THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG 06 RSGB MATTERS AUGUST2011 ♦ RADCOM RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN THE NATIONAL SOCIETY WHICH REPRESENTSUK RADIO AMATEURS Founded in 1913 incorporated 1926. L imitedby guarantee Member society of the I nternationalAmateur Radio Union P atron: HRH Prince Philip, D uke of Edinburgh, KG,KT Membership is open to all those with an active interest in radio experimentation and communication as a hobby. A pplications for membership should be made to the Subscriptions Department from which full details of Society services may also beobtained. A ctingGeneral Manager: D on Beattie, G3BJ Honorary Company Secretary: Rupert Thorogood, G3KKT Honorary Treasurer: D r R Dingle, G0OCB B OARD OF THE SOCIETY P RESIDENT Dave Wilson, M0OBW MEMBERS D Beattie, G3BJ P Brooks, G4NZQ L Butterfields,G0CIB J Gould, G3WKL C Morrison, GI4FUE I Phillips, G0RDI B Reay , G8OSN J Sneddon, MW0EQL J Stevenson,G0EJQ REGIONAL MANAGERS L Paget, GM0ONX - Region 1 D Morrison, GM1BAN - Region 2 K A Wilson, M1CNY - Region 3 H Scrivens, G0UGE - Region 4 Vaughan Ravenscroft, M0VRR - Region 5 M Harper, MW1MDH - Region 6 J Sneddon, MW0EQL - Region 7 P Lowrie, MI5JYK - Region 8 A Johnston, G8ROG - Region 9 G Keegan, G6DGK - Region 10 P Helliwell, G7SME - Region 11 Neil Whiteside, G4HUN - Region 12 J Stevenson, G0EJQ - Region 13 Details of the Society’s volunteer officers can be found in the RSGB Yearbook and on the RSGB website. HEADQUARTERS AND REGISTERED OFFICE 3 AbbeyCourt, Fraser Road, Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3WH T el: 01234 832700 Fax: 01234 831496 QSL Bureau address: PO Box 5, Halifax, HX1 9JR, England. T el: 01422 359362 E-mail: [email protected]k E-mail addresses: [email protected] (books, filters, membership and general enquiries) [email protected] (GB2RS and club news items) RadCom@rsgb.org.uk (news items, feature submissions, etc) A[email protected], RC[email protected](Examinations) [email protected] (Islands On The Air) GM.Dept@rsgb.org.uk (managerial) Website: www.rsgb.org Members Area: www.rsgb.org/membersonly Log in using your callsign in lower case as the user name, and your membership number without the leading zeros (see RadCom address label) as the password. The online RadCom can now be found at www.rsgb.org/radcom. Since my item in the July RadCom about the issues that the RSGB faces and the actions the Boardis taking, Ihave been heartenedby the many suggestions and comments about what we should be considering and some of the important “to-do’s” as seen by our members. It is good to know that so many people care so deeply about the Society and want to see it succeed. Thank you for your input. Unsurprisingly, some of the comments were mutually conflicting, highlighting the point that we cannot please every member on every issue of importance to them. But every input will be carefully considered and I hope everyone who wrote has had a reasoned response from me. Please keep your comments coming – write to haveyoursay@rsgb.org.uk or use the webmail form available from the home page of the RSGB website. Despite some conflicting messages, there were some consistent themes. The Boardhas received a verbatim copy of everything so far (and the response given), together with a synthesis of the core themes. This will also go to our Advisory Group, which meets for the first time in late July (after August RadCom goes to press). The Advisory Group (AG) comprises nine people: Don Beattie, G3BJ, RSGB Board member and Acting General Manager Phillip Brooks, RSGB Board member Chris Duckling, G3SVL, non-exec Chairman of two SMEs and own consultancy business, Chairman CDXC John Gould, G3WKL, RSGB Board member Richard Horton, G3XWH, Director of IT Systems, Harrogate Ladies' College Alan Messenger, G0TLK, General Manager and head of IT to a property investment company and Chairman of a charitable Housing Association David Palmer, G7URP, Founder and Managing Director of DCP Microdevelopments Limited Michael Wells, G7VJR, Managing Director ‘Third Light’ Dave Wilson, M0OBW, RSGB President It will be the role of the AG to recommend to the Board the steps to be taken to reshape RSGB strategies to enrich the membership experience, directly underpinthe development of amateur radio for the next decade or so, and to propose what actions need to be taken now to stabilise the RSGB finances and build a sound foundation for the future. Once the recommendations have been considered by the full Board, we will share the output with the membership. In the meantime, on page 8 of this issue of RadCom you will find a short article by RSGB Board member John Gould, G3WKL, commenting on the 2010 Amateur Radio Survey , in which many UK radio amateurs participated. You will also find a link to the detail of the survey results on the RSGB website. Whilst the results of this survey are just one input to the AG’s work, you may find some of the messages interesting. Finally, the matter of transparency was raised by a number of members in the comments I have received. The Board has taken this to heart. As a first step we have agreed with Ofcom that a summary note of items discussed at the regular Ofcom-RSGB forums should be published quickly after each meeting. You will find a summary of the meeting held on 6 July on page7. Don Beattie, G3BJ Acting General Manager Creating the New RSGB President 2012 The Society's Bylaws (which can be varied by the Board) currently require that in the years when a new P resident i s to beappoi nted,the name of the new President be announced to the membership in the August RadCom. The Board has considered the question of the choice of President for 2012/13 and has decided to defer the decision until the current work being done by the external Advisory Group i s f urther advanced. The f inal choice of President is a matter for the National Council, which next meets in September, at which time the choice of President is expected to be confirmed. Club of the Year REGION 13 WINNER. Lincoln Short Wave Club was the regional winner of Club of the Year Trophy, sponsored by Waters & Stanton. The club is an inclusive club for all interested in amateur radio in all its facets. It aims to spread the word about the hobby as widely as possible and train anyone interested in gaining a licence. Theclubis committed to work to provide facilities for good of all members and the wider the amateur radio fraternity. Not only does the club run successful amateur radio courses and exams but they operate a mentoring system to help new amateurs. Operating at the National Hamfest 2010.
Transcript
THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG
06
RSGB MATTERS AUGUST 2011 ♦ RADCOM
RADIO SOCIETYOF GREAT BRITAINTHE NATIONAL SOCIETY WHICHREPRESENTS UK RADIO AMATEURS
Founded in 1913 incorporated 1926.Limited by guaranteeMember society of theInternational Amateur Radio Union
Patron: HRH Prince Philip,Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT
Membership is open to all those with an active interest inradio experimentation and communication as a hobby.Applications for membership should be made to theSubscriptions Department from which full details of Societyservices may also be obtained.
Acting General Manager:Don Beattie, G3BJHonorary Company Secretary:Rupert Thorogood, G3KKTHonorary Treasurer:Dr R Dingle, G0OCB
REGIONAL MANAGERSL Paget, GM0ONX - Region 1D Morrison, GM1BAN - Region 2K A Wilson, M1CNY - Region 3H Scrivens, G0UGE - Region 4Vaughan Ravenscroft, M0VRR - Region 5M Harper, MW1MDH - Region 6J Sneddon, MW0EQL - Region 7P Lowrie, MI5JYK - Region 8A Johnston, G8ROG - Region 9G Keegan, G6DGK - Region 10P Helliwell, G7SME - Region 11Neil Whiteside, G4HUN - Region 12J Stevenson, G0EJQ - Region 13
Details of the Society’s volunteer officers can befound in the RSGB Yearbook and on the RSGB website.
HEADQUARTERS AND REGISTERED OFFICE3 Abbey Court, Fraser Road,Priory Business Park,Bedford MK44 3WHTel: 01234 832700Fax: 01234 831496
Website: www.rsgb.orgMembers Area: www.rsgb.org/membersonlyLog in using your callsign in lower case as the user name,and your membership number without the leading zeros(see RadCom address label) as the password.
The online RadCom can now be found atwww.rsgb.org/radcom.
Since my item in the July RadCom about theissues that the RSGB faces and the actionsthe Board is taking, I have been heartened bythe many suggestions and comments aboutwhat we should be considering and some ofthe important “to-do’s” as seen by ourmembers.It is good to know that so many people careso deeply about the Society and want to seeit succeed. Thank you for your input.
Unsurprisingly, some of the comments weremutually conflicting, highlighting the point thatwe cannot please every member on every issueof importance to them. But every input will becarefully considered and I hope everyone whowrote has had a reasoned response fromme.Please keep your comments coming – write [email protected] or use the webmailform available from the home page of theRSGB website.
Despite some conflicting messages, therewere some consistent themes. The Board hasreceived a verbatim copy of everything so far(and the response given), together with asynthesis of the core themes. This will alsogo to our Advisory Group, which meets for thefirst time in late July (after August RadComgoes to press).
The Advisory Group (AG) comprisesnine people:Don Beattie, G3BJ, RSGB Board memberand Acting General Manager
Phillip Brooks, RSGB Board memberChris Duckling, G3SVL, non-exec Chairmanof two SMEs and own consultancy business,Chairman CDXC
John Gould, G3WKL, RSGB Board memberRichard Horton, G3XWH, Director of IT Systems,Harrogate Ladies' College
AlanMessenger, G0TLK, General Manager andhead of IT to a property investment companyand Chairman of a charitable HousingAssociation
David Palmer, G7URP, Founder andManagingDirector of DCPMicrodevelopments Limited
Michael Wells, G7VJR, Managing Director‘Third Light’
Dave Wilson, M0OBW, RSGB President
It will be the role of the AG to recommendto the Board the steps to be taken to reshapeRSGB strategies to enrich the membershipexperience, directly underpin the developmentof amateur radio for the next decade or so, andto propose what actions need to be taken nowto stabilise the RSGB finances and build asound foundation for the future.
Once the recommendations have beenconsidered by the full Board, we will sharethe output with the membership. In themeantime, on page 8 of this issue ofRadComyou will find a short article by RSGB Boardmember John Gould, G3WKL, commentingon the 2010 Amateur Radio Survey, in whichmany UK radio amateurs participated. Youwill also find a link to the detail of the surveyresults on the RSGB website. Whilst the resultsof this survey are just one input to the AG’swork, you may find some of the messagesinteresting.
