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CQQRS RagChew
Edition 20/2026

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Link to our WeeklyCOQRS Net Reporting Form

bit.lyiCQQRSNET
e

Dah-di-dah-di-dah

Reports from Tuesday’s Net

Post Morsum Report from Wednesday Morning

Proposed New CQORS Net Frequencies

Bodging Portable - Cont

e On My Workbench
e CW Practice
e

Don Edwards Memorial Slow Morse Contest - This Weekend

e QRS Net Propagation East-West VK
e

Emails to the Editor

Lord Howe Island 2026

Morse Training Net

e Great Use of Waste Resources for the CQQRS Net
e

Free Australian Amateur Radio Training Material

e There’s No Such Thing
e

Prosign of the Month

Di-dah-di-dah-dit

e Venus & Mars in the Ham Shack

e About the CQ QRS Group

Dah-di-dah-di-dah

| was late to the party again for this week’s CQQRS Slow CW Practice QSO Net on
Tuesday; but unlike the week before, where my neighbour and | ended up at the
Bowning Pub because of my mis-understanding of the meeting date - the local

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Most everyone had gone to bed by then, but conditions into VK6 and VK5 were good,

So fun was to be had. From what | read of the reports, sounds like 40m was a

bit

light-on conditions-wise anyway.

But | support what Lance says In his
report this week - please don't be

scared off by the noise level on 80m...

eee en

wind down the RF gain if you need to,

because once the band Is open after

—RIT->-

dark, signals can be excellent. But of

course, don’t forget to increase the RF
gain when you finish.... otherwise next
time you fire up the rig, you might

wonder why the S-meter won't drop to where It normally sits.

Dumb advice | hear you

say? Ok - but It can come as a Surprise If you forget you had the gain down.

This week, one of the executive, Lance VK/TO has proposed a shift in 80m and
160m frequencies for our net. As | comment below, we had particular reasons why
we started using the strange frequencies on 80m, but I’m now happy to reconsider.
Please have a think about what Lance has proposed and let me know whether you

Support the proposal or not. And if it’s yes, please tell me your thoughts about
landing zones to replace our 3555kKHz and 1855kHz calling frequencies.

| was also pleased to see some negative feedback about the wider use of our RSN
reporting system - see Emails to the Editor for more.

Please let me know what you

think.

So back to the rest of the newsletter. Once again we’ve been rewarded with some
nice reading material from our net reports and the other articles submitted by
members - thanks everyone. And don’t miss our Venus & Mars in the Ham Shack

this week; Jordan has once again excelled; and there’s more to come! We crack
ourselves up each week with creating these - and my wife Elizabeth has also joined
the creative team coming up with Ideas to put Into images.

| hope you get as much

fun out of them as we do In bringing the ideas to life.

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Website

If you’d like to find out a bit about our net, or would like to pass information to others
about our Tuesday get-togethers, here’s the link to our website.

bit.ly/COQORSWebsite

So here we go - on behalf of the CQORS Editorial team, please enjoy the newsletter.

dit-dit

Mark Bosma
VK2KI / VK6QI

Patrick

Beautiful South Bowning

John

VK2IOW

NSW

VK2RU

Milthorpe NSW

on a track somewhere

cgqgrsnet@gmail.com
non impediti ratione cogitationis

Nigel

Richard

Lance

G4RWI

VK6HRC

VK7TO

our other grey nomad

Padbury WA

Margate TAS

Jordan
VK3ACU
Meredith VIC

Reports & Comments
Here’s this week’s reports.

Last Tuesday’s Group

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TO

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TO

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VK2DLF

Heard on air

VK2GAS

Heard on air

Translate v

VK2ZIOW

Heard on air

VK2KI

Worked 80m

VK2KJJ

Worked 40m

VK5L)

