OTVA NEWSLETTER - April 2009 - Volume 11 - Page 1

CONTENTS

President’s Message 2
Fred James - Centurion 2
The Power of Prayer 3
Echoes Of Apollo 4
Christmas Reunion and Lunch 6
WA Vets 34th AGM 6
Back To Bondi 2008 7
Vale Bruce Stewart 8

COMING EVENTS

APRIL REUNION

This will be held on Level 2 of the Bowlers’ Club in York Street, Sydney from 11.30am on Friday April 24, 2009. There will be a short presentation prior to lunch. The Anzac Suite on Level 2 of the Bowlers Club has been booked from 11:30 to Midday for the presentation. With tables in the Red Room (Bistro area) booked from Midday

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The AGM will be held on Friday 12th June 2009 on Level 2 of the Bowlers’ Club in York Street, Sydney from 11.30am.

FUTURE OUTINGS:

Other suggestions for places which might interest Vets are sought. Make your suggestion now to any Committee member!

FROM OUR PRESIDENT [Top]

Fellow Members of the OTVA,

Well the 2009 AGM is fast approaching. It only seems like we had Christmas was a few weeks ago not 3 months ago. I must be getting old.

Chris Bull continues to improve the quality and content of the OTVA web site adding a BLOG to stimulate communication on topics of interest (http://www.otva.com/blog). Chris is keen to identify features that members may want to improve the quality of the service that it provides. Please check out the web site and let me know what your think (email to: president@otva.com). All ideas for additional content will be warmly welcomed.

Robert Brand (ex Broadway and Paddington ITMC) is coordinating celebrations of the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. Robert has done an excellent job in drumming up support and interest in this international event as well as engaging key stakeholders from NASA, CSIRO, Australian educational institutions and the amateur radio fraternity to determine how and when the celebration should be organised. Robert is looking for volunteers to help with various aspects of the celebration. This has developed into a very interesting project and one that could have huge historical significance for Australia as well as the rest of the world. Please log onto the web site http://www.echoesofappolo.com and offer your comments or support to Robert via Robert.Brand@echoesofapollo.com.

The OTVA Executive, in particular Allan Hennessy and Bernie White, continue to develop an updated constitution for the OTVA.

The OTVA Executive has been engaged in discussions with Robert Brand amongst others to determine ways in which membership of the OTVA would become more attractive to younger constituents within the Australian telecommunications environment. The aim is to marry the key positive attributes of the OTVA against those provided by Robert’s http://www.exotc.com web site. Exactly how this if facilitated is yet to be formulated but when it is a recommendation will be put to the membership of both groups.

I lament the passing of several of our ex-OTC family notably: Alf Culloden, Bob Rawkins, Ray Birch, Bruce Anderson, Bruce Stewart, Pat Woods (wife of Brian Woods) and Norm Harris. May they rest in peace.

On a happier note, on behalf of OTVA, I’d like to wish Fred James a very happy birthday for his 100th birthday on the Ides of March.

Warmest regards, Peter Bull

Happy Centurion – Fred James [Top]

From Derek Walker in WA

On 15th March Fred James, a founding member of the WA Branch of OTVA, and President for many years, celebrated his 100th birthday at the Craig Grove retirement village in Bicton where he and his wife Beth now live. Over one hundred friends and relatives gathered to congratulate him, wish him well and enjoy the food and drinks on offer.

A very Happy Beth and Fred James

Both Fred and Beth (who is not ashamed to admit she’s approaching the century mark herself) are still as bright as buttons and this was apparent when they appeared a few days later in a segment on Perth Channel 7’s “Today Tonight” program. They were one of three couples each with more than 60 years of marriage, telling why their unions had been so successful and lasted so long. After nearly 70 years together Fred and Beth have plenty of expert knowledge on the subject!

The Power of Prayer! [Top]

by Chris Bull

You are probably wondering what prayer has to do with telecommunications, read on and you decide.

In 1998 I was seconded from Optus Communications to work for Telecom Vanuatu Limited (TVL) in the role of Technical Manager. I was responsible for a group of 7 line managers and 100 technicians and every facet of the country's telecommunications infrastructure.

The infrastructure included an Alcatel Standard "C" International Earth Station, an Alcatel E10B Telephone exchange with a remote switch, a TotalTel Pre-Paid IN node, an Internet network with dual-homed core routers and leased line and dial-up access routers, a JNA DDN node, a 7 hop 34 meg PDH Microwave backbone, an extensive IRT-2000 TDMA Radio telephone network, and patchy underground copper cable networks. The network provided telecommunications services to the population of around 200,000 people.

The two main population centres were the capital of Port Vila on Efate and Luganville on Espirito Santo. I lived and worked in Port Vila where the International Earth Station and Telephone Exchange were located. Vanuatu was, and still is, a Tax Haven and the tiny town of Port Vila home to some 300 offshore banks and hundreds of investment companies.

