Snips – News For Scotland – 18th July

  • RSGB Survey results published
  • Build Off in Cornwall
  • New Full course from Distance Learning Team

GB2RS Script – HERE .

GB2RS Extract:

“……………………The Bath Based Distance Learning team is now planning another course for the Full level exam syllabus. The course will run from the end of August to December this year. Students will receive weekly work packages via a virtual classroom and will have access to weekly online tutorials. Students will also have access to one of the remote tutors who will provide feedback and additional guidance where required. There will be no charge for the training but applicants must work through a pre-course classroom and quiz to be eligible for a place. The deadline for course applications is the 4th of August. For full details, and an application form, email g0fuw@tiscali.co.uk…………………”

CLUB NEWS & NETS

The GB2RS News Service is seeking a volunteer in the Caithness and Orkney area. The successful candidate should have a good 2m FM signal into the GB3OC repeater. They would be joining the existing team that reads the news each Sunday morning at 0930 UK time. If you would like to find out more, without obligation, please contact the GB2RS News Manager, via email to gb2rs.manager@rsgb.org.uk

To celebrate the first one-way amateur radio QSO across the Atlantic that took place on the 12th of December 1921, there is a plan to re-create the event in December this year. Those involved are still looking for volunteers and anyone with vintage 1920s equipment that they might consider loaning for the accompanying exhibition. See GM0DEQ on QRZ.com for email details. (More info within POSTBAG – HERE )

The GB3FE repeater serving the Stirling area is now back in service, operating on reduced power.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

IARU workshop; Antenna Build Off; Bath Based Distance Learning; Full level exam syllabus; QSL Bureau sub-manager for the G4T to Z group; GB4RS; GB2RS continues to expand; Finningley ARS Car Boot; The Wiltshire Radio Rally, Electronics Fair & Car Boot Sale ; Dartmoor Radio Rally; GM7V during next weekend’s IOTA contest; C6AHA; GM3RCV; MM8C; 18th, the International Low Power contest; 24-hour Islands On The Air contest; UK Microwave Group contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC; solar flux index remained in the 70s last week; a large solar coronal hole impacted the Earth; University of Massachusetts Lowell Observatory has now been fixed; Sporadic-E remains; Tropo ducting;

SOTA Fun On Microwave

During ‘On-Air’ chats, members of WoSARS often hear me describe some of the fun that can be had on microwave frequencies; especially for myself 13cms (2.3/2.4GHz) whilst out Activating a SOTA summit.

These escapades evolved from the creation of the GM13 GROUP of likeminded amateurs in 2017.

CLICK – For Further Information

Following the successful launch and operation of OSCAR 100 in 2018/19; this has opened up the opportunity to predictably work distant stations around Europe, Asia, Africa and even South America. Using the Satellite’s 13cms UP and 3cms (10GHz)  DOWN translator; some of our hardy band of SOTA-microeers have put together kit to access this facility.

GM/SS-037 Hart Fell – G(M)4VFL- Microwave Kit (19/05/21) [PIC – G4VFL]

Andrew’s GM/SS-037 – LOG

Andrew G4VFL was an early adopter of this challenge (see WoSARS Web March 2020 Article – HERE ) along with his ‘partner-in-crime’ Nick G0HIK; they have been progressively ‘knockin’ off summits in LD (Lake  District) and SS (Southern Scotland).

G/LD-024 Pike O Blisco – Nick G0HIK Operating (19/05/21) [PIC – G0HIK]
Now not having quite the enthusiasm of the ‘twosomes’ as to lugging dishes up summits, I do however benefit from potential Summit-to-Summit’s S2S’s, utilising my 8 ele Bow-Tie and SG transverter (2W out) and the gain of the dishes at the other end.

GM/SS-142 Scawld Law – GM4COX’s 8 El Bow-Tie (19/05/21) [PIC – GM4COX]
Popping down to just below the 2.4GHz UP Oscar frequency (2399.950MHz), it is possible to work Point-to-Point (S2S) utilising the high gain of the dishes – with the majority of the contacts being made on FM (of course falling back on SSB/CW on marginal paths).

GM/SS-100 Croft Head – GM4COX Bow-Tie on Walking Pole (19/05/21) – see end of this Post for design information [PIC – GM4COX]
And Wednesday 19th (May) this week, saw us all heading out on a predetermined series of Activations; an LD for Nick (and Chris M0KPW), and SS’s for Andrew and myself.

