November 2011
IN THIS ISSUE
Recent Event News
Future Meetings and Events
Members News
Miscellaneous
RSGB EGM
Technical Snippets
Noticeboard - Wanted/For Sale
News from other Clubs
Equipment Sales
Meeting and Event Diary:
04 Nov
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M
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An Evening of Short Talks
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02 Dec
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M
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Christmas Social
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06 Nov
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R
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Kempton Park Radio & Electronics Rally
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06 Jan 12
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M
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TBA
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20 Nov
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R
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CATS Bazaar
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03 Feb 12
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M
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AGM and Construction Contest
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E = External event, M = club meeting, R = Rally, T = Training course
Dear Reader
Recent Event News
Club Meeting Place
On 7th October we held our first meeting in the new church meeting area which was certainly much more presentable and warm compared to the Parish Rooms. The kitchen has an on demand boiling water facility and a dishwasher.
If members attending meetings have any thoughts or comments please direct them to one of the club committee members.
30 Sep & 1 Oct - National Hamfest
Your scribe visited this show on the Saturday, travelling by train to Newark Northgate and a short taxi ride to the showground - a much less stressful way than driving.
Booking the train tickets in advance reduced the travel costs significantly and there was a small discount when buying an entry ticket in advance from the club website.
A wide range of new and second hand equipment and components were on sale plus a large area occupied by the RSGB. A number of local radio clubs had stands as did the RAIBC and RAOTA.
7th October 2011- 'Military Radio Equipment for the Amateur' by Dennis Noe M0NDJ
Dennis gave us an illustrated talk on the Clansman radio equipment. On show were a considerable number of examples of both electronic equipment and associated hardware like aerials.
Of particular interest was an aerial tuning unit with a variable inductor made from silver plated strip that was wound between an insulated former and a metal former. This was a good example of precision engineering and was obviously very expensive to make.
The Clansman system consists of the following equipments:
PRC 349 - A 250mW portable VHF FM transceiver covering 37 - 46.975 MHz FM
PRC 351 - A 4W backpack VHF FM transceiver covering 37 - 46.975 MHz FM. The PRC 352 is the same but has an additional 20W RF amplifier
VRC 353 - A vehicle-mounted VHF FM transceiver covering 37 - 46.975 MHz with 50W RF output.
PRC 320 - An HF/USB/AM/CW transceiver covering 2 - 29.9999MHz with 3 or 30W output, USB/AM/CW.
VRC 321 A vehicle-borne HF transmitter / receiver, 20-30W output, USB/AM/CW.
VRC 322 A VRC321 station with an additional 300 Watt pep linear amplifier (ARF 250W) and appropriate high power antenna tuning unit
PRC 344 - A forward air control UHF AM transceiver covering 225-399.99 in 50KHz steps with 2.5W output.
At least one of the units on show featured a valve RF stage to protect against damage by an electro-magnetic pulse from a nuclear explosion.
One of the byproducts of meeting ruggedness specifications is weight - some of the units were extremely heavy even though made of aluminium - 40Kg for a small base station being typical. Some of the units had die cast or precision machined internal mechanics - not cheap.
Dennis demonstrated a 5m high aerial support system that could be assembled and erected by one person in a few minutes.
Most of this equipment is now available on the surplus market and most lends itself to amateur radio operation. There are also conversion articles available, for example to provide lower sideband operation as Clansman only provides upper sideband.
In use since the 1980s, the Clansman system is in the process of being replaced by the new digital Bowman communication system.
A quick search on eBay showed a wide range of complete units and spares ranging from £2.99 for a headset to £275 for a full PRC352.
Future Club Meetings and Events
4th November 2011- An Evening of Short Talks
Each year we try to have one talk on a non-amateur radio topic and this evening two of the short talks will be on non electronic subjects as follows:
Jim Lugsden: Why wood warps and some comments on wood rotColin M0XED: I will bring 'string' and show all the knots used at the most recent garden show e.g. bowline, half hitch, rolling hitch, sheet bend etc
Victor G1PKS: The Discovery of Electricity and several other important discoveries
[Colin was originally going to do a short talk on Loop Aerials but as there is a lot to cover this will be scheduled in for a complete evening early next year - Ed]
14th November 2011 CATS Quiz
Steve G3WZK, CATS Secretary, writes: "This year, the Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society (CATS) has re-introduced its Annual Quiz. The Quiz will be organised by Steve G7SYO and partner Wendy, both of whom are experienced quizmasters outside the sphere of amateur radio.
As a nearby radio society or club, you are warmly invited to send a team to take part in the quiz.
Individual members from your societies are also welcome to attend if they wish, but please do let us know first.
This year's event is at the usual CATS venue - St Swithun's Church Hall, Grovelands Road, Purley and starts at 8:00 pm. For more information or updates, please visit www.catsradio.org"
Sunday 20th November - CATS Bazaar
We have booked a table at this event to help clear the silent key equipment that Victor is currently storing for the club. Help is required by members to transport the equipment and man the table for a few hours. Location details in the Diary of External Events later in this newsletter.
