saudi Arabia.
7 Jul. C1ub ta1k in, - fox hunt.
16 Aug. Harry Alderson VK2EP applied to DCC for permission to conduct morning Slow Morse training broadcast. Granted.
15 Sep. Novice course #6 start.
14 Oct. Club WICEN members assisted with communications for Commonwealth Bank Cycle Classic - Grafton to Kempsey.
16-17 Oct. JOTA. Stations at Coffs Harbour Sawtell, Woolgoolga,
Macksville & Urunga.
21 Oct. Presentation of ATOM clock to Percy Sara VK2QV.
For timing out repeater and having to talk to himself on many occasions.
Rick Fletcher advised he had been awarded the Dick Smith Educator of Year Award.
30 Oct. Rick Fletcher as club delegate to Conference of Clubs at Teralba Westlakes Radio Club. Presentation of the Dick Smith Award made to Rick at the conference.
17 Nov. AGM
Harold Wright VK2AWH, Lismore awarded Honorary membership of the club for
services rendered.
28 Nov. Family BBQ held at Coffs Harbour Beach Area.
15 Dec. Xmas party at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club.
1983
16 Feb. Club news letter to be published
1-3 Apr. Urunga Convention
Apr. First issue club news letters.
1 May Harold Wright VK2AWH gave talk on RTTY.
Jun. Margaret Nally VK2DQU wins CW contest at Port Macquarie Field Day.
21 Jun. Death Percy Sara VK2QV.
6 Jul. Start of Novice course #47. Amateur equipment display. 12 students enroll. 8 complete
Jul. Farewell social to Margaret Nally VK2DQU at Coffs Harbour CWA Hall.
20 Jul. Purchase by club and Orara High of beam & rotator from estate of Percy Sara.
21 Sep. Club moved to disassociate itself from the running of future Urunga Conventions.
Oct. JOTA
30 Oct. Club outing at Sandy beach.
16 Nov. AGM Requirements of Clause 43 of Constitution not complied with AGM deferred until first meeting 1984.
22 Nov. Novice exam at Coffs Harbour Yacht Club.
6 Dec. Xmas party at Yacht Club.
1984
5 Feb. Deferred 1983 AGM Clause 43 amended.
21
Mar. Purchase of Philips FM 828 repeater unit as replacement for
Yaesu FT2F. Authorised .
Offer of Percy Sara award by Betty Sara accepted
Meeting nights to 2nd and 4th Wednesdays as from May.
20/22Apr. Urunga Convention.
26/27 May WICEN training week-end at Orara High for NW Zone members.
30 May Inspection Coffs Harhour Ambulance Station.
12 Jun. New Philips repeater on air.
18/19 Aug. WICEN Exercise at Yessabah Caves west of Kempsey, with Caves Rescue Bob VK2AWA, Ken
VK2DGT & Max VK2BMK from Coffs Harbour attended.
4 Sep. Fred Reid VK2DLW resigns as President for health reasons Bob VK2AWA acting President until AGM.
7 Oct. Family day at North Beach.
Oct. JOTA
21 Nov. AGM. First ‘Percy Sara’ Award won by Arnold Austin VK2ADA.
6 Dec. Xmas Party at Yacht Club. Presentation of ‘Percy Sara’ Award by Betty Sara.
1985
3 Mar. Death of Jack Gerard VK2ADN.
24 Mar Beach picnic day at Woolgoolga Lake
3 Apr Talk by Eric Howell of Customs Dept.
5/7 Apr Urunga Convention.
17 Apr Video on Packet Radio.
24 Apr Visit to NRN—11 station.
19 Jun Talk by Sgt. Nevill Livingstone of Coffs Harbour Police.
21 Aug Club accepted AAPRA offer of Packet repeater.
19/20 Oct JOTA at Coffs Harbour Sawtell and Woolgoolga.
20
Nov AGM
Nov Percy Sara Award won by Rick Fletcher VK2BKV.
4 Dec Xmas party at Peking Palace.
15 Dec Family social day at Keogh Park, Gleniffer.
1986
Jan Rick Fletcher leaves Coffs Harbour.
19 Mar Rick Fletcher and Max Francis granted Life membership.
28/30 Mar Urunga Convention.