VK2KJJ

Heard 40m

VK6KHZ

VK5KFG | VK6KD

VK2RU

Heard 40m

VK3KLE | VK3DRQ|

VK2WP

Worked 40m

VK7TA |

VK7JZ

VK2WP

Heard 40m

VK5L

VK7TO

VK3MJ | VK6GX | VK5ET | VK5CZ | VK5A0

VK3BSE

Heard on air

VK3DBD

Heard on air

VK3DRQ

Worked 40m

VK3M3J

VK3DRQ

Heard 40m

7L2VPL | VK6NC | VK30S

VK3DRQ

Tried 40m

7L2VPL

VK3ECH

Worked 40m

| VK6PZT

VK3ECH

Worked 80m

VK3JFR

Heard on air

VK3KLE

Worked 40m

VK4CEG

Heard 40m

VK7TO | VK5AO

VK4IM

Heard 40m

VK5AO

Worked 40m

| VK2IOW |} VK6TD

VK5AO

Worked 80m

| VK3ECH

VKSAV

Heard 40m

VK2IOW | VK2DLF | VK6FN | VK7TO

VKSAV

Tried 40m

VK6FN

VK5CZ

Heard on air

VKS5ET

Worked 40m

VK5ET

Heard 40m

VKSKFG

Worked 80m

VK2KI

VKSKFG

Worked 80m

VK2KI

VK5KFG

Heard 80m

VK3ECH | VK5AO

VKSKFG

Heard 80m

VK3ECH | VK5AO

VK5U

Heard on air

VK6FEN

Heard on air

VK6GX

Worked 40m

VK6HRC

Worked 40m

VK6WE | VK3MJ | VK/7TA

| VK6KHZ | VK6FN

VK6HRC

Heard 40m

VK6HRC

Worked 80m

VK7WW| VK3KLE | VK5SKFG | VK5CZ
VK6NQL | VK6KHZ

VK6KD

Heard 40m

|YHOONN

VK6KD

Worked 80m

VKONGL |

VK6KD

Heard 80m

VK5KFG

VK6KHZ

Worked 40m

VK7TA

VK6KHZ

Worked 80m

| VKGHRC

VK6MK

Heard on air

VK6NQL

Heard on air

VKENW

Worked 40m

VKENW

Heard 80m

VK6PZT

Worked 20m

| JA3VQW]|

VK6PZT

Worked 40m

| VK3AXH | VK3ECH | VK3BSE | VK/7TO

VK6PZT

Heard 40m

VK7JZ | VK6NC

VK6QI

Tried 80m

VK5KFG | VK6KD

VK6TX

Worked 40m

VK3KLE | VK5AO

| VK6NQL}|

VK2KI

VK5RJ

VK6FN

VK/TO

VK5KFG | VK2KI

VK6MK

VK2KI

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VK6WE

Worked 40m

VK7JZ

Worked 40m

VK6GX

VK7JZ

Heard 40m

VK2IOW | VK7TO

VK7TA

Worked 40m

VK6KHZ | VK2WP | VK6GX

VK7TO

Worked 40m

VK6PZT | VK2DLF | VK6NSJ

| VK3DBD | VK3XU | VK6NC | VKSET

VK7TO

Heard 40m

VK7JZ

VK7TO

Worked 80m

VK3ECH

VK7WW

Worked 40m

VK5CZ

VK7WW

Heard 40m

VK6OWE | VK6GX

ZL2GD

Heard on air

ZL3ABX

Heard 40m

ZL3ABX

Tried 80m

ZL3TK

Heard on air

VK7JZ

VK2W

VK7TA | VK5SET

VK2IOW | VK3JFR | VKS5AO | VK6NC
ZL3TK

Comments:

John’s spreadsheet above shows the known stations heard or worked on last
Tuesday’s CQORS Net (reported via our webform bit.\y/COORSNET ); the comments
in the team members’ reports follow. The comments were compiled for us by the

clever software built by Nigel GARWI and the layout was perfected by Patrick
VK2IOW.

Thanks again to Nigel, Patrick and John for the work, and to every team member who

submitted a report -

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[40m]
Was using a very vintage Ten Tec

Triton IV set. Only worked long
distance and DX to USA.

From Jim Semmens VK7JZ at Hobart (Centotaph Hobart CBD)

[40m]
Mixed reception tonight, if| was fair | would say | had
mixed to poor CW copy skills as well. After stepping

away from daily drills it actually is harder, and so | need
to get a cup of practice discipline. Tonight | was off in
search of another better place to operate from than my

QTH. | settled on the Cenotaph in Hobart stuck a spike
in the ground and screwed on the mid loaded vertical

antenna. A QSO with Drew VK3XU and my skills were
lacking but as Drew said 'keep up the work in CW it is
worth the effort’ well at least that is what | copied. Next

was a Chat with David VK3DBD, he started 599 and then
started to fade. As he got low | was still hanging in there
but then another station called over the top (I don't think

it was bad manners, | think they were another VK3 and just in his skip zone and
could not hear David sending already). That was it for me | am not good enough to
discern between two signals, | finished off by sending David a thank-you for the QSO

email. Then a short QSO with Wal in Bathurst.

| heard Lance VK7TO signing off

with another station and called Lance, | missed him, but then received a call from Lin
who was operating VK6NC from his club station.

Lin complained of similar QRM

issues | have with at my QTH. Lin complimented me going portable but | omitted |
was portable with 100w. Lastly

a QSO with John VKSET, John started to fade for me

and | was noisy to him so it was a short QSO.

In total 2 stations heard, 5 stations

worked, it was hard work to get my head back into something longer than a basic call
sign and signal report exchange but | was loving it.

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[80m]
Conditions on the 80m band seemed better this week

compared to the last couple of weeks.

| heard some

Aussie SSB operators, but no CW.

From Graham Vayro VK4CEG at Jandowae Qlid

[40m]
On holiday with HF rig but no keyer. Noise S3 but QSB.

From Phil VAK6GX at Gidgegannup
[40m]

[40m]
It was a terribly Miserable night. Wasted my time until 2345Z

and only achieved ONE QSO. Thanks OM Mark. Also about
40 minutes waiting for 7L2VPL and when he finished his QSO
and | called him, he had already CL. Well, maybe next time.

Shall | try?

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[80m]
| was late to the net this week; by the time | returned
from a meeting at around 1200z, things were pretty quiet
on 40m, so | went straight to 80m. The T/R relay on my
50 year-old Kenwood TS-120S has been playing-up for a

while - guess who hasn't had time to look at it? Well on
Tuesday the fault decided to cause some trouble; after a

few CQs on 3555kHz, | heard a good signal reply... just as the intermittent happened,
and everything went very quiet. So after a couple of apologetic calls, | managed to
hold my mouth right, and actually caught the caller - it was David VK6KD at Ballajura.

David had a nice RSN 511 signal that this week was quite stable (relay aside), and it
was nice to have a QSO with him across the continent.
After David | was called by Greg VKSKFG whose 50 Watts was pounding in very

nicely - RSN 581. Terrific to catch up with Greg again and discuss the boat-anchor
net before padding off to bed.

Also from your editor Mark VK6QI at Beautiful South Bowning via the Southern
Electronics Group VK6SEG KiwiSDR at Hoddys Well
[80m]

Joondalup

Nice signals into WA this week; Greg VKSKFG in particular

Perth

was romping into the KiwiSDR near Northam.

Northam

From lan VK7TA at Latrobe
[40m]
Once again conditions favoured more distant stations.
Conditions enabled an extended chat with Phil, VK6GX.

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[40m]
Not a lot heard here at my home QTH this week on 40m. A

Japanese station calling CQ was making it through my QRM
and QSB but not strong enough for me to hold a QSO. It took
me a while just to hear his full call sign.

| think YHOONN is a

regular heard on 40m calling CQ. His CW speed is readable
for those who can read at the fast end of QRS.

Have yet to find out if he will lower

speed more to help us out. 73s
[80m]
My 80m start was a bit slow with QRM at S10+. This looked very strange as usually

QRM is not that bad. Not even my QRM eliminator could drop the interference. My
investigation identified a hand-held radio battery charger still running in my shack
which was creating all the QRM. This was promptly switched off.

| observed a

number of long QSOs on 80m and at one stage both Mark VK2KI and Greg VKSKFG
were coming into WA with good signal and clarity.

Unfortunately, | did not get back

to Greg before he moved onto other frequencies.

