May 2011
IN THIS ISSUE
     Club News
     Meeting and Activity Program
     Future Meetings and Events
     Members News
     Club Net
     Computer Corner
     Technical Snippetts
     Wanted and for Sale Boards
     News from Local Clubs

Meeting and Event Diary:
06 May 11
M
 Introduction to D-Star by Chris Howard 2E0CTH
5 June
R
Newhaven Fort Amateur Radio Group Rally and Fort Open Day
14/15 May 11
E
Mills on the Air
12 Jun
R
East Suffolk Wireless Revival (Ipswich Radio Rally)
20-22 May
E
Dayton Hamvention®
19 Jun
R
Newbury Radio Rally and Boot Sale
22 May
E
Dunstable Downs RC National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale
01 Jul
M
TBA
03 Jun
M
TBA
05 Aug
M
Summer BBQ
E = External event, M = club meeting, R = Rally, T = Training course

Dear Reader
I am sorry to have to advise that club member Basil Carter G3ODU died in hospital on Saturday 2 April. The funeral was on 21st April with a committal service at Beckenham Crematorium and a further cervice at at the Grove Centre Church, Sydenham. The club was represented by Victor G1PKS, Alan G8NKM and Bob G3OOU. Basil worked for STC in the RF Electronics and Quality Control industries and was widely travelled on his many projects. He first joined this club in 1978 and was a regular visitor to meetings until his sight deteriorated several years ago.
Recent Event News
1st April 2011 - Technical Systems in Air Traffic Operations in the UK by Alan O'Donovan G8NKM followed by a Club Discussion
a) Alan gave us an illustrated talk with many slides of aerials, communication systems, boundary maps and control stacks of aircraft, one of which is shown towards the end of the newsletter. Communications between aircraft and their ground controllers is absolutely critical in managing the aircraft flight paths across many countries in so it is important to ensure that the system designs minimise the risk of a single mode failure.
Air Traffic in its many forms is managed by three organisations:
the CAA who are regulate air traffic and the operators inclusing aircraft mantenance
NATS who manage aircraft en-route and airports
Euro Control who manage the control flow of aircraft across Europe
There are three control centres in the UK that manage aircraft in four sectors: Civil, Military, Flights between 5,000 - 24,500 feet and Flights from 24,500 - 60,000 feet.
Radio communications take place on VHF (118 - 137MHz) and UHF (225 - 400Mz) using 110 channels and 33 base sites. All communications is AM with channel spacings of 25 and 8.33KHz.
Use of Mode S in modern aircraft traffic control.
The picture (at the end of this newsletter) shows a "vertical stack list" as displayed to controllers working the London Terminal Control Area (normally referred to as the TMA). This particular shot shows flights holding above Bovingdon and shows the use of Mode S. The white figures are the controller requested levels, the green figures the actual flight levels (SSR Mode C), and the yellow figures the aircraft's intended flight levels as entered into their flight management system, this information being relayed from the aircraft to the ground systems via Mode S.  
Using the above display it is quite easy for the controller to see whether an aircraft will meet the required flight level or if a pilot may have misinterpreted a controller request.
b) The second part of the meeting was a short discussion on topics for a new club project.
Rufus M6RUF is in the process of looking at a number of possible projects including some form of digital VFO which can now be made relatively easily using a single IC as the frequency generator. He and Alan G8NKM will report back with more information.
The meeting also indicated interest in a contruction evening.
Future Club Meetings and Events
6th May 2011 - Introduction to D-Star by Chris Howard 2E0CTH
Chris writes: "I'll cover description of the D-Star system including its components and operating modes, its history, how to operate in various scenarios, what equipment is available and hopefully an `on air' demo.'
Members News
a) Your scribe and his XYL spent a recent weekend exploring parts of Birmingham city centre including the jewelry quarter and museum and some of the system of canals together with a visit to the theatre.
b) Your scribe also visited the Kempton Park Rally on 17 April. There appeared to be a few less exhibitor stands than last time but the event was nevertheless well attended and a number of useful items were purchased.
c) Our chairman Alan writes: A friend of mine has asked me if anyone at the club might like his old Fairchild 100MHz scope. It's apparently in working order but the wafers on the timebase switch are a bit dodgy and sometimes you need to waggle it to get the correct timebase setting, but it does work. Anyway it's free if anyone would like it.
