Contents
Ja-well-no-fine (Maybe?)
Hello Ladies – On 15th February 2023 I tripped and injured both my ankles and was not able to walk for 2 weeks! At the same time the hard-drive on my faithful computer died (#%*&!). The OM was dispatched to buy a new computer and fortunately the data was recovered and is now on a 'stick'. However my run of bad luck had not ended. I lost the password for the Ham Yl Facebook page where I receive most of my news and updates about Amateur Radio. So although recovered, I was still feeling sorry for myself, thinking maybe there are no radio ladies? When I googled “Yls” I was disappointed to find so little information?
But then I received a letter from Elena UA1WCM, who enquired about missing news-letters? I was very happy to receive her letter, perhaps I should not give up after all!
So I pulled myself together and here is a newsletter. I would be very happy to hear about you, your radio and friends.
Editor, 33 Eda ZS5YH
PS The OM has already removed the battery from the 'old' computer for experimentation?
- Editorial
- Elena UA1WCM
- ALARAmeet 2023
- NZ - WARO Field Day
- 2023 SARL Annual Awards Local-is-Lekker
- Susan Prinsloo pilots Helicopter recovery of experimental Balloon
- Silent Keys
- Calendar
Ja-well-no-fine (Maybe?)
Hello Ladies – On 15th February 2023 I tripped and injured both my ankles and was not able to walk for 2 weeks! At the same time the hard-drive on my faithful computer died (#%*&!). The OM was dispatched to buy a new computer and fortunately the data was recovered and is now on a 'stick'. However my run of bad luck had not ended. I lost the password for the Ham Yl Facebook page where I receive most of my news and updates about Amateur Radio. So although recovered, I was still feeling sorry for myself, thinking maybe there are no radio ladies? When I googled “Yls” I was disappointed to find so little information?
But then I received a letter from Elena UA1WCM, who enquired about missing news-letters? I was very happy to receive her letter, perhaps I should not give up after all!
So I pulled myself together and here is a newsletter. I would be very happy to hear about you, your radio and friends.
Editor, 33 Eda ZS5YH
PS The OM has already removed the battery from the 'old' computer for experimentation?
****
From UA1WCM Elena Tarasova, 8 Apr, 2023
Hello dear Eda!
I was happy to receive an e-mail from you. I wish you good health and hope to receive information about YL stations in the future.
You would like to know more about me and my radio friends, wouldn't you?
I got my license about 20 years ago. I only learned Morse code for the exam, but I never used it. I work in SSB and digital modes. I have category 2. This means that I can work on 10, 12, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80, 160 meters and VHF. I have to comply with the power limit (up to 50 w). I live in the city of Pskov, in our region I am the only one YL.
Information about my activities is available on the Internet. Among my diplomas there are 2 related to DX contacts with YL-stations.
Certainly 20 years of experience on the air allowed me to get acquainted with some radio amateurs not formally, but corresponded for many years. First of all, these were Russian and English-speaking radio amateurs. In addition to English, I speak a little French and Italian. In 2011 I had a QSO with ZS6C (Joop Hesp. ZS6C/ZS6JP S/K).
If you are interested in something, I will write in more detail.
Sincerely yours Elena , UA1WCM
Hello dear Eda!
I was happy to receive an e-mail from you. I wish you good health and hope to receive information about YL stations in the future.
You would like to know more about me and my radio friends, wouldn't you?
I got my license about 20 years ago. I only learned Morse code for the exam, but I never used it. I work in SSB and digital modes. I have category 2. This means that I can work on 10, 12, 17, 20, 30, 40, 80, 160 meters and VHF. I have to comply with the power limit (up to 50 w). I live in the city of Pskov, in our region I am the only one YL.
Information about my activities is available on the Internet. Among my diplomas there are 2 related to DX contacts with YL-stations.
Certainly 20 years of experience on the air allowed me to get acquainted with some radio amateurs not formally, but corresponded for many years. First of all, these were Russian and English-speaking radio amateurs. In addition to English, I speak a little French and Italian. In 2011 I had a QSO with ZS6C (Joop Hesp. ZS6C/ZS6JP S/K).
If you are interested in something, I will write in more detail.
Sincerely yours Elena , UA1WCM
Elena UA1WCM's home town Pskov, is one of oldest Russian cities, located about 20 kilometers east of the Estonian border, on the Velikaya River. Pskov is a common last stop in Russia for visitors traveling overland to the Baltic states. It is 295km south-west of St Petersburg, 735km north-west of Moscow. Pskov is 600 kms from Turku (across Gulf of Finland), where SYLRA (Scandinavian YL Radio Amateurs) held their 2022 meeting.