Mark was using a crystal locked

radio where| think the "locked" part in the description might have to be replaced with
the word "drifting" HiHi. As Mark was transmitting his signal appeared to drift lower

and lower so | started chasing him with my VFO. This meant | needed to get back on
frequency for me to transmit otherwise | would be off frequency too. This is where |
should be using other functions on my IC-7610 but mid QSO decoding CW with QSB

was not a good time to read the radio operators manual. Hope to catch you all next
week. 73s

From Lance VK7TO at Hobart
[40m]

Very odd conditions on 40 m. Almost no stations could be
heard, yet the two that did pop up were both from WA.

worked Wayne (6NJ) and Rich (6PZT) and whilst we got a

couple of overs each, both QSOs dropped to RST 009 :-/
One delight however was that only the previous evening I'd
worked Rich for the first time, so it was a joy to hear him

again so soon. A

little later in the evening | hopped back

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musical of all callsigns, VK2DLF.
[80m]

I'd been calling a while on 80 with no takers, despite very good reports on the RBN,
so it was a relief when | was answered by Rob (3ECH). Despite the vagaries of 40
m, 80 m was strong and dependable. We enjoyed a nice relaxed QSO, thanks Rob.
| do wonder why there is not more activity on 80 m. Especially now that the sun is
setting earlier.

| wonder if some shy away from it because of the higher noise floor,

but are unaware that signals are generally so much stronger that the noise floor
matters far less.

| would like to encourage those who normally shy aways from it, to

try winding down the RF gain on your radio to a comfortable listening level, and try

calling or tuning around.

From Greg VK5KFG at Willunga

[80m]
After taking part in the mammoth call back for the
1000th week of the Boat Anchor net (well done

Andy), there was nothing to be heard on 40m.
There was better luck on 80m, having a nice chat
with our dear leader.

| tried to follow the RSN

breakthrough but may not yet have the hang of it.
Thinking that N stood for the signal's S points above the noise, and noise for once
was registering S 0, a report of 599 was sent. After actually reading the instructions,
it looks like N stands for the noise at one's own end and so Mark, your report is 590.

From Richard VK6PZT at Dalyellup Beach
[80m]

Got the day off work, so was able to get started early. Shame
the DX team were having a week off.

But still had fun on 20m

and 40m

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[80m]
Conditions not great but still managed get a
few contacts in the log.

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From Richard VK6HRC.
Eight on the VK6RLM rptr and AllStar/Echolink hub this morning.
onl

WAtnst0s

VK6QI_—

Mark

VK6FN

Max

VK6NW

Wayne

VK6KD

David

260m

a LABORATORIES
“.

VK1JT = John
VK6HRC
VK6MRB Mulligan, VK4IM Adam swl’s and others.
Mark had a fairly quiet session, the first part of the session was partially

monitored via a Kiwi.sdr at the Bush fire brigade meeting !| Once home he

monitored 40 m for a while before switching over to 80 m worked David VK6KD
and Paul VKSKLE but had to give it away as the TRX/RX relay in his rig failed.
Max had fun worked a couple of stations on 40 m and monitored the activity until

meal time.
Wayne worked a couple of stations on 40 m switched to 80 m to work another

two stations.
David was troubled with noise once again so more work to be done in that
respect.

John has had success setting up his (tr)sUDX rig and has made DX contacts

already.
| had a good session working two on 40 m and two on 80 m, conditions were not

good, a lot of people were reporting the same. Wayne also checked out the SES
HF frequencies while at the base and had the same result.
Thank you to all on last night and this moning.

73
Richard.

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

bit lWWCQQRSNET

Even if you didn’t hear anyone, we'd still like to know that you had a go. And to make

your report more interesting, please consider sending a photo:
cagrsnet@gmail.com

So, please help attract new and old team members to have a go by submitting your
report each week. Submissions close 1300 (Eastern Australian Summer time)_on
Thursdays.

Proposed New CQQRS
Net Frequencies
From Lance VK/7TO

G’day team.

I've taken it upon myself to propose an update to the band-plans for the CQQRS net,
and in so doing, moving the 80m and 160m CQORS segments into the CW-only
portion of the band.

Some reasons | think it's a good idea:

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specifically cut/tuned their antennas.
With the release of the updated WIA band-plans, we should be good
neighbours, and make use of the portions of the band put aside for us.
On 80m, there is often voice activity in the lower section of the phone bands,
making it unsuitable anyway.
Now, whilst there is very little activity on 80m is a good time to move, rather than

once there is, and we have to change habits.
And now for the selfish reason: | have band plans configured on my radio, so

that when | move between different segments my radio automatically switches
mode. It's a pain rolling the VFO between the CW and phone segments, as
when entering the phone portion my lovely 500 Hz CW filter is switched out for

the 3000 Hz SSB filter, and the audio blast that hits my ears is never enjoyable.

And so, for your consideration, | offer the attached proposed band-plans.

Kind regards,
Lance, VK7TO

7000

40 mis

7020

ORO

7040

CO ORS Net

3500

3520

80 mis

1800

3535

CO ORS Net

1830

1875

160 m

[Thanks Lance.
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in the past avoided changing the Net frequencies to avoid confusion.

Here’s the new

WIA band plans:

80m Band — 3500 - 3700 kHz (Primary)
& 3776 - 3800 kHz (Primary)

OZSE

ww
1S3)

0 SE

a)
o

o ge

O0ZE
mCW

smData

9Z LE

0 8e

mM Voice/ Image (< 8kHz)

Centres of Activity:
e

3530 kHz—CW QRP (VK)

Frequencies VK Amateurs should

3570.0-3570.2 kHz—WSPR Data (USB 3568.6 kHz Dial)

avoid at night:

3570-3573 kHz - PSK/Weak signal Data

3573 kHz-FT8 Primary (3573 kHz USB Dial)

3610 kHz-Emergency Communications (VK) *

3686 kHz-AM VOICE activity

3699 kHz- CW Training Beacon (VK2 originated)

3576 kHz—JT65 Modes (3576 kHz USB Dial)
3600 kHz- Emergency Communications (Region 3)

3585 - 3588 kHz - HLL2

South Korea Weather Fax
3622-3626 kHz-JMH

Japan Weather Fax

* different to region 3 to ensure it is contained fully within the voice only segment of the band.

