March 2011
In this Issue:
          Club News
          Recent Meetings
          Future Meetings and Events
          Spring Sale
          Members & Club News
          Technical Snippetts
          Computer Corner
          News from Other Clubs

Meeting and Event Diary:
27 Feb 11
R
Rainham Rally
13 Mar
R
Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club Rally
04 Mar 11
M
Building and using the Ten-Tec 1330 by Martin M1MRB
17 Apr
R
Kempton Park Radio & Electronics Rally
E = External event, M = club meeting, R = Rally, T = Training course
Recent Event News
4th February 2011 - Annual General Meeting
This was a good event from the club's perspective because for the first time in many years we have a full strength committee of seven. Thank you to all previous committee members and club members for their support.
Committee election results:
Secretary: Bob Burns G3OOU
Treasurer: Colin M0XED
Ordinary members:
Rufus Cable M6RUF,
Victor Johnston G1PKS,
Robert Kelso M3RJK,
Alan O'Donovan G8NKM
Peter Springall.
Victor has also offered to take on the roles of Membeship Secretary & Newsletter Distributor.
The Chairman is due to be elected at an EGM at the next meeting.
Following a brief presentation on the finances by the Treasurer it was decided to increase the annual subscription to £12.00 from January 2012 and leave the meeting fee unchanged at £1.00. The Treasurer will review the finances towards the end of this year and report to the next AGM with any recommendations for change.
Construction Contest
First prize went to Colin M0XED for his building of an Elecraft K2, second prize went to Cliff M6AMN for his Aerial Tuning Unit.
Future Club Meetings and Events
Extraordinary General Meeting - 4th March 2011
Notice is given that an EGM will be held during the meeting on 4th March 2011 to elect a Chairman. This is required because volunteers for this post must be appointed by a meeting of club members and not by the committee.
4th March 2011 - Building and using the Ten-Tec 1330 by Martin M1MRB
Martin writes: `As an ongoing feature for the ICQPODCAST in 2010 my son and I looked for an interesting project which our listeners could follow as well as take part in. We chose the TenTec 1330, this is the story of building it and the fun I had.
The project had to meet the following criteria:
Be a complete kit, with all parts and a case.
A kit with good performance
A cost effective kit which other listeners could also build and interact with us.
A support group i.e. Yahoo group
A kit which I could operate portable
Light weight for back packing.
Good user base
Allow modifications at a later date
A manufacture or supplier, who would talk to us about this and other products.
Mode of operation
Secondary reason for the project was for me to learn Morse Code.
So why build another radio? I have radios that will work on these bands from other manufactures which work very well. The answer is the WOW factor. Building your own and operating it is a great feeling.'
Members News
Members subscriptions for 2011 are now due (£9.00) so please ensure that you pay them promptly. A tear-off renewal slip is included at the end of this newsletter. Please hand it in or send it in with your subscription for 2011 as Victor is updating his club database.
Basil Carter G3ODU - Victor has recently received the following communication from Basil's son Alan:
I write regarding my father Mr B Carter (G30DU) a member of the Crystal Palace Radio and Electronics Club. As you may know he has been suffering from a long term illness but his spirits were recently lifted when he received a 50 year callsign badge from the RSGB. If you could let the other members who know Basil of this event it would be greatly appreciated. He sends his regards to all members and while he might not be able to get to meetings these days he has fond memories of meetings past to sustain him. He enjoys having the newsletter read to him as sadly his failing sight means he is unable to read it himself. So keep up the good work.
Yours
Alan Carter
RadCom Old Timers Honours Roll
Congratulations go to a number of our club members who have been mentioned in `dispatches' in the February 2011 RadCom for their long time membership of the RSGB - Frank G3BWV (71 years) and Ken G3DJK (63 years). Your scribe is a comparitive newcomer to the list at 51 years together with Basil G3ODU at 50 years.
Our club is mentioned in the March 2011 RadCom as having been a member of the RSGB for 53 years.
