Full details and contest rules available in Upcoming Events 

Digital Voice Codecs in Amateur Radio: Compressing Speech for the Airwaves

Following on from last year's Digital Data over HF Radio presentation, this session explores the fascinating world of digital voice codecs and how they make modern amateur radio communication possible.

Digital voice has transformed the way amateur radio operators communicate, enabling clear, efficient voice transmission across both VHF/UHF and HF bands while using significantly less bandwidth than traditional analogue methods. But how can high-quality speech be squeezed into such a small data stream?

This presentation answers that question by examining the technology behind today's most widely used digital voice systems.

Digital Voice in Amateur Radio

The session also examines the codecs currently used across the amateur radio community, including:

• Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) voice coding
• Open-source codecs used for HF digital voice
• The advantages and limitations of proprietary versus open implementations

Participants will gain an understanding of why different digital voice systems have evolved, and how codec selection influences compatibility, audio quality, and spectrum efficiency.

Beyond the Codec: Error Correction Matters

Compressing speech is only part of the challenge. Radio channels are noisy, signals fade, and data is often corrupted during transmission.

This presentation investigates how channel coding and forward error correction (FEC) work alongside speech codecs to improve reliability. We'll explore how different levels of error protection affect real-world performance, particularly under weak-signal HF conditions where every bit counts.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you're curious about digital voice, interested in how DMR works, experimenting with HF digital modes, or simply want to better understand the technology behind modern amateur radio communications, this presentation offers an informative and practical introduction to the field.

Join us as we uncover the engineering that allows clear speech to be transmitted using remarkably little bandwidth—and discover why digital voice continues to play an increasingly important role in amateur radio.

SGARS welcomes visitors – please join us.

The Remembrance Day Contest is an annual amateur radio event organised by the WIA. This contest commemorates the Amateurs who died during World War II and is designed to encourage friendly participation and help improve the operating skills of participants.

Amateurs will endeavour to contact amateurs in VK call areas, ZL and P29 on all bands except WARC bands. Modes allowed are PHONE, CW and RTTY as per the era remembered.

SGARS Club Station Details

• Date: Saturday,15 August 2026
• Location: Oatley Park
• Setup: From approximately 12:00 (midday)
• Operating: 13.30 (1.30 pm) for around 5 hours
• Likely site: Sheltered area near the back/top of the oval

Contact

• Peter VK2EMU
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Contest Rules

https://www.wia.org.au/members/contests/rdcontest/

Callbacks VK2RDX Mt. Bindo Sunday 5th July 2026

Morning Broadcast

VK2JTV

VK2GLK

VK2BMG 

VK2KWX

VK2YJS 

VK2EMU 

Evening Broadcast

VK2EMU

VK2JTV

VK2CGR 

MeshCore Network Sees Strong Growth Across Australia

Australia's MeshCore community has grown rapidly over the past 12 months, evolving from a small group of enthusiasts into one of the world's most active MeshCore networks. MeshCore uses low-power LoRa radios to provide encrypted messaging without relying on mobile phone or internet infrastructure.

Although no official figures are published, community activity suggests Australia now has an estimated 500 to 1,200 active users supported by around 120 to 210 dedicated repeater nodes, with a midpoint estimate of about 800 users and 160 repeaters.

The strongest growth has been in Victoria and New South Wales, where volunteer-built repeater networks now provide extensive regional coverage. As interest in resilient, off-grid communications continues to grow among hobbyists, emergency preparedness groups and outdoor enthusiasts, Australia is emerging as one of the leading MeshCore communities outside Europe.

Introduction to open-source LoRa-based MeshCore radio communication scheduled for Wednesday 1st July, 2026 at Mortdale RSL, commencing 7.30pm.

SGARS welcomes visitors – please join us.

Over 40 members and guests attended in person for the presentation on the MeshCore radio communications network, by Josh VK2MES. Others viewed the presentation live on YouTube, from as far away as Perth WA. Thank you to Josh for a very informative presentation and a fantastic effort.

MeshCore Network Presentation to be Live-Streamed

There has been significant interest in this presentation, so for those not able to attend in person at Mortdale RSL Club, the presentation will be live-streamed on YouTube, commencing at 8.00 pm Wednesday 1st July 2026. You can watch the presentation by using this link; Introduction to MeshCore

The presentation introduces MeshCore, an open-source LoRa-based mesh radio communication system designed primarily for:

• Emergency communications (EmComm)
• Off-grid community networking
• Infrastructure-independent messaging

Josh VK2MES explains:

• How mesh networking works
• Why MeshCore was created
• How it differs from Meshtastic
• Australian radio configurations and deployment practices
• Practical uses, hardware, and ways to get involved

Over 40 members and guests attended in person for the presentation on the MeshCore radio communications network, by Josh VK2MES. Others viewed the presentation live on YouTube, from as far away as Perth WA. Thank you to Josh for a very informative presentation and a fantastic effort.

The Sutherland Astronomical Society (SASI) will host a presentation exploring the fascinating world of amateur radio at the Green Point Observatory on Thursday, 2 July 2026, commencing at 7:30 pm.

Often known as “ham radio,” amateur radio is a worldwide hobby and public service that combines communication, technology, experimentation, and community involvement. Modern amateur radio extends far beyond traditional voice contacts, with operators using digital modes, satellites, computer networks, and advanced radio technologies to communicate around the globe. Amateur radio also plays an important role in providing emergency and disaster communications when conventional systems are unavailable.

The presentation will provide an introduction to amateur radio, outline the pathway to becoming a licensed amateur radio operator in Australia, and conclude with a look at one of the hobby’s most exciting areas—amateur radio satellites and how radio amateurs use them to communicate through space.

