From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 27 / 11 / 2016 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

On a salt lake in Central Australia early next year a radio amateur will conduct tests of a wide area radio network destined for the planet Mars. Robert Brand VK2URB, of Thunderstruck Aerospace, reports that it is an essential part of a project to develop the Mars Nano-Lander and Methane detection system called MEDIAN, set to land in 2025.  Approval will be sought from the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority for use of the air space for the test.

The project calls for 10 separate penetrators to be ejected from the jettisoned heat shield at about 6km from the surface of Mars.  They are to spear into the surface of Mars and form a ring about 8km wide.  The radio systems will begin measuring distance between the other landers and map the network.  Robert VK2URB says they will then switch to a random packet mode and begin sending messages to an orbiting craft.  Even the orientation of each probe covering an area around the size of a small city, will be detected and used to calculate the direction that wind, and hopefully any methane, on the thin Martian atmosphere.

Robert VK2URB says that the audacious mission is a joint project with the UK Methane detection group at the University of Central Lancashire, and the Australian Thunderstruck Aerospace team.  Robert is the design architect of the landing system, the mapping, orientation, communications, data relay, and the on-going non-methane science package.  He says that never before has a network of probes been landed anywhere outside of earth and have impactors with the intention of surviving the process.  The possibility of microbial life on Mars has been discussed by scientists since the presence of methane gas on the red planet was found several years ago.  MEDIAN will map possible methane vent locations for a rover to investigate.  If the rover fails to land, the project will still relay local weather and subsoil information back to earth.  It’s expected that the tests in Central Australia will demonstrate the essential role that radio will play in mapping, locating, orienting the network and then relaying data around the network.

The tests will involve dropping a simulated heat shied from 3km altitude and having the impactors fire at 2.5km feet to simulate the impact that each would have on Mars.  Even the orientation of each probe will be detected and used to calculate the direction that wind is coming from in the thin Martian atmosphere.  The penetrators will stay vertical and elevate the science and radio package about a metre off the surface allowing for better radio connectivity and clear wind profile.

A metre diameter solar panel will provide adequate power and the network is expected to survive for at least six months on Mars relaying weather and sub-surface information.  An expected seven of the 10 spikes will survive the impact.  Ham radio will provide essential communications for the tests and for the event.  It is hoped a special event around the testing will attract the interests of radio amateur worldwide, and focus attention of the role that Australia is playing in Space Missions.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 24 / 11 / 2016
Author : Robert Broomhead – VK3DN

Email spam—also known as junk email is where unsolicited messages are sent by email.

Spam email may have the appearance of being a legitimate email having originated from a known trusted source such as one of the major banks, insurance companies retailers, or even the WIA but this is not the case.

Spam typically originates from home computers or websites that have become infected with a virus or hacked and contain malicious code.  The offending computer or website that is generating the spam could infact be anywhere around the world.

Many email spam messages contain disguised links that appear to be for familiar websites but in fact lead to phishing web sites or sites that are hosting malware.  Spam email may also include malware as scripts or other executable file attachments, these links should never be clicked.

From time to time the WIA receives calls from members who may be receiving spam asking what can be done.  Unfortunately just like the banks and other organisations we simply advise our members to be cautious when opening emails.  If the email doesn’t appear to be legitimate or the subject line is not related to a topic you have been dealing with then it quite likely may be spam and careful consideration should be given before it is opened.

Installing reputable antivirus/antispam software on your computer is essential and making sure that the subscription is paid up and the automatic software updates are active and up to date is just as important.

For those wondering about the name SPAM, the term Spam comes from the Spam luncheon meat which appeared in a Monty Python sketch where the Spam meat was characterised as ubiquitous, unavoidable and repetitive.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 24 / 11 / 2016 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

Initiated by the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA), the symposium identified where Amateur Radio and the WIA can contribute to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) program, being promoted by the Federal Government.

