cq_qrs_newsletter

2025 04 CQ QRS RagChew

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Contents

CQ QRS RagChew

Things were looking up for this week’s CQQRS Slow CW QSO practice net on Tuesday. A number of people reported that band conditions were good, but our numbers were still down a bit – only 55 stations heard on air, compared to over 60 a number of times last year.

Scary fact: this is the fifth solar cycle peak since I’ve became an amateur, but the first one where I’ve been paying attention to things amateur radio.

It’s really interesting to me that during the solar minima, we complain about band conditions and look forward with anticipation to the next peak…

But while this peak seems to have produced excellent conditions on ten metres and some nice Aurora Australis displays, down on 40m and 80m, the geomagnetic storms have been playing havoc.

I’m guessing that the D-layer is stronger causing more absorption later into the evening across Australia. I wonder if some of our 80m and 160M fans might give us their take on conditions? But where have most of our New Zealand mates disappeared to?

Last year we had lots of fun comparing accents and power levels, but it’s been much quieter this year. I’m missing our friendly neighbours but fingers crossed that we drag a few more out of the i roto i te huna as we head into the year!

This week’s RagChew has a distinct artificial intelligence feel about it. This morning as I was walking in Yass while Elizabeth’s car was at the Doctor, Geoff VK6HD and I had another of our long chats about life, the universe and everything; Geoff was on his usual very early morning stroll around the Mandurah Estuary before the Summer furnace got going there.

Today Geoff was telling me about his use of a paid subscription to the ChatGPT artificial intelligence system, to create a virtual assistant for his role as the CEO of the Stronger Families not-for-profit organisation.

On my request he had his virtual staff officer run up a quick article for RagChew – see later in the newsletter for more.

Last Tuesday’s Group

So back to matters at hand; here’s this week’s list of the 53 stations heard on air on lege ng nn a

Masthead Image

And thanks this week to Jordan VK3ACU for the nice shot of his Penntek TR-45 QRP transceiver.

Reports

After next Tuesday’s Group, please send me a list of who you worked and / or who you heard using our web form here: bit.ly/CQQRSNET

Please help attract new and old team members to have a go by submitting your report each week. Submissions close lunch time (Eastern Australian time) on Thursday.

If you hear or work one of our team on a different band on Tuesday, please just use the 80m report area and use the instructions to annotate which bit applies to which band.

Cheers, mb Mark Bosma VK2KI / VK6QI Beautiful South Bowning NSW mark.bosma@icloud.com non impsditi ratione cogitationis

Reports & Comments

The spreadsheets above show the known stations on last Tuesday’s Group. Comments distilled from the reports I’ve received follow:

Comments:

From David VK6KD/3 at Epping (VIC) Caravan repair yard.

[40m] * Good number of stations sending QRS so I could copy them, thanks..

[80m] * I logged into some Kiwi Rx around Oz to hear if I was making the distance. 80m had not opened from Vic to WA when I checked. I didn’t hear many stations on 80m this week. To be fair, I was only using a 5′ whip antenna.

* This week I Worked out my 100W autotuner is only good for 40w CW. I may have been overheating it running 50w (my usual choice of pwr when mob).

[Good to hear you’re making progress on the problem-solving on the road David; the question is, why did it take until you arrived in Queensland for the problem to show up I wonder? Mystery!]

From Patrick VK2IOW between Bathur: and Orange

[40m] * I spent more time listening than sending. Conditions seemed good. I was using my new Yaesu FTDX10. It seems good, very quiet on receive and great to be able to see stations on the waterfall…

[40m] * Conditions were good for a change this way.

[40m] « Plenty of activity on the band, nice to see..

[40m] * The noise was delightfully low and the interstate signals were good. Armchair copy all around but few people on the air at the time I was on. It’s a shame there were so few stations because the conditions were so good.

Last night was what CW QSOs are all about..