160m Band — 1800 - 1875 kHz (Primary Shared)

O 8T

OTST

SEST
MCW

OVeT evel

WVoice/ Image (<8kHz)

[es]

Data

Centres of Activity:
e

1835 kHz-—FT8 Fox/MSHV Expedition Mode - recommended (to avoid WSPR/FST4)

1838 -1838.2 kHz—WSPR/FST4 (USB dial frequency 1836.6)

1838.2-1840 kHz-JT9/JT65 modes

1840 kHz-—FT8 primary global network

1870 kHz-—AM VOICE

However, this time I’m happy to propose the 80m and 160m moves to the

membership, based on your advice.

The only risk | see is that non-CW fans with

narrow-band antennas (eg trapped verticals) cut for 3600kHz or higher might struggle
to operate further down the band (this was my original reason for picking the slots
near to the phone section as it turned out).

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in Australian, many operators monitor 7032kHz during the day anyway; whena

SOTA or PARKS station has been on during our net, everyone wins.

So for 80m, | think that the 3530kHz CW QRP frequency would be a great option for a
calling frequency - hopefully, there’s lots of crystal-locked QRP and other gear out

there that will benefit from the shared calling frequency.

What do you think?

Thoughts about a 160m calling frequency?

So Questions to members:
e

Would you be happy to make the changes proposed by Lance?

Would you like to propose a new 80m and 160m calling frequency based on
Lance’s band-plan?

Please let me know your thoughts cggrsnet@gmail.com

Cheers,
mb
VK2KI / VK6QI |

Bodging Portable - Cont
Magic Happens!
by Ross MONNK

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From Ross MONNK

Any portable operator with even a modicum of sense would put up a (trapped or
linked) dipole and never think about antennas ever again. But, as you may have
gathered by now, | always prefer a less sensible approach.

‘

“
'

and Pe

ree me. “ae
~ a

For DX, | reach for a directional mono-band antenna - an antenna optimised for a
very specific task. But for local EU work, an omni-directional multi-band antenna is

the way to go. For example, | recently arranged a sked with a German operator. We
agreed a frequency on the 20 m band but, after some hopping around to avoid those

pesky contesters, there was nothing doing. So we moved to the 30 m band. Nothing
doing there either. So, fearing it might be a total bust, we moved to 40 m. Success!

So, what antenna was | using? It was my trusty 42 ft Random Wire antenna, inspired
by SOTAbeam’s Bandspringer
Midi.
- Not only is this a non-resonant antenna (can any RagChew reader explain, in terms
a 7 year old would understand, how on earth a non-resonant antenna actually
works?);
* not only is the counterpoise the same length as the radiator;

* but it also connects directly to the radio without any feed-line whatsoever.
Weird. But it works.

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\\
ave no idea why | put

that short

length

strain relief

}

of red wire on the counterpoise!)

Of course, for a non-resonant antenna, you do need a radio with a good antenna
tuner. And I’m pleased to say that the Xiegu G90 has one of the best tuners around.

So changing bands is simply a matter of dialling in the frequency and hitting the Tune
button. It'll work on any band between 10 and 60 m too.
These antennas are trivial to make:

* compact (no coax) and lightweight;
* easy to deploy using a light 6 m mast; and
- are very effective.
This was my standard antenna until | discovered the QRS Net via DX and, even now,
it’s my back-up antenna. If you want to cast common sense to the winds and try a
non-resonant wire, | can highly recommend this one.

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let me know so we can share more thoughts and ideas; for guidance on writing for
RagChew, see Articles below. Please email material to Mark VK2KI:
cqgrsnet@gmail.com

On My Workbench
From Paul VK3KLE

This week | took an old rig i had previously worked on and replaced a few more of the
remaining original 1970 axial capacitors.

The rig in question a Ten-Tec Triton IV 80m-10m, has superb qsk. | fitted an
American aftermarket CW audio filter board a couple of years ago.

Using my trusty TS590SG as a monitor | set 7.032 MHz as the operating frequency
for the QRS net. After a couple gentle nudges to the pto the old rig settled in to
perfectly stable tx frequency with the shack electric fan heater going on high to the far
end of the room.

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| had been recapping my Phillips fluke CRO this week and had the opportunity to test

TX speed and wave shaping of the respective CW TX on it. Various rigs on hand
could mostly key above 100wpm.

The Ten-Tec omni with reed relays maxed out at 120wpm on dits , the Triton faster

and quiet similar to the TS590 at about 140wpm. But the Kenwood reader can only
read CW to about 78 wpm. The k44 keyer about 60 as a CW reader. Must havea
look at fldigi and a good audio PC card to see what's technical possible. For those
interested most of us talk around 100 wpm and that's above a professional typist
speed. That's why they used shorthand and the pitman method.

As a teen I've read out edited gov work to a professional typist, it was slowed to below
my regular speaking speed to keep accuracy at 100percent.

Ahh the fun before memory typewriters and computers.
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for improvement If needed.

Here are the test notes

| took down.

In reading about QRQ

speeds previously
possible during the
week, apparently 1
percent of the
population or below
can read plain text CW
very accurately at or
above 50 wom.

| have met a ham op tn

my teens that could
hold in his memory a

foolscap page of plain
text at that speed
during and post WWII.

But not only plain text a page of encrypted 5

letter groups from an enigma machine. As an old gentleman when | saw his skill
demonstrated he was happy to just head copy a plain ham QSO at 50 wom. ... Made
me feel quiet humble and very mortal when he repeated the entire both way QSO In
English 10 mins later complete with QSK over injection at random. Until then | hadn't
known anything was possible at that QRQ level.
| learnt a valuable life lesson that afternoon on not making assumptions about a

person's ability or skills.

I'm about 10 years younger now than that gentleman, but |

haven't ever got above 18 wpm on copy. But sending if practiced and relaxed and not
tired, well | send at 25 wpm - but not for long as It's mentally fatigues me out.

Incidentally the TS590SG has menu adjustment of CW wave shaping. It's is really
very clean compared to other sets | tested.
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simple LC HT filter from factory. The cap is paper in oil with a single inductor for DC
filtering.

lt has a shunt 6AQ5 for controlling the screen Volts via series dropping resistor off the
HT 650VDC. They call this a clamper tube. The cathode keying via original power
supply does not give an attractive CW RF output waveform. The first keydown dit
caves heavily before recovery into the following dah of the letter A.
Better used for AM work | suspect hihi.