Finally, the matter of transparency wasraised by a number of members in thecomments I have received. The Board hastaken this to heart. As a first step we haveagreed with Ofcom that a summary note ofitems discussed at the regular Ofcom-RSGBforums should be published quickly aftereach meeting. You will find a summaryof the meeting held on 6 July on page 7.
Don Beattie, G3BJActing General Manager
Creating the New RSGB
President 2012The Society's Bylaws (which can be varied bythe Board) currently require that in the yearswhen a newPresident is to be appointed, thename of the new President be announcedto the membership in the August RadCom.
The Board has considered the question ofthe choice of President for 2012/13 and hasdecided to defer the decision until the currentwork being done by the external Advisory Groupis further advanced. The final choice of Presidentis amatter for the National Council, which nextmeets in September, at which time the choiceof President is expected to be confirmed.
Club of the YearREGION 13WINNER. Lincoln Short WaveClub was the regional winner of Club of theYear Trophy, sponsored byWaters & Stanton.The club is an inclusive club for all interestedin amateur radio in all its facets. It aims tospread the word about the hobby as widelyas possible and train anyone interested ingaining a licence. The club is committedto work to provide facilities for good ofall members and the wider the amateurradio fraternity.
Not only does the club run successfulamateur radio courses and exams butthey operate a mentoring system to helpnew amateurs.
Operating at the National Hamfest 2010.
THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG
07
RSGB MATTERSRADCOM ♦ AUGUST 2011
CONGRATULATIONSTo the following members whom our recordsshow as having reached 50, 60 or 70 yearscontinuous membership of the RSGB.
70 yearsMr T Knight G2FUU
60 yearsMr R Turner G3IMGMr D C Youngs G3JIEMr S Harle G3MEACol GRK Lyon VK6LK
50 yearsH Hensler DL6DZMr S J Newton G3OPDMr J Carson GM3OXKMr R E A German G3OZTMr J L Delves G3VHHMr R G Davy G3XVFMr P WWhipps RS25605
WelcomeThe RSGB would like towelcome to the RSGB familythe following new Memberswho have joined their voiceto ours and are helping tokeep the RSGB strong.
Mr C Price, 2E0BMAMrs A Andrew, 2E0CFHMr R Banks, 2E0RTBMr K N Lowcock, 2E0VEKMr W Toher, 2I0UCHMr E J Dudley, 2M0EDUMr R Hutton, 2M0RDHMr A Razif Ramli, 9M2RTMr J C Prat, F5PUMr I Goodier, G0UWKMr R Hewlett, G3UKUMr R Newman, G3VZLMr MW Bliss, G4AQSMr S Barrett, G4HTZMr J Pymm, G4JPKMr A Moriarty, G4TRYMr M Johnson, G6ONVMr N Titcombe, G6ZFYMr J N C Cash, G7AZA
Lifeboat ARS, 7LFCMr D Harper, G7NKLJ L H Buck, G7RWFMr G McSweeney, GI4CFQMr S Sinagra, IZ0MJEMr R J Secondo, KB7VWCMr M J Dusa, KC9PHWMr C N Fernando, LW5DNCMr A T Duffy, M3WDMMr W Saint, M6AUMMr J P Harris, M6AWUMr D Howarth, M6AXCMr A F Chapman, M6AXIMs R Whitehead, M6BEXMr K Bell, M6BMBMr D Cross, M6DDTMr D Martin, M6DKHMr C Gilbert, M6DLGMr M D L Palmer, M6DLPMr D Shannon, M6EFCMr D Wall, M6ETAMr A Bartrop, M6FARMrs J White, M6JGRMiss A Cappleman, M6KAPMr D Aldred, M6KFCMr B Wogden, M6KXQ
Mr M Leveridge, M6LEVMr D Glover, M6LIOMr L Bradley, M6LWBMr D Berry, M6PICMrs H Mallinson, M6UXHA J Rowland-Stuart, M6WKFMrs MWall, M6WMAMr R Whitehead, M6YLJMr N S Armstrong, MI6OAZMr J R Rankin, MM6AVEMr J Hutton, MM6JOHMr C Summers, MM6NLCMr D Kennedy, MM6YROMr G Jones, MW0RSVMr C W Davies, MW0WZXMiss G Powell, MW6AXVMr MWilliams, MW6SEFMr S D H Saunders,RS193128
Mr R Hayes, RS207477Mr P Archer, RS208268Mr A R Pawlak, RS208386Mr S Cowley, RS208415Mr S Coates, RS208423Mr N E Robinson, RS208456Mr D Rowntree, RS208459
Mr J R Haworth, RS208487Mr P H Thomas, RS208498Mr T Hussain, RS208510Mr J Leith, RS208523Mr MWoodhead, RS208527Mr J B Worthington,RS208578
Mr J Stoppenbach, SA6BMGMrs J Mansfield, W0PFKMr D Green, ZS4BS
The RSGB would like towelcome back the followingMembers who have rejoinedthe Society.
Mrs G Whitehead, 2E0JILMr B L Beckett, 2E0LAHMr T Oliver, 2E0VAIMr G E Foreman, 2E1IICMr A Bartsch, DF2TBMr P C B Gautier, F6CBEMr S Doveton, G0JNRMr C J Kidger, G0LOLMr D Gilbert, G0NFAMr M Marriott, G0OPC
Mr C E Bray, G3RWQMr V R Brown, G3SDQMr R E Pearson, G3XUHMr I J H Wassell, G4KDRMr P D Gaskell, G4MWOMr R S Smith, G6BWMMr P J Whelan, G6JTBMr D H E Coles, G7GZCMr F Rice, G7LPPMr M Barfield, G7MRVMr S F Mullen, G7NJXMr D R Dukeson, G7NNZMr J Flynn, G7OCDMr D Hone, G7OQHMr P J Shore, G8IYEMr R Collis, G8TZUMr J C Dolan, GW3PRWMr R M Banks, GW4WNDMr M J Whitehead, M0DXVMr N A Trangmar, M0YMMMr R J Duncan, M1DIRMr R Read, M5BMWMr R H Bicker, RS170896Mr A Kalebo, SM7NDY
Region 4York ARS received a Certificate of Meritfrom Region Manager 4 Harold Scrivensfor the club entry for the Club of the Yearcompetition. The presentation was heldat the Guppy club where York ARS meetseach Friday evening.
Whilst any member may seek nomination to standfor election, if you are an active amateur, have goodexperience of business management and the timeto commit to a demanding role, your skills wouldbe particularly valuable. The RSGB needs a strongBoard and so candidates of the highest calibre areencouraged to put themselves forward.
There are three vacancies on the Board for 2012-2014, although two existing Boardmembers will bestanding for election, having been co-opted for 2011.Those retiring and not available for re-election haveresponsibility for the Education, Amateur RadioDevelopment and Technical portfolios. Thosestanding for re-election hold the BusinessManagement and Public Services portfolios.Under our current rules, candidates for election tothe Board do not stand against specific portfoliosbut, if elected, are required to accept the portfoliooffered to them by the President. The portfoliosthat are becoming vacant should therefore be seenas a guide to those needed in the Board due to thevacancies for 2012.
For a discussion on what is involved, you can callRSGB President Dave Wilson on 07860 691 056.
If you wish to seek nomination, please [email protected] for the nomination papers.Completed nomination papers, with supportingsignatures of ten RSGB Corporate Members, mustreach RSGB Headquarters by 1 October at the latest.
The list of candidates seeking nomination will bepublished in the November RadCom, and a ballotwill be held during that month.
This notice will appear again in the September 2011issue of RadCom and at that time will also includedetails of the Regional Manager vacancies for 2012.
RSGB BoardVacanciesAre you the right personto stand for electionto the RSGB Boardfor 2012-2014?
In its regular ‘Forum’ meeting with Ofcom on licensingmatters, held on 6 July, a number of issues concerningamateur radio in the UK were discussed. The meetingwas attended by five delegates from the RSGB and fivefrom Ofcom. The following were some of the key pointsdiscussed:
• The position on relinquishing spectrum temporarily forthe 2012 Games was again reviewed. Ofcom is stillassessing the full requirements, but it is hoped that theimplications for the amateur service may be known inlate summer.
• RSGB had supplied a number of names and possiblecandidates for the Ofcom vacancies for ‘venue engineers’for the 2012 Games and these were being reviewedby Ofcom.
• Proposals for special callsigns for four flagshipdemonstration stations, other special event stationsand amateur stations generally during the period of the2012 Games, were discussed. Subject to final approvalfrom LOCOG, Ofcom would approve a range of specialcalls for the period of the Games. A discussion wasalso held on how most simply to give effect to genericchanges in prefix for the period of the games.
• The way in which amateur radio NoVs are currently
processed was discussed, and Ofcom confirmedthat they are seeking alternative ways of handlingthe administrative processes involved. The RSGBis considering its future role in this and will shortlyrespond to Ofcom.
• Changes to the rules governing Short Contest Callswere discussed and agreed in principle. The RSGBis now to make formal proposals to Ofcom.
• The position on improvements to 5MHz access wasreviewed. Ofcom will continue the discussions withthe primary user of this part of the spectrum.
• Specific detailed cases concerning a linked repeaterproposal, a special event callsign, issues of permittedpower and provision of data for the RSGB Yearbookwere also discussed briefly.
• Ofcom indicated that it intended to periodicallyconduct spot checks of examination conduct.
• Ofcom confirmed that it would have a presenceat the National Hamfest in Lincoln at the end ofSeptember.
The meeting is one of a regular series of meeting withOfcom, some covering licensing matters and somecovering spectrum/enforcement issues. Furtherreports will appear as these meetings take place.