Predicted Path Profile – G/LD-024 to GM/SS-037 [PIC – G4VFL – CLICK to View]
Path Routes – G/LD-024 to GM/SS-037,100, 142 [PIC – GM4COX – CLICK to View]
So why not join us. Just bring along your kitchen microwave to a suitable top – you never know who you’ll work. 🙂

And I’ll leave the last word to Nick:

“……… Hi Guys,

Thanks for the contacts today, it was staggering how strong you both were. I think GM/SS-037 was 110km and GM/SS-142 was 99km. Sorry we could not stay around for your 2nd one Jack …………..”
73
Jack(;>J
EDIT: 10/06/21 – The design for the 8el Bow-Tie has been added to the GM13 Site. If you would like a copy please email gm4cox@gmail.com (file size 4MB)

Snips – News For Scotland – 16th May

The news headlines:

  • Add your voice to the amateur radio survey
  • New YOTA contest begins next weekend
  • RadCom news

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

Mid Lanarkshire Amateur Radio Society now sees the Zello chat take place from 7pm on Friday, which then moves at 9.30pm to a Net on GB3KV at 9.30pm. The DMR Scotland net on TG23550 from 8pm on Wednesdays continues to operate along with the Thursday net from 8pm on 70.425MHz. Further details can be found at www.mlars.co.uk.

A listing of all known nets in Scotland, collated by RSGB Regional Rep Tony, MM0TMZ in association with Jack, GM4COX and the West of Scotland ARS and published at www.wosars.club/radio-nets.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

survey about amateur radio; new YOTA Contest; RadCom Plus; Sporadic-E; Friendship on the Air Award; Bletchley Park plans to re-open; VE2CSI/B beacon; Amateur Radio Direction Finding;  5MHZ New Zealand; SV9/DD1GG; TY5AB; GB0AEL first woman flying solo across the Atlantic; GB1SCW SOS radio week; 144MHz May Contest; 144MHz Backpackers; UK Microwave Group Millimetre Wave Contest.

Snips – News For Scotland – 30th August

The news headlines:

    • Could you join the RSGB Board?
    • Latest Online RSGB Convention news
    • 20,000 downloads for GB2RS Podcast

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS

During the COVID crisis a list of known club nets, and activities, is now being published on the West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society (WoSARS) web site. They have a table listing times and frequencies and this can be found at
https://wosars.club/radio-nets/

With the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, we are now including meeting details where advised. However, this information should be regarded as optimistic, it is strongly advised that you to check with organisers well before travelling. Above all, please observe any national or local restrictions, including social distancing.

And, as noted in last Sunday’s GB2RS the following:

CANCELLATION – GMDX Convention – Bannockburn – 17th October. (On CALENDAR)

CANCELLATION – Galashiels  Rally – 25th October. (On CALENDAR)

CANCELLATION GMRT – Scotland’s Microwave Round Table & Dinner – 7th November. (On CALENDAR )

Dave GM3WIL – SK

Copied off GM13 Forum.  Also checkout QRZ.com.

 

11:43   
It is with tears in my eys to report the my best mate Dave GM3WIL passed away last night due to a massive heart attack. RIP Pal.
Roy
GM4VKI

12:44   
Sad to hear that Roy. I didn’t know Dave very well but my thoughts go
out to his friends and family especially as a funeral will be so
different and difficult at these times.Andy
MM0FMF

Oh no – this is tragic. I’ve known Dave from away back in the 70’s when we were both experimenting on 2M – specifically Auroral contacts.

My last chats with him seem to reassure me that he had made a good recovery for the previous underlying heart problems. It appears not to have been the case?

As I’ve said – tragic and sad, and we’ll miss his ‘quirky’ experimentation. A true amateur (:>(

14:37   

 

In message <0a5w.1585997020047929611.qLF7@groups.io>, Roy – GM4VKI via
groups.io <rkavampsev=aol.com@groups.io> writes

It is with tears in my eys to report the my best mate Dave GM3WIL
passed away last night due to a massive heart attack. RIP Pal.
Roy
GM4VKI

I’m sorry to hear that; I knew he had health problems. I’ve known him
since I lived in Troon some considerable time ago. I was chatting to him
at Galashiels in October. Worked him many times on 4m and 2m.

Brian GM4DIJ

Brian Howie

OSCAR 100 – DATV Beacon Frequency Change

Extracted off GB2RS – 29th March

“The DATV beacon on the QO-100 satellite has changed frequency and symbol rate to allow more space on the transponder for other users. The new transmission is on 10491.5MHz with a symbol rate of 1500kS, DVB-S2, FEC 4/5. A new band plan is being developed and will be published on the Wideband Spectrum Monitor https://eshail.batc.org.uk/wb/ as soon as it is finalised.”