Ken Golden Fox Hunt Champion at Port Macquarie Field Day — Team with Arnold VK2ADA and Vicki.
18 Jun New Constitution presented to club for discussion.
Aug DEATH Roy Berry VK2DQB
17 Sep New constitution adopted.
19/20 Oct JOTA
19 Nov AGM ‘Percy Sara’ Award won by Arnold Austin VK2ADA.
From AGM - Meetings to be held on 3rd Wednesday of month & business meeting every third month.
Nov Harry Alderson VK2EP ran off road on the Dorrigo Mountain road. Call on 2m for assistance heard by
Max VK2BMK who organized assistance to get Harry back on the road again. No injury to Harry.
4 Dec Xmas party at Coffs Harbour Catholic Club.
1987
18 Feb Club to accept the Urunga Convention as annual social event.
17/19 Apr Urunga Convention.
19 Sep Packet repeater group formed.
17/18 Oct JOTA from Coffs Harbour, Woolgoo1ga, Sawtell.
18 Nov AGM. Percy Sara Award won by Arnold Austin VK2ADA
24 Nov Xmas party Coffs Harbour Catholic Club
1988
8 Feb Digipeater installed on same site as voice repeater.
17 Feb Club to buy Digipeater unit and TNC from AAPRA for $1 Club to install and maintain unit and resell to
AAPRA for $1 at later dates.
8 Mar Death of Harry Alderson VK2EP.
16 Mar Club to relinquish VK2DVF for VK2EP as club call sign at request of Elva xyl late VK2EP, Harry Alderson.
20 Mar John Moyle Field Day. and club BBQ at Coffs Beach area.
1/3 Apr Urunga Convention.
Jun Antennae stolen from both repeaters.
13 Jul Harold Wright VK2AWH killed by motor cycle, in accident, in Sydney.
15 Oct JOTA and display at Palms Centre. Call sign VI88NSW used (Bi-centennial Year Call)
Nov Ray VK2BRG, after 10 years finally erects tower.
16 Nov AGM
24 Nov From Committee meeting – that:-
All meetings be on 3rd Wednesday of month.
Business meetings in Feb, May, & August. AGM in November.
Committee meetings be on 1st Wednesday of Feb, May August & November.
24 Nov Percy Sara Award won by Peter McAdam VK2EVB.
30 Nov Xmas party at Coffs Harbour Catholic Club.
1989
15 Mar Visit to R.V.C.P. HQ at Jetty. Trip on “Nemesis”.
24/26 Mar Urunga Convention.
16 Jun BBQ at Jetty foreshores with talk--in Fox Hunt.
2 Jul Norm Napper VK2FIN suffers a coronary attack away from home and was saved as a result of the call he
made on his VHF hand held which was heard by three club members. As a result the Ambulance was called
and arrived within minutes. Norm made a full recovery in Coffs Harbour Hospital.
Sep New antennae fitted to voice repeater. Co-linear antenna from voice repeater fitted to Digipeater
14 Oct Amateur Radio display at Park Beach Plaza.
21/22 Oct JOTA
Oct New transceiver Philips FM828 - and TNC obtained for Digipeater.
15
Nov AGM
Trophy offer by Elva xyl late VK2EP, accepted by club.
Decision on manner of selection of recipient to be
decided at later meeting. Meeting place transferred to Science Room
Percy Sara Award won by Bob Colsel VK2AWA
29 Nov Xmas party held at Coffs Harbour Catholic Club.
‘Harry Alderson’ Trophy presented to club by Elva Alderson.
Dec New Digipeater equipment installed.
1990
19 Jan Digipeater software updated - also 22 Feb & 14 Jun.
21 Feb Changed meeting room to Science Room 1. Orara High with entry from Joyce St & off street parking.
Also got own keys. Cost $5 per night.
23 Mar Club applied to DOC for accreditation for setting and marking the papers for the AOCP LAOCP and
NAOCP examinations.
5 Apr Accreditation for the setting and marking of the exam papers given. to Bob Colsel (VK2AWA) the authorized
club member.
14/15 Apr Urunga Convention - (not much rain).
