IN THIS EDITION 1. Presidents Report 2. News behind the meeting 3. Perth 4WD and Adventure Show
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4. Trip Notice Board 5. XMAS Picnic 6. Mt Observation Trip Report 7. OziExplorer Training 8. Traffic Regulations - Visual Display Units
Edition No 325
We’re Outward Bound Newsletter October 2013
Presidents Report October 2013 Having spent the first week of the school holidays in Bunbury it is hard for me to accept that spring is here. However according to the weather bureau it is supposed to be warming up, just not in Bunbury ! With the promise of warmer and fairer weather we are entering a really busy period for club activities. Not only do we have events at the end of each month but we are having to schedule others for mid-month timing just to fit it all in. Environment Officer Stephen K has had first look at our new area around Churchmans Brook to take members exploring and Trip Leader Paul has come up with a novel way to have a day out to a Pinjarra bakery with an “Apprentice Locked & Lifted” event. Then at the end of October, Trip Co-ordinator Guy will be leading a hearty group off to Dowerin to support the 4WD Association weekend event. At the Association meeting of Environmental Officers and Presidents last week it was suggested we could be having the Dowerin event next year as well so hopefully it is so successful and enjoyable it really does become a massive event for the club, the Association and of course the town of Dowerin. Only just getting over that lot and into November, looking at the 4WD Show on the second weekend and just the weekend after that and it is our annual trip to Big Valley in Margaret River. Trip Leaders Martin, Karen, Roger and Jan will be leading what may be the largest gathering we have ever had for a club trip. Then for the end of November we will be running another Visitors Day as a follow up to our presence at the 4WD Show. Michael and his coloured hats Team Leaders will lead a collection of prospective members south along the coast from Seabird. For mid-December there will be
another sandy run as Michael takes another group for a wheels-up in Lancelin and as we do at this time every year Denise and her Social Committee will stage the Christmas Party. Somewhere in amongst all this we have to fit in a couple of members meetings and a Committee meeting. Sometimes I wonder how we can re-introduce trip fees and give a real lift to fundraising efforts! Just kidding! With all this activity going on it is a real bonus that our new visitor and trip registration systems are up and running. As we get to add new trips to the Trip Notice board at our monthly meetings, and our membership base increases, it really is proving beneficial to put your nominations in early to ensure you get a spot on your desired trip. Perhaps the only thing that we have missed as we come to the end of another calendar year are nominations for the best Piston Broke award! Is this because we are all becoming more experienced, or perhaps after the roaring success of last years award, apologies to last years’ winner Richard K for bringing this up again, we have not witnessed such a monumental “stuff-up” and nothing seems worthy of an award after that effort? So, everyone should remain watchful and do what we can to ease the burden for Richard of being the “best all time winner of the most embarrassing moment award” by getting a decent nomination into the club Secretary before the years end.
Peter Cole President
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Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Western Australia Inc. PO Box 655 South Perth WA 6951
Meetings: 1st Wed of each month except January Manning Senior Citizens Centre 3 Downey Drive Manning www.mitsubishi4wd.org.au email: secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au Publication issues:editor@mitsubishi4wd.org.au President: Peter Cole Vice President: Peter Belcher Secretary: John King Treasurer: Bridget McPherson Editor: Martin Archer Environment: Stephen Kalynuik WebMaster: Michael Gilbert Trip Coordinator: Guy Lehmann Training Officer: Richard King Membership Officer: David Jones Insurance/Propoerty: Glen Bignell WA 4WD Assoc.Delegate: Keith Parker Social Chairperson: Denise Belcher
NEWS BEHIND THE MEETING October 2013
We’re Outward Bound Newsletter October 2013
It really is hard to get reliable staff these days. Just when I thought the new girl was doing so well she has up and taken time off. So instead of Judith you have me back. The meeting kicked off with Vice Pres. Peter Belcher in the chair, filling in for Pres. Peter who was away doing grandfather things. Peter B. declared the meeting open on time with 34 family memberships represented, that’s 51% of the total members, a total 47 individuals. But, sadly 49% of memberships were not with us. I often wonder why, although I know there are many reasons, but some of our members we have not seen for ages. What a welcome they would get if they were to come one month.
of new names went on the list so my effort was worthwhile. The beautiful Karen Archer, recently returned from any overseas sojourn, reminded us all that the Big Valley weekend is coming up in November. Although registrations have closed a wait list has been established for any members who want to be part of this annual event.
