Our club meets every month, normally on the third Tuesday. Our meetings typically involve a radio based talk or presentation followed by a chance to catch up over a cuppa.
Do you have an interesting radio related topic to share? We are always looking for interesting presentations and ideas for our club meetings. If you have a story to tell and fancy sharing some interesting aspect of our hobby then please get in touch with our Membership Secretary by emailing membership@verulam-arc.org.uk.
Some past student practical assessments. Presented by Chris Taylor of Taylor Made RF While the talk will be focused on using DMR in the local area Chris will be covering the differences in all current digital modes and giving a run down on how to use the Elstree Club Fusion Gateways (One of which is in St Albans). This is the 33rd year that DDRC have held their popular rally. More information can be found at: http://www.ddrcbootsale.org. The 50 MHz contest commences on the 18th June at 15.00 for 24 hours. The start time of the BBQ is still to be confirmed but it is believed to be just before the start of the contest. On the evening of June 21st the Verulam Amateur Radio Club will be holding an 'Antenna Shootout' on the playing field of the Aboyne School in St. Albans. The committee has deliberated over the rules for this event and decided to class it as an 'open' event. So what does this mean? Well, in the interests of experimentation and having fun members are encouraged to bring along any type of antenna they wish for any band for temporary installation on the field. Bringing your own radio is not essential as the club can provide one to hook up to your antenna although 'on-air' time my be very limited depending on demand. Members are encouraged to try a diverse range of operations and modes to see what works well, what works poorly and what doesn't work at all! Running a radio from your vehicle is fine provided you bring enough feeder to reach your antenna if planning a ground based setup. Although the event is not designed to be a competition, for those of you have do have a competitive streak there will be an unofficial contest to see who can make the furthest contact on the least amount of power. This will be calculated on a miles per watt basis. Those of you who don't have an antenna to bring of your own are encouraged to assist where possible helping and collaborating with others to get their monstrous antennas into the air and to have a go on the mike, key or keyboard of the stations setup. For those of you who want to have a go but are missing a few bits and pieces to make it happen please shout as I'm sure other club members can help out with equipment. We're sure there will be plenty to see and learn during the event as well as plenty of laughs so we look forward to seeing you there....... Announcement from Mike Stewart (G4RNW) of the Edgware & District Radio Society: “Once more we have been able to secure the services of Doctor Jamie Barras. He has very kindly presented previous talks at our club based on his research at King's College. On this occasion his talk will be entitled ‘POKING A HORNET'S NEST’ subtitled ‘LAND MINE DETECTION USING RF SPECTROSCOPY’. Based on our experience of his previous presentations, this promises to be an interesting and absorbing lecture. So please encourage your members to come and help us, a small club, to make up the numbers and give Doctor Barras the welcome he justly deserves. There is ample parking available and tea and biscuits will be available during the interval, as usual. The talk starts at 8pm on Thursday 14th July. Our address is The Watling Community Centre, 145 Orange Hill Road, Burnt Oak, Edgware, HA8 0TR.” Following a fantastic team effort getting G3V on the air for the CQ WW 160 CW contest, Alex, M0UKR talks us through the wide range of antennas chosen for the contest and discusses the challenges of putting a high-performing top band station together. Contact:- David G4HHJ for more information. The Headquarters compound is approached along a narrow lane signed very boldly as OAK TREE MANOR CARE HOME. Jamboree On The Air has been around for many years and is intended to provide a means for scouts to be able to communicate with scouts in other countries, inevitably the event attracts amateurs from outside the scouting movement. Recently it has been joined by Jamboree On The Internet with similar intent. At the moment VARC is concerned with a JOTA operation. Stan Ames returns to VARC to talk about the contribution made by three early wireless experimenters (amateurs) who dramatically improved wireless interception for Naval Intelligence (Room 40) in WW1. They set the pattern for the vital role subsequently played by 1500 radio amateurs in WW2. One of the three was among the first group to arrive at Bletchley Park when it opened in 1939. Contact:- Norman Fisher G8ATO Any members who may be interested please e-mail treasurer@verulam-arc.org.uk giving an idea of their numbers that could be attending. Details of menu will be published when known.