Phone Alan on 020 8778 9660 if you are interested.
Club Net
The net continues to be sparsely populated and no feedback has been received from members on its date, time and frequency of operation.
Technical Snippetts
a) For readers interested in the history of research and development in physics, electronics and other related topics, the Bell System Technical Journals from 1922-1983 are now available online at:
http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/bstj/
You will need a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader on your PC as the files are in PDF format.
b) Your scribe has now completed the renovation and updating of his stub loaded HF aerial. Most of the work entailed replacing the sunlight hardened and now seriously weakened polythene insulators with Acrylic rod insulators in a total of 140 feet of open wire feeders. The remainding work was the addition of a 50MHz dipole to the centre of the aerial.
As the HF section is many wavelengths long at 50MHz and above it was evident that a lot of the radiation was occuring from the ends and very little from the broadside direction. The new 50MHz dipole is just short of three half wavelengths on 144MHz so should provide significant broadside radiation on 50, 70 and 144MHz. Once the new 50MHz dipole was in place there was a significant change in the tuning positions of the VHF Z-Match. A drawing of the new aerial design is shown below:
The original aerial started out as shown above but the top section had to be shortened to 125 feet overall to get the top band resonance up to 1.84MHz and this will vary somewhat between installations. A half size version will work down to 3.5MHz. More details of this aerial and its feeders and stubs are shown on the technical web site.
c) BBC issues PLT report
The BBC has issued a report investigating the potential interference to broadcast reception from Power Line Telecommunication (PLT) equipment used in the home. The BBC Research White Paper can be found at: www.bbc.co.uk/rd/publications/whitepaper195.shtml
Recent experiments carried out by the BBC demonstrate how power-line networking can interfere with FM radio and knock out DAB entirely, but only for those who get a decent data rate.
The new study was commissioned by the BBC and authored by one current and one former BBC engineer. The study examines transmissions coming off PLT kit, but while they were measuring the signal strengths and monitoring the frequencies, the engineers turned on a portable radio to discover if it still worked. They found that it did not. That is a critical issue as the only technical requirement for PLT kit states that it must not prevent other devices "operat[ing] as intended". PLT kit is required to conform to the Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2006 (EC), which state that such interference can't be allowed.
[Source: Rufus M6RUF, RSGB and BBC]
Notice Board - Wanted and For Sale
The Notice Board is for all club members to use so if you have one or more items that you wish to buy or sell then please send in the details. The current list of items may be viewed at: http://www.g3oou.co.uk/ in the "Notice Board - Wanted and For Sale" section.
Wanted:
a) SWL club member looking for a VHF multimode receiver covering at least 144-146MHz. Contact Victor on 020 8653 2946 or Bob on 01737 552170.
For Sale:
Mode Components has a website at http://www.modecomponents.co.uk/ and can be contacted on 0121 554 5157 or 07984 071369.
Email at sales@modecomponents.co.uk or
modecomponents@yahoo.com
Sycom run by Robin G3NFV supplies a range of electronic components & new/second hand equipment. The web site can be found at: http://www.sycomcomp.co.uk/
JAB Electronic Components, PO Box 5774, Birmingham, B44 8PJ supply a wide range of electronic components and can be contacted on 0121 682 7045 or by email at: jabdog@blueyonder.co.uk
73
G3OOU
Diary of External Events
14-15 May - Mills on the Air weekend
The S.P.A.B. Mills section (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) run this event every year on or around the second weekend in May and Denby Dale Radio Society are co-ordinating the Radio side of this event.
Anyone planning to take part in this year's Mills on the Air over the weekend May 14th and 15th is asked to please register their details on the Denby Dale ARS website
20-22 May - Dayton Hamvention®
Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio, USA. 3 day pass $20/$25 on door. Visit website: www.hamvention.org
22 May - Dunstable Downs RC National Amateur Radio Car Boot Sale
Stockwood Park, Luton LU1 5NR (M1 J10 then yellow DDRC signs). TI S22 (V44), CP £2, OT 9.00, C. Website: www.ddrcbootsale.org
5 June - Newhaven Fort Amateur Radio Group Rally and Fort Open Day
Newhaven Fort, East Sussex, near the southern end of the A26. CP, £2, OT 10.30, CBS, DF, FAM, CS, SIG, C. Sellers tables £7 each, set up 9am. Eddie, G0ECW on 01273 300772, eddiezamboodle.demon.co.uk.