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from 11am till 4pm. Full details are in the calendar on the club website so we should all get in touch with Denise and tell her we will be there.
Keith Parker, our Delegate to the 4WD Association gave a report on what is happening so far as the Association is concerned. Karakin cleanups, night navigation and more The Club’s Environment were talked about so keep an eye on the calendar for Officer Stephen Kalyniuk details. spoke about a visit planned for 13 November. We will Newsletter Editor Martin Archer explained that he will be able to see the new produce a magazine in the next week or so, but he does area known as ‘Wungong need contributions from members to fill the pages. Churchman’s’ that the I our Member’s Forum Judith Brinkley introduced our new committee has agreed to member Jon Standen to talk ‘things I find interesting’. Jon take on with the support spoke, with the help of a screen presentation on the subject of the Dept. of Parks and he called ‘I looked but did not see’. What a challenging talk Wildlife. The enthusiasm it was. I am sure those who heard and saw it would agree We had about 9 visitors with us, Stephen has for this work is with me. some who will now have earned always evident and I hope the right to apply for membership. catching. Our club has a Also in the forum we heard from Tony, who wanted to buy Peter was able to welcome new very good relationship with something, Murray, who told members of a mechanic who members Jon and Kathleen DEPaW and this gives provided a top service Standen and presented Jon with us great opportunities a new member pack. We all hope for recreation and driver and Richard who had goods to sell. This is becoming a they will enjoy many years of training in this area that is valuable part of our meeting. challenge, enjoyment and fun in so close to the city. the club. John and Lyn, recently returned from a trip overseas, The 4WD Association conducted a raffle that was to benefit club funds, and Bob Gigengack presented a Gathering in Dowerin to be provided those who took part with the feeling of excitement report on the Mt. Observation held over the last weekend at what they might win. Well done. trip that he co-led with Peter Cole. Bob’s report made it of October was talked about by Trip and Event Co-ordinator sound as if all who attended enjoyed the day and Bob was Guy. It seems the local people are putting a lot of effort into At the conclusion of the meeting the rostered kitchen staff congratulated for his ‘co-tripping’ effort. Two heads always planning and we are all invited to go bush for this event. were able to provide a well loaded table of food and a drink better than one and that would seem to be the way to go. Guy is the man to call for details. to go with it. Good to see that so many members bring a Guy Lehmann then reported on the trip he lead over the long contribution for the table and how willingly members take weekend to the Avon Valley National Park. He reported that Our club will again this year have a stand at the Perth their turn at assisting. this was a very pleasant place to camp, facilities are good 4WD Show in November and members who are able to and there are plenty of interesting places to visit and enjoy. give some time promoting the benefits of belonging to the See you next month. Guy reported that some of the campers were able to watch best 4WD club in Perth should contact Michael Gilbert and the AFL Final on t.v. at a close by hotel. We can expect to register for action. John King see this trip on the calendar again in a year or two. Secretary The recently returned traveller Denise Belcher spoke about On behalf of Trip Leader Paul Ryan Secretary John put in a the Christmas Party her band of helpers are working on. secretary@mitsubishi4wd.org.au plug for the Apprentice Locked and Lifted trip coming up on This popular annual picnic for members, children and grandthis month. It was noted later in the evening that a number children will be held at Point Walter on Sunday 8 December
We’re Outward Bound Newsletter October 2013
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November 8 to 10. McCallum Park, South Perth “The Perth 4WD and Adventure Show” is fast approaching this year it’s 8,9 & 10th November at Mccalum Park, South Perth. Following on from our great success last year the club will have a stand at this years show. We are looking for volunteers to man the stand over all three days. This year I would like to get a good mix of members specially some of our new members, all you need to do on the day is talk to people about the club and the kind of experiences you have had. The best part is you will have plenty of time to see show, and you get to come in for free! So this year why not give it a go, just put your name down on our 4WD Show Member List See you there ...