Just for fun | did a comparison with the Johnson Valiant TX of same vintage. It has a
severely re-worked B+ ps with zener regulation up to the driver tube. Perfect CW
keying waveform there, with some deterioration after the final PA stage due to the

clamper 6AQ5 arrangement. I've checked the CCT and it is possible to convert SW4
to enable the two gas regulator tubes to give 210 V DC screen in CW mode. But it's
working ATM so | think | will leave that be.

| did discover If the drive level is reduced it looks not too bad as is with the

unregulated PA screed supply and clamper tube. | did a comparison using a QRP Oak
Hills Resurcher set as the driver with the Johnson on SSB input mode (using it as a
linear amp) and it's fairly clean op wise with good keying wave-shape. So my

conclusion is the CW wave shaping distortion is being caused by the clamper screen
supply. That | can live with it as is now having tested enough sets to compare it with.

Best regards

Paul
VKS3SKLE

What’s going on on your workbench? If you have an article or two that you think

might be of interest to our readers, please let Mark VK2KI know; email to
cagrsnet@gmail.com
For guidance on writing for RagChew, see Articles below.

QRZ? Who’s on the other end?

From your editor Mark VK2KI / VK6QI
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to know who’s on the other end of the QSO. So, please share some thoughts about

yourself to cagrsnet@gmail.com for a future RagChew.

CW Practice
This year we’re using Aesop’s Fables. These are short moral stories, often using
talking animals, that illustrate simple truths about human behaviour and character.

Aesop’s Fables originated in ancient Greece, traditionally attributed to the storyteller
Aesop who is thought to have lived around the 6th century BCE.

The fables are generally smaller files of two to three hundred words that have been

recorded at 15 wpm and run for about 15 minutes. If 15 wpm is a bit quick for you,
load it onto your phone and set the playback speed at 0.75 X or even 0.5 X —
whatever works for you. 0.75 X will play the MP3 at a bit under 12 wom.

It is suggested that you read the text file before listening to the audio file. That will
make it easier to follow the audio file and prepare you for any unusual words.

Any punctuation that is not usually used with CW has been removed.

This week’s fable is ‘The Mouse, the Frog, and the Hawk’, and the MP3 and TXT files
are attached here -

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If you prefer a different speed or tone, you can create your own MP3 files by
converting the text file with the Ebook2CW app —

httos://fkurz.net/ham/ebook2cw.html.

You can either play the MP3 files in any media player, or load the text file into the
Ditto CW: Morse Player app — https://dittocw.andro.io/.

Both options work well, however Ditto CW gives you complete control over all Morse
settings, while a normal media player only allows changes to playback speed, and

does that in steps (e.g. +1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x).

Other News
Other things we’ve received from our 240-odd readers.

Don Edwards Memorial Slow Morse Contest
Returns — 16-17 May

The Don Edwards Memorial Slow Morse Contest returns 16—17 May, welcoming all
amateurs to enjoy relaxed, hand-sent Morse code operation at slow speeds in
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From Saturday 16 May 2026
To Sunday 17 May 2026
The St. George Amateur Radio Society is pleased to announce the return of the Don
Edwards Memorial Slow Morse Contest, to be held over the weekend of 16—17 May.
Held in memory of Don Edwards VK2NV—a long-time Society member and

passionate CW operator—this event is designed to encourage all amateurs to get on
the key and enjoy Morse code in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
Whether you're:

returning to Morse after many years,

e just learning CW,
e or have never tried operating on the key before,
this contest is the perfect opportunity to give slow Morse a go.
What is “Slow Morse”?

Slow Morse is sent at no more than 10 words per minute, although in previous years
some contacts have been exchanged at speeds as low as 3 words per minute.

Contest Rules
e

Morse code only

e Sent by hand
e

Received by ear

Operating Times:
Saturday 16 May
e 6:00 pm — 9:00 pm Sydney time
e

80 metres

Sunday 17 May
e

1:00 pm — 4:00 pm Sydney time

40 metres

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join in and help keep the spirit of CW alive. Location In your

shack or out in the field

Contact contest@sgars.org
Don Edwards Memorial Slow Morse Contest Rules

QRS Net propagation east-west VK
From Ross MONNK

board shortcuts Map data®2026 Terms

Run Prediction 2

Colour Portland

BCR SNR PR 33 =

100 watts and dipoles at both WA and NSWends _

There seems no point in even trying before 0900 UTC (5 pm Western Australia Time;
7 pm Eastern Australia Time), but after that one would've thought the chances were

reasonably good.

However, the experience of RagChew reporters suggests otherwise. Can anyone
suggest why this might be so?
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Emails to the Editor

Hi Mark,

I'd like to make a few points in regards to you

suggesting that using RSN instead of RST
on the ‘public’ ham bands is a good idea

(RagChew Edition 19/2026).

RSN is not valid to anyone except a couple of stations in your group. | work and listen
to alot of CW on Tuesday nights & have only ever heard three stations use RSN. All
it does is confuse people who aren't expecting it.
| have never seen any amateur contest or activity that requires RSN within the
exchange between stations; they all say RST. All exchanges giving an RSN report
would all be invalid.

Just because some of the CQORS community think RSN is better than RST, doesn't
mean that's how it should be!

| hope they don’t decide they want to drive their cars on

the right hand side of the road!

Encouraging the use of RSN when 99.999% of hams use RST is simply stupid.

Please feel welcome to submit my email words into the next newsletter.

Mark VK3MJ

Geelong

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Lord Howe Island 2026
15* - 14° June 2026

~ FlexRadio
8" May 2026
Ateam of 7 operators will activate

Lord Howe Island from 1 - 14 June
2026. This will be a DX-Marathon
activation, and we will be aiming to

work as many DXCC entities and
Zones as possible in the 2026 DX

Marathon contest. Of course, this will
be a great opportunity for DX-Marathon contestants to get LHI in the log for 2026 as well.

We will be using the contest callsign VJ2L. This is also a great opportunity for operators
to add Lord Howe Island to their DXCC count or fill those much-needed band-slots. As

well, those chasing POTA, SOTA and IOTA slots can use this opportunity to get much
needed QSOs in the log.

[Rl px Marathon
We will also be promoting DX Marathon by encouraging greater participation from those

in the Oceania region. We will be sponsoring a plaque for the Top CW Result for VK in
2026, as well as running a separate mini-awards program.
Visit https://dxmarathon.com/ to learn more.

