Stuart VK2FSTU has found an neat step-by-step article detailing how to create a 2m repeater with a raspberry Pi – Anton ZR6AIC writes:
I will be using a rtl dongle to receive my input signal on 70cm frequency configurable on the amateur 2m or 70cm band. The receiver signal will then be demodulated and retransmitted with a DSP Library simulating a FM Signal using a GPIO pin on the Raspberry as an transmitter.
As mentioned above, the project interestingly uses a GPIO pin on the Pi as a transmitter with attached antenna (which is certainly novel, but not exactly high power!). Note the article is quite technical (as you’d expect).
Check out the article here and have a look at the video demonstrating it in use below:
The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) is keeping alive its advocacy that Advanced Licensees be allowed to use up to 1kW power. The WIA Spectrum Strategy Committee has put to the ACMA the issue of high power beyond the present limit of 400 watts peak, in its “log of claims” after the now-infamous high power trial in 2013.
Many radio amateurs ask why is it that we just can’t have it, like in so many other countries – New Zealand, America, Canada, Japan and so on? Spectrum Strategy Committee spokesman Roger Harrison VK2ZRH says the central issue comes down to that of compliance with electromagnetic radiation standards in Australia. The ACMA uses the term “electromagnetic emissions” – abbreviated EME – but the acronym EMR (for electromagnetic radiation) is also widely used for the same thing. Australia is unique in the world when it comes to radiocommunications regulation, embodied in licence conditions, and compliance with electromagnetic radiation standards. Here, the two things are linked – but nowhere else in the world.
In Australia, our radiocommunications regulator – the ACMA – has the responsibility to ensure compliance, and every licensee (not just radio amateurs) is required to comply. The ACMA has a responsibility to the public, to ensure that electromagnetic emissions from all radio transmitting systems do not present a harmful situation. In fulfilling that responsibility, the ACMA needs to know where possibly harmful transmitter systems are located and that such locations are recorded on a licence. With that understanding, the Spectrum Strategy Committee is working with the ACMA to develop suitable procedures under which radio amateurs interested in running high power can make an application that meets the ACMA’s technical and regulatory requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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