Pskov is one of the oldest cities in Russia with records dating back to the beginning of the 10th century. It has preserved many unique architectural monuments, including churches, walls, towers and other fortifications.
****
ALARAmeet 2023 (Australian Ladies Amateur Radio Ass.)
Registrations are now open for ALARAmeet 2023, to be held in Hobart November 3 – 6. We would welcome any international visitors.
For those unable to come in person, they may like to listen out for our special callsign VI7ALARA which will be operational from mid-August to mid-November. In particular, we will be activating it on Sunday 5th during ALARAmeet with an Echolink net on the ALARA conference node at 0000Z.
Linda VK7QP ALARAmeet coordinator
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/FMfcgzGsmDmnhwVgSxgJwhjXcWqDSVCT? projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
****
NZ - WARO Field Day
On the 25th/26th February 2023, we held our annual Jock White Field Day event
and were fortunate to have 4 YL operators. Great weekend with lots of contacts throughout New Zealand. We operated on 40 & 80 metres on IC-7300 & TS-2000
Antenna erected onto large pine trees and consisted of dipole for each band.
Ngaire ZL2UJT
On the 25th/26th February 2023, we held our annual Jock White Field Day event
and were fortunate to have 4 YL operators. Great weekend with lots of contacts throughout New Zealand. We operated on 40 & 80 metres on IC-7300 & TS-2000
Antenna erected onto large pine trees and consisted of dipole for each band.
Ngaire ZL2UJT
From left Jill ZL2DBO, Ngaire ZL2UJT, Tatjana. Front: Le-ann ZL2TLO
****
****
South African Radio League 2023 Annual Awards
Local-is-Lekker - Congratulations to:
ZS3EL Esmarie Lotriet - Awarded The AKYAB Trophy achieves the highest score in his/her 1st year of phone, during the annual South African Radio League HF phone Contest.
ZR6BVT Beverley van Tonder was awarded The SAWRC Trophy. the SARL YL member who achieved the highest aggregate score in the annual South African Radio League HF Contests.
ZS1ISS Kiara McLean The SARL Youth Trophy. (25 years or younger)
Special Recognition Award - Susan Prinsloo, helicopter pilot.
***
Local-is-Lekker - Congratulations to:
ZS3EL Esmarie Lotriet - Awarded The AKYAB Trophy achieves the highest score in his/her 1st year of phone, during the annual South African Radio League HF phone Contest.
ZR6BVT Beverley van Tonder was awarded The SAWRC Trophy. the SARL YL member who achieved the highest aggregate score in the annual South African Radio League HF Contests.
ZS1ISS Kiara McLean The SARL Youth Trophy. (25 years or younger)
Special Recognition Award - Susan Prinsloo, helicopter pilot.
***
Susan
Prinsloo, from South Africa, may not be a Ham but radio is not new to
this lady who flies not only helicopters but is only one of 7 female
Tiger-Moth pilots! See also:
Article below summarised from: “Pilots Post” By Russell Dixon–Paver
Full article & photographs at: http://pilotspost.co.za/arn0002601
Susan Prinsloo pilots Helicopter in recovery of experimental Balloon
Hamnet Experimental BACAR-9 Balloon Chase 2021-10-30 - Balloon payloads provide telemetry to enable tracking, cameras for recording and data collection devices to investigate weather, radio propagation and other experiments.
As Hamnet had supported Susan in past aviation events, she was happy to be part of the first helicopter chase and recovery of a balloon parachute with payload.
Telemetry links back to ground from balloons are limited, so recovery of data-collected, as well as the value of equipment are important. Chase vehicles are usually restricted to roads and landing sites are 0ften inaccessible, or owners reluctant to grant access for balloon recovery.
After Susan diligently worked through all the preflight inspections and checks, she lifted off and hovered for a short time while the rest of the condensation cleared from the R44 Raven canopy in the sun, even though it had been in the hangar during the night.
(The R44 is a single-engined helicopter with a semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor, a two-bladed tail rotor and a skid landing gear. It has an enclosed cabin with two rows of side-by-side seating for a pilot and three passengers.)