The team is pleased to announce that FlexRadio are supporting this activation with the
provision of two Aurora 520M radios. For a remote DXpedition like Lord Howe Island,
minimizing complexity, transport weight, and potential points of failure is critical, and
the Aurora platform directly addresses these challenges.

Each 520M integrates a 500-Watt transceiver, power supply, full SDR transceiver,
automatic antenna tuner, and 7-pole filtering into a single 8.5 kg unit. This level of

integration significantly reduces the amount of equipment we need to ship, assemble,
and maintain on-site.
Already in the planning phase, the impact has been clear. Instead of coordinating

separate radios, amplifiers, power supplies, tuners, filters, and extensive cabling, our

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Lord Howe Island 2026
1** - 14" June 2026
station setup is streamlined to essentially the radio, a laptop, and operator accessories.
This allows us to focus more on operating time and less on station complexity.
This activation will also serve as a real-world deployment of the Aurora platform in a
demanding DXpedition environment, and we look forward to sharing our experience
with the wider amateur radio community.

Learn more about the Aurora series here: https://www.flexradio.com/aurora/
Our focus will be on 40 metres through 10 metres on CW, FT8 and SSB (no 6 metres and
no 160 metres). The decision for 80 metre operation will be made when we get on-site.
With seven operators we expect to be very active and will structure our schedule around

propagation openings and demand.
We'll also be using a DX-Commander Expedition vertical antenna once again; easy to

transport and fast to deploy. And a top performer for DXing.
https://dxcommander.com/product/dx-commander-expedition-kit/

In what we believe is a first, the VJ2L team will be providing award plaques for the

following:
1.

First past the post — working us on all bands CW
— sponsored by CWops Oceania
(not open to VK or ZL)

gofN

First past the post — all bands - FT8
First past the post — all bands - SSB
1,000 miles/Watt Award — first past the post CW

Certificates for all who achieve 1,000 miles/Watt award

More details about these awards will be provided on our QRZ page closer to the
activation.
So, mark VJ2L in your diaries. We're excited to operate these new FlexRadio Aurora
520M radios and even more excited to work as many ops as we can on SSB, FT8 and

CW.

Subject to ongoing tests and internet reliability, we intend to run Clublog Live Stream.

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Lord Howe Island 2026
1%* - 14° June 2026
If you have any questions, please contact Chris VK3QB. Refer qrz.com for contact

details. Charles, MOOXO will be looking after QSL services. www.m0oxo.com

—

Lord Howe Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed volcanic remnant in the Tasman

Sea, located about 600km east of Port Macquarie, Australia. Renowned for its pristine
beaches, Kentia palms, and rare birdlife, it offers top-tier diving at the world's

southernmost coral reef and hiking up Mt Gower. Only 400 visitors are allowed at once,
ensuring an exclusive, nature-focused experience.

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Lord Howe Island 2026
15t - 14° June 2026
recognised by most logging programs and awards programs as VKOL. So, when you log
VJ2L, check it’s recorded as DXCC VKQL.
Queries to VK3QB.

Morse Training Net

Our team member Nic VK7WW runs an on-air 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;

you'll hear lots of the CQQRS team on that net.

Jordan VK3ACU has ralso ecorded the complete set

SEREEEEEES! CODE COURSE

on —
=

of lessons which you can now find here:

httos:/Awww. youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHSQmZz6fBXO7swAfb
TmutrbbEL17fUOL

Contact Nic VK7WW for more info nicholaschantler@hotmail.com including how to
join the NTARC DISCORD group to follow the action, or just come along and join in

on Wednesdays.

Great Use of Waste Resources for the CQQRS Net
From Wayne VK6NW at Bridgetown

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CW practice.

Regards
Wayne Douglass
VK6NW

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Past Issues

7fy

VRSAYayYe

CAROMA

CISTERN LOCATION INSTALLCHOICE

CODE

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THE RADIO BULLETIN

The “ARDF Day” Familiarisation Day at EMDRC

Updating Articies

Sunday 17th May 10am to noon

USD Rig programming
cables ard

Ff Windows 11

ADE
EASTERN MOUNTAINS
DISTRICT RADIO CLUB

Subaru Coax install
004 - BOM PI

Portable Power

EMDRC ~ IMPORTANT DATES

AMATEUR RADIO DIRECTION FINDING

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
FORM ~ JOIN NOW

CLUB'S INTERNET SPONSER

(a KernWi-Fi

Addendum to Peter's VK3QI Presentation - VK3ER

Wireless Sclutions

Contest Station

EMDRC CLUBS NETS
at 10:00am following WIA
Sundays
News Broadcast

Repeater

3ER

on WKSREC

147.075Mha - 91.SHz

Wednesdays at 8 30pm foloare

EMDRC - Annual General Meeting

WIA News Broadcast ~ VIGER of
WKGREC Repeater

12th June Friday - Doors Open 6:45pm - Meeting Start 8:00pm - Club Rooms

147.175Nha

91. SHz

Burwood & Zoom

EASTERN AND MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

RADIO CLUB

Eastern And
138 fofowers

2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

Ei Fotow Page

ARCHIVES
Select Month

CLUBROOMS

Google
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Google Maps correctly.

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EMDRC Talking FM Deviation Monitor
A new 2-metre on-air information service has been implemented by the EMDRC
The Talking
Ft Deviation Moniter& an

145

250MHz

and

automa’

measures the

vice

deviation

permanency

installed by

Free Australian Amateur Radio Training Material

From Jules VK3JFP

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l

rFrevnrcuarcye
1,

As promised, | have developed videos, updated training material and questionnaires
for the Foundation, Standard and Advanced licences.

This training material is now supplemented with individual videos on each subject. A

short introduction to amateur radio is also included.

Introduction to amateur radio
httos://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m8GoY
J2Wzw

Foundation Theory and Regulations
https://www.julesworkshop.net/(Amateur%20Radio%20Group/3%20FoundationTM%20lic
ence%20page.html

Practical
https://www.julesworkshop.net/Amateur%20Radio%20Group/4%20Practical%20pag

e.
html
Standard Theory
https://www.julesworkshop.net/Amateur%20Radio%20Group/2%20StandardTM%20lice

nce%20page.html

Advanced Theory
httos://www.julesworkshop.net/Amateur%20Radio%20Group/1%20Advanced%20lice

nce%20page.html

The rationale for this material, is to encourage and support anyone anywhere who is
interested in amateur radio to prepare for their exams.