2 May Bruce Telfer VK2DDU granted Life Membership.
Jun/Jul Ken & Ray Golden. VK2DGT & VK2BRG Safari to Top end. right to tip of Cape York. Good contacts
with Coffs Harbour all the way.
6 Jun/7 Nov N.A.O.C.P, Classes conducted by John VK2BUI.
22 Aug Application made for permission to re-broadcast VK2WI Sunday broadcasts on VK2RCH.
26 Aug BYO BBQ & Fox Hunt (talk in) at Jetty Foreshores.
Oct Re-broadcast of VK2WIA commenced on VK2RCH, Peter VK2EVB & John VK2BUI as operators.
20/21 Oct JOTA
17 Nov NAOCP Exams – 17 candidates.
21 Nov AGM
23 Nov Xmas Party at Catholic Club. Percy Sara Award to John VK2BUI.
VK2EP Award (cw) to Stewart Wood.
Dec Death of Jim Brinkman VK2IS
17 Dec Death of Bruce Telfer VK2DDU after long illness.
1991
19 Feb Start of new Novice Course by VK2BUI. 16 students.
30/31 Mar Urunga Convention.. Rain on Saturday afternoon..
Mar Investigation of possibility of obtaining use of Ex-DCA hut on Beacon Hill from Shire Council as Club Rooms.
Application made.
May UHF Digipeater being organized.. Possibility of UHF voice and Amateur TV repeaters being investigated.
6 May Bob Brien VK2DQB off to Saudi Arabia again.
5 May Club meeting. Talk on Club History by Max VK2BMK video. Memories taken from
other members of the club for addition to the written history.
Jun Several members f the club met with Coffs Council re provision of club rooms.The ex
DCA hut was not available on Beacon Hill but a suggestion was made that as the hut had to be removed it be
re-located to a suitable position on the Airport and made available for use as a club house. The decision to be
made at a later date.
Jul UHF units obtained for sale to by members.
29 Jul Novice Exam for 1991 class. 9 students, 3 gain licenses, VK2MAC, VK2MKX. & VK2MKY.
Aug UHF Packet Repeater commissioned.
21 Aug UHF Units distributed to members. Set on 439Mhz.
10 Sep Death in Sydney of Bill Miller VK2CWM.
Sep Application to WIA for UHF repeater frequency allocation.
18 Sep Talk by Peter VK2EVB on TVI.
16 Oct Club meeting.
Oct Frequencies for UHF repeater 432.025TX / 433.025Rx.
Oct Faults on Digipeater. UHF unit out of service.
Oct JOTA.
10 Nov Club outing at Dorrigo National Park, Good attendance.
20 Nov AGM
27 Nov Christmas party Coffs Catholic Club.
Club net to be in recess over Christmas-New Year.
‘Percy Sara’ Award to John VK2BUI. VK2EP Award to Graham Webb.
1992
15 Jan First meeting of year.
Jun Members attended a meeting of the Link Rd Sporting Fields Management Committee with the view of
investigating the erection of Club Rooms on the complex. Council also contacted re a site and or a building we
could obtain.
15 Jul Meetings moved to Coffs Harbour Community Village, cnr Payless.
17/18 Oct JOTA at Coffs Guide Hall & Sawtell Scout Hall.
18 Oct Moved that CHADARC become incorporated. See 3 Feb1993 committee motions & meeting of 17.3.1993.
18 Nov AGM
25 Nov Christmas Party at Catholic Club. Percy Sara’ Award to Arnold Austin VK2ADA.
VK2EP Award NOT AWARDED To be decided in early1993. (see Feb 1993).
1993
Feb From ‘5 x 9’ REPORT -. Re Club meeting room. ‘Approach made to Coffs Shire Council re old Band Hall
building Breisford Park. Mr. Shaw from Parks & Buildings said it virtually the Clubs if the Club officially
requested the donation of it. A letter was written and delivered to Mr. Shaw’ s secretary. This has apparently
been lost in the system.A further letter has been forwarded by mail to the Council hope of a prompt reply.
The most likely location is a site in Toormina Sport and Recreation Centre, Toormina end of Hogbin
Drive.Rental suggested subject to agreement with the management is $350 per annum including water and
electricity. An approach has been made to Mr. C.Gibbs, Donville House removals for a quote. de Greg
YK2PYU
3 Feb Meeting of Club Committee - The following motions be moved at a general meeting on 17 Mar 1993 :-
That CHADARC be incorporated.