TRIP NOTICES OCT 28 - 27
Perth 4WD SHOW Nov 8 - 10
BIG VALLEY Camping
Kaarakin Open Day
Nov 15 - 18
Nov 16
FU LL
DOWERIN GATHERING
Wilbinga Cleanup
CLUB XMAS PICNIC
Lancelin
Nov 24
Dec 8
Dec 15
Click on each trip notice for further details
Mitsubishi 4WD Club Christmas Picnic Sunday December 8 11:00am to 4:00pm Point Walter Function Area 2 Members Only
(Grandchildren welcome) Please bring a present to the value of $15 for Santa to present to your child
BYO meat (BBQs available) BYO Drinks Please bring a plate of food (salad, desert or finger food) to share RSVP and further information from Denise 9330 8405 peterbelcher@hotmail.com or Jan 9319 1943
MT OBSERVATION DAY TRIP SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 The club’s September day trip was originally planned to be a drive from Mt Dale, near the Brookton Highway, through the Wandoo NP to arrive at Mt Observation, near the Great Southern Highway not far from York. Due to changes mandated by DPaW to avoid the Disease Risk Area west of Yarra Rd the first part of the trip to the lookout on Mt Dale was not carried out. The numbers for the trip did change as a series of cold fronts passed over the metro area during the week and more storms were forecast for the Sunday. Luckily the last of the fronts passed over before the intrepid group gathered for the start of the trip. With 10 member vehicles and 5 visitors we set off from Kelmscott towards the Wandoo National Park. Murray was happy to find that he was not the only Delicia in the convoy, visitors Alex and Michaela came along in their own green Delicia. On the way up the scarp the convoy picked up Keith, in his red pajero, and after about half an hour we turned off the bitumen at Yarra Rd and paused on the gravel to air down. Trip Leader Bob was keen to keep rolling, so before people could break out chairs, tables and marquees and declare “mornos” it was of along Yarra Rd, which proved to be pretty cutup from the week’s storms. The sight of a few 2wd vehicles coming from the other direction had us all wondering how difficult could this trip be if they have just come from the NP. Luckily Glenn had brought teenage son Lewis who could enlighten us all that a “bush-duff” had taken place the previous night and these were obviously stragglers! Don’t know what a “bush-duff’ is? More on that later. As the convoy bounced its way along towards where it was hoped to
take “mornos” the intermittent showers continued. At least this was going to be a dust free trip for more than just the trip leader! The wet track allowed the convoy to stay pretty close together most of the time. Mornos was declared on a pretty open part of the track with the back half of the troop pulling up alongside the front half and although this effectively blocked the track we had not had any other traffic along this track. Then Murphy’s Law kicked in! A local farmer had decided to investigate the unbelievably loud music from the night before and see what had been going on – an extremely annoying duff-duff noise that is! That is when it clicked with all the non-teenagers what Lewis’ “bush-duff” was! Fortunately the local driver was happy to find a way around the morno gathering without the need to move our vehicles. While Trip Leader Bob had managed to arrange sunshine for the start of “mornos” another shower had everyone running for vehicles and it was decided we might as well move on. The Wandoo forest was proving to be very scenic. While the colours of the trees, with mottled bark, was muted by the low cloud we had enough sunlight breaking through to highlight the white and brown contrasting patterns that the local soils develop in the colour of the bark. The previous pre-trip by Bob and I a few weeks ago had shown some promise as far as local wildflowers were concerned. There were just enough coming into bloom to add an interesting outlook to our forest drive The recent wet weather had left a series of puddles on the track, with only a couple deep enough or wide enough to require any inspection before proceeding. With the previous night’s storm fury leaving a few fallen tree hazards to avoid, the water on the track and some local wildlife hopping about there was enough to keep the drivers on their toes. This part of the trip had us skirting the southern and eastern edge of the conservation park along Catchment Rd.