Feel free to use this material for anyone wishing to get a licence or endeavouring to
upskill their current licence.

Here in Australia, not all candidates have local access to a radio club or tutor for
exam preparation. Many potential candidates also undertake shift work or work
remotely.

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Jules Perrin JP
0457585974
VK3JFP

www.julesworkshop.net

Support our veterans.

VK6MTF/MM Esperance to Hobart - Big Ocean, Great Adventure ina
Tiny Yacht - and QRP QRS Too.

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No power tonight. Maritime mobile again tomorrow. Hope

a) to make some contacts along the way.

9:18pm

ce 4
Today

Tim - VK5AV Hann

Morgan - VKGMTF Flower
No power tonight. Maritime mobile again tomorrow. Hope to
make some contacts along the way.

Looks like your making good progress Morgan. At this rate

you'll be in VK7 waters in no time. Hope our seas here are

being nice to you!

6:42am

Morgan - VKGMTF Flower
Thanks Tim. We have had excellent conditions so far.
Fingers crossed the forecast holds true.

9:17am

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100 km
100 mi

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Morgan - VKGMTF Flower
Thanks Tim. We have had excellent conditions so far. Fingers
crossed the forecast holds true.

Hi Morgan, i am curious, what is your ‘1st arrival point in
VK7, is it the same as your final destination. Do you plan to
come down the west coast or the east coast? Not done

the west coast myself but have crossed the Strait and
wm

down the east coast a few years ago. Hope the Strait is

vw«7Jz ~—s kind to you. Jim

9:52am

Morgan - VKGMTF Flower

Hi Jim. Im not sure exactly what we will do but our rough
plan is to sail north of King Island and head for the north

east cape. Ideally we won't stop until we run down the east
coat and inside of Maria island, transiting the Marion

Narrows and Dunalley Canal. If things go well, | wouldn't
mind tying up at the public jetty and enjoying a cold beer

at the Dunalley pub/restaurant in about six days time.

10:02am

t
Morgan - VK6MTF Flower
Hi Jim. lm not sure exactly what we will do but our rough plan
is to sail north of King Island and head for the north east

cape. Ideally we won't stop until we run down the east coat...

Re "tying up at the public jetty and enjoying a cold beer at
the Dunalley pub/restaurant in about six days time" perhaps a get-together of the Southern Tasmanian division

of the CQQRS team on the horizon?

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You
Re "tying up at the public jetty and enjoying a cold beer at

the Dunalley pub/restaurant in about six days time" - perhaps
a get-together of the Southern Tasmanian division of the C...

Always welcome. | can't guarantee any time or place at this

point. I'll keep you posted.

10:43 am

James & Hilary - VK7JZ Semmens
Morgan - VK6MTF Flower
Hi Jim. Im not sure exactly what we will do but our rough plan

is to sail north of King Island and head for the north east
cape. Ideally we won't stop until we run down the east coat...

The Bay with the ismus between north and south maria

from mercury passage side is a great spot to anchor if you
need sleep. Wind blows over the top and the sea state
does not get in there....

11:15am

Flathead a good tucker as well, it's a secret spot where all

v«7JZ = flat head meet regulation size!!

11:16am

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James & Hilary - VK7JZ Semmens
The Bay with the ismus between north and south maria from
mercury passage side is a great spot to anchor if you need sleep.
Wind blows over the top and the sea state does not get in there....

Listening on 7.030 if anyone is up fora QSO. 3:07pm
7

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OK I switch the radio ON
o

oh
55

3:09pm

Sorry russianom onthe same f.

3:14pm

Morgan - VKGMTF Flower

Pick a frequency | will QSY 3:22pm
Fautso - IU4FLS Gabusi

7034.5 seem free sending cq... 4:05pm

+
Morgan - VKGMTF Flower

oy Can you hear me Fausto? 4:98pm
Fautso - IU4FLS Gabusi

Negative

®°

4:08pm

Now my pwr 85w_ 4:09pm
Morgan - VKGMTF Flower

Ms | think my QRMis killing my reception. 4:10pm
Fautso - |IU4FLS Gabusi
Qrm hr 3-4

4:11pm

Do you wish to change band?? = 4:41 m
Morgan - VKGMTF Flower

My antenna is only good for 40 & 80m what's your QTH?
4:11pm

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Qth Bologna, north Italy. Bologna is between Milan and

Florence

4:13pm

Morgan - VKGMTF Flower

Fantastic! | am maritime mobile south west of Victoria.

ok Unfortunately with high noise
4

‘

4:14pm

Fautso - IU4FLS Gabusi

Ok hope to meet you soon. Enjoy yr trip. 73. Qrt 4:16pm
Morgan - VKGMTF Flower
Thank you Fausto 73's!

4:20pm

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re
oy

On land

South-eastern
zone

& 0 & 0 (on water)

Except when there's a total flathead ban. Best get your

—— fill before going through the Dunally Canal.

6:43pm

Morgan - VKGMTF Flower

oe)

We haven't got any fishing gear on board at all sadly.

6:47 pm

Morgan - VKG6MTF Flower

oe)

We haven't got any fishing gear on board at all sadly.

6:47 pm

Tim - VK5AV Hann
@Morgan - VKGMTF Flower do you have any 2m gear on
board?

9:24pm

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email to Mark VK2KI:

cgagrsnet@gmail.com

There’s No Such Thing...
This week’s questions.
| think the first lesson in Teachering 101 is to always tell students “There’s no such...”
(I’m sure you know the rest) and “...the only dumb questions are the ones not asked”.

John VK2RU reckons that there’s lots of questions out there among both our new and
our experienced operators - about CW, amateur radio operating and about theory.
So here we go...

Question
| made a paddle out of a couple of
straight keys a while ago, | call it
"Thing". It works Ok. "Thing" is at the
lightest spring tension but is still quite
firm, even with close spacing. I'm
wondering if there will be any benefit

on getting a paddle that is purpose
built/ lighter on the touch. If so, other

than a bencher what would you
recommend?
Adam, VK4IM

Answer

Thoughts paddle-users? cqgrsnet@gmail.com

[Do you have a question or two or a discussion starter worth sharing?
cagrsnet@gmail.com /f so.]