That the name of the club be changed to “The Coffs Harbour District Amateur Radio Club Incorporated”.
The Club adopt the Model Rules as issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
That the present secretary be nominated as Public Officer.
The club accept the offer of the Coffs Harbour City Council of the old Band Hall in
Brelsford Park and re-locate it to a site on the Toormina Sport Recreational Grounds
in Hogbin Drive, as our permanent Club House (Estimated cost of re-location etc $4215)
Suggestion that the Club raise money for removal and setting up club house by raising loans from club
members - suggested $60 per member.
17 Mar Meeting to Discuss and vote on motions from Committee meeting of 3 Feb 1993. 75%
Club Members needed to pass motion for Incorporation
. The following motions were passed at the meeting:-
That the club becomes incorporated.
That the name be changed to “Coffs Harbour and District Amateur Radio Club Incorporated”.
That the Club adopt the Model Rules as issued by the Dept of Consumer Affairs That
the present Secretary Bob VK2DQB be nominated as Public Officer
That the club accept the offer of the Old Band Hall in Brelsford Park and re-locate it to
the Toormina Sport and Recreation Grounds in Hogbin Drive.
28 Mar Committee Meeting - That the quote from a Woolgoolga firm of house movers be
accepted. Move not to commence until incorporation is completed. Following
incorporation the Coffs Council to be advised confirming acceptance of the offer and
indicate that we wish to move the building within the following 3 months. Request
further information in writing re the clubs interest in the grounds. That the club attempt
to raise finance via a Loan Scheme as detailed in ‘5X9’ April 1993.
VK2E EP Award to be made an encouragement award for promoting Amateur Radio’.
9-11 Apr Urunga Convention
Apr From ‘5X9’ investigation of new site for repeaters Bruxner Park location - to be made.
Letter received from Toormina Sport b Recreation Association with quote for site rent
$100 from Urunga Convention towards building scheme.
Now pledged $1800, $800 so far received towards loan target of $3000.
Jun From ‘5X9’ 16/6/93 - Decision made to go ahead with removal of Band building
using Loan funds and funds invested by club. Date of removal subject to receipt
of Certificate of Incorporation At examinations held recently by John VK2BUI,
Hans DGV & Peter EVB a few more club members gained higher grades.
Jul From ‘5X9’ 21/7/93 Secretary Bob VK2DQB advised that the Certificate of
Incorporation now received. Club now CHADARC Inc.
17 Jul Work bee to remove the front porch from the Band Hall prior to removal. Those in ‘destruction’ team were
BFM, GZE, BUI, DGT, BRG (camera man), PYU + XYL, ADA, KTT, EVB, DOD.
21 Jul Band hall removed to our site. Foundations to be laid and approval of foundations before building lowered.
Aug From ‘5x9’ 18/8/93
Donations of material from Pioneer (cement), Golden’s Gravel (sand & gravel),
Clipsal Aust (electrical fittings). Workers - DGT, BRG, CAT, PYU, BFM, POC, ADA, KTT, BUI,
electrician Bill McCurran + others not named. The new CHADARC VK2EVB—1 Packet Bulletin Board has
been running for about 3 weeks. Thanks to Dave VK2YDN for assistance. A Dick Smith Commander 2m
transceiver is to be set in place for the BBS rig allowing the STC unit at present in use to be returned to the
Summerland Radio Club. The packet Digipeater is operating well since the UHF yagis were installed.
1993 The VHF antenna has been repaired giving enhanced coverage.
16/1.7 Oct Jamboree on the Air.
20 Oct First meeting in new club houses.Work on repairing the building mainly due to the efforts of Greg CAT, Fred
BFM, Ray BRG, Ken DGT, John BUI and Greg PYU. Bill McCurran did most of the electrical work and
also arranged for the donation of power wiring from Clipsal and other companies.
17 Nov AGM at new club Rooms Life Membership granted to Bob Colsel VK2AWA 5 year’s club membership
granted to Bi1l McCurran in appreciation of his work installing the electrical wiring at the club house.