12 Jun - East Suffolk Wireless Revival (Ipswich Radio Rally)
The Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, A14 Eastbound, Nacton, Ipswich, IP10 0DD. CBS, B&B, SIG, LRC, RSGB Bookstall, GB4SWR HF station, C, CP, TI S22. OT 9.30, £1. Contact Steve, M1ACB on 07711 329624
Visit website: www.eswr.org.uk
19 Jun - Newbury Radio Rally and Boot Sale
Newbury Showground, next to M4 J13. Big display area of amateur radio stations, exhibitions, special groups, clubs and societies. TI S22 (V44), free CP, OT 9.00, £2, TS, C, DF, FM, SIG. Sellers have access from 8am and pitches cost £10. Details from rallynadars.org.uk
Visit website: www.nadars.org.uk
24-26 June - Hamtronic Show, Friedrichshafen
Messe, Friedrichshafen, Germany. TS, FM, CP, SIG, LB, C, DF, LEC, CS. Large RSGB bookstall
Website:
17 JULY - McMichael Rally and Boot Sale -
Reading Rugby Club, just off the A4 east of Reading. TI, free CP, £2, LB, C, SIG, WIN, TS, CBS. OT 9.30. Details Pete, G8FRC, 01189 695697, g8frcradarc.org
06 Nov - Kempton Park Radio & Electronics Rally
20 Nov - CATS Bazaar 10am - 1pm
A full list of rallies and events may be found at http://www.rsgb.org/events/index.php
News from other Clubs
Club Secretaries - please send your meeting programs to Bob G3OOU. Our newsletter is now published during the third week of each month and closes for editorial input at the end of the second week. Due to differing publication dates and short lead times it is sometimes difficult to include other clubs' specific events although we will endeavour to do so if advised in time.
Chelmsford Amateur Rado Society (CARS)
Secretary Martyn Medcalf G1EFL Tel: 01245-469008. First Tuesday of each month at MASC, Beehive Lane, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 9RX. Essex. UK. Web: www.g0mwt.org.uk
03 May
"A Beginners Guide to Astronomy" by John Greenwood
07 Jun
"G5RV Night" to commemorate his Birthday 100 years ago by CARS Members
05 Jul
"G5RV Night" to commemorate his Birthday 100 years ago by CARS Members
Coulsdon (CATS) 2nd Monday every month, 8pm at St Swithun's Church Hall, Grovelands Road, Purley. Contact: Steve Beal G3WZK on 01883 620730 or secretary@catsradio.org
Web site: http://www.catsradio.org/
09 May
Talk on motorcycle trip to Himalayas by M0NAT
13 Jun
CATS Annual DF Hunt
Dorking & District Radio Society
Meetings at the Friends' Meeting House, Butterhill, South Street, Dorking RH4 2LE starting at 7.45pm.
Contact: Garth Swanson G3NPC on 01737 359472 or G3NPC@swansons.org.uk
Web site: http://www.ddrs.org.uk
24 May
Personal Challenge evening
28 Jun
Electrical Safety - Robin Page-Jones G3JWI
26 Jul
South Downs evening.
Echelford Amateur Radio Society
Secretary Tony Collier 2E1IDK on 01932 564099 - e-mail tony@woodroad12.fsnet.co.uk
Web site: http://beam.to/ears
Meets on 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
Phone for details.
Mitcham & District Amateur Radio Society
Secretary: Mike Knott G0WCR, 76 New Barnes Avenue, Mitcham, Surrey, CR4 1LF.
Tel: 020 8764 4716
Phone for details
Reigate Amateur Transmitting Society
Secretary: Tim Trew G8JXV
Tel: 01293 775278. Email:
tim.trew@btinternet.com
Meeting on 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30pm at RNIB Redhill College, Philanthrophic Road, Redhill.
South East Essex Amateur Radio Society (SEARS) Contact: Norman, M0FZW (Hon Sec)
Tele: 01268 692776,
Email: secretary@southessex-ars.co.uk
Web: http://www.southessex-ars.co.uk/
Meetings: 8pm 2nd Weds each month at: South Benfleet Primary School, High Rd, SS7 5HA.