RSGB and Ofcommeet to discuss licensing issues
THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG
08
RSGB MATTERS AUGUST 2011 ♦ RADCOM
Between October and December last year weran a survey to capture the current state of thehobby, how it might develop over the currentdecade and the role that the RSGB plays insupporting the hobby and its members. Thesurvey was a part of a wider data capture taskthat the Board put in place last summer aheadof a planned review of long-term strategy.As presented at the AGM and detailed sincein RadCom, recent events have led to theinitial stage of this work being undertaken bya specially formed Advisory Group, comprisinga few members of the Society with relevantbusiness expertise along with some membersof the Board. This article has been written toprovide an overview of the questionnaireanalysis, which was issued to the AdvisoryGroup for its meeting toward the end of July.Because of the size of the analysis and itsgraphical content this is published online,see the link at the end of this article.
2,231 or just over 10% of you completedthe online questionnaire, which was slightly inexcess of expectations. This was good to see.Thanks to those who participated. We alsohad a useful response from non-members,which was also encouraging. This includedthose whose membership had lapsed (462)and those who had never joined the Society(326). In terms of the UK amateur community,thought to be around 55,000 licence holders,it was amuch smaller percentage than that fromour membership, which is not really surprising.
There were also a large number of peoplewho left incomplete responses on the system.Of these, 587 said that they were members,256 were lapsed members, 168 had neverbeen members and 97 didn’t answer this firstquestion.Whilst the system allowed incompleteresponses to be picked up at a later date andfinished, it is quite possible that some of theserepresent people who re-started the processand hence left an incomplete response onthe system. We can only surmise at the otherreasons for these incomplete responses. Somecould have been from people just wanting totry out the Questionnaire to see what happenedand how it worked before making a seriousattempt, others may have decided that it wastaking too long to complete, didn’t like some ofthe questions and some possibly had difficultieswith the software, internet connection, etc,and just gave up.
In forming conclusions from the analysiswe have had to consider the sample sizein relation to the total population in eachgroup (member, lapsed member and never-been-member). We have also had to remainaware of bias, for example by running thesurvey only online some who might haveresponded to a paper survey were unable orunwilling to participate. In statistical termswe therefore have to treat the conclusionswith care; many only represent a trend orpossible trend amongst our membership.Of the lapsed member and never-been-member groups we need to remember thatthe findings represent those from the UKamateur community motivated to participatein an RSGB-badged online survey.
Some of the analysis of the data was able tobe done quickly following the end of the survey;the LimeSurvey software that we used has itsown basic analysis package. The full analysiswas only completed at the end of June. This wasbecause some of the more subtle analysisoutcomes needed special query routines to berun against the data, then the output waswasmanually processed to provide graphical displays.Had we had more call on specific statisticalanalysis software such as SPSS, R, etc, theprocess would have been quicker and easier.The other task that took even longer was to readand collate the thousands of textual comments,some of which were mini-essays! As well ascollating these textual comments we needed tobe alert to the gems that may exist within thispart of the data. The analysis of this textual datatook more time than we expected, so we havenot yet taken the additional step of contactingsome of those who left their contact details tofollow up specific ideas. As the strategy workmoves from generalisations into specifics, thisis something that we may decide we need todo, and some of the gems, referred to earlier,may become more obvious as the strategywork develops.
It is difficult to summarise the vast amountof information gleaned from the questionnaire,but one of the early areas we looked at was tocompare the age profile of those responding tothe questionnaire with that in our membershipdatabase. Apart from finding that we had areasonable response from the spread of agegroups, the task highlighted that the averageage of members has increased by 10 yearsbetween 2000 and 2010. We had manyconcerned comments on the aging aspect ofour hobby in the responses, so it has beenimportant to have been able to quantifythis aspect.
You will no doubt pick on aspects ofthe analysis and flag this as more or lessimportant to the future of the hobby andthe RSGB. In analysing the data we havetried to avoid such personal preference orbias. Analysing the data and specifically
the textual contributions shows that thehobby is very broad and that there are manydiverse and at time conflicting interests andopinions. In strict statistical terms there arefew conclusions in which we have what istermed confidence. One clear one is thatparts of our HQ operation get a good reportfrom members. Another is that, although weare not thinking of doing so, there is a clearmessage from our members that they wouldnot want RadCom to be published only in anelectronic format. As mentioned previously,many of the outputs from the analysis are,statistically speaking, trends. An interestingexample of this is that whilst all age groupsare active in what we termed ‘general QSOs’,there is a trend for this to be more pronouncedat both the younger and older ends of ourmembership’s age range.
Creating the questionnaire turned outto be quite complex and, despite extensivetesting in late-August and September lastyear, we know that there were a few flawsin the logic and wording. Overall, the open-source LimeSurvey software was intuitive toset up and worked well – the whole surveycost nothing to put in place, run and analyse!I do though need to thank my son Ben forinstalling and administering the softwareusing the existingMySQL database on thersgb-spectrumforum.org.uk domain and toDom Smith, M0BLF and Don Field, G3XTTfor the many hours that they put into theanalysis. My thanks also go to Bob Dingle,G0OCB and Roger Western, G3SXW, fortheir advice on statistics. Finally, I would liketo acknowledge the running of statistical testsand expert comment on some of the findingsby Chris Jewell, M0DWK.
John Gould, G3WLK
Analysis of the amateur radio survey questionnaire– http://www.rsgb.org/survey/analysis
LimeSurvey, the open source survey application– http://www.limesurvey.org
UK Amateur Radio Survey
Henry Lewis,G3GIQ Silent KeyHenry compiled the 9-band table inRadCom for many years and, lately,for the RSGB Yearbook. He was anactive DXer and a long-time supporterof the DXCC and IOTA programmes(he amassed very large scores in both,336/371 in DXCC and 1058 in IOTA).Henry was a founding member of CDXC.He also served in the early years ofRSGB's tenure of IOTA as an IOTAcheckpoint and Committee Member.www.rsgb.org/g3giq.
THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORGNEWS AUGUST 2011 ♦ RADCOM
10
Fair Isle DXpeditionFor a week from Tuesday 16 August, agroup of WAB members hopes to be activefrom Fair Isle in the Shetlands. Whilst forIOTA purposes this counts as the ShetlandIsles, EU-012, it is in the rare HZ 100 x100km Ordnance Survey square for WABpurposes.
They will be travelling up to Aberdeenfrom the Midlands on Monday 15 Augustand hope to be mobile, using the callsignof G(M)7WAB/M. They have managed tonegotiate getting their vehicle on the FairIsle ferry on 16 August, however, theyhave a few hours on mainland Shetlandbefore catching this ferry and, timepermitting, hope to activate the islandsof Trondra, East Burra and seven or soother WAB squares.
Operation from Fair Isle is planned on allbands from 160m to 2m, including 4m, onSSB and CW. Mobile and portable operationwill be initially targeted at the WAB nominalnet frequencies of 3.760, 7.160 and14.265MHz, with portable operations QSYingonce net members have been worked. Theywill be stopping in the South Lighthousein WAB square HZ16, using the callsignGS4WAB. This location was chosen as theother 3 squares, HZ17, HZ26&HZ27 are
only a fewhundredmetres from there. Thecallsign GS7WAB will be used for operationsother than from the south lighthouse. Time oflanding on Fair Isle on 16 August is scheduledfor 1410BST, so any operation that day willbe late on.
Whilst this is primarily a WAB expedition,the trip does coincide with the InternationalLighthouse & LightshipWeekend and operationfrom both the south lighthouse (Skaddan)and the north lighthouse (Skroo) is planned.Upon their return to mainland Shetland on23 August, they hope to activate the islandsof Bressay and Noss and possibly a few otherWAB squares.
For updates, please see the WAB websitewww.worked-all-britain.co.uk. For QSL detailsplease see the respective entries onwww.qrz.com.
Photo by kind permission of Dave Wheeler,www.fairisle.org.uk.
AMSAT-UK Colloquium to be WebcastThanks to the British Amateur Television Club(BATC), the AMSAT-UK International SpaceColloquium, taking place 30-31 July, willbe streamed live to the web.
Peter Blakeborough, G3PYB, President ofBATC and other BATC and AMSAT volunteerswill be streaming video of the event live,enabling it to be seen by radio amateurs andSWLs around world. Clearly a webcast cannotmatch actually being therewith the opportunityto chat to satellite builders and inspect spacehardware but if you can't get to Guilford thenthe webcast provides the next best thing. Thewebcast will be viewable at www.batc.tv.
AMSAT-UK will also be holding aSatellite Beginners' Workshop at 4pmon Friday 29 July to teach newcomershow to get started in the fascinating worldof amateur radio space communications.With some satellites you can communicateusing little more than a standard dual-bandFM handheld. Others use SSB or CW andpermit intercontinental DX communicationsusing the VHF/UHF bands. The Beginners'Workshop will be run by Dave, G4DPZand Carlos, G0AKI and takes place at theHoliday Inn, Guildford, GU2 7XZ. Look forthe RSGB GB4FUN vehicle in the car park.
RSGB VisitOn 7 July Waters & Stanton welcomed the firstever visit to their offices of both the Presidentand Acting GeneralManager of the Radio Societyof Great Britain. Picture shows Peter Waters,G3OJV on the left, next to DaveWilson,M0OBW,President, Don Beattie, G3BJ, Acting GeneralManager with Jeff Stanton, M3JJS on theright. Agreement was reached on closerco-operation between the two organizations.
Vibroplex CabletidyHaving used various Vibroplex keys over his53 years in amateur radio, G3LIV has alwaysfound that the cable connection to the keysnever seemed tidy. Twisted cables or islet crimpon never looked acceptable to him.
He now has a new approach to the problem.His Cabletidy is a PCB in red or black withconnections to suit the following Vibroplexkeys: Iambic, original Bug and J-36. ThePCB is double sided, plated through withsilver plated holes and matching colour. It isterminated in a 4-pin mini DIN socket and asuitable high quality cable is supplied for rigconnection. See www.g3liv.co.uk for full details.
Are you the next RSGB General Manager?Do you possess proven leadership skills, acknowledged general management skills, high energy? Can you balance strategicperspective with operational imperatives? Do you have a sound understanding of the application of IT and process engineeringto business management, in-depth experience of P&L management and change management, outstanding communication andinterpersonal skills, a sensitivity to political aspects of the RSGB’s work and most of all a burning commitment to see the RSGBsucceed? And, ideally, are you a practising radio amateur?
If so, you may be the right candidate.