I'd been working for TVL for 6 months or so and felt fairly comfortable with my role when a fault was escalated to me. It seemed fax calls had stopped working both incoming and outgoing from Vanuatu. Fax machines could not connect for some reason while voice calls using the same international trunks were fine. This fault proved to be the most challenging and stressful fault I've ever encountered in my 25 years as a technician.

After some initial investigations we identified the bit error counters on the telephone exchange's international PCM links were incrementing at an alarming rate. The links were running errors at a rate where you could just discern an occasional clicking on voice calls but all fax calls failed to connect. We also determined the international leased data services were running errors at elevated rates. None of the technical staff had been able to determine the cause of this sudden degradation of the international communications links.

It appeared the clocking on the international links was "slipping" possibly due to a network synchronisation problem. I asked my managers to explain how the network synchronisation was configured and my question was met with blank stares and shrugs of shoulders. My days working on analogue leased line faults in the ISTC at Paddington came flooding back to me. I thought to myself “I know how clocking works, how hard could this be”. I was about to find out!

Every day the French Managing Director (MD) would ask if we had made any progress. Each day customers would ring and complain until eventually the MD was forced to release a press statement “TVL is aware of a network problem and are working on it. We expected a quick resolution”.

Over the next two weeks I worked day and night with the managers and technicians trying to solve the problem. We started by identifying all the network elements, checking the clocking configuration of each to produce a clocking diagram for the network. We identified a 2.048megbps Rubidium Oscillator as the clock source for the Vanuatu network. The output of the oscillator was connected to the external clock input of the Alcatel E10B Telephone exchange. The telephone exchange PCM links clocked the Digital Cross Connect (DACS) switch at the International Earth Station which in turn clocked the IDR modems carrying the international traffic.

I asked if the output frequency of the Rubidium Oscillator was correct and was told yes - probably! Measuring the output of the Rubidium clock source with an aging frequency counter was giving misleading results. I asked if there were any spares for this unit and was told maybe. We found several spares of unknown condition and tried inserting them but the fault persisted. I contacted the manufacturer of the unit in the USA who explained as long as there were no alarms the unit should be ok!

Next we investigated the Digital Cross Connect (DACS) and IDR satellite modem configurations. The problem with this investigation was that if someone had changed a setting and not told anyone then it was possible the settings were incorrect. So we tried all the various combination of clocking strategies to see if we could correct the problem. At one stage we had a situation where we set the Vanuatu network to clock off the received clock from the Telstra Australia IDR modem, in this mode the international leased data services ran error free but the voice trunks began to slip more often and fax calls still failed.

After two weeks of making no progress I decided to eat humble pie and contacted Bill Millar, my old boss in Optus, to seek the technical support of the Optus Engineering group. I’d never worked in an Earth Station and finally accepted I was out of my depth. I faxed the clocking diagram for the network to Bill and we scheduled a technical conference for the following day. That night I phoned the MD and my managers and told them we’d have to call on overseas support to fix this problem.
On the morning of the conference call I awoke feeling tired and very stressed, as I got out of bed I said a silent prayer to myself “Dear God please help us fix this today”. I’m not a regular church-goer so this shows the desperation of the situation.

On the way to my Office I thought I’d check in at the Earth Station. As I walked in the Manager said to me “it’s fixed!” I said what do you mean it’s fixed? He said one of the Technicians had been preparing a new IDR service and had found a lead plugged in where it shouldn’t have and when he pulled it out the slippage stopped. I asked how long had the lead been plugged in; he replied two weeks!

Well you can imagine my mixed emotions. I felt like a heavy weight leapt from my shoulders. I couldn’t believe the problem was fixed so easily. Given the high profile investigations over two weeks I also couldn’t believe no-one had noticed that lead.

The conference was called off and I thanked Bill gratefully for his offer of support. I tried to investigate who had done what, and why, but the explanation lacked sufficient detail to determine the root cause of the problem.

At the end of the day, sitting on my back balcony overlooking the lagoon, I pondered if someone had set me up to prove a point. Regardless - the problem was fixed, I had a cold beer in my hand, and I could return to a more relaxed lifestyle. Thank God!

That relaxed lifestyle didn’t last for long, as on the next day we had an earthquake at 7.4 on the Richter scale, and we had more to worry about with major network disruptions to fix.

Echoes of Apollo (EOA) [Top]

by Robert Brand

The EOA project is the World's Biggest Space Party and OTVA is right at the centre of it. The event celebrates those that supported the Apollo missions and OTC figured prominently.

