The AHARS shack was situated at Hannaford Road, Blackwood, directly at the rear of Hungry Jacks.
The shack itself was situated behind the Blackwood Girl Guides Hall.
The shack comprised...
A training venue, setup with overhead projectors - we do Foundation Courses and all levels of exams here, normally 3 time per year
Comfortable air conditioned area that can seat up to 20 seated and standing persons
Kitchen Facilities and toilet access
A library with magazines and technical books available
Radio gear for members to use - including :-
ANAN 100D Software Defined Radio
ICOM IC-2000
ICOM IC-751
ICOM DStar VHF/UHF transceiver
Test equipment - CRO's etc
Antennas, in a very electrically quiet environment
History of the shack
In May 2011 an agreement was reached between AHARS and the Blackwood Girl Guides, that use would be made of the Guides shed at Hannaford Street, Blackwood. The shed was their Ranger hut, whcih had become available due to the absence of a Ranger group. Work soon commenced on what would become the AHARS 'shack' in May 2011, and continued over many following weekends.
On Saturday 3rd September 2011 the 'shack' was officially opened, with an address by the AHARS President David VK5KC, the Mayor of Mitcham - Michael Picton, the State Commissioner for Guides - Wendy Davis, and the WIA Director - Chris Platt on behalf of the WIA. The 'shack' opening was carried out by Christine Taylor VK5CTY in memory of her late husband Geoff Taylor VK5TY.
Eric VK5LP donated some equipment to the shack. Several AHARS members visited Eric in his shack.
Eric VK5LP (left) with Wal VK5TW
David VK5KC (left), Rob VK5RG, Barry VK5BW with Eric VK5LP
Timeline.
Saturday 7th May 2011: Initial cleanup. Completed.
Saturday 14th May 2011: Working bee. Completed.
Saturday 21st May 2011: Working bee. Installing battens and insulation.
Saturday 28th May 2011: Working bee. Finish framing,wiring and add insulation.
Saturday 4th June 2011: Working bee. Completion of the batten and perlin installation. Install the air conditioning pipes, power/control cables and the drain pipes.RF earth rods are in the ground, and most importantly two ducts for coax have been installed.Air conditioner pipe work installed.
Saturday 11th June 2011: Install Gyprock.
Saturday 18th June 2011: Ceiling insulation and plasterboard installation.
Monday 20th June 2011: Air Conditioner installation has been completed.
Saturday 25th June 2011: Complete the ceiling insulation. Replace 2 fibreglass roof sheets with iron sheets.
Monday 27th June 2011: Gyprock flushing was completed by a professional over 2 days.
Saturday 2nd July 2011: Paint the interior.
Saturday 16th July 2011: Built the bench framework. Laid pavers. Cleaned floor. Delivered carpet squares.
Saturday 23rd July 2011: Carpet the floor. Complete Bench. More Paving.
Tuesday 26th July 2011: Installation of the air conditioner security cage.
Saturday 30th July 2011: Finish bench and paving
Saturday 6th August 2011: Install 40m dipole antenna.
Saturday 3rd September 2011: Official opening
Photos of construction of the shack.
Photos from the opening of the shack.
Video of the opening of the shack
Shack logbook.
Please note that there is a logbook at the AHARS shack which is often overlooked. This often makes it hard when confirming incoming QSL cards.
Please record all of our QSOs made at the shack, and please record those QSOs in the shack logbook and most important, only use UTC time when recording your QSOs. If you don't know the UTC time, please write in the remarks column 'LT' (Local Time).