Club Project
Committee member Rufus M6RUF has offered to take on the task of finding a new project. If members have any ideas or suggestions for a project please send them to rufus.cable@me.com for consideration. Rufus will present a short list of proposed projects in due course.
Club Net
Colin M0XED is now operational on 2m FM and is putting out a surprisingly good signal considering his location at the bottom of a tall hill and a temporary aerial installation. Victor is now back on 2m FM having repaired his base station rig and is putting out his customary S9 signal.
What we need now are more club members on the net. Does anyone need any assistance in this respect?
Technical Snippetts
MF History in the making - at 21:34 GMT on 13/02/11 Joe VO1NA decoded a full beacon decode from G0NBD , on frequency 502 KHz.
Not only was this the first `LIVE RTTY' decoded over the Atlantic but at 2134 hours, was a quite unexpected event so early in the night. The signal to noise ratio ranged from -23 to -27 dB giving 100% decode.
ROS MF demonstrated a good ability to resolve signals with deep and rapid QSB, over a 3500Km path. The transmission was sent using MF-7 with an estimated ERP of 1 watt from a 35ft top loaded vertical.
[Source: http://rosmodem.wordpress.com/ and the RSGB web site]
Miscellaneous
Foundation Licence Course - following the success of our first course we are now collecting names for our next course. If you or someone you know would like to take part please contact Victor on Victor@jmail.co.uk for an application form.
Licence Validation: Your scribe has just validated his amateur radio licence and that of the club for another five years using the Ofcom website. However, following an update to their database about 12-18 months ago some subsequent users have found it impossible to log in and three failed attempts results in a locked account. If you have this problem then you must contact Ofcom by email or telephone to ask for assistance.
A very helpful member of their staff sorted the problem in a few minutes and the process is now complete for another five years.
If you need to activate by letter then there is a £20 fee.
National Science & Engineering Week will take place between 11 and 20 March. Everybody is talking about the sciences and engineering this March as the UK's widest celebration kicks off with the theme of `communication'.  Thousands of events and activities in all types of venues will show how science and engineering relate to your everyday life, from intimate café discussions and shopping centre science busking to city-wide science festivals!
[Source: http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/NSEW/index.htm ]
On a lighter note - have you had problems with bad service from a call centre? This is something that most people have experienced at some time and it leaves you with a feeling of complete frustration. A group in Belgium decided to get their own back by giving a call centre a taste of their own service levels. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxXlDyTD7wo&feature=youtube_gdata_player
which takes a few minutes to run and has English sub-titles.
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
27 Feb - RAINHAM RADIO RALLY
Rainham School for Girls, Derwent Way, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 0BX. 10.00, Trevor, G6YLW, 0771 7678 795, e-mail trevwig1.co.uk .
06 Mar - BOURNEMOUTH RADIO SOCIETY 23rd ANNUAL SALE
Kinson Community Centre, Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth BH10 7LH. CP, OT 09.30-14.30, admission £1.50, TS, SIG, C, DF. Contact John, G0HAT, 07719 700771. Web: www.brswebsite.org.uk
12 Mar DUTCH NATIONAL RADIO FLEA MARKET
"Autotron", Rosmalen 's-Hertogenbosch, just off A59 motorway OT 0900 to 1530. TS, FM, €6. TI PI4SHB, 145.250MHz. Details +31 6 1356 1325.
E-mail inforadiovlooienmarkt.nl.
13 Mar - Cambridge & District Amateur Radio Club Rally
Wood Green Animal Shelter, King's Bush Farm, A1198 London Road, Godmanchester, Cambs PE29 2NH. OT 10:00 (09:45), £3, TI, TS, B&B, LB, C, DF, FAM, Contact John, G0GKP, 01954 200072, e-mail j.bonnerntlworld.com.