[80m] + Listened to 80m at about 0930Z but heard nothing. Low noise here too. Called a couple of times but no response. Another missed opportunity for armchair copy. That’s life I guess…

[Love it when our team members say things like “Last night was what CW QSOs ¢ all about”. Thank you Arthur]

[80m] + First Tuesday night back on air since before Xmas, good to heat up the

Ionosphere again!. + Went to CW after the boat anchor net running about 30 watts from another TS520 I’ve acquired recently, good fun, this rig has the CW filter fitted, big difference to the other non filtered 520 I have…

[Great to hear you back on Andy. I wonder how many older transceivers with CW filters are gathering dust… or worse! I reckon among our team there’s be a bunch ot people who would put the CW filters which you can’t buy any more to good use?

Does anyone have a YK-107C CW filter for my trusty Kenwood TS-120S I wonder?]

[40m] «| was overpowered by VK6FN while trying to answer VKE6IS calling! I followed the QSO between Max and Peter then called CQ after. Max replied and we had a short chat remarking on the hot weather.

By then I was feeling the heat and humidity so retreated to the house..

[40m] «It was a better night than last week, I even managed to have a QSO with VK6MK OM Stuart in Australind, starting almost QNP and in about 12 minutes we were both in a better shape, he was picking up to + 40 aB..

PS Soro mor BR VOR SB 0 “9 oe orn PA 02985 [eo er NT AY)

[40m] + Another pearler of a night!. *| had a QSO with VK2CEM who sounded like a new operator, but unfortunately I didn’t get a report; I’m hoping that we will hear him or her again on our net in the coming weeks as confidence grows – that’s why we’re here!.

• After dinner I hooked up with Rob VKSECH at Echuca after Jordan VKS8ACU had finished. I reckon we chatted away for nearly an hour – what fun – so much to talk about – antennas (I know you’ll be surprised that I asked about his

160M dipole), portable ops, sports cars etc. Rob told me that he was heading off to Tassie for a couple of weeks and was taking his Xiegu G90 transceiver to operate portable. So? Well, he’s doing the tour on his Ducatti!

An exercise in concise packing no doubt! I look forward to hearing from Rob during the net. But also if he sets up in VKFF Parks or SOTA peaks at other times, he’ll be able to post CW spots on Allen VK3ARH‘s website parksnpeaks.org and the posted CW spots will be SMSed to me for relaying to our WhatsApp Alerts..

+ Later I came across David VK6KD/3 operating from his caravan manufacturer’s yard at Epping chatting to Lawrie VK5LJ. Not wanting to break from tradition, I called David but missed him; instead I had a nice chat to Lawrie in the Barossa Valley.

I’d worked Lawrie many times in the QRP Hours CW contest each year but I don’t think we’d worked on the CQQRS net before – nice to chat Lawrie..

[80m] + On 80m I caught up with George VK2AOE up at Kogera; George had just arrived back from a trip to New Zealand and Japan – hope you brought back some nice goodies George.

Was interesting to watch the VK6QS KiwiSDR near Brookton as the band started to open up; despite George using only 5 Watts compared to my 50 Watts, and me using my 80m double extended-Zepp (two 5/8THS in phase), George was only about an S-point down on me; perhaps that was because he was previously a professional marine radio operator?

+ I was planning a not-too-late night (hal), but as I was signing off from George, I saw Wayne VK6NW from Bridgetown calling CQ up the band. This time we made it! Signals weren’t particularly strong, but we got through ok – beautiful Q5 on QSB peaks.

Glad you were able to get on air later than normal mate. + Great fun for me again this week..

Also from your editor Mark VK6QI via the VK6QS KiwiSDR near Brookton

[80m] * Work continues by Rob VK6LD on the Southern Electronics Group’s remote HF

Station at Bedfordale. Last week I tried to fire-up the Remote on CW but it wouldn’t respond to my key; Richard VK6HFC also gave it a try and confirmed that either we both had the same problem at our ends, or that there was something amiss with the Remote.

