Modbury's Modulators: The North East Radio Club Connects Adelaide's Enthusiasts

MODBURY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA – In the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide, the North East Radio Club (NERC), operating under the callsigns VK5GRC and VK5WOW, serves as a dynamic centre for amateur radio and electronics aficionados. The club convenes twice monthly at the Modbury Community Hall on Capulet Crescent, offering a structured yet engaging programme for its members.

The second Friday of each month is dedicated to the General Meeting, commencing at 7:30 pm. This session addresses regular club business before transitioning to a presentation by a guest speaker on a topic pertinent to the members' varied interests. Following this, the fourth Friday of the month hosts a technical night, also at 7:30 pm. These evenings delve into diverse subjects, ranging from in-depth technical discussions on radio and electronics to practical, hands-on workshops focusing on the development and construction of test equipment and other projects. For the most current details on meeting topics and any upcoming courses, the club directs interested parties to its website and Facebook page.

Beyond the formal meetings, NERC fosters a strong sense of community through regular informal gatherings and on-air activities. A mid-week social opportunity arises every Wednesday from 10 am at the Tea Tree Gully Library, where members meet for coffee and conversation.

NERC is also active on the airwaves. The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) broadcast, along with club call-backs, can be heard on Sundays at 9 am across several frequencies: the Crafers 2m repeater (147.000 FM, until August 2025), 3.550 LSB (80 meters), 7.135 LSB (40 meters), and 28.515 USB (10 meters, targeting the Lower Murray Area), as well as 53.100 AM (6 meters). A Sunday evening broadcast at 7 pm utilizes the Lochiel 2m repeater (146.925 FM, -0.600 split, 92.5 CTCSS).

A specific initiative, the "F Troop NET," is held at 5 pm every Friday (excluding Good Friday) on a network of linked repeaters. This net is designed to encourage Foundation licensees and provides a platform for experienced operators to offer assistance. Participants can join via the repeater that offers them the best signal, with options including Upper Hermitage (VK5KUH 438.050 MHz FM, -7MHz offset), Crafers (VK5RAD 439.925 MHz FM, -5MHz offset), Murray Bridge (VK5RMB Mt Beevor, 146.875 MHz FM, -0.600 offset), Lobethal (VK5RAH 146.775 MHz FM, -0.600 offset), Victor Harbor (147.100 MHz FM, 2M), and an Adelaide CBD repeater ideal for handhelds (VK5RSA 438.025 MHz FM, -7MHz offset, 91.5 Hz tone). This linked system boasts a wide footprint, stretching from Victor Harbor and Murray Bridge through Strathalbyn to the Barossa, Riverland, and Mid North. Updated linked repeater frequencies can be found on the WICEN SA Facebook page.

Additionally, the Historical Radio Society SA Net takes place on Wednesdays at 8:00 pm, accessible via the VK5RAD Crafers repeater (147.000 MHz, -0.600 offset) until August 2025, after which it is expected to move to the Houghton repeater (146.850 MHz, -0.600 offset, 91.5 Hz tone may be required).

For those seeking to obtain or upgrade their amateur radio licenses, NERC has several accredited examiners. Examinations are held by arrangement, offering flexibility to candidates, including the possibility of video link assessments for those facing distance challenges. Interested individuals can contact Mick Hope (mickhope007@gmail.com), Alan Campbell (soupie62@gmail.com), or Trevor Quick, VK5ATQ (vk5atq@wia.org.au, for practical exams) to arrange an assessment. Graham Kimber (VK5GM), the club's Vice President, also serves as the training course coordinator.

The North East Radio Club, with its blend of formal meetings, technical workshops, social gatherings, and extensive on-air activities, provides a robust and welcoming environment for radio enthusiasts in Adelaide's north-eastern corridor. Its commitment to both fostering technical knowledge and building a strong community ensures its continued relevance in the dynamic world of amateur radio.