CRARC Update – August 2026
CRARC Update for August, 2026
The CRARC committee meets on-line on the second Wednesday of the month to discuss the running of CRARC. This email is an outline of items covered and other topics potentially of interest to CRARC members and is promulgated to keep members aware of what is going on.
Topics Discussed
SouthFest 2026
We’re still looking for someone to run a CRARC stall at SouthFest 2026 on Saturday 21 November 2026 near the Tuggeranong Town Centre. CRARC has participated in this for the last few years and a new organiser is needed. If you would like to contribute to the club and run the event or would like to assist in staffing the event, please contact the CRARC committee via committee@crarc.org.au.
Foundation Course – 18/19 July
CRARC ran a foundation course on the weekend of the 18/19 July. There were 13 students including two teenagers of 12 and 14 and two from interstate. All 13 passed and a big thanks to Bob VK1ED, Paul VK2CJ, Rob VK1RN, Jeff VK1JB and Don VK2DON.
The associated Foundation night on the 5th August was well attended with many questions and a lot of interest in digital modes. Most also picked up their Quansheng radios.
Broadcast Audio Levels
It’s been noted that audio levels during the Sunday morning broadcast on Mt Ginini seem a little low. We’re not sure if it’s an issue with the Omnitronics audio bridge, or one of the receivers. A trip to Mt Ginini will be required to find the fault.
Allstar on Bulls Head
Graeme VK1IO has been experimenting with Allstar via the Bulls Head repeater including connecting it up to the Ozzy-Pub net, ARISS contacts and a broadcast of the WIA news on Sunday night. The committee endorses Graeme’s use of the Bulls Head repeater and we’re happy with the increased on-air activity and interest displayed. Thanks Graeme!
Local Nets
-
- The CRARC Net happens on every 1st Wednesday and every 3rd Wednesday at 7:30pm on the Bulls Head VHF repeater and Allstar Link 61624.
- D-Star chat net happens at 8:30pm Canberra on the VK1RBM D-Star repeater on Isaacs Ridge. Remote stations can connect their hotspots or repeaters to VK1RBM-G.
Upcoming Club Events
Tech Night – Wednesday 16th August 2026
This coming Wednesday is Tech Night.
This week the CRARC Net will be run from the Clubhouse from 1930hrs on the Bulls Head VHF Repeater and via Allstar 61624. If you would like to know how to run a Net or even join a Net or have any questions on other ham radio topics then we hope that we will see you this Wednesday Night.
- As per usual, Coffee, Tea and biscuits will be available and Pizza will also be available for $5.00/slice.
- Doors open at 6:30pm
General Meeting – Wednesday 23rd August 2026
The following Wednesday is General Meeting Night.
Carl VK1KCM will be talking about Hotspots.
The talk will cover;
- What they are and what they can do
- How to use them
- Calibration
- Future developments
With any luck there will be some practical demonstrations.
- As per usual, Coffee, Tea and biscuits will be available and Pizza will also be available for $5.00/slice.
- Doors open at 6.30pm
Current Repeater and Beacon Status
|
Repeater |
Status |
Comment |
|
Isaacs 2m Analogue |
Operational |
|
|
Isaacs 2m D-star |
Operational |
|
|
Isaacs 2m beacon |
Operational |
|
|
Isaacs 70cm Analogue |
Operational |
|
|
IRLP/Echolink |
Operational |
|
|
Isaacs 70cm DMR |
Operational |
|
|
Bulls Head 2m Analogue |
Operational |
|
|
Ginini 2m Analogue |
Operational |
|
|
Ginini 2m APRS |
Operational |
|
|
Ginini 70cm Analogue |
Operational |
|
|
Ginini 23cm Beacon |
Not Operational |
Removed from site for upgrade and re-alignment |
Full details on each of the above services are available on the club’s website at www.crarc.org.au.
Club News and Information
Membership
As at the August Committee meeting, club membership was at 214 financial members, 6 of which are life members. This month we welcome 14 new members, most from the Foundation Course. If you have any membership queries or problems, contact Graham on membership@crarc.org.au and visit crarc.tidyhq.com to renew or update your membership.
Education
The next Foundation Course will be on the 19/20 September. It currently has 6 students booked.
WIA Weekly Broadcast
There is a broadcast of the weekly WIA News at 9.00am local time via our VHF and UHF repeaters on Mt Ginini, 146.950 MHz and 438.050 MHz. Callbacks are welcome on both frequencies after the transmission.
Club Website
The club runs a website at www.crarc.org.au where you can find information on the club’s activities, repeaters, beacons and events. It’s worth paying it a visit regularly to checkout the blog and events pages for new information and upcoming events.
Club Merchandise
The club has T-Shirts, Polos, Hoodies, Sweaters and Caps available via our merchandise store at merch.crarc.org.au. Items are printed with the club logo, your callsign and your name and each item sold provides a small contribution to the club. With Winter here it’s time to order that Hoodie or Sweater to wear to club meetings and events!
Club Shop
The club is providing the Quangsheng UV-K5(8) handheld radio to licensed members. The UV-K5(8) is a 5W dual band VHF/UHF handheld which is quite capable, and also cheap enough that losing or damaging it is less of a problem. These radios come with a programming cable and USB-C charging but without the cradle. To get yours visit the CRARC Shop at https://www.crarc.org.au/shop/.