North East Melbourne's Enthusiasts: The North East Radio Group - Fun on the Airwaves

The North East Radio Group (NERG), operating under the callsigns VK3CNE and VK3RMH, is a vibrant club based in the outer north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, dedicated to encouraging its members and others to thoroughly enjoy the fascinating hobby of amateur radio. Eschewing excessive formality, NERG prioritizes participation in the fun and engaging aspects of the hobby.

Formed in 1984 by a collective of hidden transmitter hunters and DX contesters, the group has maintained its strong local presence and its enduring commitment to helping newcomers join the amateur radio community. NERG actively assists individuals in acquiring the necessary skills and radio licenses to get "on the air."

The main NERG meeting is held on the second Thursday of each month (excluding December and January), with the Annual General Meeting taking place in August. Formal proceedings are typically brief, allowing ample time for an informative guest speaker, followed by a relaxed supper and the opportunity for members to socialize over pizza. Meetings commence at 8 PM at the Briar Hill Community Hall, located at 126 Mountain View Road, Briar Hill (Melway map 21-C3). Visitors are always warmly welcomed. For the most up-to-date information on meeting topics and club activities, please visit the NERG website at https://nerg.asn.au.

NERG also runs a regular net on the VK3RMH repeater (438.325 MHz output) on the non-meeting Thursdays – the first, third, fourth, and fifth Thursdays of the month – from 2030 to 2130 hours. Listen out for the club callsign VK3CNE; all are invited to participate. Additionally, members frequently use 14.525 MHz simplex for local simplex contacts throughout the day and night.

NERG members actively engage in a wide spectrum of amateur radio activities, including DX'ing (long-distance communication), antenna and radio construction, hidden transmitter hunting (also known as foxhunting or ARDF), emergency communications, casual conversation ("rag chewing"), and social gatherings. The club participates in several annual radio contests under the callsign VK3CNE, such as the John Moyle Field Day and the Remembrance Day contest.

NERG operates the following amateur beacons and voice repeaters under the callsign VK3RMH:

• Beacons:
  • 28.2565 MHz CW (Continuous Wave - Morse code)
  • 50.4320 MHz CW
• Repeaters:
  • 53.550 MHz output, 52.550 MHz input (6 meters)
  • 438.325 MHz output, 433.325 MHz input (70 cm, C4FM/FM digital and analog)

NERG provides comprehensive training and assessment sessions for all levels of amateur radio licenses. Foundation training and assessment sessions are generally held on the fourth Saturday of every month. Their advanced level class runs annually, typically commencing in mid to late February and lasting approximately 13 weeks. For specific dates for Foundation weekends and exams, or to book ad-hoc exams, please contact their Learning Organiser (details below) or check the NERG website.

Greg Williams VK3VT serves as the club's Learning Organiser and can be contacted at 0427 535 446. He also holds the position of Treasurer.

The North East Radio Group can be reached at PO Box 270, Greensborough, Victoria 3088 (meeting location is Briar Hill), and online at https://www.nerg.asn.au. Their phone number is 0427-535-446.

The dedicated committee members leading NERG include President Anthony Plumb VK3BNR (0434 247 282), Secretary Peter Crawford VK3PCC (0432 565 369), and Treasurer Greg Williams VK3VT (0427 535 446).

The North East Radio Group offers a welcoming and engaging environment for amateur radio enthusiasts in Melbourne's north-east, fostering both technical skills and the pure enjoyment of being on the air.