It’s not as if Rob doesn’t have other things on his plate – but his on- going efforts to get it sorted out are really appreciated – thanks mate.. * What fun!

[40m] * Very quiet in this QTH however was only listening from 1630 to about 1715. Finally setup Tokyo HL-50B with QMX and 8.8 m Rybakov (with all the smoke staying in place) however first CQ set off the fire alarms in the house :(.

+ Lots of good suggestions on WhatsApp and will install feed line choke and see if I can’t put ATU at the base of the vertical and try again……

From Mathew VK3AFH at Wantirna

[40m] «| had my audio running via my computer, and listening with headphones. A happy accident occurred when I had a kiwiSDR open, and the audio from it was mostly going to one ear, with my radio into the other.

The CW tones were nicely offset, and the SDR had a slight delay. I got rather entranced by the musical quality of Jordan’s QSO and was swinging along whilst writing down what I was hearing.

Only had the thought to try and record it towards the very end, and did quickly figure out how to, but didn’t capture the best parts unfortunately..

• The next QSO started on the same frequency and I believe it was you again Mark – your slower sending had a call- and-repeat sound to it, where Jordan’s had more of a swing beat. I’ve seen some examples of musical CW

Before but this was my first time hearing it in the wild for myself, very enjoyable if distracting 🙂 My antenna seems to be doing well on receive at least!.

* Here’s the recording I made; best listened to with stereo headphones: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BMXEUF-3fY_EJ2h9HtwWAY-zAy9HKwOl/view ?usp=drive link

From Peter VK7KPC at Evandale

[40m] * Only a short contact with Stan, a bit of brain fade my end. First attempt with Jordan no go due to noise his end, culprit his dads phone charger. Second attempt some time later all ok..

Post Morsum Report from Richard VK6HRC Agoad session on Wednesday morning on the WA AllStar/ Echolink network. On this morning: VK6FN Max VK6NW Wayne VK6QI Mark VK5ET John VK6HD Geoff VK6HRC. and our regular SWLs Mulligan VK6MRB, Bob VK6KRC and others.

Max was slightly late to Tuesday’s net but made up for lost time with four good contacts on forty. Wayne had one contact on forty before he was called away but managed to get on eighty much later in the evening .

Mark also late but managed five contacts on forty plus heard many more; he was very pleased to have worked Wayne on 80m late in the evening. John managed four contacts on forty and two on eighty.

Geoff had some technical difficulties involving his house alarm system but was probably sent to the headmaster by his ever-patient wife Jackie; needless to say, he had to go QRT and hopetuly all to be sorted for the next session.

© David called in from VK land and also had fun from there. Has also tracked down the problem with his eighty metre set up, Not that easy to sort out while away from home.

Post Mortem Report

| did not have much time on the net, worked one on forty and heard a few others before going QRT. No doubt we will get more comprehensive reports in the RagChew from all. Thanks to all on the net last night and this morning. 73 Richard VK6HRC

This Week’s Topic of Interest

How ChatGPT Can Make Life Easier for the Modern Ham by ChatGPT with minimal guidance by Geoff VAG6HD

If there’s one thing we all share in this great hobby, it’s a love of learning and problem-solving. Whether we’re fine- tuning an antenna, digging into a new digital mode, or troubleshooting a stubborn rig, we’re constantly adapting and exploring.

Recently, I came across a tool that feels very much in the spirit of what we do: ChatGPT, an Al assistant that’s surprisingly helpful for tackling everyday challenges—both in the shack and beyond.

Now, I know ‘artificial intelligence’ might sound like something out of science fiction or Silicon Valley hype, but I’ve found it to be a genuinely practical tool.

Think of it as a helper that can save you time, lighten your mental load, and free you up to focus on what really matters. And no, it doesn’t require a PhD in computer science to use—if you can ask a question, you can use ChatGPT. So, What Exactly Does It Do?

