Elizabeth's Ether: A Local Hub for South Australia's Radio Aficionados

ELIZABETH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA – In the suburban landscape north of Adelaide, the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club (EARC) serves as a steadfast gathering point for individuals with a shared zeal for radio communication and electronics. This active group underscores the enduring appeal of tangible technology and person-to-person exchange in an increasingly virtual world. The club, operating under the callsign VK5LZ, convenes monthly, fostering both technical dialogue and social cohesion.

The primary rendezvous for EARC members is the general meeting, held on the first Tuesday of each month. The Scout Hall on Mofflin Road in Elizabeth Grove provides the venue, with doors opening at 7:00 pm for informal mingling before the formal commencement at 7:30 pm. These occasions are structured to address club matters efficiently, swiftly transitioning to what many members might consider the main event: a "cup of tea, a biscuit and a chat with like-minded people." This simple post-meeting ritual is indicative of the club’s focus on community and shared interest.

Beyond the monthly gatherings, the club maintains a presence on the airwaves. Every Friday evening at 8:00 pm local time, members engage in a 2-meter Single Sideband (SSB) net on the frequency of 144.150 MHz. A practical technical choice, the use of vertical polarisation for this net, circumvents the need for members to adjust directional antennas, thereby facilitating broader and more convenient participation.

While the club's listed public activities are focused and regular, they provide a consistent and accessible platform for local enthusiasts. The leadership, comprising President Tim Dixon (VK5ZT), Secretary Peter Juett (VK5COV), and Treasurer David Minchin (VK5KK), guides the club's operations. Interested parties can find further information via their website (earc.org.au) or their postal address (PO Box 8, Elizabeth SA 5112).

The Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club, through its straightforward schedule of meetings and on-air activity, provides a valuable and welcoming space. It allows local radio and electronics enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and sustain a hobby that combines technical curiosity with a strong sense of local community.