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Prosign/Cnaracter/signal

of the Month
See if you can use this one on Tuesday?

Prosign:

ga =

Meaning: Clear - going off the air.

[Put it on a sticky note near your key as a reminder for Tuesday....
and tell us how you went!]

Di-dah-di-dah-dit
Here we go.

So back to the CQORS Slow CW QSO practice net.

Next Tuesday’s Net
Our CQQRS Group will be on as always on Tuesday from around 0600z until about
1200z; see hiips://bit.ly/COORSWebsite and navigate to the Net Details page for

details.

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EEE
Ne
Coordinated Universal Time

0700z to 1300z

(Note - 20m DXperiments will be at different times to suit propagation)

Australie

Western Australia Time

UTC +8 Hours

1500 to 2100

Central Australian Time

UTC + 9.5 Hours

1630 to 2230

Eastern Australian Time

UTC + 10 Hours

1700 to 2300

Queensland Time

UTC + 10 Hours

1700 to 2300

NZ Time

UTC + 12 Hours

1900 to 0100

New Zealand

DXperiment times and

frequencies will be allocated

20m

14039-14051kHz

160m

1855kHz

by Mike DL3YZ prior to the
net.

7000

7020

40 rn pt

3500

one

3535

80 m|=

160

7040

ORO

m/>—

3560

COORSNet

——

Thanks to Lance VK7TO for the CQQRS trequency image.

&
Wednesday (VK/ZL time)

22002 - 2300z

On the WA FM AllStar Network

(Tuesday UTC)

(connect direct to AllStar Node 42482 or use Echolink to
connect to VK2KI-L or VK8MT-L from anywhere)

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 1200z - so keep calling in the segment of the
band designated in the table below until you catch someone.

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Please let us know via our Reports form bit.ly/CQORSNET who you work or hear on
Tuesday’s Group. The report form closes at 1pm (Eastern Australian time) on
Thursday. And how about helping to make the reports even more interesting by
sending a photo? If you have a photo that you’d be happy to include, please email it
to: cqqrsnet@gmail.com

And of course, we’re always on the lookout for more photos for the newsletter, so if
you have something that might be of interest aside from the reports, please send it
through as well. Email to cggrsnet@gmail.com please.

Oh and by the way, | recommend that you don’t keep the Reports Form website open
between submission of reports from one week to the next. If you’re unlucky, there’s
an undocumented feature in the software that could cause your current week’s report
to be combined with your previous report - it’s happened to your editor several times much to the chagrin of our Reports editor :)

Post Morsum

Richard VK6HRC will run our phone Post Morsum on Wednesday mornings 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). See hitos://bit.ly/JCOORSWebsite and

navigate to the Net Details page for details of how you can connect via Echolink from
anywhere in the world.

Articles

Could you write a short article or articles for RagChew? You bet! Writing not your
strong point? Don’t worry, I’m very happy to help as much or as little as needed.

Oh, and one more thing (actually two) - copyright material:
e please use your Own images - don’t use images copied from the internet unless
you have the producer’s permission, or they’re marked ‘Creative Commons’ or
similar;

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similar), and you'll need to site the source and author.

For more guidance on writing for the RagChew newsletter (including how you might

even try using one of the new Artificial Intelligence tools), head to our website
bit.ly/COORSWebsite then click the menu on the top right and then click RagChew
Newsletter.

Material

A reminder; if you send me any information by email, our report form or WhatsApp -

unless you specifically state that material is not to be published, I'll assume that
you're happy to see your thoughts in the RagChew newsletter.

Thank you so much to our team of 32 contributors:

MONNK,

VK2IOW, VK2KJJ, VK2RU, VK2WP, VK3SACU, VK3DRQ,
VK3ECH, VK3SJFP, VKSKLE, VK3MJ, VK3Q0B, VK4CEG,
VK4IM, VK5AO, VK5AV, VK5ET, VK5KFG, VK5KFG, VK6GX,
VK6HRC, VK6KD, VK6KHZ, VKENW, VK6PZT, VK6TX,

VK6WE, VK7JZ, VK7TA, VK7TO, VK7WW and ZL3ABX. And

a special thank you to our editorial team, Nigel G4RWI
(Decrypter), Patrick VK2IOW (cattle wrangler), John VK2RU
(maker of lists), Richard VKGHRC (cat-herder), Lance VK/7TO

(Spectrum planner) and Jordan VK3ACU (AI navigaator).
Great work all!

CU CW on Tuesday,
mb
Mark Bosma
VK2KI / VK6QI

Beautiful South Bowning NSW

cqgrsnet@gmail.com
non impediti ratione cogitationis

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Dw

—_— Antenna Adventures —
Sw

= oor

What’s the perfect
Mother’s Day gift
for Venus?

Bern

<< wy

“ are “psare
ow... Ghougnenult

A compact HF/50MHz
transceiver! Perfect for

our adventures together!
I think she’ll love it!

x6100

MH TRANS: CENVER

Venus & Mars in the Ham Shack is a work of fiction, created by some sad individuals who should know better.
Any resemblance between the characters depicted, and real people is mere coincidence.

About the CQ QRS Net
Here’s where you'll find the details.

For the current schedule and more information about the CQQRS net, please go the
the Net Details page on our website:

https://bit.ly/COQRSWebsite

The opinions expressed in the RagChew newsletter are those of the individual contributors.
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ALY

HIALWHal

QHU

HIMQAYUS

Translate v
IOCUCIVEU

TUL

MICHMmCrs

UIC

CUILUT

VUNISIICU

UIT

UID

UVYINO

VVIIGALSOAYP

YlUUupos

may be published in this newsletter unless specifically requested otherwise.
The RagChew newsletter is considered to be exempt from the Australian Government’s ban on social media for
under 16 year olds because it is a service that has the primary purpose of enabling users to share information
about products or services, engage in professional networking or professional development services or of
supporting the education of users per the Australian Government eSafety Commissioner FAQ webpage “Which
platforms have been excluded from the age restrictions” dated 10Dec25.

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