Welcome to the Lothians Radio Society
5 May 2021 - LRS Viral Net 57
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
The next LRS Viral Net, #58, will be on Wed 12th May at 20:00a on 144.350MHz SSB.
All welcome to call in!
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Net #57 participants were: Colin GM4HWO (controller), Pete GM4BYF, Briain GM8PKL, Peter GM4DTH, John GM8OTI, Mike GM8KCS, Norrie GM1CNH, Alan GM3PSP and Brian GM4DIJ.
Pete had used a temporary mast for the microwave weekend and worked 15 stations on 70cm, 10 on 23cm but only 1 on 13cm. On 2m last night he worked 40 stations and 13 squares, best DX at 517km. He was working on a computer for next weekend's 2m portable contest. Brian BJF was not on this evening. Briain toasted everyone with Rioja! He had received photos of the recent installation of the 6m beacon GB3RMK at Rosemarkie by Brian BJF and Chris GM3WOJ and would circulate them. He had just bought a CW filter for his FT-736 on e-Bay. Colin would be catering the barbecue at the 2m portable contest at Gatehouse next Saturday with German-style dishes and beer. A table had been booked at the Masonic Arms for the Friday evening. He had installed a 50W mobile rig in his red Landrover. Peter had 2m antennas for testing. He had received C-cells from China. He had worked Toby MM0TSS/M again on his weekly Wednesday visit to Edinburgh, and also Mike on the Erskine Bridge. He requested all LRS expenses claims by the end of May. John was just back from Gatehouse, where he had checked out the Masonic Arms. There was no alcohol served indoors yet. He hoped he might make it for the contest weekend. Mike asked if the 2m antenna height was 54 inches. Norrie had had lunch at the Masonic Arms last Saturday where they had 8 tables outside, serving alcohol. Alan had received photos of the installation of the GB3ANG beacons in 1982 from Chris GM3WOJ and had put them in the Archive section of the website. He mentioned the Silent Key of Danny Begg GM3YXJ of Penicuik, father of a neighbour of his. Brian was complaining of a headache after his Vax-2! He had just bought a new pair of running shoes. On 13cm he had worked 27 stations, all locals. 2m was a damp squib with mostly locals but 2 Gs - G4SZN/P and G4KUX. He could not hear the new Rosemarkie beacon (neither could Alan). George DU1GM / GM4COK had just joined the LRS reflector - welcome! E&OE. Audio rec. tnx Peter:
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Net #56 participants were: Pete GM4BYF (controller), Alan GM3PSP, Peter GM4DTH, Willie GM0CII, Brian GM4DIJ, Briain GM8PKL, Mike GM8KCS, Norrie GM1CNH, Peter GM0PXV & Colin GM4HWO (just)!
Alan mentioned some website news items. He asked for more information about the broadband VHF noise that people had experienced. Peter DTH said the "Phantom Jammer" was giving wide-band noise from 140 - 170 MHz especially on Mondays and Thursdays at 11-12h with vertical and horizontal polarization at times. The bearing from his QTH at Holy Corner was about 110 degrees, vertically-polarized. The broadband signal suggested a military source. He also mentioned the historical Russian Duga or "Woodpecker" over-the-horizon radar signals in the 1980s.. These were also mentioned by DIJ, PKL, KCS and BYF. Peter has just received a nice pre-focus LED lamp from China. Willie called in to give historical info to PSP on Portland Radio in Rodney St., run by a Mr Sturruck. Brian DIJ found 13cm to be ropey on Tuesday but worked GM4JTN (?) in Montrose. The beacon had been good strength, then disappeared!. He would put more info about Duga on the LRS reflector. Briain had finally got a new filter for his FT-736 on e-Bay. He was visited yesterday by Ricky GM0VUY, and later by Brian BJF who brought the new 50MHz beacon being prepared for Rosemarkie. Mike now had a wide-band antenna for 2-300MHz and had heard the rescues of people from Cramond & Inchkeith. He now had a new 70cm 30W rig. Norrie was running 20W vertical and everyone was 5&9+. Pete would listen for the jammer tomorrow. He recalled the Woodpecker array. On 13cm yesterday he only worked 5 stations including a G4 in Lincs by aircraft scatter. Peter PXV in Corstorphine had had a successful house electrical inspection. Colin called in at the end after having to work late. He was anxious to finalize details for the May 2m portable contest at Gatehouse of Fleet. E&OE. Audio rec. tnx Peter:
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For reports and recordings of previous nets, see Meeting Reports.
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GB3ANG Installation 1982, see New on Website ==>
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RADIO NEWS, SILENT KEYS & SALE / WANTED ITEMS
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
Click on item to open. Send items to GM3PSP.
Archived as News or Silent Keys in LRS Archive
1. RADIO NEWS ITEMS (Click on for full info).
2021-05-04 Military morse code experience helps elderly couple bust out of assisted living facility.
2021-04-30 New 6m Beacon GB3RMK at Rosemarkie, installed by Brian GM8BJF of LRS. The beacon is now back on the air on new frequency of 50.460MHz, running 80mW QRP. It idents on FSK, CW & PI4. Chris GM3WOJ is looking for a low-band base station suitable for conversion as a PA. Reports and spots appreciated. "We were up at the site (in the snow) installing this morning. It is well placed to the south".