In January this year, the OTVA was contacted by Pat Barthelow, an amateur operator from California who specialised in making contact with fellow operators by bouncing signals off the surface of the moon. Called Earth-Moon-Earth transmission (EME) it is also known as “Moon Bounce”.

Pat had located the old Jamesburg earth station (pictured right) that had been abandoned by Comsat in 2003 and was left untouched for 5 years. The farmer who owned the land was thinking of destroying it and recovering the farm land. Pat and his team got the site working again as an amateur station with the dish tracking the moon. He approached the OTVA earlier this year to propose a EME transmission between Parkes and Jamesburg for the 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11 on the 20th July this year. We are looking for work for the old station now that we know it is still viable.
The Jamesburg / Parkes event proved to be a bit daunting for the OTVA as there were commercial issues that were beyond their ability to participate. My company, AltNetworks, made up of several exOTC people has taken this project on board and is now running the Echoes Of Apollo Project. It is no longer a small event, it is a global event with major events still to be announced. It is being run along the format of a “Not For Profit” event, with major support for a charity.

The OTVA is still at the heart of the event as it has become our first Patron of the EOA. There is a lot more happening with many OTC amateur radio operators assisting in the historic Apollo sites event on the weekend of 19th and 20th July here in Australia. Go to www.echoesofapollo.com for more information.

Everyone interested in this event should be aware that it is shaping up to be a massive event involving thousands of groups globally. Here is an update on what we are working on and I ask that if you have ideas on SPONSORS and EVENTS, Please get back to me.

Approaches for participation sent to Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11); Jim Lovell (Apollo 13); Andy Thomas (STS and ISS); Tom Hanks (played Jim Lovell in the movie "Apollo 13"); Nancy Cartwright (voice of Bart Simpson); Russell Morris ("On the Wings of an Eagle) and many more.

Approaches to NASA have so far fallen on deaf ears, but things are happening in the background and they will probably support the event at the end of the day.

Proposals to many organisations are "in the post" including dish owners (CSIRO, NASA, education groups and schools).

Our website is up and running nicely, but we will need a very interactive site soon www.echoesofapollo.com

We are currently looking at charities to support: Variety the Children's Charity is looking good, especially within Australia as the national BASH is coming up in August and I have proposed that they take part in Echoes of Apollo for the BASH theme.

The old Orroral Valley (near Canberra) dish located in Tasmania (pictured below) and owned by the Uni of Tas is the first dish to sign up globally to the World EME Day and there are many more on the way.

Events planned for Australia include:

• World EME day June 27th, when the world’s big dishes will point at the moon and connect children (Jamboree of the Air style) by bouncing signals of the moon’s surface.
• The amateur radio HF events of historic sites planned for the weekend of the 19th-20th July - the weekend of the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11 moon landing.
• A one day conference/dinner in Canberra to celebrate the Australians who supported the Apollo 11 program (planned).
• International TV hook-up with astronauts (in planning) and scientists to allow Australian children to ask questions about space.
• A children’s science fiction short story writing contest
• Distribution of winning Student Authors’ work in PDF format via RSS feed and download
• Education about space and Apollo 11
• Education about Science
• Education about Astronomy in the Year of Astronomy
• Celebration of Apollo 11 and its successes - many small activities to be announced.
• A 5 month sponsorship window with a modern interactive website with video and audio links of actual events
• A four year on-line window of the website as a reference / legacy site.
• Education about commercial activities in space and space transmissions including “moon bounce” (see the reference pages)
• International TV hook-up between the US and Australia for many events.
• Activities at several large dishes around Australia.
• Podcasts of the memories of those involved in Australia in the Apollo missions.
• Podcasts of those working on Australia’s future involvement in space
• 3D (stereo) exhibition of Apollo and associated missions photos.
• Support and involvement from key figures and patrons.
• Cross media promotion and activities
• Science Fiction Short Stories written and released for the event
• June 24th. Sydney Secondary College Apollo 11 EOA performance - Balmain Campus. (Sponsor Status to be determined)
• much more in the planning stage

Editor’s Note – I have seen first hand the incredible amount of work and energy Robert has put into this project and regret that I cannot help any more as I will be out of the country for April and May.
Anybody who could help is asked to call Rob on 02 9564 5331 or 0408 727 263.

Christmas Reunion and Lunch – Sydney. [Top]

November 2008’s Christmas Reunion and Lunch at the NSW Bowlers Club was well attended by the usual lunchers, but we also had a good roll-up of new members, as well as some returned members – one even travelled from the Far North Coast!

A well attended Christmas Lunch in Sydney

Paul McCann gave a presentation on the state of the art in fibre optic transmission equipment, before we stuck into an excellent lunch and some enjoyable brown foaming cocktails.