Lunch was taken at one of the few places big enough to take all the vehicles just a short distance along Beekeeper Rd. The weather was just kind enough to allow a relaxed lunch without too much need for cover. There was an interesting smoky demonstration of an eco-billy to provide hot water for coffee and tea, and a short walk allowed Stephen to showcase some precious orchids he had observed at the lunch turn-off. Before setting off after lunch, the convoy arrangements were changed around to give other participants a change of position and duties. From this point, the tracks were in slightly worse condition with more frequent and larger washouts over the track. This section of the trip also began to provide more local colour as we encountered more profuse wildflowers than the morning drive had. Bearing in mind this trip was taking place the day after the Dockers had a Preliminary Final win, Stephen and Donna took every opportunity to announce the presence of each plant that had a purple flower! This started a long running conversation via uhf about the type and colour of a myriad of wildflowers and even orchids as we travelled through the conservation park. Do you know the difference between a zinnia and a cycad? Not many of us did, but the convoy had a couple of amateur botanists who educated us regarding the unsuitability of the zinnia or cycad seedpods for cattle fodder! Oh, and hang on, we just need to pause the convoy for another photo opportunity here, look there is a gorgeous purple flower! Did everyone get the score from the game yesterday? Guess who! By this stage, most of the non-footy types were into the game and there were calls of “look, up in the sky, is that a hawk?” Beekeeper Rd was a slower drive with numerous detours around fallen trees and some care was needed at a few washouts. Crossing the bitumen West Talbot Rd took us into the eastern edge of the conservation park onto Deefor Rd. Progress was halted as we encountered a much deeper washout and more water across the track. After a survey of the hazards on foot, the convoy proceeded slowly through and started the climb up towards Mt Talbot. We did not actually get to see the “peak” of Mt Talbot, it appeared to be just a general area within the forest. This road was littered with rocky sections and also
caused more than a few scratches to paintwork as the under growth crept in towards the track. Due to the vagaries of the track network within the conservation park, it was not too long before we were back on the fore mentioned Catchment Rd. At one point, while pausing to determine which track to take at a crossroads, I had the embarrassing situation of “Where Are We Now” Glenn saying, “turn left, my map says Catchment Rd”. If as Glenn insists, it was not son Lewis reading the gps, I cannot understand how he has developed such an appalling reputation regarding his map reading abilities. The only saving grace was that it was done very quickly over the radio and no one else picked up on it, and therefore there was no nomination for a Piston Broke award on this trip! The remaining drive around to the trip finish point of Mt Observation was made interesting by the numerous water holes which varied in depth and size. Of course it is always made easier in convoy by watching the vehicle in front of you. That is why we have to pay our Trip leaders so much !!! No not really, it is done just for the kudos and the special hats isn’t it? I’m pretty sure Bob and Bridget never even had their vehicle in four wheel drive for the whole day. On arrival at the Mt Observation lookout around 4.00pm, we were fortunate to have the whole place to ourselves. After a rush for the drop toilets, and a session of air-trumpets to bring tyres back up to road pressure it was time to say farewell and head back towards
home along the Gt Southern Highway. Not so much in spite of the weather, but maybe because of the weather in previous days, this drive was quite an engaging and colourful trip. It certainly gave us an insight into another area that may be of further interest to wildflower observers and photographers within the club and bodes well for a future foray into the Wandoo Woodlands. By Peter Cole
OziExplorer for Android Club Training Evening Friday 1st November 2013 Manning Seniors Centre 7.30pm
For those with an eye for detail:
The above dvd, included when you buy the latest 4WD Action magazine has local (WA) boy Graham Cahill with a very interesting trip down south. The video of the trip is topical, very scenic but perhaps most notable for the ap‑ pearance of our very own George Smargiassi – club supporter and advertiser at Medicar Automotive Solutions , Bibra Lake. We’ll put the dvd into the club library, both for the trip video and the noted star appearance! Next time we have a vehicle project day at Medicar perhaps we should ask him to autograph the cover !!!!!
Don’t know your android from your elbow ! Want to know more about your UTM but too embarrassed to ask Roger ! We have the answer to your problem. For an evening of fun, entertainment and enlightenment come and join us with your robotic friend, or come alone and watch someone else do it We will do our best to Set your system up for easy use, show you where the right buttons are help you load your maps get lost the right way explain android tablet requirements Whether you have a tablet, or just thinking about purchasing one, come along and have a look. It’s almost free ! There will be a small fee of $10 to cover the cost of training material, and bring your own laptop, usb cables, usb thumbdrive or micro sd card as we will demonstrate their uses. Email Peter Cole or Rob Nankiville to reserve your seat.
