Atherton's Elevated Signals: The Tablelands Radio & Electronics Club

Atherton, Queensland - Established in 1988, the Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club Inc. (TREC) proudly stands as a leading club in Far North Queensland. Situated on the Atherton Tablelands, approximately 50km southwest of Cairns, this club benefits from the region's ideal radio operating conditions, perched at about 750m above sea level on a volcanic plateau. TREC members share a keen interest in both amateur radio and electronics.

TREC fosters a spirit of camaraderie through engaging activities such as foxhunts, often followed by popular sausage sizzles. The club is also active in VHF/UHF operations and regularly participates in field day contests, showcasing their skills and equipment.

TREC maintains a significant repeater network, comprising three repeater stations in addition to their club station:

• VK4RBK: 439.900MHz FM with a -5MHz shift, located at Bones Knob, Tolga.
• VK4RPH: 147.0625MHz FM with a -1.6MHz shift, situated at McHugh Lookout, Millaa Millaa.
• VK4RHT: 146.675MHz FM with a -600 shift and CTCSS tone 123, located at Hann Tableland, Mareeba.
• VK4RHT: Also operates a 6-meter beacon on 50.281 FSK 300 Hz, grid square QH23pc.

The club's primary callsign is VK4WAT, while the special event callsign VK4XQA is utilized for contests and other radio events. Notably, XQA holds historical significance as the first amateur radio callsign issued in Queensland, granted to Marcus Brims at Mareeba in 1914.

TREC holds its meetings at the Tablelands Regional Council Community Education & Disaster Coordination Center on Vernon Street in Atherton. These gatherings take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month, typically commencing around 0900 hrs for coffee, conversation, workshops, and even the occasional "home-brew" electronics competition.

TREC actively supports the Far North Endurance Riders Association by providing essential checkpoints at horse ride events throughout the year, demonstrating their commitment to community involvement.

The club also runs a regular HF net, VK4WAT/P, every Thursday at 0930 UTC on 3.605 MHz (known as the TREC Memorial net). All amateur radio operators are welcome to join this net and check in.

The Tablelands Radio & Electronics Club meets at the Tablelands Regional Council Community Education & Disaster Coordination Center on Vernon St, Atherton.

Assessments for amateur radio licenses can be arranged at any time to suit candidates' schedules. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the TREC Training Coordinator, Stuart Dunk VK4SDD, via email at vk4wat@wia.org.au. Stuart Dunk VK4SDD also serves as the club's primary contact and can be reached by phone at 0407 700 096 or via email.

The Tablelands Radio & Electronics Club can be contacted at P.O. Box 682 Atherton Qld 4883, or by phone at 0407 700 096. Their website, http://www.treclub.org.au, provides further information about the club and its activities.

The dedicated committee members leading TREC include President David Falls VK4DNF (contactable via email), Secretary Stu Dunk VK4SDD (0407 700 096 or via email), and Treasurer Tina Lute VK4AOR (contactable via email).

The Tablelands Radio & Electronics Club serves as a vital and active hub for amateur radio and electronics enthusiasts in the scenic Atherton Tablelands region. Their extensive repeater network, engaging activities, and commitment to training make them a cornerstone of the Far North Queensland amateur radio community.