Hosted by the Canberra Amateur Radio Club on November 19, it had 24 people attend to discuss seven presentations and a further 12 papers of suggestions, ideas and concepts.  WIA Vice President Fred Swainston VK3DAC says the breadth of ideas and suggestions was immense.

Among them were a Portable Radio Telescope, a software defined radio (SDR) dongle, a space camp, radio wave propagation demonstration, Cubesat possibilities, building relationships with other STEM groups, maker/science fairs, and career entry.  Fred VK3DAC noted that a number of groups were already involved by making young Australians interested in STEM subjects.  In particular the symposium explored how Amateur Radio, and radio amateurs, can contribute to STEM by using their specialised talents through mentoring and coordinating interesting leading-edge activities.

A thoughtful robust discussion occurred leading towards a focussed outcome to greatly lift awareness and participation.  Fred VK3DAC says the WIA will continue to support existing programs wherever possible and further develop some programs or projects.  The symposium suggested that National as well as State and Territory coordinators be used to link with STEM programs as part of an overall WIA plan and strategy.

It was agreed by the participants that a network be established to further programs and projects and new members to this network are most welcome.  There were 42 expressions of interest in the symposium received and all in the network will receive more information.

The STEM initiative has support from related industries, and teachers of STEM looking for some hands-on help from knowledgeable and skilled radio amateurs.

DIck Smith – STEAM Message

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 22 / 11 / 2016 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

A 19-year old man from Rockbank northwest of Melbourne faces offences related to the alleged unlawful interference with air traffic control and endangering the safety of aircraft.  Paul Sant is alleged to have made 16 separate unauthorised radio transmissions at Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport near Geelong between September and November.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) laid four counts of endangering the safety of aircraft contrary to Crimes (Aviation) Act, while the Australian Communications and Media Authority had a count of interference likely to endanger safety or cause loss or damage contrary to the Radiocommunications Act.

Briefly in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 22, defence lawyer Pern Chaya told the court Paul Sant had been diagnosed with autism and depression.  He was remanded in custody to reappear on Monday, and then expected to apply for bail.  Outside the court the AFP’s Head of Crime Operations, acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Sheehan said the arrest followed an investigation involving Air Services Australia, ACMA, and in the early stages Qantas and the Virgin Australia Group.  He said if the offences were proven they could have a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.

From the WIA, original post here.

Date : 20 / 11 / 2016 
Author : Jim Linton – VK3PC

The 75th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Sydney in the Indian Ocean is being remembered on by commemorative callsigns on both sides of Australia.  It was on November 19, 1941, that HMAS Sydney engaged in a naval battle with German auxilliary cruiser, SMS Kormoran, about 106 nautical miles off Dirk Hartog Island Western Australia.

The sinking of the Sydney in the half an hour fire fight remains the largest loss of life in the history of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), with all 645 sailors perishing.  Most of the crew of Kormoran survived, captured and made prisoners of war until the conflict ended.  The wreckage sites were only verified in 2008.

To mark the occasion the St George Amateur Radio has VI2SYD75 is active on HF through VHF, and even microwaves, while the Northern Corridor Radio Group has VI6SYD75 initially at HMAS Sterling base at Garden Island, before relocating to at least two other locations.  There have been four Royal Australian Navy ship named HMAS Sydney.  The first commissioned in 1912 gained fame through an action with the German light cruiser SMS Emden off the Cocos-Keeling Islands on November 9, 1914.  It was the first Australian naval action of WWI.  The Emden was beached on North Keeling Island, one of the Cocos-Keeling Islands group in the Indian Ocean.  The callsign VI4SEA commemorated that event, coordinated by Mike Charteris VK4QS.

The second HMAS Sydney was commissioned in 1934, and is the one lost in 1941.  The 3rd was an aircraft carrier used during the Vietnam War to transport men and equipment.  This was fondly known as “The Vung Tau Ferry.”  The 4th HMAS Sydney was commissioned in 1983 and remained in service until 2015.