ChatGPTis, at its core, a conversational assistant. It’s a bit like having a knowledgeable friend who never gets tired of helping.

You type in a question or describe a task—writing a letter, summarizing an article, troubleshooting an idea— and it generates a response.

While it’s not perfect (and doesn’t replace human judgment), it’s great at handling the routine and repetitive tasks that often bog us down. Here’s where it’s come in handy for me, and where I think it could be useful for many of you: 1.

Drafting and Editing Let’s say you’re writing a letter to a local business for a donation, or an article for the club newsletter. You’ve got the ideas but struggle to get them onto the page.

ChatGPT can take your rough thoughts and give you a polished draft to start with. It’s like having an editor on standby—one who doesn’t charge an hourly rate! 2.

Learning Something New We’re always learning in this hobby, whether it’s about propagation, digital modes, or that strange hiss coming from your old TS50 or Atlas 210.

ChatGPT can help you sift through complex topics, providing clear explanations and even practical advice. While it won’t replace hands-on experience, it’s a great way to quickly get up to speed.

3. Problem-Solving Stuck trying to figure out how to fit a 40- meter dipole into your yard without annoying the neighbours? Need ideas for a unique field day setup? ChatGPT can act as a brainstorming partner, helping you explore creative solutions.

It won’t replace an Elmer’s wisdom, but it’s a great sounding board for new ideas. 4, Translating and Researching Have you ever been ina QSO with someone in another country and wondered what they’te saying—or how to respond in their language?

ChatGPT can translate text or even help you craft a polite response in German, Japanese, or

A host of other languages. It’s also handy for looking up obscure historical facts, technical definitions, or even wiring diagrams.

GS TE) UA SCA Lh Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out its limitations. ChatGPT isn’t perfect; it sometimes gets things wrong, especially when it comes to very niche or technical topics.

And it doesn’t replace the camaraderie or expertise we share on the ait, or over a brew. But as a supplement to your own knowledge, it’s a powerful tool.

It saves you time on the mundane stuff so you can focus on the parts of the hobby (and life) that you truly enjoy. Why It Matters ‘As amateur radio operators, we’ve always embraced tools that help us communicate better, solve problems faster, and explore the world around us.

ChatGPT is no different—it’s just the latest tool to add to the toolbox. Like the advent of SSB, it doesn’t replace the basics, but it can help us build on them in ways that are worth exploring. I encourage you to give it a try.

Whether you’re drafting your club’s bylaws, planning an antenna project, or just curious about how it works, ChatGPT can help. It’s easy to use, surprisingly versatile, and, like all good tools, it gets better the more you use it.

As always, the joy of this hobby is in the discovery. ChatGPT is just one more way to discover something new. 73, Geoff VK6HD. PS. If you’re curious or would like a demonstration, I’d be happy to walk you through, perhaps in an online Zoom-style meeting.

Sometimes seeing it in action is the best way to understand what it can do. [Thanks Geoff. Geoff was telling me this morning how he’s been using ChatGPT as a virtual staff member to write material for him in his role as the founder and CEO of the Stronger Families Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dealing with the root causes of domestic violence.

Naturally my next request was for his virtual assistant to write an article for RagChew; what you’ve just read was the result! Thanks mate.]

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out its limitations. ChatGPT isn’t perfect; it sometimes gets things wrong, especially when it comes to very niche or technical topics.

And it doesn’t replace the camaraderie or expertise we share on the air, or over a brew. But as a supplement to your own knowledge, it’s a powerful tool.

It saves you time on the mundane stuff so you can focus on the parts of the hobby (and life) that you truly enjoy.

But wait – there’s more!

Buoyed by Geoff’s use of ChatGPT to do what in the Military was called ‘staff officer’ work, I thought I’d ask ChatGPT to run an up-beat summary of the reports that our team submitted this week. Here’s what it told me:

It was a lively week on the airwaves, with good conditions making for some fantastic QSOs and experiments! – “40m Highlights:”* George (VK2DLF) reported “excellent conditions”, echoed by John (VKSET) and Arthur (VK2ASB), who found the band delightfully quiet with strong interstate signals.