Visit website: www.cdarc.co.uk
10 Apr - Cambridgeshire Repeater Group Annual Rally
Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Talk In S22, Opens 10.00, Entry £2. Contact Lawrence, M0LCM, 01223 654880, e-mail rally2011@cambridgerepeaters.net  
17 Apr - Kempton Park Radio & Electronics Rally
Kempton Park Racecourse. Open 10:00. Parking, trade stands, catering, disabled facilities. Contact info@radiofairs.co.uk
12 Jun - East Suffolk Wireless Revival (Ipswich Radio Rally)
The Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, A14 Eastbound, Nacton, Ipswich, IP10 0DD. RSGB Bookstall, GB4SWR HF station, Opens 9.30, Entry £1. Talk In S22. 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. Talk In S22, Opens 9.00, Entry £2. Sellers have access from 8am and pitches cost £10. Details from rally@nadars.org.uk
Visit website: www.nadars.org.uk
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
01 Mar
"Islands On The Air (IOTA) by Martin Atherton, G3ZAY
05 Apr
"Home Built Transmitter as used on Radio Caroline" by CARS Member, Oliver Swain.
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/
14 Mar
Building and using the Ten-Tec 1330 by Martin, M1MRB
11 Apr
WSPR by Walter Blanchard, G3JKV
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
22 Mar
Home Construction Techniques by Bob Burns G3OOU
26 Apr
PIC Chips by Paul Swarman G0ODP
24 May
Personal Challenge 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.
09 Mar
Life as a Ship Radio Officer by Dave, G4AJY
13 Apr
The Sky at Night by Bruce, G1JJS
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: Ray Howells G4FFY on 020 8644 7589 or secretary@g3src.org.uk for more details.
07 Mar
Spring surplus equipment sale
04 Apr
AGM
09 May
Construction Evening
06 Jun
Construction Contest
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/
17 Mar
'Behind the Scenes at Bletchley Park in WWII' by Brian Oakley
21 Apr
'Simple Junk Box Antennas' by Martin Butler M1MRB & Denis Noe MØNDJ
19 May
Annual General Meeting
23 Jun
'Susy Radio' by John Stockley G8MNY - note change of date
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
25 Feb
Military Radio for the Amateur -
Denis Noe M0NDJ
25 Mar
Radio Topics -
Andrew Maish G4ADM
________________________________________
Items For Sale
Sensible bids are invited for the remaining items from the shack of silent key G4KBY:
Description
Price
Description
Price
KW1000 HF bands linear - fairly heavy but in reasonable condition
£250 ono
Two 1mA FSD meters
£1 each
Sangamo Weston E772 1000ohms per volt analyser with leads (old and large testmeter)
£10
Two small soldering irons, both mains powered
£1 each
Sharp Loudspeaker Unit
£2
Pye fist microphone
£2
One 2D2 valve
£2
Vanco TVI30 30MHz Low Pass Filter
£10
Telequipment Model 43 dual beam oscilloscope - working but needs a good clean as very dusty inside
£5
VT-1A valve (very old RAF valve with British four pin base)
£5
Original HRO receiver printed manual with an S Meter conversion article.
£5
Three PM1-HF valves with British 4 pin bases
£3 each
Labgear 30MHz low pass filter
£5
2D2 valve
£3
Datong Morse Tutor
£
1 box of assorted clips and connectors
20p per item
Box of assorted new capacitors
£2
PM1-LF valve with British 4 pin base
£3
3 gang 500pF new miniature variable capacitor
£5
One Moorhead valve with a British 4 pin base - number is difficult to read
£5
Future Electronics FTC40 transistor tester - requires a battery
£10
VT86 metal octal valve
£1
EM272 Electronic Avo Meter - clean condition but needs two batteries
£10
6J5 metal octal valve
£1
Raymart Bandchecker - Wavemeter covering 3.5 - 35MHz in 3 ranges
£5
6K7 metal octal valve
£1
Small power supply - mains to 9V DC on a metal chassis
£1
6L7 metal octal valve
£1
Packer WM-2A wavemeter covering 140-300MHz
£5
VR53 metallised octal valve
£1
Box of assorted new discrete semiconductors and Ics for radio/TV
£2
Assorted coaxial adaptors
£0.50 each
1 Jar of crocodile clips
10p per item
20W valve commercial audio amplifier
£5
2 two-way parallel port switch boxes with Centronics connectors
£2 each