Checkout OSCAR 100 – HERE .

Andrew – G4VFL Takes 25000 Kms (or there abouts) To Activate English Summit On 13cms

I was working Andrew – G(M)4VFL on GM/SS-056 on 13cms (2.3GHz) FM last week and he happened to mention that earlier in the week he had worked VU (India) to activate G/LD-030. I was intrigued – of course via OCAR 100 – HERE . 13cms Up & 3cms down.

I asked him if he had a picture, and indeed he has forwarded a nice shot.

Andrew – G4VFL Working OSCAR 100 From G/LD-030

Now does anybody fancy working out the path distances? 🙂

Cheers

Jack(;>J

 

How did Neil Armstrong communicate with Earth…………….?

Photo: FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

How did Neil Armstrong communicate with Earth after stepping on the moon’s surface and say his famous words?

The PLSS life support backpack contained a VHF band radio which transmitted voice and biosensor data from the spacesuit to the LEM communications system, and voice signals from the LEM to the suited astronaut. The LEM communications system, then communicated voice and bio sensor signals with Earth using S-band, a UHF frequency range widely used in space because of its ability to pass through Earth’s ionosphere without distortion or reflection.

All voice communication was amplitude modulated, which is why it carried readily recognizable AM signal distortions and noise. The S-band transmitter that talked to Earth also acted as a transponder, responding to coded ranging signals from Earth which were used to accurately measure the distance from a ground station on Earth to the LEM. Voice and data could also be routed through the CSM in orbit, and there stored on the DSE recorder for later spooled delivery to Earth, though I don’t know that this was actually done with lunar EVA data.

The VHF transceivers had two channels, and communications between the LEM and suited crewmen were “duplex,” meaning each could transmit simultaneously to the other. Ground transmissions, on the other hand, were “simplex,” and the characteristic Quindar tones were used to simplify single-channel (you talk, then I talk) communication.

Communication between the LEM and astronauts performing EVA was facilitated by a small VHF antenna deployed by the first crewman down the ladder. On the surface, the crew deployed a large, umbrella like S-band antenna for beaming voice and data directly back to Earth without having to relay through the CSM and its high-gain antenna array.

On later missions, of course, a somewhat smaller deployable S-band antenna was carried by the Lunar Roving Vehicle.

Original Article Courtesy of FORBES.COM – HERE and QORA.COM .

Snips – News For Scotland – 19th January

The news headlines:

  • Volunteer as a Regional Representative
  • New member of Exam & Syllabus Review Group
  • Teams section launched on RSGB website

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS:

Stirling and District Amateur Radio Society club has a meeting from 10am to 2pm this Sunday and next Sunday. Thursday sees a club night. For details, email secretary@gm6nx.com.

On Monday Edinburgh and District Amateur Radio Club has its net. Contact Norman, GM1CNH, on 0774 094 6192.

On Tuesday Dundee Amateur Radio Club is having a club night with training. Contact Martin, 2M0KAU, on 0776 370 8933.

On Tuesday Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur Radio Club has an activity and training night. Contact Len Paget, GM0ONX, via email to klarcinfo@gmail.com.

On Tuesday Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society has an operating evening. Details from Cathie, 2M0DIB, on 01506 433 846.

On Tuesday Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society is having a talk and demo on DMR by Andrew, GM0UDL. Contact Paul, GM8HWZ, on 0796 717 1189.

On Wednesday Inverness and District Amateur Radio Society has its AGM. For details, email InvernessRadioSociety@gmail.com.

On Wednesday Lothians Radio Society is having a talk Aircraft Scatter and Useful Test Equipment by Pete Bates, GM4BYF. For details, email secretary@lothiansradiosociety.com.

West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society has a Solder Group meeting on Wednesday. Friday sees a club night with a ‘virtual’ talk by Tommy, GM3EDZ (SK) on the history of the club, which is now in its 50th year. Details are at wosars.club.

On Thursday Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society is having a talk to promote the construction competition. Contact Fred Gordon, GM3ALZ, on 01975 651 365.

On Thursday Lomond Radio Club is having a club night. Details from Barrie, GM4HEL, via email to gm0kzx@googlemail.com.

Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club is having a club night on Thursday. Saturday sees a mobile meet. For details, email info@GM4RIV.org.

On Friday Mid-Lanarkshire Amateur Radio Society is having a club night, tuition and radio operations. Details at mlars.co.uk.

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