Garry (VK2GAZ) appreciated the activity, while Daniel (VK6WE) braved the heat and had a chat about the weather. Manny (VK3DRQ) had a great QSO with VK6MK, with signals improving beautifully during their exchange.

Meanwhile, Mathew (VK3AFH) discovered the musicality of CW, describing it as a unique and captivating experience. -“*80m Insights: While quieter than 40m, 80m still had its moments.

Andy (VKSLA) dusted off his rig for the first time since Christmas, loving the return to the ait, while Mark (VK2KI) had a fun QSO with George (VK2A0E), comparing signals and setups.

There was also some chatter about antenna tuning and remote station troubleshooting, proving the never-ending quest for perfection is alive and well!

– “Experiments and New Gear:”* Patrick (VK2IOW) enjoyed testing his new Yaesu FTDX10, finding it quiet on receive and fantastic for spotting signals on the waterfall.

Geoff (VK6HD) was experimenting with his Tokyo HL-S0B and antenna setup, with some unexpected fire alarm drama! – “Special Stories:”* Mark (VK2KI) shared tales of a Ducati-powered portable operation planned by Rob (VK3ECH) for Tassie—packing light is clearly an art form!

Arthur (VK2ASB) summed it up best: ““Last night was what CW QSOs are all about.”* Despite some challenges with noise and QSB (as Wayne VK6NW noted on 80m), the week was a great reminder of the joy and camaraderie that CW brings.

Whether it was chatting about antennas, experimenting with rigs, or simply swinging along to the rhythm of Morse code, everyone found something to enjoy. Here’s to more fun on the bands next week!

[Looks like it’s a hammock between a couple of palm trees for me next week]

I’m always keen to receive articles about topics that might be of interest to our readers; if you’d like to have a go at writing something for the team, please let me know so we can share more thoughts and ideas; email to cqqrsnet@gmail.com

On My Workbench

My Kerikeri Key Collection

Leap PALAU iy fA SIL from David ZL/VK3DBD Just behind the radio /pe desk that I call mine in a quite spacious section of my sister’s house in NZ are shelves bearing odds and ends and more radio items, including a few of my collection of Morse keys.

So to save anyone getting out magnifying glasses to study them here are a couple of close ups which to save questions are in s”ome keys” left to rights UK flameproof (Bathtub), Vibroplex raceran Eddystone Bug, an “Air Spark” key (little or nothing known about that one) a Czech RM31, an RAF D type.(the large Ground station key, Sister to the Bathtub.

In the picture More Keys you can see just about 3 different WTS ‘s an unknown ‘small Brass key likely home made? but quite old, A Mac 1938 Bug I restored from < real basket case,, A Grey/ Blue Nato key, on top of which is a mini VK made key of unknown (to me,.origin) but they are common I am told.) anda "Lionel "(Vibroplex Bug) I restored Some of these do get used on air at times but usually I prefer my home made paddle (several exist).

A USA Flameproof (straight key) which takes up little bench area and is very nice to use. There is also a Touch key (home built) and that has been in use a few times here as the mood takes. It certainly shows up any miss-match in the antenna loading.

Demanding an instant QRT! Thats it for today Mark hope to find a few hopefuls QRV on Tues. Gn: Off Horz … afttear a Woe Dram David

Other News

Friday Kick-Back – A Second Shot of QRS

Friday NICK-back – A 9ECOND onot OF Uno In conjunction with the Fists Down Under Summer QSO Party (see below), a number of the WA team members have started getting together on 7032KHZ at 4pm WA time (08002) for a QRS CW natter.

