Highlights
The Tassie Ham Radio Conference showcased a compelling lineup of keynote speakers and diverse presenters, offering a rich blend of innovation, technical insights, and future-focused topics. Here are the conference highlights:
Welcome to Hobart
Our three keynotes were:
Dr. Tamitha Skov (WX6SWW) presented on “Space Weather and How It Can Work for You!”—a deep dive into the impact of solar activity on communications.
Dr. Justin Thurley explored “Amateur Radio: An Innovation Perspective,” examining the role of innovation in the amateur radio space.
Kristen McIntyre (K6WX) delivered an insightful talk titled “Ground is a Myth!” challenging traditional concepts of grounding in radio.
Our other presentations included
Dr. Paris Buttfield-Addison (VK7SYN) discussed “Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Amateur Radio,” demonstrating the potential for AI to enhance audio and other aspects of radio and congratulations to Paris on receiving a UTAS Alumni Medal last week.
Marcus Berg VK3TST talked to us about easy to implement cyber security measures for the shack.
Our very own Murray Southwell VK7ZMS gave a great talk on the fine line between innovation and improvisation.
Marty Nelson VK4KC demonstrated how easy it is to setup a POTA station and operate in a park.
Our very own Rex Moncur VK7MO presented on lightning scatter propagation experiments.
Our very own Martin Luther VK7GN gave a BC or “before computers” to Gameboy talk on contesting.
Andy Perryman (NoAPX) introduced the “World Radio League: Bringing Amateur Radio to the 21st Century,” showcasing cutting-edge logging and analytics tools.
Kyle Krieg AA0Z talked us through the used of the flow programming tool – Node-Red and the use of it on his Flex Radio Remote System.
Phil Wait VK2ASD outlined and announced the WIA’s new EME Flowchart and wonderful online calculator that the RSGB has agreed to allow the WIA to use.
Going up in frequency we welcomed back – David Minchin VK5KK took us on a 241GHz transceiver design for our highest amateur band.
Adam Kimmerley K6ARK took us on a journey of shrinkage where everything he touches becomes smaller and lighter for portable operation.
Hayden Honeywood VK7HH even ran a couple of Amateur Radio Quiz sessions to get everyone fired up.
Our last formal session was a clubs forum with members from the WIA, AREG and REAST as a panel using the online tool – Slido to capture innovative things the clubs were doing into on-screen lists and word clouds. The results from this exercise was distributed to all conference and online attendees for them to use with their clubs.
We finished with the Raffle Draw and we congratulate all raffle winners.
A huge thank you to all our sponsors, presenters, volunteers and participants.
Thank you to Lee VK7LEE our photographer.
The presentations will all appear on the REAST and Ham Radio DX YouTube Channels over the next few weeks.
See you back in 2026.
73, Justin, VK7TW
On behalf of the Conference Organising Committee.