Neil Gerber, ZS6CKC, from Hamnet, was a passenger in the helicopter with us as tracking support. We circled the launch-site, which was a model airfield and landed. Fire services were on hand as part of the contingency plans. The R44 needed a fuel top-up in preparation for tracking the balloon. Balloons need to be handled with rubber gloves as the skin oils can cause the latex to deteriorate, leading to premature balloon failure.
Johan Meyer, ZS6DMX drove the chase-vehicle tracking the balloon, which also carried additional fuel for the R44 helicopter.
Susan loaded the expected balloon flight track into the Skydemon app on her iPad, which provides early warnings of obstacles like towers, bridges and power lines and recommended safe crossing heights.
GPS position comes directly from satellites, so there is no reliance on internet coverage.
With the track loaded and the telemetry working, we took a more direct track to the balloon's position. The balloon travelled very fast but we were able to catch up due to a tailwind.
The balloon slowed down and we were not sure if the altitude and speed had reduced because of atmospheric conditions or if the balloon had burst and the parachute and payload were descending.
We landed briefly to conserve fuel and wait for the chase vehicles who confirmed that the parachute had deployed and was descending. We set out to search and recover it, about 2 nm away. Susan quickly spotted it, helped by her game capture experience.
Susan and Neil had to move to higher ground to establish communications with the chase-vehicles as there was a dead-spot where the payload had landed. Susan and Neil wrapped the payloads in the parachute for safe transport in the helicopter.
The equipment was transferred to the chase vehicles when we landed to refuel - being airborne for around 2 hours both main and aux tanks needed to be filled for the return flight.
Hamnet had established a Joint Operations Centre at Secunda, with a prepared landing area, complete with "mobile windsock", which Susan skilfully approached sideways to avoid trees and over-flying buildings and parked boats. Many of the Hamnet members were camping here for the weekend.
After the chase vehicles had returned, a debrief occurred. Each interested group gave a brief report of their payload performance and lessons learned for future flights.
On arrival at the Brakpan airfield, a final inspection on the runway completed an interesting and different aspect of aviation. Combined with the skills of radio amateurs practising their hobby and providing communication services, especially when "normal" communications are marginal or out of commission was informative. One of the applications of balloon-payloads is radio repeater stations, when communications are hampered due to terrain or other obstacles. Helicopter chase and recovery looks like it is the way to go for this type of application.
Hamnet is a division of the SA Radio League, providing emergency communication services in addition to communications for sporting events.
BACAR -Balloon Carrying Amateur Radio (aka HAB High Altitude Balloon)
****
Full article & photographs at: http://pilotspost.co.za/arn0002601
Susan Prinsloo pilots Helicopter in recovery of experimental Balloon
Hamnet Experimental BACAR-9 Balloon Chase 2021-10-30 - Balloon payloads provide telemetry to enable tracking, cameras for recording and data collection devices to investigate weather, radio propagation and other experiments.
As Hamnet had supported Susan in past aviation events, she was happy to be part of the first helicopter chase and recovery of a balloon parachute with payload.
Telemetry links back to ground from balloons are limited, so recovery of data-collected, as well as the value of equipment are important. Chase vehicles are usually restricted to roads and landing sites are 0ften inaccessible, or owners reluctant to grant access for balloon recovery.
After Susan diligently worked through all the preflight inspections and checks, she lifted off and hovered for a short time while the rest of the condensation cleared from the R44 Raven canopy in the sun, even though it had been in the hangar during the night.
(The R44 is a single-engined helicopter with a semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor, a two-bladed tail rotor and a skid landing gear. It has an enclosed cabin with two rows of side-by-side seating for a pilot and three passengers.)
Neil Gerber, ZS6CKC, from Hamnet, was a passenger in the helicopter with us as tracking support. We circled the launch-site, which was a model airfield and landed. Fire services were on hand as part of the contingency plans. The R44 needed a fuel top-up in preparation for tracking the balloon. Balloons need to be handled with rubber gloves as the skin oils can cause the latex to deteriorate, leading to premature balloon failure.
Johan Meyer, ZS6DMX drove the chase-vehicle tracking the balloon, which also carried additional fuel for the R44 helicopter.
Susan loaded the expected balloon flight track into the Skydemon app on her iPad, which provides early warnings of obstacles like towers, bridges and power lines and recommended safe crossing heights.
GPS position comes directly from satellites, so there is no reliance on internet coverage.
With the track loaded and the telemetry working, we took a more direct track to the balloon's position. The balloon travelled very fast but we were able to catch up due to a tailwind.
The balloon slowed down and we were not sure if the altitude and speed had reduced because of atmospheric conditions or if the balloon had burst and the parachute and payload were descending.