So if you’re in WA and aren’t chained to the wheel (of

One sort or the other), come and join in – the more the merrier. If you’re not in WA, have a listen anyway, just in case the 40m band decides to cooperate and open up early – you never know with the state of geomagnetic activity.

And if you don’t hear anyone, try sending a QRL?…

Followed by a CQ – you never know who will pop up. And even better – use the CQQRS WhatsApp Alerts system to let others know you’re calling.

Fists Down under – Summer QSO Party

From Richard VK6HRC Join us every Friday night between 0800 and 1100 UTC for the weekly FDU get together. Split into an early time slot (0800 to 1000) and a late time slot (0900 to1 100 there should be something for all suggested bands and conditions.

Choose the early slot for the higher bands and see if you can work between VK and ZL or beyond. Choose the later slot for local 40 and 80m working. Contacts with FDU and non FDU members are encouraged.

No need to exchange FDU numbers, just have a short chat exchanging the basics, or more. Don’t hesitate to ask for QRS if need be, but don’t miss a chance to practice a little quicker if you can!

While any band is OK for FDU activity, the focus of this Party (and the associated Award) is 80-40-30- and 20m. Results of who was on (and submitted a log to Philip) will be published each week.

Therefore, remember to submit a log to Philip (zululima‘ psh(at)gmail.com) at your earliest convenience. Calling format is “CQ FDU de ”. Frequencies are the usual FDU frequencies, but +/- to find participants is fine.

For the period 3 January 2025 to 28 March 2025 an award for QSO Party participation will be presented, see the award details here QSO Party Award. Format will be fine tuned again as the winter months approach.

For more information: https://www.fdu.org.au/events/

Traffic Quality Reporting

From Stan ZL3TK: Laments were heard on Wednesday morning’s Post Morsum about how Tuesday night’s FFA suffered from mediocre conditions on 40m. Delighted to report that conditions were quite the opposite for trans-Tasman traffic handling.

Super-reliable OM Manny VK3DRQ, who never fails to front-up, received an RSN 592 from ZL3TK for the first time! _ It was surprising because only half an hour earlier on NZ Net, a mere 5 kHz higher, his signal was a quite-marginal RSN 332.

The propagation God, Reflectivius, kept smiling on us while traffic was being passed, ca. 45 minutes, he may have kept it up even longer. An innovation has appeared. It is designed to encourage several aspects of CW rarely visited.

Because email is an option, those with scant CW experience may participate. _ It’s called Traffic Quality Reporting, TQR for short.

If used as intended and a lot of CW operators use their CW expertise, and take their right to free-speech seriously, it has the potential to increase traffic by hundreds of percent.

Being a pragmatist though, and based on experience from previous attempts to gain traction, maybe 4 % would be closer to the mark. Anyway, take a look at _https://bit.ly/zitqr_ to see the reason you may hear an increase in traffic on Tuesday’s FFAs.

Traffic is passed every Tuesday on 7.0257 MHz starting 08402, during which an invitation for CQ QRS Group members to participate is repeated. 73 Stan ZL3TK

Morse Training Net

Nic VK7WW runs a Slow Morse training net every Wednesday at 7pm EDST on 3580 for 30 mins. He uses the callsign of the Northern Tasmania Amateur Radio Club VK7TAZ on that net.

Many of our team learned Morse code with the support of Nic, and the weekly training session comes highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn the Code, or simply brush up. Everyone’s welcome – 3580KHZ at 7pm Eastern time every Wednesday.

The NTARC also feeds the CW live via the Discord phone / computer audio stream, and previous weeks’ recordings are available. Contact Nic VK7WW for more info nicholaschantler@hotmail.com – or just join in on Wednesdays.

PARGFEST & Raffle

So even if you can’t make it to Mandurah, here’s an opportunity to get over the line for that new bit of kit: PARG’s mega raffle: https://rafflelink.com.au/parg2025

CWops New Monthly Zoom Meeting from Chris VK3QB CWops brings together Amateur Radio operators who enjoy communicating by Morse Code (CW). CWops encourages the use of CW in Amateur communications, and it supports CW activity through planned events.