Please write with your CV to me, Dave Wilson, M0OBW, RSGB President, RSGB, 3 Abbey Court, Priory Business Park, Fraser Road,Bedford MK44 3WH or e-mail [email protected]. You can also call me for an informal discussion on 07860 691 056.
THIS COULD BE YOUR OUTSTANDING CAREER OPPORTUNITY.
THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORG NEWSRADCOM ♦ AUGUST 2011
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GI HF ConferenceWest Tyrone Amateur Radio Club isholding an HF Conference on Saturday20 August at the Technology EducationCentre, Omagh BT78 1FA. A range ofspeakers from around GI, EI and G willbe in attendance to share their variousperspectives on aspects of HF operation.Confirmed speakers are John Corless,EI7IQ on HF etiquette; Paul O'Kane,EI5DI on DXpeditions and logging, witha demo of SD; John Breen, EI7BV onhow amateurs got their bands; MalcolmGranville, GI8AFS talking about HFbeacons, Michael Clarke, MI5MTC ona futterer's fun with QRP homebrew andCarlos Eavis, G0AKI speaking on IOTA.
There will also be traders in attendancesuch as Tyrone Amateur Electronics andJBT, along with exhibits from the RSGBand IRTS. The event is supported byPractical Wireless, TAE, JBT, IRTS andRSGB. More details at http://wtarc.co.uk/GIHFConference.aspx.
Advanced DistanceLearningFollowing the conclusion of their distancelearning course with the recent Advancedexam, the Bath Radio Classes are planningto do it all over again. There have been anumber of enquiries already so they havechecked the exam dates, counted backand worked out that the next 'virtual'course needs to start in July. The aim isthat students can sit the exam on Monday5 December, either in Bath, or at theirlocal exam centre.
There are no fees for the classes butstudents will need a copy of the RSGBAdvance! textbook and will, of course,need to pay the exam fee of £37.50. Eachweek students will receive guided readinginstructions and revision questions to testrecollection and/or understanding. Tutorswill mark e-mailed answers and will provideworked answers in return. Tutors will alsoprovide points of clarification on request.The material is also supplemented byadditional exercises and videodemonstrations on YouTube.
Further details can be had from SteveHartley, G0FUW, who is QTHR, listedon QRZ.com and can be e-mailed [email protected].
Steve would also like to hear fromanyone that would be interested inbecoming a remote tutor as he is tryingto build up a network of mentors that canhelp share the workload, which is notgreat. However, more hands will makelight work, and will add some resilienceinto the system. Contact details as above.
Eigg DXpeditionMembers of Kilmarnock and Loudoun ARCvisited the Isle of Eigg in April using thecallsign MS0KLR. The team was Graham,MM0GHM, Allan, GM3OZB and Bill,GM3ZRT. It was a light weight DXpeditionusing wire dipoles and roach pole verticalswith 100 watts. The radios were a YaesuFT-100/D and an Icom IC-706 Mk2G.They were active on SSB, CW, PSK31and RTTY on the 15, 20, 40 and 80mbands. A total of 641 QSOs were completed,the best being a contact with VK7AC on 80m.
Allan, GM3OZB, Graham, MM0GHM and Bill,GM3ZRT.
Icom ID-31E D-StarUHF Digital Transceiver
Icomprovided visitors tothe recent FriedrichshafenHam Radio Show witha surprise by previewinga new UHF D-Star Digitaltransceiver. Called theID-31E, it will featurethe following:• Built in GPS receiver• D-Star DV/analogue
FM mode• DR mode user-friendliness improved• Directional keypad navigation• Full dot matrix display• Slim compact design• IPX7 waterproof construction• Free cloning software download• Micro SD slot
The unit shown at Friedrichshafen wasonly a mock-up of the ID-31E. At presentthere are no details of the launch date orpricing. www.icomuk.co.uk.
First OAM SignalExperimentOn 24 June, at 2138UTC, the firstsuccessfully transmitted and receivedorbital angular momentum signal tookplace in Venice. This new kind oftransmission of radio waves is the resultof the discoveries of the Venetian scientistand astrophysicist Fabrizio Tamburini fromthe University of Padua, in collaborationwith his colleague Prof Bo Thidé,SM5DFW, of the Swedish Institute ofSpace Physics. This is the first publicexperiment carried out by Tamburiniafter laboratory tests carried at the CNRin Padua and in Uppsala Sweden.
The experiment consisted of thesimultaneous transmission of two radiosignals at the identical frequency of2414MHz, one using a plain Yagibeam and the second using a specially-developed parabolic antenna capableof giving orbital angular momentum(also called ‘vorticity’) to radio waves.The two signals were successfullyreceived separately one after the otherwithout using multiplexing or any digitalenhancements by one receiver connectedthrough a splitter to two normal Yagibeams. The tuning consisted ‘simply’ ofmoving one of the two receiving antennasin the direction of the transmitted signalto catch the proper orbital angularmomentum using for the first time thephysical principle of OAM. Two carriersmodulated with different audio pitchesfirst and then two video signals weresuccessfully received separately on thesame frequency with no reciprocalinterference.
Patron of the experiment was thePrincess Elettra Marconi. The radioamateurs who took part in the experimentwere Vittorino Boaga, I3BQC, MicheleDel Pup, I3MDU, Martino Rizzi, IK3RIYand Francesco Carraro, IW3GSH.
Princess Elettra Marconi visited duringtests, l to r Dr Anna Sponselli, Prof FabrizioTamburini, Princess Elettra Marconi andProf Bo Thidé.
NEWS IN BRIEF• The Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society has launched itsnewwebsite. A feature of this replacement site is its simplicityand ease of use. All amateurs and anyone with an interestin maritime radio, especially those who have served or areserving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and other naviesthroughout the world, are invited to visit the site atwww.rnars.org.uk.
THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN MEMBERS’ MAGAZINE ♦ WWW.RSGB.ORGNEWS AUGUST 2011 ♦ RADCOM
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Now that’s what I calla radio shack
Each yearthe BitternDX Groupis allowedto set up anamateur radiostation in thegrounds ofOxburghHall in WestNorfolk. Intothis idyllicsetting comeenthusiasts
into all sorts of wild and wonderful hobbiesas part of ‘Boys and their Toys’ weekend.So alongside the Meccano builders, themodel makers and the gents who chugalong on their steam engines stood theBittern DX tent, showing the varied aspectsof amateur radio.
No one on the Bittern DX team wouldrate this alongside contest weekends. Forone thing this year the bands and especially80m were dead. It is a chance to engagewith members of the public and todemonstrate the many different aspectsof the hobby on offer. As usual there was agood deal of interest in the three workingstations operating on HF, VHF and data.There were some excellent QSOs into theStates and Ken, M6KAH even managed aVK on PSK31. Sadly these all occurred lateat night when the public had left. Duringthe day there was a good deal of interestfrom members of the public in theFoundation licence. Often people initiallywandered into the tent to shelter from thetorrential downpours that were a feature ofthe weather, but stayed to read the publicityabout courses.
What the club always find surprisingabout this weekend is the large number oflapsed radio amateurs who come along. Formany it comes as something of a revelationthat they can now access the HF bandswith their old Class B licence. At the otherend of the age spectrum, CW is very popularwith young people. Each year they findthat this is what brings the families intoour marquee and it is encouraging to seehow many youngsters understand therhythm and musicality of CW.
Thanks go to members of the BitternDX Group for activating the station as partof Stately Homes and Castles on the Airand Boys and their Toys weekend. Despitefairly high winds and heavy showers it wasenjoyed by all. Thanks are also due to theNational Trust for allowing them to set upthe equipment in their grounds and to bepart of their programme.
RAYNET GroupEdward Rippon, M0EPR is interested instarting the Nottingham RAYNET group upagain andwould like to know if other amateurswould like to join him. The group will be foremergency communications primarily withtraining events taking place aroundNottinghamproviding communications for local authoritieswith local events, horse trails, fun runs, Santatrain as well as promoting amateur radiowithin the community.
Please contact Edward Rippon on07974 491299 or by e-mail [email protected].
DX Station SMSDX Station is an SMS text message servicethat alerts radio amateurs when the sought-after radio station's signal is spotted onthe radio dial. In this internet age, theradio amateur hobby is still very popular,with millions of licensed amateurs aroundthe world. To assist in tracking down thoseelusive radio signals from far-flung cornersof the globe, DX Station operates a networkof automated radio receivers, which constantlymonitor the amateur bands for sought-afterstations and then instantly sends a textmessage alert to those amateurs whohave indicated their interest in contactingthat particular DX station.
The use of real-time text messages givessubscribers to DX Station a competitiveadvantage, since they can hopefullycontact the distant radio station beforetheir colleagues join the fray. DX Stationcannot guarantee that the radio amateurwill be able to contact the distant station– that is down to radio signal propagationand the efficiency of antennas andtransceivers of both calling and receivingradio station.
The DX Station text messaging servicecan be used on more than 800 mobilenetworks worldwide and the monthlysubscription fee is paid by Paypal or creditcard. These fees, which include a quota oftext message credits, are used to maintainthe network of automated radio receiversthat the DX Station service relies upon forits operation. A reduced fee trial is offeredfor the first month of subscription. Alertprofiles are managed via a user-friendlyinterface on the service website atwww.dxstation.com.
PLT DebateIf you have access to a broadband connectionyou may be interested in listening to theParliamentary debate on Power LineTechnology: http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/house_of_commons/newsid_9488000/9488932.stm.
£2,652.74 presentedto the RNLIAt the Norbreck Amateur Radio Rally, heldin Blackpool in April, the Lifeboat AmateurRadio Society presented the RNLI with acheque for £2,652.74 – the amount raisedduring this year's SOS Radio Week. Despitedifficult economic and financial times,participants in the fund-raising event workedextremely hard to raise this fantastic amountand Elizabeth White, RNLI North, passed onthe thanks of the RNLI to all who took part.