Members News
Peter Springall's funeral was held on 19th October and the club was represented by Ceri.
Trevor M0DIA is now regularly active on the Wednesday evening net on 145.525MHz with 5W FM. A new mains transformer is on order for his power supply which should allow him to run 25W once fitted. He has moved roooms in his new home and his signal is perfectly readable in Coulsdon but not particularly strong. He would like to do some signal tests with other members.
Miscellaneous
The November edition of RadCom contains extensive information relating to the EGM being called for 19th November at the NEC. You will find an editorial giving some background, an article on the work of the Advisory Group and its proposals and formal paperwork relating to the EGM and the Resolutions to be considered. This is important to all RSGB Members and the Board hopes everyone will read the papers and support the proposed Resolutions by voting either in person at the EGM, by post or on the web.
In addition, RSGB President Dave Wilson has written to all club explaining the reasons for the EGM and the motions to be considered by members.
EGM DETAILS. Hilton Metropole, NEC, B40 1PP (located next to the NEC), in the Arden Room. There is easy access to the motorway network. The venue is just 10 minutes from Birmingham airport and the train station. There is a courtesy bus that runs from the train station to the hotel and a free monorail from the airport to the train station to pick up the courtesy bus. There is a very large car park in front of the hotel that is on a first come first served basis.
The formal EGM starts at 12 noon, registration is from 11am. In the afternoon, following the EGM, there will be an informal discussion and presentation on the Advisory Group's proposals, which will give those present the chance to comment and add input. [Source RSGB]
Technical Snippetts
If you use the low power NE602 or equivalent (8 pin DIL package) oscillator/mixer IC in your projects and find the dynamic range somewhat limited there is an improved product made by Motorola called the MC12002 in a 14 pin DIL package. This offers a mixer function with better dynamic range but no inbuilt oscillator. Manufacture of this device has now been taken over by Lansdale Semiconductors Inc and it has been renamed to ML12002. Data sheets are available for free over the Internet.
For a much higher dynamic range the Plessey SL6400 mixer IC can still be obtained but has a much higher power consumption and is rather more expensive.
Experimental stations to be active on 3 November
A number of the WD2XSH experimental stations will be on the air on Thursday, November 3 to mark the 105th anniversary of the Berlin International Radiotelegraphic Convention.
According to ARRL WD2XSH Coordinator, stations operating in the band from 495-510 kHz will call CQ on 500 kHz and then QSY to complete the QSO. Stations operating in the band from 461-478 kHz will call CQ on 474.5 kHz and then QSY. Other stations may operate beacons with special messages in the bands from 508-510 kHz and 476-478 kHz.
For a complete list of stations participating in the WD2XSH experiment, as well as information on how to send your reports, please see the WD2XSH website at http://www.500kc.com/. [source RSGB[
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:
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:
a) Heavy duty Radio Mast, (Clark Mast DAF 30) which stands at 7ft 6in tall when collapsed and 30feet fully extended. There is a fitting at the top for many different aerials to be fitted to this mast, 6 guy lines and 3 heavy duty iron angle ground pegs to assist when using in windy conditions and a bag with a hammer to hold the guy lines and pegs when transporting them. £500.00 ono. Delivery within a reasonable distance may be possible otherwise buyer must collect as it is far too heavy to post or ship. Photos available on request. Contact Norman Norris M0NTN on: 020 8299 0242 or 07817 338 255.
Barend Hendriksen in Holland carry a wide range of interesting electronic components at reasonable prices and provide a good service with deliveries to the UK taking only a few days. They can be found at http://www.barendh.com/
73
G3OOU
Diary of External Events
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06 Nov - Kempton Park Radio & Electronics Rally
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Kempton Park racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. OT 10.00. TS, FM, DF, free CP, RSGB, LEC, TI S22 (V44). Paul, M0CJX, 08451 650 351, email: info(at)radiofairs.co.uk, website: www.radiofairs.co.uk
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20 Nov - CATS Bazaar 10am - 1pm
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1st Coulsdon Scout HQ, rear of Council Car Park, Lion Green Road, Coulsdon, Surrey. 10.00-13.00, £1, Details Glenn, G4FVL, email: chairman(at)catsradio.org.
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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 Nov
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"Islands On The Air, IOTA" by Martin Atherton, G3ZAY.
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03 Dec
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CARS Christmas Christmas Lunch", 12 for 12.30pm at the Lodge Inn near Battlesbridge
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03 Jan 12
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HF Tuners for M3s and M6s.
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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(at)catsradio.org
14 Nov
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CATS quiz: Quizmasters Steve (G7SYO) and Wendy
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12 Dec
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AGM
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Dorking & District Radio Society
Meetings at the Friends' Meeting House, Butterhill, South Street, Dorking RH4 2LE starting at 7.45pm.