We landed briefly to conserve fuel and wait for the chase vehicles who confirmed that the parachute had deployed and was descending. We set out to search and recover it, about 2 nm away. Susan quickly spotted it, helped by her game capture experience.
Susan and Neil had to move to higher ground to establish communications with the chase-vehicles as there was a dead-spot where the payload had landed. Susan and Neil wrapped the payloads in the parachute for safe transport in the helicopter.
The equipment was transferred to the chase vehicles when we landed to refuel - being airborne for around 2 hours both main and aux tanks needed to be filled for the return flight.
Hamnet had established a Joint Operations Centre at Secunda, with a prepared landing area, complete with "mobile windsock", which Susan skilfully approached sideways to avoid trees and over-flying buildings and parked boats. Many of the Hamnet members were camping here for the weekend.
After the chase vehicles had returned, a debrief occurred. Each interested group gave a brief report of their payload performance and lessons learned for future flights.
On arrival at the Brakpan airfield, a final inspection on the runway completed an interesting and different aspect of aviation. Combined with the skills of radio amateurs practising their hobby and providing communication services, especially when "normal" communications are marginal or out of commission was informative. One of the applications of balloon-payloads is radio repeater stations, when communications are hampered due to terrain or other obstacles. Helicopter chase and recovery looks like it is the way to go for this type of application.
Hamnet is a division of the SA Radio League, providing emergency communication services in addition to communications for sporting events.
BACAR -Balloon Carrying Amateur Radio (aka HAB High Altitude Balloon)
****
Silent Keys / RIP / QEPD
S/K · AZUCENA ALBARRACIN LU9OY DIED AT 95 YEARS OLD.
by Carlos Almirón LU7DSY, 16'04/2023
Last Thursday, April 13, 2023, in the afternoon, the sudden death of colleague Azucena Albarracín, widow of Tamburú, LU9OY, 95 years old, at her home in the Salteña capital.
She was one of Salta's most recognised voices in the last half-century, She could be heard for hours every day 0n the 20m band, where she was very popular not only in her own country Argentina, but also in Chile and Uruguay.
Azucena was born in Formosa on March 10, 1928. She formed her family in Salta, mother of Ida, Rosi and Raúl, with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She entered the radio in the early 60s during the AM-era, being one of the first women with a license, alongside Nelly Lopez LU5OX SK of Methane.
Already in the side band stage and after retiring as a teacher, she found in a Kenwood TS 120 the best company for meeting countless colleagues, mainly on 14.230 MHz where she was very popular. Using only a half-wave dipole antenna, her general knowledge and culture allowed her to approach any topic of conversation. Her callsign LU9OY was one of Salta's most popular and respected.
When she turned 90, her birthday celebration was attended by many radio fans from NOA, who travelled especially to participate in the event.
Azucena was active until about a year ago, when senior memory problems took her away from the microphone.
****
Silent Key / RIP / QEPD
We regret to report the passing of Dr. Paola Carrizo Perez (LU2SAI). We send our condolences to her entire family, especially to our colleagues Rolando Carrizo LU4SF (Paola's dad) and Rolando carrizo (h) LU8SAM (Paola's brother).
Let the light shine for her that knows no end.
Board of Directors and Partners Radio Club La Rioja LU1SF 3 April 2023
****
Silent Key / RIP / QEPD
February 10, 2023, one of the oldest and most prominent Chilean radio amateurs.
Radio Club Yankee Lima Chile (CE4YLC) is very sorry for the departure of our dear friend and colleague Mrs. Javiera Alice Schnake Padilla – XQ4FOZ from the city of Chillán (age 98). She was born on 01/22/1925, she began as a second operator with her husband Gastón Sáez Rondanelli-CE3BZ (RIP) in 1949, later she obtained her Radio Amateur license. She stood out for the help she provided in the 1960 earthquake in the city of Valdivia. Her children and her grandchildren formed the Radio Club Gastón Sáez Rondanelli - CE4BZI in honour of her husband and she was an honorary member of CE4YLC.
Our deepest condolences to her seven children who are also part of our great radio family and to her entire family.