The SOSRadioWeek organising committeehas announced this year’s prize winners.The Icom Group Award went to the groupthat raised the most money for the RoyalNational Lifeboat Institution during SOSRadio Week 2011 – Merion Amateur RadioSociety, with a total of over £833. The groupwill receive an Icom ID-E880D-Star dual bandmobile transceiver. The Icom individualaward went to the individual that raised themost money (over £240) –Malcolm, G3NZP– and he receives an Icom IC-E80D D-Stardual band hand-held transceiver. The SRCYoung Persons Award went to RebeccaHughes, M6BUB, for her most professionalapproach to the event, belying her age andthe fact that she had only been licensed fora couple of months. For her efforts Rebeccawill receive an antenna from the SnowdoniaRadio Company range.
All participating stations that have notreceived one of the above awards wereentered into a prize draw and the successfulparticipants won the following prizes:• A Digby, G0JLX - Wouxun KG-679E
2m handheld transceiver from MartinLynch and Sons
• David, G4BKE - SE-1300 Disconeantenna from Sigma Euro-Comm
• Paul, 2E0EAN - Superior G5RV HFantenna kit from Sigma Euro-Comm
• Mr Ehm, M0ZAE - Superior G5RV HFantenna kit from Sigma Euro-Comm
• Patrick, G6HOF - Superior G5RV HFantenna kit from Sigma Euro-Comm.
Dayton HamventionMusicAt the Icom dinner during the DaytonHamvention, they had live music. Whenthey asked for a drummer, Peter Waters,G3OJV was able to oblige and played a setwith the band.
Dunoon &DARC held a very successfulFoundation licence course and examrecently. The four participants takingthe exam had a good pass and two ofthem, Brian, MM6ANY and Alistair,MM6COU have gone forward tothe Intermediate course that's nowunder way. Trainers were Brian,MM1HMV & Tony, GM7KFS withMoyra, MM3MHS the invigilator.The successful candidates wereBrian, MM6ANY, Dennis, MM6DSD,Alistair, MM6CAU and Ian, MM6IPP.
Congratulations to the latestIntermediate passes at Stirling &DARS. Left to right are Paul McClaren& Peter Holmes who did doubly wellas they joined their studies directlyat Intermediate level and only sattheir Foundation exam a matterof weeks before, while on theIntermediate course. Then thereis Ian Currie, Robert Fraser, Jim,GM4VGR, Wullie, GM0MZB, PaulHomes, Nathan Roberts, Ed Dudleyand kneeling down is Fraser Williamson.As usual, thanks to Jim, GM4VGRand Wullie, GM0MZB who heldthe exam and Stirling & DARS forhosting the courses.
Daniel Kennedy(front), aged10, looks verypleased withhimself, ashe should be,after passinghis Foundation
exam and taking the title of the youngestcandidate to pass at Stirling & DARS(previous youngest was Hayley,MM6HLZ at 12). It is nice to seethe hobby being given a familytheme as standing behind him isGari Kennedy, 2M0USE who did agreat job of coaching Daniel. Thanksto Jim, GM4VGR and Wullie, GM0MZBwho held the exam.
Stirling & DARS has more newmembers with (left to right) RobertHutton, Joshua Hutton (10), William,GM0MZB, Kerr Hamilton & John,2M0BYT. Joshua did extremely wellas he did most of his work on a self-study basis as he stays a considerabledistance away. Kerr also did self-studyunder instruction from Ken, GM4NTXand did him proud. Robert also went onto pass his Intermediate exam directlyafter the Foundation – on the sameevening. Thanks to John, 2M0BYTand William, GM0MZB who gave uptheir time to make the exams possible.
Three members of Kilmarnock andLoudoun ARC passed their respectiveexams – Davie, 2M0YFR, Kevin,MM6KCM and Charles, MM6CCS.The students would like to thankthe club instructors for the help theyreceived with their studies. The clubmembership wishes them well withtheir new callsigns.
Kevin, MM6KCM, Davie, 2M0FYR andCharles, MM6CCS.
Cockenzie & Port Seton ARC held theirlast exam before the summer break.A Foundation course saw passesfor Brian Moerman as well as ATCCadets Frankie Linn and Scott Gray.
(Left to right) Cambell, MM0DXC (leadinvigilator), Brian Moerman, ATC CadetsFrankie Linn & Scott Gray, Bob, GM4UYZ(instructor).
Glenrothes &DARC tookpart inInternationalMuseumson the Air.During theevent theymade around128 contacts,despite
difficulties with some local interference.The shack is a ex-contractors mobileoffice and has been converted foramateur radio use by members ofthe club a couple of years ago.
GB0SSB was on the air fromScotland’s Secret Bunker nearAnstruther. The Bunker was one ofthe sites to be used during the ColdWar as a emergency governmentcentre in the event of a nuclear war.The club had both HF and VHF stationsrunning SSB, CW and PSK. As wellas using the GB0SSB callsign, theyhave operated from there a numberof times as GM4GRC/P and, as allclub members can use the site, somehave operated using their own calls /P.
The photos were taken by Dave,MM0DYX and show Tam, MM0TGBoperating and keeping the log upto date of one of the stations, alsoJohn, MM0MBC and Ken, GM3YBQoperating the other station.
Please send news reports to [email protected]. To get future events listed here and put on GB2RS, e-mail details of your meetings as early as possible to [email protected] and we'll do the rest.We need to know your club name, RSGB Region number, contact name & phone number, date of meeting and detail of meeting. Example: South Bristol ARS, Region 11, Len, G4RZY, 01275 834 282,WW29 October, On the Air. It's that simple. September RadCom is 1 August and for the October edition it's 1September. For GB2RS, the deadline is 10am on the Tuesday for the week of broadcast.
REGION 1: SCOTLAND SOUTH & WESTERN ISLESREGIONAL REP: LEN PAGET, GM0ONX, [email protected]
REGION 2: SCOTLAND NORTH & NORTHERN ISLESREGIONAL REP: DENNY MORRISON, GM1BAN, [email protected]
COCKENZIE & PORT SETON ARCBob, GM4UYZ, 01875 811 7235 Normal club night12 18th annual mini-rally night20 GB2LBN Barns Ness
(Lighthouse Weekend)
KILMARNOCK & LOUDOUN ARCGraham, MM3GDC,[email protected], 23 Club night
LIVINGSTON & DARSNorman, 07740 946192,uk.groups.yahoo/group/ms0liv2, 16, 30 Club evening9 Operating evening23 Morse code practice
ABERDEEN ARSLewis, GM4AJR, 01224 575 663,www.radioclubs.net/aars4 Junk sale11 Morse practice + on the air18 Prepare for Lighthouse
weekend20 International Lighthouse
Weekend at Walker Point25 VHF fox hunt & prep for
SSB Field Day
The latest Foundation Licencecourse held by Chester & DRSresulted in 100% success. Thephoto shows the seven successfulcandidates, including 8 year oldRebecca, M6RBM. The others areGerald, MW6AQU, Leigh, M6AQT,Pauline, M6PYR, Andrew, M6AQQ,Steve, M6HCJ and Peter Blackburn.
After several passes at Foundationlevel, Castle Rushen High SchoolRadio Club has just had its firstsuccess in the Advanced exam.Despite only being 13, HenryDorman passed the April examat the school, which is in
Castletown in the south of theIsle of Man. Henry set himselfquite a challenge as he passedhis Foundation licence at 11 andhis Intermediate at 12. He thereforedesperately wanted to pass theAdvanced exam at 13. Henry isnow keen to work anyone whoneeds the Isle of Man, under hisnew call MD0HHH. Parents Jane,GD1LVY, Andy, GD0AMD and sisterIzzy, MD6IZI will have to queue upto use the station.
The CRHS radio club stationis active on Thursday lunchtimes(during term time) with the call
REGION 3: NORTH WESTREGIONAL REP: KATH WILSON, M1CNY, [email protected]
Hambleton ARS (Northallerton)hadtwo Intermediate licence candidatessuccessfully pass their exam recently.The photograph shows (left to right)Michael, 2E0MJR, Tony, G3MAE(lead instructor) and Ian, 2E0GBA.
Wakefield &DRS hashad anothersuccessfulpass for theirtraining team.Karl Machen(currentlyM6KMA)passed the
Intermediate exam inMay and hisfirst words were, "When does thenext Full licence course start?" Fordetails of W&DRS Training, contact theHead of Training, Dr David Lockwood,G4CLI on 07748 221855 or [email protected].
REGION 4: NORTH EASTREGIONAL REP: HAROLD SCRIVENS, G0UGE, [email protected]
EAST CLEVELAND ARCAlistair, G4OLK, 01642 475 671,[email protected] Technical forum12, 26 On the air19 Radio magazines evening
HORNSEA ARCGordon MacNaught, G3WOV,01377 240573,[email protected] Fox hunt7 RoPoCo CW10 80m CC CW plus DVD17 Committee meeting24 Visit by RSGB Rep G2DPA25 80m Sprint SSB31 Field Day prep for (3 & 4 Sep)
RIPON & DARSRob Hall, M0RBY,0787 608 5631, www.ripon.org.uk4 Foundation licensees on the air11, 18 On the air & club night25 SSB Field Day preparation
SHEFFIELD ARCPeter Day, G3PHO,[email protected] Therapeutic Toy Making,
Gordon, G4WEC8 My OCFD antenna,
David, G6DCT15 The SARC website by M6KSH22 Summer junk sale29 Club rooms open as usual
20 International Lighthouseweekend at St Mary's Island
25 RSGB 80M SSB Club Sprint(G5N)
Mexborough& DARSwould like tocongratulateJohn Gibsonfor his recentsuccess at
the Advanced exam. His new callsignis M0ZSJ and club members arelooking forward to working him onthe bands. The photograph shows(left to right) John and the Advancedtutor, Hans, G3WBG.
During a meeting in early 2010,Denby Dale ARSmade a commitmentto take amateur radio and showcaseit to a wider audience within theKirklees district by participating ina greater number of local events.They wanted to create a truly portablestation that would be able to visitschools, colleges and take part incommunity events and outdoorshows. They wanted to demonstratemodern communication methodsto a wide section of the communityand show the international bondsthat can be forged among radioamateurs. This would enable morepeople to gain an insight into thiswonderful hobby and perhaps reacha younger generation who mightotherwise never see an amateur radiostation in operation. Whilst the clubhas a good selection of radios, stageone was to obtain a new all bandportable transceiver that could beeasily powered by batteries andtransported to the various venues.