22 Nov
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The 4 Square Antenna - results, Garth Swanson
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09 Dec
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Christmas Dinner at The Stepping Stones, West Humble
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Echelford Amateur Radio Society
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:
Meeting on 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30pm at RNIB Redhill College, Philanthrophic Road, Redhill.
South East Essex Amateur Radio Society (SEARS) ContactDave G4UVJ on: 01268 697978,
Meetings: 8pm 2nd Weds each month at: 31 Feeches Road,Southend on Sea SS2 6TE (temporary location which may change for each meeting - please see web site).
09 Nov
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AGM
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14 Dec
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Christmas Social and Radio Night
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Surrey Radio Contact Club (SRCC)
1st. and 3rd. Mondays every Month (unless Bank Holidays) 7.30 for 7.45pm at Trinity School, Shirley Park, Croydon, CR9 7AT. Contact John Kennedy G3MCX on 020 8688 3322 or
07 Nov
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An Airport for London That Never Was, Ced Verdon
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05 Dec
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Club Talk
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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(at)scrs.org.uk Web: http://scrs.org.uk/
17 Nov
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`The GSM Mobile Phone Network Infrastructure' by Dave Smith MØSXD
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15 Dec
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Christmas Junk Sale - note recent change of date for this month
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19 Jan
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'Ham Radio Olympics' by Roger Western G3SXW
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16 Feb
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`Military Radio' by Denis Noe MØNDJ
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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
11 Nov
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Discussion on Licence Training
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25 Nov
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Surplus Equipment Sale
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09 Dec
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Christmas Social
(final meeting for 2011)
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Please replace the (at) with @ in all email addresses shown in this newsletter.
Items For Sale:
Sensible bids are invited to Bob G3OOU for the following items that are for sale from three radio shacks:
a) A few remaining items from the shack of Eddie G4KBY:
Description
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Price
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Description
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Price
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Telequipment Model 43 dual beam oscilloscope - working but needs a good clean as very dusty inside.
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£5
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1 bag of pre-packed ICs, 1 bag of RS Components prepacked, 1 bag of identified ICs and transistors
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£5
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2 two-way data transfer switch box - useful painted project box
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£2
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Sangamo Weston E772 1000 ohms per voltanalyser with leads.
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£5
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3 way data transfer switch box - useful painted project box
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£2
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Original HRO receiver printed manual with an S Meter conversion article.
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£5
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15W soldering iron, mains powered
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£1
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25W soldering iron, mains powered
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£1
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Pye fist microphone with 5pin connector
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£2
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A Future Electronics transistor tester FTC 401
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£5 the lot
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1mA FSD meter with 3 inch dial
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£1 each
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 |
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b) The following items are from the shack of Ron G8OTG:
Description
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Price
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Description
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Price
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Advance Signal Generator SG62B
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£30
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Kenwood SP120 loudspeaker enclosure
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£25
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FT290 + manual
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£50
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Microwave Modules digital frequency counter with short aerial
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£25
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Colinear vertical aerial with white weatherproof outer cover for 6m and 2m, other bands not yet known
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£15
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Soldering iron base and spring - less soldering iron and sponge
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£5
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Crystal calibrator on a PCB with 1MHz crystal
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£5
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Bosch mobile radio with fist mic - amateur band frequencies not yet established
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£20
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Thandar battery oscilloscope SC110 with brief manual
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£25
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Active ATU - requires external DC supply
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£10
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Complete 230V Soldering Iron station
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£25
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Icom IC-240
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£80
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Yaesu FT-225 RD transceiver
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£80
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Nova mobile radio
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£10
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Heathkit RF Probe
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£5
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Mains Bench PSU with 12V output
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£10
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ARRL Handbooks - 1976 and 1988 editions
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£5 each
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Yaesu speaker/microphone YM-49
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£10
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AM Radio Techniques by G3VA
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£5
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RSGB VHF Manual
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£5
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Q-Max chassis punches
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£5 each
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2 gang 500pF standard varable capacitor
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£4
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c) The following items are from Trevor's shack:
Description
|
Price
|
Description
|
Price
|
Project box, unused, in good condition approx 7" x 7" x 11" wide
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£5
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Project box, unused, in good condition approx 4" x 5" x 6"
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£2
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Marconi TF2437 100MHz counter timer
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£50
|
PX3 small unused project box
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£1
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Datong D70 battery powered Morse tutor
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£25
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Box of assorted variable capacitors
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£3 each
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Ex Army Morse key
|
£5
|
Avo Universal Multimeter - looks like a model 7
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Small hand held hand powered drill
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£2
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Commercial Loudspeaker in black case with lead and 3.5mm plug
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£5
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Box of assorted valves including two EF183 and one 6SA7
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Unboxed £1 each, boxed £2 each
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Q-Max chassis punches in ?. 1, 1?
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£5 each with an Allen key, £4 without
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Home constructed kit frequency counter with LED display
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£10
|
Diamond Antennas 50 ohm 15W Dummy load with PL259 connector
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£15
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All items are bought as seen.