Antenna Shootout 2021 – Bob (G4PVB)

My antenna is a 2m folded dipole designed by Dave Kimber, G8HQP. I followed his instructions like this:  2m Folded Dipole – a loft-mounted vertical folded dipole for the 144 – 146MHz band. Theory: A vertical antenna most appropriate for 2m. A fat dipole (therefore wideband) will have a lower feed impedance at resonance than a thin dipole … Read more

The 2021 VARC Antenna Shootout

The annual VARC Antenna Shootout starts today and runs until the end of June. The theme for this year is ‘2-metre activity’ meaning that it can be any mode, any polarisation, and any power (within applicable licence restrictions of course). You can operate from any location but must use your own callsign and not the … Read more

RSGB Virtual Visit

In January, Ron White G6LTT, the club’s district representative spoke at the club’s virtual meeting. He was joined by Terry Baldwin G4UEM, also a representative. Ron described the changes now taking place, particularly with training and examinations which have moved online, including invigilation of exams, all of which can be booked and paid in the … Read more

Antenna Shootout 2020 – Roger (M0RBK)

The antenna consists of: 1:1 Balun Lengths of copper brake pipe approximately 1m long pipe and secured into grooves in a length of wood. “Stingers” which can be moved to adjust the length and secured with grub screws. It is secured to the mast with a stainless steel clamp.

Antenna Shootout 2020

Every year Verulam Amateur Radio Club holds an Antenna ‘Shootout’ Contest. The idea is to get as many club members as possible building their own antennas and then competing against others to see who’s antenna performs the best. Over the years we have had loads of really interesting submissions, from massive quads to tin-foil and … Read more

Antenna Shootout 2020 – Peter (G3UHN)

The VARC Lockdown Challenge was to make a 6m antenna from materials found at the home QTH.  No sneaking off to local suppliers or mail ordering!  A rummage through my garage found the following: Plastic rectangular-section conduit, two telescopic Band 1 TV antennas, SO239 socket, ‘U’ bolts and miscellaneous bits of wood. Unfortunately, no useful … Read more

Our March Meeting

Hello everyone, I am sure, like me, you have been following the news and government reports surrounding the coronavirus.  While the risk to the general population is still perceived to be low, we need to consider the safety of our members, especially as some of us are likely to be in a high-risk category. Over … Read more

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