First of all they successfullyapplied for a local Kirklees communitygrant and purchased an IcomIC-706MKIIG radio and LDG IT-100ATU. The first major event was a localagricultural show in the summer of2010, where they operated GB2HSusing the new equipment for the veryfirst time. The organisers of HonleyShow kindly made a generousdonation to the club that thenenabled them to purchase a newtent. Such was the anticipation ofthe new arrival they foolishly set itup in the clubhouse one dark winter'sevening to make sure it fitted the bill,which of course it did.
The tent being erected in the clubhouse.
The club was well on its way toachieving its goal but realised thatperhaps it needed a better multibandantenna for portable operation. Karol,G0UNUcame to the rescue by donatinga Cobweb and vertical antenna whenhe upgraded his own antenna system.The radio, tent and Cobweb finallycame together as a complete stationin June 2011, when GB2HS wasonce again operated from HonleyShow. During 2011 the club plansto operate from the BicentenaryCelebrations at Huddersfield Narrow
Canal GB200HNC, Mills on the AirGB2TMI, JOTA and many other localevents. Through these activities theclub has received lots of welcomepublicity and membership hasincreased too, but most importantlythey have been able to promoteamateur radio to a wider audience inthe hope that the hobby will continueto flourish.
Club members can now operatea modern portable station safe fromthe vagaries of our English summersand they are sure that the setup willcontinue to be used for many yearsto come to take their message acrossWest Yorkshire.
The tent and Cobweb at GB2HS.
Pontefract & DARS is operating amultitude of Special Event Stationsin the next few months. Followinga busy July, GB0YD will be on theair for Yorkshire Day on 1 August.Operated from the club's shackwith the Yorkshire flag flying frommast they promise to even talk toLancastrians, even if it's only tocommiserate with them for beingborn the wrong side of the Pennines!
Throughout September, GB4BOBBattle of Britain will be operated fromthe club shack. Originally intendedfor a one-off last year for the 70thanniversary, the club decided tokeep it as an annual event to markthe anniversary.
On 3 September, GB0PHwill be onthe air for Pontefract Heritage, operatingfrom Pontefract Castle. Activities suchas the Wakefield archers display willbe taking place. The following day,4 September, GB4CONwill be onthe air from the "Festival@ The Farm".Operating from Farmer Copleys atRavensknowle Farm, this is a funday with many attractions.
On 10-11 September, GB1AVRwill be on the air from AckworthVintage Rally.
Finally, for October’s JOTA event,GB1PS will be on the air for the FirstPontefract Scouts.
Many thanks to Ofcom for dealingwith all the paperwork.
kindly donated by Rob, GD4VBA.Thanks go to Liz, MD3EEW andDan, GD0VIK for invigilating atthe exam and to Godfrey, GD4EIPfor helping Henry prepare forthe exam.
Bolton Wireless Club recentlyran a successful Foundation course.Pictured are Gregg Nolan, DavidAldred, Stewart Culshaw, BobWalsh plus tutors Glenn, G6HFF,Ian, G0CTO and chairman Mick,M0ICK.
Macclesfield & DRS is pleased toreport more success in the Foundationlicence courses. The club has beenworking in conjunction with theCongleton Air Cadets (230 SquadronATC) in providing a course and twocadets – Alex Whitmore and ScottCorbishley – have gained callsignsM6PYF and M6ZOM respectively.
Their ATC Civilian Instructor, EricWesthead, also decided to participatein the Foundation training and is nowM6EAL. One of the club's relativelynew Full licensees is Simon, M0TGTfrom the nearby StaffordshireMoorlands. That family has recentlyrapidly expanded from one radioamateur to four, with Simon's twochildren – Lucy (15) and Jos (13)– and their grandad, Simon's fatherRob, all passing the examination onthe same evening. Lucy is now activeas M6LEF, Jos is M6JCF, while Robhas the callsign M6CRF.
It’s been a busy few weeks forMerion Amateur Radio Societyand Meirion RAYNET grouprecently. Lots of pictures andevent information has beenuploaded to the new website.Information on the club’s currentactivities can be found on the eventssection of the website. Membersand visitors are encouraged tocheck out the recently updatedwebsite to see what’s going on– see www.meirion-ars.co.uk.Merion Amateur Radio Society wonthe Region 6 Club of the Year award.
REGION 6: NORTH WALESREGIONAL REP: MARK HARPER, MW1MDH, [email protected]
DRAGON ARCStewart Rolfe, GW0ETF,07833 6207331 BBQ & social
(weather permitting)15 Chat/SSB Field Day
contest planning
WREXHAM ARSPatrick, 2W0HUU,07947 701 927,www.wrexham-ars.co.uk2 Build night16 DVD night
Cwmbran & DARS has two newFoundation licensees: Chris Hodgettsand Cassandra Ezard, who is just eightyears old. Her mother is licensed asMW3EZA and her grandfather isMW0RPB. How’s that for keepingit in the family! Cwmbran memberswould like to congratulate both onpassing the exam.
Hoover ARC held a Foundationexam in March. All five candidatespassed and are going onto theIntermediate course. The photoshows, from left to right, Paul,Kieran, Jimmy, MW0EQL, Garethand William, with James in front.
At the recent Foundation examrun by Rhondda ARS all threecandidates passed with flyingcolours. The photo shows (left toright) Mike Melody, David and PaulTerrell with tutor Rhys, GW0DIV(extreme right). All look very happyas their pre-exam nerves were
whisked away on the evening airoutside the club QTH. ongratulationsare due to all three. Rhys, GW0DIVand other members now lookforward to meeting up with thethree on the air.
Aberystwyth & DARS went to thesouth of Ceredigion County for theirJune meeting to the Internal FireMuseum of Power at Sarnau, afew miles north of Cardigan, for aspecially organised evening visit.
20 club members shared cars toappreciate this interesting andinformative working museum thatcharts the history of operational oil,diesel and gas engines. Amongstthe exhibits there were Lister enginesgenerating the site’s electricity, theoldest working diesel engine in theUK and a working Crossley GasTurbine engine for all to be amazedand enthralled by – and, for thoseengineers amongst the members,drooled over. The museum alsohas a Ruston 6VE engine that wasinstalled at the BBC Moorside Edgetransmitting station and is erectinga ‘Trinity House’ building to houseworking foghorns and lighthouse
REGION 7: SOUTH WALESREGIONAL REP: JIMMY SNEDDON, MW0EQL, [email protected]
No entries received this month
The CotswoldARG ispleased toannounce thesuccessfulpasses oftheir first
three Intermediate course candidatesBob, 2E0XAK, Peter, 2E0IND andPaul, 2E0FLP. James, 2E0OUTsuccessfully sat his exam and isshown with the CARG’s courseinstructor Roger, G3REB. All ofthe four CARG students are activeon the air so please give them a callif you should hear them. Anyoneinterested in amateur radio in theGloucestershire area who isconsidering taking the Foundation,Intermediate or Full licence examis welcome to contact Don, G4PLEby e-mail to [email protected] forfurther information
MidlandARSrecentlyheldanotherFoundationcourse and
exam. The two successful candidateswere Andy,M6CDB andMac,M6AUO.
Abigail is a Year Six pupil atMoorfield Primary School inNewport, Shropshire. At the age
of eleven, shehas just gained herFoundation licence.Abigail is nowlicensed as M6KAP.Also Included in thepicture is and theradio her parents and
grandparents bought as her reward.
Tamworth ARS held two Foundationexams earlier this year. Congratulationsto Neville, M6APG, Jack, M6APN,Albert, M6AQA and Derek, M6APU.Jack is a scout and is a new memberof the recently formed TamworthRadio Scouting Group, Albert is amember of St. John and decided tofind out what RAYNET was all about;Derek is the Borough EmergencyPlanning Officer and also becameinterested due to RAYNET. The secondcourse saw success for Matt, Jim andDarren, M6BIS.
Worcester RAA has conductedanother successful Foundationlicence training weekend. Four
candidates all passed with flyingcolours and were a pleasure to teach.Well done to Nick, Rob, Lewis andDerek and club members hope tohear them on the air soon with theirnew callsigns. Left to right is Nick,Rob, M6EWA, Lewis, M6LGB &Derek, M6DRF.
REGION 5: WEST MIDLANDSREGIONAL REP: VAUGHAN RAVENSCROFT, M0VRR, [email protected]
REGION 8: NORTHERN IRELANDREGIONAL REP: PETER LOWRIE, MI5JYK, [email protected]
GREENISLAND ELECTRONICS AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETYPeter Lowrie, MI5JYK, [email protected] 2m VHF operational night
Two members of Dorking & DRSrecently obtained their callsigns aftertheir success in the Foundationexamination, tutored by John,G3YGG.
David, aged 12, a pupil at Cityof London Freemen’s School, nowhas the callsign M6PIC and Keith,who is retired, is now M6BMB.
A recent talk at Dorking aboutdesign using PIC chips was given byPaul, G0ODP. The picture shows Davidparticipating in the demonstration,helping Paul to enter callsign datainto the program for the iambickeyer PIC design. David had passedhis Foundation on the day of the talkand, appropriately, went on to chooseM6PIC as his call.
David’s entry for the examinationwas part of an ‘agreement’ with hisfather Colin, also a DDRS member,that if he passed, his father wouldapply for his callsign too. Colin passedthe RAE 29 years ago, without applyingfor a callsign: he is now M0GXV.Could this be a record?
Milton Keynes ARS trainers Andrew,G8GNI and Frank, M0JSZ ran amost successful Intermediate courseand were rewarded for their work byhaving 15 students credited with apass. Added to the recent passesat Foundation level, the trainingprogramme at MKARS for 2011has had an excellent start.
Three RS of Harrow tutors Jim,M0UJC, Ray, G0BSP and Ron,G6LTT are pleased to report, thata recent Intermediate course andexam, with five students, ended with100% pass rate. The course andexam were held at the 17th HarrowScout Headquarters, Harrow-on-the-Hill with the kind permission of Vince,G7LWN, the Group Scout Leader.