24 Nov Christmas party at Coffs Harbour Catholic Club.
VK2EP Award to Peter VK2EVB. Percy Sara Award to Greg VK2PYU.
29 Nov Amateur Examination
1994
13 Mar Family barbecue at Georges Gold Mine.
Mar Amateur examination.
2/3 Apr Urunga Convention.
Work still continuing on repairs and painting of club house.
18 May Discussion re foundations for wind-up tower donated by Rowley VK2CRP.
Materials -For foundation & backhoe organized by Ray VK2BRG who also did a deal with a cement
company who donated 44 gal drum of cement powder and arranged for Golden’s Gravel to supply the sand
& gravel needed for the mix.Arnold to look into a suitable date for a display at Park Beach Plaza October
l3th-l4th-l5th. Club looking for display suggestions. Russell VK2PRC reported on negotiation with NRE –For
connection of power to premises - dropped from over $1000 (including pole & wire) to $329 for wires +
$330 connection fee, Committee to negotiate with T,S & R..C to see if they will assist with costs.
21 May Working bee to lay foundation. VK’s BRG, BFM, DGT, TAK, CAT, KTT, DQB,
BPH & EVB + harmonic. Also some repairs to inside of building
1 Jun From 5X9 UHF Packet Digipeater transceiver has been off. Peter EVB preparing a
Philips FM747 to install in place of original Mocom 70 unit.
5 Jun Club meeting. Resignation of VK2PYU as club treasurer due to family responsibilities.
VK2BRG & VK2CAT procured blackboard - unknown donor.
Donation of FM828 by VK2DGV for use in club building.
Discussion on set up of 6m repeater in club building.
Solitary Islands Award (Appendix A)
Next local exam Aug 28th - applications Aug 1st.
26 Jun Tower dismantled from QTH VK2CRP, removed to club house. Attending BRG, CAT, DGT, EVD, KTT –
action videoed. Rowley (CRP) donated rotator and 2m Qagi.
20 Jul Club meeting. Discussion on club finances and repairs to club house and mast. First CHADARC Field Day
planned 2nd weekend Jan 1995. Planning -For display at Plaza.
13/15 Oct. “Solitary Islands Award” ready for printer.
23 Jul Working bee - repairs to building and check mast. Top section of mast needs repairs and mast need rust-
proofing.
Jul Decision to hold Guessing Competition. 200 tickets I $10 Prize worth $1000 to be
drawn 16th Nov at annual meeting.
Jul New repeater unit installed.
New UHF digipeater FM747 installed
13-15 Oct Club display at Plaza.
15-16 Oct J.O.T.A. with Coffs Harbour Guides.
19 Oct Monthly meeting
Guessing Competition cancelled and all moneys to he refunded.
Club Field Day to be Sun 8th January 1995
19 Oct Xmas party at Catholic Club 30th November.
Nov Bob VK2AWA admitted to hospital with clot in leg.. Result-loss of toes on one foot and not out of hospital
for several months.
16 Nov A.G.M.
27 Nov Amateur Exam
30 Nov Xmas Party at Catholic Club
VK2EP award to Arnold ADA. VK2QV award to Fred BFM.
Misc. Awards
Packet Certificate - Hans DGV
Time Out Award - Allen QE
Long suffering XYL award -- June xyl ADA
STUPENDOUSLY MANIFICENT XMAS RAFFLE won by Ida xyl BMK
1995
8 Jan Club Field Day at Club Rooms
12 Feb VK2EVB caught in flooded creek at Dairyville. Vehicle was washed down creek and wrecked.
1 Apr Meeting re Packet Users Group formation.
15-17 Apr Urunga Convention.
19 Apr Club meeting. Discussion of formation of Packet Group. See report in 5X9 April 1995.
26 Apr Ray VK2BRG led a working party to work on tower.
26 Apr Fred VK2FM ex BFM & Peter EVB tried to change freq of digipeater to144.900Mhz as per WIA plan.
Constant carrier found from external source on freq so back to 147.575Mhz until sorted out.