W.A. Vets 34th AGM [Top]

Western Australian Veterans Kevan Bourke, Mike Cadd, Ron Cocker, Jim Congdon, Keith Darwin, Kevin Hills, Reg Jones, Derek Kaighin, Des Kinnersley, Barry O’Keeffe, Rod Pernich, Wal Perryman, Bob Smallwood and Derek Walker gathered at the Perth International Telecommunications Centre, Gnangara on Tuesday, 18th November, for their 34th Annual General Meeting.

Apologies for absence had been received from Jim Bairstow, Tore Boe, Fred James, Val Parker, Ray Parkinson, Mark Roberts, Ken True and Bernd Wendpaap.

Discussion was held on a query as to the possibility of redeveloping SES Carnarvon as a proposed radio-astronomy site. The consensus was that this would not be feasible due to the removal of the equipment and the deterioration of the metal and concrete works.

President Des Kinnersley, Sec/Treasurer Derek Walker and committee members Reg Jones, Jim Congdon and Kevan Bourke were all re-elected unopposed. However, Derek Walker advised that next year would be his last as Sec/Treasurer, as by the end of 2009 he would have filled the position for 25 years and felt it was time for someone else, preferably from Gnangara staff, to take over.

For some years the WA Veterans have been able to meet in the Gnangara boardroom due to the good offices of Reg Jones. Unfortunately, with Reg’s retirement in 2010 this ‘grace and favour’ may no longer be available and we will have to explore options for an alternative meeting place.

Back to Bondi 2008 [Top]

Col Kelly reports on a special reunion.

In October 2004 a group of "old" ex-OTC employees met for a 30-year reunion. Those who were around in the 70's may recall the "15 Consett Animals". This name was given to a group of trainee techs from Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane who ended up sharing a house at Bondi Beach for several years. This house, and some of its residents, developed a reputation around OTC. There was a strong social interaction with many other OTC employees and over the years the inhabitants, friends and work colleagues had many fun times.

The 2004 Reunion was such a success that we all decided to get together and do it again, so, in October this year, we booked rooms at the Bondi Pub for a weekend of fun and games. Those that were able to make it this year were Gary Chapple, Colin (Ned) Kelly, Steve (Slimy) Marshall, Bruce Mayberry, Mark (Doc) Roberts, Harley (Scruff) Vague and Kevan Bourke together with an assortment of friends and partners.

Bruce Mayberry, Doc Roberts, Harley Vague, Col Kelly, Kevan Bourke

The weekend kicked of on Friday night with dinner at the iconic Bondi Icebergs. Needless to say, everyone was in fine form with conversation and camaraderie continuing into the wee small hours. Just to prove that we still had what it takes, the team walked from Bondi to the Watson’s Bay Pub for Saturday lunch and then walked back to Bondi Beach. After that epic journey, dinner was a low key affair at the Bondi pub.

We were fortunate that the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition was on that weekend, so on Sunday we did the round trip from Bondi to the Clovelly Pub for lunch and back. Everyone had such a great time that planning has already started for the next reunion in a few years time.

Among those ex-OTC staff that were part of the 15 Consett Ave clan but were unable to make it this year were Chris Collison, Craig Doyle, Peter Forrester, Bill Kay, John Pavy, Ray Pow, John (Joe Cool) Robinson and John Smith.

Steve Marshall and Gary Chapple

VALE [Top]

Bruce was born on 13/03/1934 and died at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick on Tuesday 24/03/2009, aged 75 years. Bruce joined OTC in 1969 and worked initially in the SOR and INTLX areas at Paddington. In about 1973 Bruce moved into the Commercial Branch, Customer Services and then to Telesales, until he left OTC in the mid 1990s. Bruce then joined Legal Aid of the Family Law Courts in Sydney and was still working there until his death. Bruce's wife Mary died in the mid 1980's.
Bruce has two children Adam and Melanie and two grandchildren Hayden and Laughlin (Melanie's children.) Bruce was always a very private person, very helpful and pleasant.. He loved to travel and last year had a long Overseas trip. May he rest in peace. Amen

Ed - Our thanks go to Paul Naggar for providing these details. Paul as a Deacon in the Catholic Church, lead the Prayer Service FOR Bruce at the West Chapel of the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on Monday 30 March. He personally, will miss Bruce's friendship.

OTVA SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW DUE! [Top]

Paying by direct bank transfer ? Contact Bernie for our account details - PH: 02 9708 466 E-mail:
bwh61504@bigpond.net.au

Last Word [Top]

There is an amazing amount of material available for the Newsletter, but we’d like more if you are up to it (Come on Stimmo, some of those Fraud stories).

You may like to let me know via a phone conversation and I can write it up for you – see next month’s “Strongest VK Ever Heard in England” as an example.

The Dismissal extracts have been submitted to the original author, but we have not yet heard back from him.