Tassie Devils

Well, it was all happening in the Central Highlands of Tasmania last Saturday the 4th of December. The township of Miena was the location for one of the best gatherings of Tasmanian radio enthusiasts in a very long time.

Hosted by the Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club of Tasmania (CHARCT), it saw over 140 people from all over Tasmania and the mainland and, considering most people had to travel at least 120km if not more, it was a great turnout.

The displays from vendors were very enticing. TTS Systems, Benelec, Marcom Watson had an IC-7800 on display with a price tag that caused a double take for most passers-by, TET Emtron & Bushcom antennas, Solar Tasmania and VK
Electronics also had displays and most were doing a brisk trade.

Susan, VK7LUV who is the current president of the Australia Ladies Amateur Radio Association and family manned or should I say ladied the ALARA stand and was deep in conversation with Hamfest attendees each time I went past!

The CHARCT stand was doing a brisk trade in the Hamfest. CD-ROMS full of useful software and the buy and sell stands were the scene of frenzied activity most of the day.

The Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania demonstrated 70cm amateur television and had a number of videos showing about the hobby of amateur radio and quite a few new members were signed up.

Rex, VK7MO, our Ron Wilkinson award winner had a stand with his meteorscatter troposcatter station and was demonstrating his weak signal digital techniques.
Dick, VK7KVB had a very impressive HF/computer station set up and Brian, VK7KBE had his van set up outside with a HF station and was demonstrating the very portable Buddipole antenna system.

It was great to see many from the CB fraternity and we hope you found that bargain you were looking for, struck-up a few friendships or found out a little more about what amateur radio can offer.

Many thanks have to go the CHARCT crew for a fantastic day.

Justin, VK7TW

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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