CWops promotes goodwill among Amateurs throughout the world, and it fosters the education of young people and others in matters related to Amateur Radio.

We also offer free CW training to those who want to learn this special skill that reaches back to the very beginning of ham radio and remains vital today.

As a part of my ongoing efforts to promote and encourage CW in our part of the world, I’l be trialling a monthly Zoom session to discuss all things Morse Code.

I intend these sessions to be inclusive, to provide encouragement and support, and promote self improvement. I hope to have guest speakers covering all manner of topics from: + the basics of aQSO + contesting – the pros and cons and why?

+ chasing DX + improving code + using bugs + using apps + Head copy the list goes on. Perhaps just as important, is a forum for building a sense of community, putting faces to callsigns and hopefully an environment where people can obtain support to help them overcome whatever hurdles face them in their pursuits to be active on-air.

So the events will be on the 3″ Monday of month at 0830Z; I’ll provide Zoom login details etc before each event. Good wishes! Yours in CW 73, Chris VK3QB CW Ops # 2949 www.cwops.org [Absolutely! Sounds like a great idea.

We’ve been running the Annual international Morse Code Day quiz via Zoom and recently a couple of our European members organised a combined 20m /Zoom Happy New Year even which went really well.

The CQQRS team also uses WhatsApp for message Alerts and Rag Chew during our Tuesday evening net and other times during the week – these have been very popular, and we’ve built a great team spirit among our 200-plus members – just like huge Club – but without the politics 🙂

CWops New Monthly Zoom Meeting

Di-dah-di-dah-dit

Next Tuesday’s Net

Our CQQRS Group will be on as always on Tuesday from around 0700Z until about 1300Z; see below for details. Doesn’t matter whether you’re brand new and want to try just exchanging callsigns and RST reports, or you’re ready for a good old rag chew.

We’ll have fun. There’s usually people around until after 1300Z – so keep calling in the segment of the band designated in the table below until you catch someone.

I should be on as usual from home in NSW or via the Remote at Bedfordale WA, and I’ll also be watching the proceedings using the VK6QS and Tecsun SDRs in WA and NSW respectively. Hope to hear you there.

Please let me know via our Reports form bit.ly/CQQRSNET who you work or hear on Tuesday’s Group. The report form closes at lunchtime (Eastern Australian time) on Thursday.

Post Mortem

Richard VK6HRC will run our phone Post Morsum on the South West AllStar net (via repeaters and hotspots all over WA) from 0600 WA time, then from 0700 WA time on 80m (3605 LSB).

For the 0600 (2200Z) net, if you’re in WA all you need is an FM 2m or 70CM transceiver and an AllStar node nearby. If you’re elsewhere in the world, if you have an AllStar node (or you may be able to connect your local AllStar-enabled repeater to the net via DTMF codes), connect to node 42482, 51077 or 42732 – these are the hubs that tie the network of repeaters and nodes together in WA.

If you don’t have access to AllStar, you can connect to the network via Echolink. On Echolink, search for one of the following Nodes: * VK2KI-L * *VK6-HUB* * VK6ZGN-L * VK6RMH-R- * VK6NRA-L When you connect to one of those stations on Echolink, you’ll be automatically connected to the WA AllStar network, and you should hear us on soon after the hour; let me know (cqarsnet@gmail.com) if I can help with connecting via AllStar or Echolink.

If you’re in WA and can’t connect, give Richard a call on 3605KHZ SSB from 0700 (23002).

Friday Kick-Back

And if you can, have a listen and join in on Fridays each week at 0800Z when some of our WA team members will be getting together for some QRS fun on 7032KHZ. And if the band isn’t open where you are – why not call QRL?

Then CQ on the frequency and see who pops up; and if you post on the CQQRS WhatsApp Alert system, there’ll be an even better chance of hooking up with one of the team.