17 May Business meetings to be 3 monthly Feb, May, Aug, Nov.
Bob DQB to loan club FT-101 E for use when aerials installed -- possible donation if satisfactory. Peter EVB
repaired club Philips FM828 for packet.. Also will loan club a 2 m txr to enable access to voice & packet
repeaters from club. Greg CAT to loan club 6a power supply. Also has repaired club 2m Quagi. Fred FM &
Ray BRG examined tower to decide how to correct lean. Work on that shortly.
27 May Examination - Daryl Barwise passed AOCP theory.
19 Jul At the meeting an attempt was made to get packet working. When connected a fused the one in the main fuse
box. We had no access and had to wait in the dark for the caretaker to return.
22 Jul A working party of 2BRG Ray, 2FM Fred, 2CAT “pussy”, 3BMJ Mark, 2QE Allan 2EVB Peter and Joshua
erected a 2m co-linear antenna and threaded co-ax cable through the roof into the building.. This with club 2m
radio Tiny tnc and Difficult Dumb Terminal give the club voice and data communications.
23 Jul Some individual got a bug about getting the dumb terminal working right and on a second trip also got a bug
about cleaning up and organizing the club rooms.. We now have a radio station and workshop area separated
from the main area.
The TV and video were installed near the blackboard and the room readied for the next meeting.
29 Jul Work crew of 2ADA Arnold, 2BRG Ray, 2BPH Pat, 3BMJ Mark, 2CAT “pussy”, 2DGT Ken, 2DOB Bob,
2DMS Merv, 2EVB Peter & Joshua and Bob Green 2YRG turned up and installed the TH3Jr triband HF
beam and a 2m Quagi on the tower Operation was videoed by Ray 2BRG. Co-ax was fed into building and
tower cranked up. It is planned to open the club each Saturday from 1300 est so members can make
use of the facilities and library. Next meeting 16th Aug, quarterly meeting.
Exam to be held in rooms on 27th August.
16 Aug Quarterly meeting - discussion re access to grounds, Bob DQB brought in FT-101 for club use. Some packet
operation from club. Armidale Amateur Radio club to hold mini-ham fest on 17th September.
23 Sep Repeater antenna relocated. Work by VK2FM, BRG AND KTT. Temporary antenna
fitted to digipeater when previous antenna stolen replaced by ex-commercial folded dipole.
21 Sep Demonstration of SSTV & colour FAX at club.
Sep VK2PYU-1 Packet BBS, replacement for VK2EVB-1 system, now up and running using later version of
FBB 5.15C Software.
19 Oct General meeting.
15 Nov Annual General meeting. Election of officers.
Rex Hardacre dropped in gave club to new lock on ground gates. Club to get keys cut and members
requiring key to pay for same.Working party to paint outside of building in new year.
6 Dec Club Xmas party at Coffs Catholic Club.
HONOUR ROLL.
Mike Claughton VK2VRK (DKX) 13Jun 1981
Percy Sara VK2QV 21 Jun 1983
Keith
Blanch
VK2GIL 1984
Reg Gibson swl
Jack Gerard VK2ADN
3 Mar 1985
Roy Berry VK2BQD Aug 1986
Harry Alderson VK2NSR (EP) 8 Mar 1988
Harold Wright VK2AWH 13 Jul 1988
Jim Brinkman VK2IS Dec 1990
Bruce Telfer VK2NHZ (DDU) 17 Dec 1990
Bill Miller VK2CWM 10 Sep 1991
Bob Colsell VK2AWA 17 Jan 2007
CLUB EXECUTIVES.