73's 88's and 33's - RC Ce4ylc Chile
****
Silent Key On Saturday 15 April 2023, the key of Linda Eales, ZS6LIN, went silent. Linda, wife of Guy, ZS6GUY, and mother to Cameron, ZS6CYE was tragically killed in a car accident on the N1, along with Berniece, Guy’s mother. Linda wrote the RAE in May 2018, so that she would be a licensed amateur for the YOTA-2018 event, in which she was actively involved in an organizational role. Not very active on the air, Linda was more involved in supporting youth activities behind the scenes. Her counsel will be greatly missed. We extend our sincere condolences to Guy, Cameron and the Eales family and friends.
****
Calendar
May 1 ALARA AGM 2023. Monday
May 18 2022 - Alda Niemeyer (PP5ASN) 102nd Birthday, Brazil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idjzuU1SaTE
May 23 Grupo YL Group created on May 23, 2019
May 26 Sally Ride Day It is a fun celebration held every year in appreciation of Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut to go to space. Sally Ride is a huge role model to girls who are interested in space and science. The date was chosen to commemorate her birthday and has been observed every year since 2003.
S/K · AZUCENA ALBARRACIN LU9OY DIED AT 95 YEARS OLD.
by Carlos Almirón LU7DSY, 16'04/2023
Last Thursday, April 13, 2023, in the afternoon, the sudden death of colleague Azucena Albarracín, widow of Tamburú, LU9OY, 95 years old, at her home in the Salteña capital.
She was one of Salta's most recognised voices in the last half-century, She could be heard for hours every day 0n the 20m band, where she was very popular not only in her own country Argentina, but also in Chile and Uruguay.
Azucena was born in Formosa on March 10, 1928. She formed her family in Salta, mother of Ida, Rosi and Raúl, with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She entered the radio in the early 60s during the AM-era, being one of the first women with a license, alongside Nelly Lopez LU5OX SK of Methane.
Already in the side band stage and after retiring as a teacher, she found in a Kenwood TS 120 the best company for meeting countless colleagues, mainly on 14.230 MHz where she was very popular. Using only a half-wave dipole antenna, her general knowledge and culture allowed her to approach any topic of conversation. Her callsign LU9OY was one of Salta's most popular and respected.
When she turned 90, her birthday celebration was attended by many radio fans from NOA, who travelled especially to participate in the event.
Azucena was active until about a year ago, when senior memory problems took her away from the microphone.
****
Silent Key / RIP / QEPD
We regret to report the passing of Dr. Paola Carrizo Perez (LU2SAI). We send our condolences to her entire family, especially to our colleagues Rolando Carrizo LU4SF (Paola's dad) and Rolando carrizo (h) LU8SAM (Paola's brother).
Let the light shine for her that knows no end.
Board of Directors and Partners Radio Club La Rioja LU1SF 3 April 2023
****
Silent Key / RIP / QEPD
February 10, 2023, one of the oldest and most prominent Chilean radio amateurs.
Radio Club Yankee Lima Chile (CE4YLC) is very sorry for the departure of our dear friend and colleague Mrs. Javiera Alice Schnake Padilla – XQ4FOZ from the city of Chillán (age 98). She was born on 01/22/1925, she began as a second operator with her husband Gastón Sáez Rondanelli-CE3BZ (RIP) in 1949, later she obtained her Radio Amateur license. She stood out for the help she provided in the 1960 earthquake in the city of Valdivia. Her children and her grandchildren formed the Radio Club Gastón Sáez Rondanelli - CE4BZI in honour of her husband and she was an honorary member of CE4YLC.
Our deepest condolences to her seven children who are also part of our great radio family and to her entire family.
73's 88's and 33's - RC Ce4ylc Chile
****
Silent Key On Saturday 15 April 2023, the key of Linda Eales, ZS6LIN, went silent. Linda, wife of Guy, ZS6GUY, and mother to Cameron, ZS6CYE was tragically killed in a car accident on the N1, along with Berniece, Guy’s mother. Linda wrote the RAE in May 2018, so that she would be a licensed amateur for the YOTA-2018 event, in which she was actively involved in an organizational role. Not very active on the air, Linda was more involved in supporting youth activities behind the scenes. Her counsel will be greatly missed. We extend our sincere condolences to Guy, Cameron and the Eales family and friends.
****
Calendar
May 1 ALARA AGM 2023. Monday
May 18 2022 - Alda Niemeyer (PP5ASN) 102nd Birthday, Brazil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idjzuU1SaTE
May 23 Grupo YL Group created on May 23, 2019
May 26 Sally Ride Day It is a fun celebration held every year in appreciation of Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut to go to space. Sally Ride is a huge role model to girls who are interested in space and science. The date was chosen to commemorate her birthday and has been observed every year since 2003.