Whether you are curious about radio communications, interested in space and satellite technology, or considering becoming a licensed operator, this presentation will offer an informative overview of the hobby and its many opportunities.

Additional information can be found at the SASI website https://www.sasi.net.au/

RadioID.net has announced a new annual verification process for all registered users, effective from 1 July 2026. As RadioID.net IDs are required for access to DMR networks such as VK-DMR, BrandMeister, and TGIF, operators should ensure their registered email address is current and accessible.

Each year, on the anniversary of an account’s creation, RadioID.net will send an email requesting confirmation that the assigned ID(s) are still required and that account details remain accurate. Failure to respond may result in the ID(s) being temporarily deactivated and, after a reasonable period without contact, removed from the database and made available for reassignment.

Members are encouraged to log in to their RadioID.net account and verify their contact details before 1 July.

SGARS is pleased to welcome Greg ZL1GUD, well known from HamShack and as the editor of the popular New Zealand and Australian amateur radio magazine. Greg will be visiting the club to meet local amateur radio operators, share experiences from the amateur radio community on both sides of the Tasman, and learn more about the activities of SGARS members.

During his visit, Greg hopes to take photographs for possible inclusion in future magazine articles and features. This will be an excellent opportunity for members to meet Greg, showcase their stations and projects, and promote the vibrant amateur radio activities taking place within our club.

SGARS welcomes visitors – please join us.

The Society’s annual “SHOW and TELL” meeting is scheduled for Wednesday June 3, 2026 at Mortdale RSL, commencing 7.30pm.

Join us as members SHOW something interesting and TELL a story. Something old or new, mysterious or sentimental or historical, something built or bought, a hand-me-down or a surplus sales bargain. Perhaps it's working, perhaps the smoke has escaped, perhaps it's just a photo !

Members interested in presenting are requested to check-in at the RSL auditorium by 7pm, alternately drop an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your speaking slot. 

SGARS welcomes visitors – please join us.

The VK Shires Contest is an annual amateur radio event organised by the WIA. Operators in Australia and overseas try to contact as many Australian shires as possible using HF SSB and CW. Contacts exchange callsigns, signal reports, and shire identifiers, with points awarded for contacts and unique shires worked.

The contest promotes operating skills, portable/mobile operation, and activity in regional areas.

SGARS Club Station Details

• Date: Saturday, 6 June 2026
• Location: Oatley Park
• Setup: From approximately 11:00 AM
• Operating: Midday for around 5 hours
• Likely site: Sheltered area near the back/top of the oval

Contact

• Peter VK2EMU
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Amateur Radio - Training & Assessment - Information Session Wednesday 03 June 2026, 06:00pm

Amateur radio provides a hands-on way to learn about electronics, and telecommunications, excellent way to develop technical skills in a practical and enjoyable environment. Amateur radio also offers the opportunity to design and build radio equipment, experiment with communication modes, great way to explore radio science and improve problem-solving skills. Your pathway into Amateur Radio commences with the Foundation entry level qualification. Want to know more, come along to a free amateur radio information session, including self study and upcoming training and assessment weekend.

Members of our education team will be available from 6.00 pm on Wednesday evening, prior to our monthly meeting, in the Function Room (1st floor) at the Mortdale RSL Club.

Callbacks VK2RDX Mt. Bindo Sunday 24th May 2026

Morning Broadcast
VK2JTV
VK2KWX
VK2MTJ
VK2EKG
VK2YJS
VK2EMU

Evening Broadcast
VK2JTV
VK2EMU
VK2PBX

Callbacks VK2RDX Mt. Bindo Sunday 7th June 2026

Morning Broadcast
VK2JTV
VK2EMU
VK2BMG
VK2MTJ
VK2YJS
VK2EKG 

Evening Broadcast
VK2PZ
VK2JTV 

Introduction to open-source LoRa-based mesh radio communication scheduled for Wednesday 1st July, 2026 at Mortdale RSL, commencing 7.30pm.

The presentation introduces MeshCore, an open-source LoRa-based mesh radio communication system designed primarily for:

•  Emergency communications (EmComm)
• Off-grid community networking
• Infrastructure-independent messaging

Josh VK2MES explains:

• How mesh networking works
• Why MeshCore was created
• How it differs from Meshtastic
• Australian radio configurations and deployment practices
• Practical uses, hardware, and ways to get involved

SGARS welcomes visitors – please join us.

Welcome to SGARS News

This is the location where The St George Amateur Radio Society publishes information about upcoming and recent club activities, meetings, presentation, contest and field events, and training and assessment sessions. News items will be added as information becomes available or is updated.

News items will become the single source of information for the website, including calendars and emails.

What is the SGARS News Feed?

The SGARS News Feed provides a way for readers to keep up to date instantaneously, using RSS (Really Simple Syndication) 2.0 syndication feed. This feature enables the sharing of content from the SGARS website with other websites or platforms that support RSS feeds, and also supports the use of third-party RSS services and components.

The SGARS News Feed can be downloaded into email clients, such as Thunderbird & Outlook, automatically as news items are added. Applications are available for other email clients such as Google Mail, Outlook etc. Applications are also available for Windows, IOS and Android platforms. Fluent Reader is free from Microsoft Store, and works well with Windows 11.

To start, go to www.sgars.org/news copy the SGARS News source link and paste into the RSS application. 

https://www.sgars.org/index.php/sgars-news?format=feed&type=rss

The Australian VKDMR core is transitioning to IPSC3, developed locally by Matt Perkins, VK2FLY, to improve routing, repeater handling, hotspot handling and network visibility.

The new IPSC3 platform introduces major improvements over the legacy IPSC2 system, with features designed for the way VKDMR is used in Australia. For detailed information please go to the new VK DMR Dashboard