YEAR PRES Vice/Pres. SEC TREAS
1978/79 VK2BMK VK2NHZ VK2ZNO VK2ZCO
1979/80 VK2BMK VK2NHZ VK2VQI VK2DQU
1980/81 VK2BMK VK2DDU VK2DUR VK2DQU
1981/82 VK2BMK VK2DDU VK2DUR VK2QV
1982/83 VK2BMK VK2BKV VK2AWA VK2DLM/DDU
1983/84 VK2DLW/AWA VK2AWA VK2CRP VK2EVB
1984/85 VK2AWA VK2SL VK2BKV VK2EVB
1985/86 VK2EVB VK2ADA VK2DGT VK2BFM
1986/87 VK2EVB VK2DDU VK2DGT VK2DMS
1987/88 VK2EVB VK2ADA VK2DGT VK2KJK
1988/89 VK2ADA VK2FOW VK2AWA VK2KJK [gjk]
1989/90 VK2ADA VK2BUI VK2AWA VK2GJK
1990/91 VK2ADA VK2EVB VK2AWA VK2BUI
1991/92 VK2ADA VK2BUI VK2EVB VK2PYU
1992/93 VK2CAT VK2ADA VK2DQB VK2PYU
1993/94 VK2CAT VK2BUI VK2DQB VK2PYU/BUI
1994/95 VK2CAT VK2ADA VK2DGV VK2BUI
1995/96 VK2DQB VK2CAT VK2BMK VK2THU
LIFE MEMBERS
1986 RICK FLETCHER VK2BKV
1986 MAX FRANCIS VK2BMK
1989 BRUCE TELFER VK2DDU
1993 BOB COLSELL VK2AWA
xxxx ARNOLD AUSTIN VK2ADA
‘Percy Sara’ Award; VK2QV.
Presented to Club Member who is voted by the club to have done the best work for the club in the previous year.
1984 ARNOLD AUSTIN VK2ADA
1985 RICK FLETCHER VK2BKV
1996 ARNOLD AUSTIN VK2ADA
1987 ARNOLD AUSTIN VK2ADA
1988 PETER McADAM VK2EVB
1989 BOB COLSELL VK2AWA
1990 JOHN WILLIAMS VK2BUI
1991 JOHN WILLIAMS VK2BUI
1992 ARNOLD AUSTIN VK2ADA
1993 GREG REES VK2PYU
1994 FRED McSKIMMING VK2BFM
1995 RAY GOLDEN VK2BRG
Some of the Net
operators over the years have been:-
Max
Francis VK2BMK [not active]
Rick Fletcher VK2BKV [not active]
Phil Smith VK2PLC-sk
Norm Napper VK2FIN -sk
Ken Golden VK2DGT
Harry Ussher VK2DUJ-sk
Allen Gilson VK2PHZ now QE
Arnold Austin VK2ADA [The current Net Operator with over 21 years service]
From Ray Golden VK2BRG.
At one of the early meetings at the Technical College Peter Drady VK2DBI took along a starting pistol. Rick Fletcher was demonstrating some equipment and when he switched on the supply to it Peter fired the pistol. The result - the switch was very quickly turned off.
From Allan Gilson VK2PHY. [now QE]
On the Field Day at George’s Gold Mine in Sep 1981 Dave Harding VK2DUR and Harry Ussher VK2DUJ took along a motor generator unit and floodlights. The rest of the group set up camp at the foot of the hill but Dave and Harry set up on top. That night there was a thunderstorm.To get up a 80m dipole Norm Napper VK2FIN used a fishing rod to cast hauling lines over two 80ft trees. The antenna was there for several months and eagles kept attacking over the time. On the Sunday Dave and Harry set up a 2 metre station and wondered why they could not get out as they were at about 2000ft asl and could not even raise the repeater. After several hours they finally realized that they did not have the co-ax connected.
From Arnold Austen VK2ADA.
At one of the early Morse classes at the Tech. College Hans Schumacher VK2DGV was sending a Morse test using dirty German. Until Emil Hengartner VK2NEH started smiling, Hans did not realize that there was anyone else in the class who understood German.
Repeaters.
History of VK2RCH Repeaters - ‘BOB’ and ‘PHIL’ & the Digipeater. by Fred McSKIMMING, VK2BFM [now vk2fm]. 5th September. 1989.
On the 9th May 1981 a split Yaesu FT2FB transceiver was installed at Mt Coramba, by Brian Slarke VK2ZCQ-sk, Brian Lackie VK2DLM and Fred McSkimming VK2BFM. Frequency of operation was 146.650 Tx and 146.050 Rx. The call sign,VK2RCH. The repeater became known as ‘BOB’ – (bucket of bolts).
‘BOB’s installation followed many months of trial and error by Brian Slarke of Bellingen to get the system up and running. The equipment had been donated by the Great Lakes Radio Club some months previously. Later improvements included adding an extra cavity filter and receiver pre-amp. Largely assisting with the commissioning of our new repeater was Harold Wright, VK2AWH, of Lismore. Harold had gained a wealth of experience in the building and maintenance of the Lismore repeater, and several of his suggestions were adopted and remain today.