In the photograph, the fivesuccessful students are shownwith two of the invigilators. Fromleft to right, Brian, G3YKB (seniorinvigilator), Ernie, 2E0EAJ, Chris,2E0RTC, Bill, 2E0SHY, Richard,2E0NAR, Alistair, 2E0LBX andRay, G0BSP (tutor and invigilator).
Bedford & DARC would like tocongratulate John on his callsign2E0XZL and he should, if the radiogods are smiling, be receiving hisM0 callsign very soon. John hasoperated at the special events thatthe club held at Bromham Mill inBromham, supporting Mills onthe Air and also the Club’s specialevent in support of RavensdenVillage Fete, GB0RVF.
REGION 9: LONDON & THAMES VALLEYREGIONAL REP: ALISON JOHNSTON, G8ROG, [email protected]
by David Smith, M0SXD18 Social evening at the Sussex
Oak, Warnham RH12 3QW
MID-SUSSEX ARSPeter, G4AKG, 01444 2393715 Radio night and table top sale12 Fox hunt19 Boules evening at the
Crown PH, Newick26 Windmills by Keith Cook
equipment. This building will alsohouse a radio collection that isexpanding all the time and alreadyhas an operational amateur radiostation. Some of the AberystwythClub members operated GB2MOPduring the International MuseumsWeekends in June.
In June Cleddau ARS was againoperational from the opening dayof Pembrokeshire Fish Week festivalin Milford Haven using the clubcallsign GC0SYG/P. After having toendure wind, rain and local QRMfrom a brass band they were ableto make contacts all over Europeon 20m and were also transmittingSSTV on VHF.
Pembrokeshire Fish week is anannual week-long festival of events
held each June. Cleddau ARSnormally operates a demonstrationstation and uses the opportunityto promote the hobby by offeringRSGB leaflets, badges, stickers andmembers' back issues of RadComto interested parties.
GC0SYG/P at Fish Week. (L-R) Ray,GW3CR; Sid, GW0UQH, Ian, MW0IBZand Chris, GW7HAE.
Peter, M0PCR (left) and David,M0HVD (right), thank their tutorNigel, G3YSW for their three timessuccess. He has not only trainedthem from Foundation to Full overthe last three years, but alsoencouraged them to join theWorthing Radio Events Groupand participate in competitionsand public events. Founder membersNigel and his wife Chris have chairedand scribed for the club for 10 years.They stood down at the AGM thismonth to take a well-earned breakfrom the day to day running of theclub. They received the heartfeltthanks of all the members present,for whom they had done so much.Nigel will continue to train examcandidates and promote amateurradio at events such as JOTA.
Farnborough & DARS ran its second2011 Foundation course in June.There were 10 students with an evenmix of male and female applicants,the largest number of ladies on anyof their courses. Three of the ladieshad husbands with a full licence,one had a father with a full licenceand one had a long associationwith CB radio.
All 10 students passed, with thehighest group average since F&DRSstarted running training courses.
Nigel travelled down to Farnboroughfrom London for the Wednesday andSaturday and obtained 100% forthe 25 questions.
After only being in the job lessthan six weeks, ML&S’s new generalmanager, Jon Davies obtained thecallsign M6MLS.
Outer Left and outer right, LeadInstructors John, G3KND and Colin,G8BCO. Back row from left is Laura,Tracy, Jon, M6MLS, Nigel and Paul.Middle row David, Anne and Robert.Front row Kirsty and Roci.
Kris, M6KKB passed his Intermediateexam in June with a score of 39/45.He taught himself using the RSGBbook. At the same time his YL,Anna, passed her Foundationexam with the help of the teamat Chippenham & DARC. She nowhas the callsign M6BPA. Kris, now2E0KKB, only passed his Foundationexam 6 months ago and says hehas met a lot of new friends throughthe club and on the airwaves. Heand Anna would like to thank Ian,G0GRI and all at Chippenham &DARC.
In May,Mid Sussex ARS held its14th Foundation course. There were11 students and they achieved a100% pass rate. All the studentsare now eagerly awaiting their M6callsigns. The students came from awide area, the furthest coming fromCanvey Island, 75 miles away! Manythanks to the lead instructor Philip,M5BTB and fellow instructors Chris,G4ZCS, John, G8JBJ, Kim, G7AIE,Gavin, G6DGK, Alex, M0TOT andRob, 2E0RJA, also to the invigilatorsSue, G6YPY and Derek, 2E0KDL fortheir time and hard work in achievingsuch a good result.
Back row left to right: Michael Byrne, IanSweet, Douglas Hatchman, Neil White,Denis Bailey and Andy Rowland-Stuart.Front row left to right: Adrian Allen, SueAllen, Andrew Thompson, Chris Lee andAlan Mock. Photo by Alan, G8YKV
Horndean & District ARC ran itssixth Foundation licence class andexam, and the fifth Intermediateexam in April. Training wassupported with equipment boughtwith an Awards-for-All Lottery grant.All six Foundation candidates passed,as did the Intermediate candidate.
(L-R). Peter Corbin, Adam Cooke, JackWatts, David Harris, Neill Bisiker andtutor John, M0HEX.
would liketo congratulate the successfulcandidates and thank the club’sFoundation licence tutor (and clubtraining manager) John, M0HEX,the Intermediate licence tutors Mike,G4PRG and Gerry, G3COO and allthe exam team.
Six candidatesattended theFoundationcourse runby HarwellARS. In theback row(left to right)are David,M6XDB,
Conor, M6CRH and Paul, M6KMG.In the front row (left to right) areKaren, M6RTK, Caroline, M6WAHand Anne, M6YMA.
In June, Hastings Electronics &Radio Club welcomed five newIntermediate licensees, (left to right)
Mike, 2E0OFC, Hollie, 2E0HOZ, Dan,2E0FRT, Rob, 2E0CWA and Louis,2E0LPW. They had all previouslypassed their Foundation examswith Hastings' chief instructor Phil,G3MGQ and had decided it wastime to ‘up their game’. All passedwith flying colours and the projectsthey did as part of their practicalassessment for the exam wouldhave done very well at the Club'sconstruction evening in May. Twohad built the Finningley club's SDRreceiver project kit (see page 30);at £16.50 it's a real snip but, withsurface-mount components, not at allan easy one. Mike used conventionalsoldering but Dan used the solder-paste and hot air technique – veryimpressive.
Several of them have nowpurchased a PCB from Australiaand sourced the components in theUK to build themselves an antennaanalyser. They also want to start onwork for their Advanced exam, justas soon as Phil's Foundation traineeshave passed their exam in July.
Particle Physicist at The University ofPlymouth, on passing his AdvancedExamination and obtaining his Fulllicence. Kurt's new callsign is M0KPL.The photograph shows Bob, G7NHB(left) presenting Kurt with a PlymouthTraining Team Certificate.
The first four months of 2011 havebeen a busy and successful timefor the members, students andinstructors at South Bristol ARC.Meeting every Thursday at theNovers Park Community Centre inBristol, they have held 5 differentexam sessions for Intermediateand Foundation students, withgreat results. In January, fourcandidates sat their Foundationexam, resulting in passes for Chris,M6BYV, Matthew, M6DXR andHenryk, M6ATX. In March, threecandidates sat their Intermediateexam resulting in passes for Andrew,2E0CFN and Henryk, 2E0HTB. YesHenryk is very much on a fast trackand is planning to sit his AdvancedExam in June. Also in March, onecandidate sat their Intermediateexam, resulting in a well deservedpass for Andy, 2E0CFY. In April,two candidates sat their Foundationexam, resulting in a pass for Chris,M6CXB. Later in April anothercandidate sat their Foundationexam resulting in a well deservedpass for Kaye Schofield.
The club is currently running aFoundation course, with the sevenstudents enrolled likely to sit theirexams in July. There is also anIntermediate course for three studentsand a self study group aiming at sittingthe Advanced exam in June. This iskeeping the instructors Steven, G0UQT,Peter, G0DRX, Ken, G4XCB andAndy, G7KNA fully occupied at themoment!
Appledore & DARC has beenactively encouraging newcomersto the hobby for the last threeyears by running Foundationand Intermediate licence courses.A particular recent success startedwhen George, who is only 12 yearsold, visited the club's Special EventStation at Arlington Court last yearwith Stuart, M1FWD. This wasfollowed by visits to Stuart's shack– and from this, George's interestin radio took hold.
So began the process, at first underthe tutelage of Dave, G3YGJ (andthen with Stuart when Dave wentinto hospital). George workedconscientiously at radio from startto end and did lots of listening onhis new rig, so it came as no surprisewhen, in January this year, Georgeturned in a wonderful performancein the Foundation Examination.George is now the proud owner ofthe callsign M6SWG.
Cornish RAC has recently held afew Foundation courses, run byGraham, G3LAI. The club wouldlike to congratulate everyone whohas passed and also give specialcongratulations to Kira, M6KIR– their youngest member, aged 13.The club is now looking forwardto running an Intermediate courselater in the year. Although a relativelysmall club they are always happyto encourage new people into thehobby.
Appledore ARC proved a successwith the public at Abbotsham fete onSaturday 25 June. They demonstratedamateur radio, showcasing the hobbyand enabled the public to speak to aDutch operator. There was also ademonstration of Morse code.
Although the weather was mostlydull, the communications mostcertainly was not!
Members of Dengie ARC recentlyinstalled in a power supply in theirnew radio shack and museum atStow Maries Aerodrome. GB0SMA isthe only operational WWI aerodromein the world with its original buildings.It was built in 1916 by the RoyalFlying Corps to protect Londonfrom Zeppelin and Gotha air raids.
In April, Loughton & Epping ForestARS completed its 19th Foundationlicence training course. In obtaininghis Foundation licence, Mark Carterjoins his 1st Hainault Scout Groupcolleagues, Group Scout Leader,Lee, 2E0GSL and Jason, 2E0EER,both of whom attended LEFARSweekend courses in 2010. Alsosuccessful were Stephen Dalton,Stephen, M6ATA and Stephen,M6SRE who attended the coursewith his two sons, Les, M6LWBand Will, M6EHV. An Intermediatepractical assessment session wasstaged for five Foundation licenceholders, all of whom went on to passthe Intermediate exam shortly aftercompleting the assessments.