14 May
My experiences of SOTA by Dave, G4UVJ
08 Jun
Essex CW Group Presentation by Jonathon Michener
Surrey Radio Contact Club (SRCC) 1st and 3rd Monday every month, 8pm at Trinity School, South Croydon. Contact John Kennedy G3MCX 020 8688 3322 or secretary@g3src.org.uk for more details.
09 May
Club Project Construction Evening
06 Jun
Construction Contest
04 Jul
Club BBQ
Sutton & Cheam RS. 3rd Thursday every month, 8pm at Sutton United FC, The Borough Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton. Contact John Puttock G0BWV on 020 8644 9945 or email info@scrs.org.uk  Web: http://scrs.org.uk/
19 May
Annual General Meeting
23 Jun
'Susy Radio' by John Stockley G8MNY - note change of date
21 Jul
'Repairing Vintage Radios' by Dave Smith MØSXD
Wimbledon. 2nd and last Friday every month, 8pm at Martin Way Methodist Church, Buckleigh Avenue, Merton Park, SW19 9JZ
Contact Jim Bell, M0CON on 020 8874 7456
Web site: http://www.gx3wim.org.uk/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
27 May
Audio Amplifiers and the National Valve Museum - Allan Wyatt
24 Jun
Modern Photography by Peter
Beardow G1SHV
29 Jul - 07 Aug
Summer Camp
09 Sep
Summer Camp Retrospective


Use of Mode S in modern aircraft traffic control.

Items For Sale
Sensible bids are invited to Bob G3OOU for the following silent key items:
a) A few remaining items from the shack of Eddie G4KBY:
Description
Price
Description
Price
KW1000 HF bands linear - fairly heavy but in reasonable condition
£200 ono
Telequipment Model 43 dual beam oscilloscope - working but needs a good clean as very dusty inside
£5
Sangamo Weston E772 1000ohms per volt analyser with leads (old and large testmeter)
£10
1mA FSD meter with 3 inch dial
£1 each
Original HRO receiver printed manual with an S Meter conversion article.
£5
Two small soldering irons, 15W and 25W, both mains powered
£1 each
1 bag of pre-packed ICs, 1 bag of RS Components prepacked, 1 bag of identified ICs and transistors
£5
2 two-way and three way data transfer switch boxes - useful project boxes
£2 each
A Future Electronics transistor tester FTC 401
£5
A 250v-12v power supply unit.
£5
Pye fist microphone with 5pin connector
£2

b) The following items are from the shack of Ron G8OTG:
Description
Price
Description
Price
Advance Signal Generator SG62B
£30
Universal Avo Minor in old leather case
£10
FT290 + manual
£100
5 Way coaxial switch with SO239 sockets - 4 outputs plus ground position
£7.50
144-146MHz strip-line filter with SO239 sockets
£20
Kenwood loudspeaker enclosure SP120
£25
6 way coaxial switch - four outputs plus open and ground positions, SO239 sockets
£10
Microwave Modules digital frequency counter with short aerial
£25
Trio 9130 2m multimode
£75
RF Through-line power meter T-435
£10
Crystal calibrator on a PCB with 1MHz crystal
£5
Soldering iron base and spring - less soldering iron and sponge
£5
Active ATU - requires external DC supply
£10
Bosch mobile radio with fist mic - amateur band frequencies not yet established
£20
Kenwood R-1000 receiver
£50
Complete 230V Soldering Iron station
£25
Icom IC-240
£80
Yaesu FT-225 RD transceiver
£80
Yaesu speaker/microphone YM-49
£10
Thandar battery oscilloscope SC110 with brief manual
£25
Nova mobile radio
£10
Diamond DSV3000 12V 25A PSU
£25
Mains Bench PSU with 12V output
£10
Kenwood PS-30 DC PSU
£30
ARRL Handbooks - 1944, 1976 and 1988 editions
£5 each
Colinear vertical aerial with white weatherproof outer cover for 6m and 2m, other bands not yet known
£15
AM Radio Techniques by G3VA
£5
RSGB VHF Manual
£5
9 Q-Max chassis punches
£5 each
AVO 8 with probes and carrying case
£20
Heathkit RF Probe
£5
2 gang 500pF standard varable capacitor
£4
All items bought as seen.