In November 1981 the club formed a VHF group and established a fund to enable equipment to be obtained to upgrade the repeater. Over the years several adjustments were made, various aerials were trialed with mostly obscure results, resulting in the decision in March 1984 to purchase and install a later and more reliable unit, a Philips FM828, a unit designed for commercial repeater operation.
‘PHIL’, the FM828 purchased for $ 500.00 in early 1984 and installed on the 12th June 1984, has generally been trouble free since. The purchase and installation of ‘Phil’ was mainly due to the activities of Fred McSkimming, VK2BFM. Fred has been the maintenance officer from the time the repeater was installed on Mt Coramba until his separation from Telstra in Nov, 2002.
On the 8th February 1988, a ‘PACKET’ Repeater, ‘Digipeater’ was installed at the same site, to operate on 147.575 MHz. This provided data communications on a store and forward basis and although attracting only a few locals initially, continues connect packet enthusiasts by a software linking system. A UHF unit has since been installed as an addition to the system. In late 1989 a Philips FM—828 transceiver and new TNC, that provided additional facilities (Rose’s addressing) were obtained for the Digipeater and were installed in December. Upgrading of the system is being carried out on a continuous basis.
It should be noted here that Harold Wright, who was of great assistance in the obtaining of the repeater site, died in Sydney on the 13th July 1988, after being knocked down by a motor-cyclist in Kent St, Sydney. During June 1988, the antennae on the voice and packet repeaters were stolen by persons unknown. Temporary aerials were installed immediately, and permanent aerials, a co-linear on the Digipeater and twin folded dipoles were connected to the voice repeater. As this goes to print, it remains a priority of this committee to build a diplexer for our voice repeater. We also note that Grafton is building a voice repeater using a diplexer to operate on 146.675 MHz, using a Philips FM828.
vk2fm for the Repeater Committee.
Further notes on the Club’s repeaters.
In early 1991 several UHF units were obtained and moves were made to provide a UHF Digipeater. It was also suggested that provision of a UHF voice and an Amateur TV repeater be investigated. Frequencies of 438.025 Tx and 433.025 Rx allocated for UHF Repeater.
The original VHF repeater unit was a Yaesu FT-2F, a crystal locked transceiver. It and 2 aerial units, a mobile whip and a commercial co-linear aerial which were donated to the club by the Great Lakes Radio club, Taree. The were donated by Peter Drady, VK2DBI.
Also an old valve type single channel ex-Telecom unit was donated. Parts of the metalwork from this unit were used in the construction of the initial unit. The major work for the original unit was carried out by Brian Slarke, VK2ZCQ.
The original test site for the unit was at Brian’s QTH on North Bank Rd, Bellingen and a lot of work and time was used trying to locate a suitable repeater site prior to the installation at its present location.
Jan 1993. The club has UHF repeater Freq of 438.025 but no repeater operational. We have a UHF repeater unit, but no
aerials.
June 1993. Tests carried out from a possible new site for the repeaters.
June 1993. Antennas stolen. Temporary antenna digipeater - droopy ground plane.
June 1994. New Transceiver -Philips 727- for UHF packet unit.
July 1994. It is hoped that VK2RCH-2 (UHF) can soon be put on frequency – it’s 2.5 khz high. This doesn’t appear to be
affecting the general operation. It is also hoped that we will be able to install a TNC and transceiver in the new
university to provide a local, after hour’s access to Telnet, a world wide educational data network.
July 1994 - Fred VK2BFM and Paul VK2KTT installed a Philips 814 combination style repeater unit as the VK2RCH repeater to replace the Philips FM- 828 which was installed in June 1884. The Tx and Rx are now separately mounted giving greater separation. It appears that the receiver is now more sensitive and also the transmitter has an output power of 50 watts.
Sep 1995 - repeater antenna location carried out. Droopy dipole on digipeater replaced by ex-commercial folded dipole.
the end...............
This history page was corrected / updated / uploaded 6.3.2007. vk2fm.
.