After coming from Dorchester inJanuary to attend the 18th LEFARSFoundation course, Trevor, M6TFXreturned to Chigwell Row to meet upagain with Mark, 2E0FAK and Cliff,2E0RCW. Also successful in theexam were Graham, M3VUQ andMervyn, M6BMH.
Norfolk ARC courses are in full flowfor 2011 and this picture shows 12new 2E0's, happy that they havejust passed their Intermediate exam.The club is now running its firstFoundation course of the year with11 new candidates who hope to geton the air soon.
At the recent Waters & Stantonopen day, RSGB DRM for Essex,Mark Sanderson, M0IEO presentedthe award for Region 12 Club of theYear to Essex CW ARSmembersJonathan Mitchener, G0DVJ andSteve Cocks, G4ZUL.
(L-R) Jonathan, G0DVJ, Steve, G4ZULand Jeff Stanton, G6XYU.
Continued on page 86
REGION 12: EAST & EAST ANGLIAREGIONAL REP: NEIL WHITESIDE, G4HUN, [email protected]
NORFOLK ARCChris Danby, G0DWV,01603 898678,[email protected] Informal / construction /
shack / RSGB 80mClub Sprint CW contest
20 International Lighthouse(weekend event) on the air
25 RSGB 80m Club SprintSSB contest
31 Informal / construction /shack / Bright Sparks
SOUTH ESSEX ARSNorman, M0FZW,01268 692776,[email protected] Working on the tankers
by Brian, G7IIO
86
AROUND YOUR REGION & MEMBERS’ ADS AUGUST 2011 ♦ RADCOMWWW.RSGB.ORG
FOR SALE
10GHz SLOTTEDWAVEGUIDE ANTENNA.Slotted WG16 waveguide with slidingshort matching (as used on GB3KBQ),£20. Many other WG16 items available.Adrian, G4UVZ, 01823 421751,[email protected](Taunton).
6ft FIBREGLASS DISH ideal for EME(moon bounce). Moving, so cannot use,£60. 2 x 4 ele 6m Yagis, call for price.2 x 8 ele 6m long boom Yagis, callfor price. Collect only. Trev, G2KF,07974 892179 (Cornwall).
ALINCO DJ-V17TFH 2m handheld withspeaker/mic and 32cm long flexible antenna.As new and boxed, £75 ono. Delivery extra.C R Davies, G3JAU, 01202 514078(Bournemouth).
ALL TRIO/KENWOOD. TS-530SP,boxed with manual, £275. TS-120V,10W, manual but no box, £125. VFO-120,boxed with manual, £75. Buyer collects.Chris, G0EXD, 01691 622925,[email protected](Oswestry, Shropshire).
AMERITRON AL-811H linear amplifier,purchased new in May 2011, £700.MFJ-209 HF/VHF analyser, £40.MFJ-1704 4 position antenna switch,£30. Leslie Mayhew, G8RDK, 01903200930 (Worthing, West Sussex).
ELECRAFT K2-100W transceiver,rev A, S/N 2666. Includes SSB, 100W PA,noise blanker, 160m, audio filter and clockmodules. As new, unmarked condition,factory checked to spec last month, £650.John Rollason, G3WCO, 01279 876607,[email protected] (Dunmow).
FT-1000MP/AC with INRAD roofingfilter mod, all filters fitted except 455kHz500Hz and sub receiver 500Hz. Verygood condition, 2 owners from new,£890. Steve, G0DJE, 07590 964 130,[email protected](Thatcham, West Berkshire).
ICOM IC-718 transceiver with UT-106 DSPfitted. Full working order and in excellentcondition. Inc manual and original box,£375. Please inspect and collect. Ed Emery,G0WDT, 01782 717837 (NewcastleUnder Lyme, Staffs).
KENWOOD TS-480HX. Just over ayear old, with all the fixtures and fittings,power leads and mic fully working.£680 + £10 p&p or collection welcomeby arrangement. G4FAX, 07713 084244,[email protected] (Luton).
KENWOOD TS-940S HF xcvr with built-inATU, speech module, CAT interface andIRC 400Hz filter. Two careful owners,
manual but no box. £375 ono, buyercollects or pays carriage and insurance.Terry, GM3WUX, 0141 423 2683,[email protected] (Glasgow).
MINI BEAM: WiMo MINI-2000 3 band(10/15/20), 3 element. Only used for4 weeks – excellent condition. £250 plusP&P. Mike, G3WPH, 07801 881252(Reading).
OFFERS: BC-221, working, internal PSU.FT-101 Mk 2 & FT-101E, tidy but requireTLC. FT-101E, for spares. FV-101 externalVFO, tidy and working – choice of 2. Brandnew pair of original Toshiba 6S6J6C's.Woden UM2 modulation transformer.Inspect/collect only please. Alan, G3WEF,01793 538935 (Swindon).
PYE VANGUARD AM25B, service booklet,converted to 2m, with control box etc,£45 ono. Kenwood MC-60A mic, boxed,unwanted gift, £75. Automatic RTTY 6S6high speed transmitter, GWO, 240V mains,£250. Eric, G3XXO, 01909 472316(Worksop).
RADIO VEHICLE. Ex-Ofcom Land RoverDiscovery fitted with work bench with12V and 240V, 8m Heliomast rotatabletelescopic mast with compressor,4 panorama whip antenna mounts,roof box. Perfect for portable operationsor expeditions, £5000. Nick, MM0NJC,07801826012 (Edinburgh).
SANDPIPER V9 all band HF verticalantenna 160 – 10m. £100 cash.Collection preferred or postage at cost.Ken, G3RFH, 01253 821447, [email protected] (Blackpool Lancs).
SK SALE. IC-R7000 communicationsreceiver, SSB, FM, FMn, AM. Bargain at£100. Chris, G0RDK, 01782 773185,[email protected] (Stoke-on-Trent).
TH3-JUNIOR 3 element beam, dry storedfor 10 years, buyer to collect or post at cost.£100, no offers. Mike Rowles, GW4WWN,01639 639745, [email protected](West Glamorgan, not QTHR).
TRIO TS-430S 1-30MHz transceiverin good working order, boxed withinstruction book. £230. Collection/postage by arrangement. Mike, GW4XSX,01545 570758 (Ceredigion, Wales).
TS-2000X (boxed, near mint condition)with RigRunner, MP-9600 PSU. CN-801S,CN-801HP, CN-101L, CN-103L, patchleads, £1600 ono. FT-817 boxed, carryingcase, near mint, £200. P60 tower, electricwinch, DC supply, CobWebb, TBird 3band HF, rotator with cables, £750 ono.Ian, M1IWB, 07906 238227,[email protected](Coventry).
TWO FMCB mobile transceivers. MX-21E,40 ch, 4W plus DX-27 1/4Ω mobile whip,handbook, GWO, £60. 80m trap forHustler vertical antenna, £25, boxed,never used. Buyer collects. Gwyn, G0KSG,01233 812799 (Kent).
FREE MEMBERS' ADSCharges are waived for Members'Ads submitted by e-mail [email protected]. One adper member per month; otherimportant terms & conditionsapply (see grey box on page 89).
In May, PaulDickson,SouthKestevenARS' firstFoundationtraineepassedhis testwitha 100%
score. He is now the proud holder ofthe callsign M6AVP. The instructorand other members of SKARS wishhim much enjoyment in his newhobby.
In April, Chris, Stuart and Lennystudied for the Intermediate exam atSouth Notts ARC, having completedthe practical assessments over thepreceding weeks. The projectsincluded an 80m transceiver anda synthesised VFO. The weekendcourse was conducted by David,M0BWY, Terry, M0RIA and John,G4EDX. All three students passedand await the issue of their newcallsigns. South Notts ARC is basedin the science centre attached toGreens Windmill in Nottingham.
Friskney & East Lincolnshire CCwould like to congratulate Lee, John,Steven and Wayne on passing theirFoundation exam in June. Thanksalso to M0HAZ for his dedicationin tutoring the up and comingcandidates. His hard work isappreciated.
A Foundation Course will be heldover two Saturdays in Septemberby M0OCT ARS if sufficientnumbers are enrolled. The datesare 18 and 25 September, 10amto 4pm. The exam will take placeon the second Saturday at around5pm at the exam centre. The venuefor the course and exam is close toChesterfield Town Centre. The feewill include the exam. Details on01246 275 889 or 07919 173 516.
REGION 13: EAST MIDLANDSREGIONAL REP: JIM STEVENSON, G0EJQ, [email protected]
Ron, G3KBR,01223 50171212 Come and learn
or improve yourMorse code
26 The technique of radiorepairs, Mark, M1MPW
DERBY & DARSRichard Buckby,[email protected] Junk sale9 Committee meeting16 Visit to the Network
Rail East MidlandsControl Centre in Derby
23 Video show30 On the air
EAGLE RGTerry, G0SWS,01507 4785909 Early history of
telegraphy byPeter Day, G3PHO
FRISKNEY AND EASTLINCOLNSHIRECOMMS CLUBChris M0MFP,01507 4422402 Rally meeting14 Radio rally
HUCKNALL ROLLS ROYCEARCDave Wilde, G1YAI,0844 4355593,[email protected] 10km fox hunt,
19.15 GMT,club car park, Hucknall
LINCOLN SHORT-WAVE CLUBPam Rose, G4STO,01427 788356,[email protected] G5FZ on the air6, 20 In the shack,
GB2CWPEast Kirkby OTA
10 G6COL on the air13 In the shack +
Saturday surgery15 Committee meeting17 Formal meeting24 Prepare for SSB NFD27 Saturday in the shack31 DVD night
LOUGHBOROUGH & DARCChris, G1ETZ,01509 504 3192 Portable night on air,
Humble Lane,near Sileby
9 DF 160m - new rules16 Open forum, choose
a subject23 Practical evening30 From My Log Book,
July & August
WELLAND VALLEY ARSPeter D Rivers, G4XEX,01858 432105,[email protected] CW night21 Rugby Bring