Teamwork

An Ode to CW – thanks to David VK3RU: In days of old, when ops were bold, And sideband was not invented, Words were passed by pounding brass, And all were quite contented. – Unknown author

About the CQ QRS Group

Frequencies and Times

QRL?

So tune around and call anyone you hear, or find yourself a quiet spot in the designated segment, send “QRL?” and if the frequency is quiet, start calling CQ QRS at about 75% of the speed you’re comfortable receiving at; hopefully responders will match (or send slower to their comfort level).

And if you are already having a QSO and someone sends “QRL?”, respond with “R”, “C”, “Y”, “YES” or QRL to let the caller know that the frequency is in use.

If we’re on 40m and you can hear that the band is open outside Australasia, perhaps consider calling 500HZ above each 1KHZ slot – to minimise the chance of having to copy our team through QRQ QRM that’s often dead-on the kHz markers.

Speed? Rhythm?

If you’re proficient at CW and can race along at 20 or 30WPM – terrific, but please remember, the Group’s aim is to encourage participation and learning, not show how fast you can hammer the key.

Please send slowly where you can and concentrate on rhythm – listen to your side-tone, get that wrist action going and make a special effort to make it sound like perfect CW; the longer we go with our Group, the more I understand just how many non-transmitting listeners we have – and they will most likely appreciate your QRS!

So, if you’re an experienced operator, please try to send nicely balanced slow CW to give them a chance to practice and gain confidence…. they’ll reward you one day by coming up on air to say g’day and thanks – how good is that?

And if you’re new or like me, just rusty…. ignore the above… just have a go – the lather of sweat will be worth it and there’s plenty of time to get the details sorted out as you practice.

Matching

And also for the oldies like me, when you hear someone new, please match their sending speed – or slower. The person you’re replying to may not be as deft on the decoding as you – it may be their first ever CW QSO – remember your first?

Lather of sweat, key that refuses to send that you tell it, brain that refuses to decode those complex letters that were right there half an hour ago, etc!

PSE QRS

And if someone is sending too fast to comfortably copy – “PSE RPT PSE QRS” or “AGN? PSE QRS’ will make life easier for everyone…. and might just encourage other listeners to have a go themselves.

The other thing to remember – most operators are writing down what they hear… so when you put it back to them, expect a delay while they read your words of wisdom, before replying.

The aim is to give everyone a go at contacting others – no-one owns their calling frequency in this Group. So unlike working DX, if you hear someone signing off – jump in and call – doesn’t matter who was first on the frequency – we really are all good mates in this Group….

And besides, at the speed we’re sending, after a QSO most of us will have forgotten who was first!

If you really want to move off frequency (eg because of a spurious switch mode power supply signal that’s just drifted into the conversation), you could try sending an abridged callsign of the person you’re after, followed by “UP 5” or “DN 5” then K; then call that person on the designated frequency and keep your fingers crossed, they may have understood you and followed…

Landing Zone

If the band goes really quiet, call and listen on 7032KHZ (7028KHZ secondary) or 3555KHZ. If you catch someone, there’s no need to QSY – enjoy the frequency.

But don’t forget to tune around if it’s quiet – we have lots of operators with crystal locked transmitters – and they could be anywhere within the segments.

For those who are locked, or can only transmit outside the segments, send a message on our WhatsApp CQ QRS – Alerts group advising of your current frequency.

And of course, put the frequencies in a memory so outside of the Group, if you’re not tuning around, leave your receiver on one of the primary frequencies – you never know who you’ll hear (7032 is used in VK and ZL for SOTA / PARKS during the day so you’ll often hear activity there).

CW Tips

As always, for newbies, operating suggestions are available from the operating hints link here: https://www.parg.org.au/_files/ugd/ebe236_ 3ca5ca08bb38429db4eee524bda2f97a. pdf. mb VK2KI / VK6QI

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