Is Your Android Mounted Correctly? ROAD TRAFFIC CODE 2000 264 . Use of visual display units etc. in vehicle
When does your mobile phone become a navigation device or when does your iPad become a mobile phone? This question can be important if you are like me and use a smart phone ‘app’ for driving navigation. The question could be even more important if you have a computer tablet with 3G connectivity which you also use as a mobile phone. There are 2 sections in the Western Australia Road Traffic Code (2000) Regulations that determine how and when you can use these devices while driving. 264 : Use of visual display units etc. in vehicle 265 : Use of mobile phones Regulation 264 specifies that the only time a driver can use a visual display unit (eg; computer notebook, tablet or iPad) is when it is being used as a driver’s aid (such as navigation) and only if it is fixed to the vehicle by a mount that is commercially manufactured for that purpose. Regulation 265 is specifically for mobile phones, and although mobile phones do not need to be fixed to the vehicle (as long as the driver does not need to handle the phone); if the mobile phone is being used as a driver’s aid then it must conform to regulation 264. We should all be aware that you can not use a mobile phone while driving, unless it is being used ‘hands free’ and only for receiving and making voice calls. ie; You can’t be pressing keys or swiping the screen while driving. However, the purpose of this article is not to lecture you on the illegality of using mobile phones while driving. The reason is for all you handy people to be aware that home made mounting plates for laptops and computer tablets are not entirely legal. This all depends on what you are using the device for at the time of being caught. Whether it is your smart phone, or computer tablet, if you have a navigation application running, the device needs to be mounted appropriately. Meaning it needs to be a commercially manufactured mount designed for the purpose. The regulations are presented here for you to do your own interpretation...
(1) A driver shall not drive a motor vehicle that has a television receiver or visual display unit in or on the vehicle operating while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, if any part of the image on the screen — (a) is visible to the driver from the normal driving position; or (b) is likely to distract another driver. Points: 3
Modified penalty: 2 PU
(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply to a driver if — (a) the driver is driving a public bus and the visual display unit is, or displays, a destination sign or other bus sign; or (b) the visual display unit is, or is part of, a driver’s aid and either — (i) is an integrated part of the vehicle design; or (ii) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while being used; or (c) the driver is driving a taxi and the visual display unit is displaying work‑related information; or (d) the visual display unit is a mobile data terminal fitted to a police or emergency vehicle. (3) For the purposes of subregulation (2)(b)(ii), a visual display unit is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle if, and only if — (a) the mounting is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose; and (b) the unit is secured in the mounting, and the mounting is affixed to the vehicle, in the manner intended by the manufacturer. Examples of driver’s aids 1 Closed‑circuit television security cameras. 2 Dispatch systems. 3 Navigational or intelligent highway and vehicle system equipment. 4 Rearview screens. 5 Ticket‑issuing machines. 6 Vehicle monitoring devices. [Regulation 264 amended in Gazette 4 Jun 2010 p. 2413; 19 Nov 2010 p. 5755‑6.]
265. (1)
Use of mobile phones In this regulation —
body , in relation to a mobile phone, means the part of the phone that contains the majority of the phone’s mechanisms;
pouch worn by the driver;
mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two‑way radio; use , in relation to a mobile phone, includes any of the following actions by the driver of a vehicle — (a)
hold the phone;
(b) enter or place anything into the phone, or send or look at anything that is in the phone; (c)
turn the phone on or off;
(d)
operate any other function of the phone.
(2) A driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless — (a) the phone is being used to make or receive a phone call, other than a text message, video message, email or similar communication, and the body of the phone — (i) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while being so used; or (ii) is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle and is not being held by the driver, and the use of the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press any thing on the body of the phone or otherwise to manipulate any part of the body of the phone; or (b) the visual display of the phone is being used as a driver’s aid in accordance with regulation 264 and the use of the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press any thing on the body of the phone or otherwise to manipulate any part of the body of the phone. Points: 3
Modified penalty: 5 PU
(3) For the purposes of this regulation, a driver does not use a mobile phone if — (a) a text message, video message, email or similar communication is received automatically by the phone; and (b) on and after the receipt, the communication itself, rather than any indication that the communication has been received, does not become automatically visible on the screen of the phone.
[Regulation 265 inserted in Gazette 19 Nov 2010 p. 5756‑7.]
held includes held by, or resting on, any part of the driver’s body, but does not include held in a pocket of the driver’s clothing or in a
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