2021-04-25 2m Repeater GB3AG near Dundee - temporarily closed due to Silent Key of keeper Peter Carnegie GM1CMF. Awaiting new keeper NOV.
2021-04-23 Pink Noise Generator project for RSGB GB2RS transmission quality - Peter GM4DTH
2021-05-15 MOC Goudie Lecture - Mapping Scotland's Islands - Prof. C. Withers.
2021-04-13 Titanic Radio Operator's post-card up for auction.
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LRS MEETINGS ARE POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE BUT WE DO HAVE OUR "LRS VIRAL NET" EACH WEDNESDAY AT 8-9pm ON 144.350MHz SSB. (Reports on this page). ALL WELCOME.
And if you miss it, each net is recorded by Peter GM4DTH. Click on link at the bottom of each report.
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Don't forget the RSGB GB2RS NEWS BROADCAST is available every Sunday morning in the Edinburgh area at 09:30h from LRS member Peter GM4DTH on 70.425MHz FM, 145.525MHz FM, 433.525MHz FM, followed by call-in to Peter at 10:00h usually on 145.575MHz. with several LRS members there.
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2. SILENT KEYS (Click item for full SK).
2020-05-22 - SK - GM3YXJ, Danny Begg, Penicuik.
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3. ITEMS FOR SALE (Click item for details)
2021-04-23 AOR LA400 Active Loop Antenna for sale - Dave GM6KGZ.
2021-04-18 Surecom SW-102 Power / SWR Meter for sale - £50 - Dave GM6KGZ
2021-04-18 Canon EOS 4000D DSLR Camera with 18-55 Zoom Lens - £150 for sale by Dave GM6KGZ.
2021-04-14 More Test Eqpt for Sale - Dave GM6KGZ.
2021-04-12 Items for Sale by Dave GM6KGZ:
- BSIDE 5566 Digital Multimeter & Bluetooth
- Variable Voltage Power Supply :
16V (5A) 27V (3A) 36V (2.2A) - £40
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2021-04-03 For Sale by Dave GM6KGZ:
- Roberts Stream 65i Radio - £100
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2021-04-03 For sale by Norrie GM1CNH (April List).
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2021-03-31 For Sale by Colin GM4HWO: 150 MHz VHF 2m folded dipole with a 1.2 metre boom fully tested and fitted with a coaxial tail with N type socket ready to use - £15
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2021-03-27 For sale by Dave GM6KGZ:
- Tecsun PL-680 - Shortwave Radio - £75.
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5. NEW ON LRS WEBSITE
2021-05-07 - GB3ANG Beacons installation by LRS members in 1982.
6. COVID-19: Click for Special Instructions.
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4-6 Sept 2020 - LRS GM3HAM/P RSGB 2m Trophy, Gatehouse of Fleet
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
The LRS GM3HAM/P contest group were active during the 2m Trophy Contest from our usual site near Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries & Galloway.
Participants were: Colin GM4HWO, Brian GM8BJF, Mike GM4IGS, Norrie GM1CNH, Bob MM0XRI (guest), Rob MM0RHU (guest) and Peter GM4DTH, with apologies (H&S) from Alan GM3PSP & Pete GM4BYF.
The station made 196 QSOs plus a few dupes.
Best DX: F6DKW 57097 JN18cs in Paris at 808.4km
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Photos - by Colin GM4HWO & Andy MM0FMF.
L-R: Andy MM0FMF, Brian GM8BJF, Mike GM4IGS, Norrie GM1CNH, Colin GM4HWO, Bob MM0XRI, Rob MM0RHU & Peter GM4DTH - suitably masked!
Andy MM0FMF
Peter GM4DTH
Recording of GM3HAM/P QSO with G4AQB.
(Full report in Society Activities) Click.
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23 & 25 July 2020 - 122GHz - Two Firsts in 3 Days by Brian GM8BJF & Pete GM4BYF / G4BYF - Confirmed by Microwave Group
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
GM8BJF/P GM4BYF/P
Brian GM8BJF reports: Pete GM4BYF and myself have recently built up VK3CV 122GHz (2.4cm wavelength) transceiver boards into portable systems and have been doing some tests with them. On Thursday 23rd July we had what we believe wss the first GM to GM contact across a distance of 0.69 km between two hills in Edinburgh and on Saturday 25th July we went down to the English border and had what we believe to be the first GM to G contact on the band.
Interestingly, Doppler effects were observed even at walking speed on this band (no fire-engine required)!
We were using the system in its most basic form with 25 mm circular horns. Plans are now afoot to add refinements such as GPS locking and improved antennas and try for longer paths having established the basic functionality of our setups.
John G3XDY of the UK Microwave Group has confirmed that these are "Firsts" for GM/GM & GM/G on 122GHz. Certificates will be awarded. Congratulations to Brian and Pete.
John G4BAO has credited Brian and Pete with the GM-G "First" in his GHz Bands page (64) in the November 2020 RadCom & link to Brian's webpage.
GM8BJF/P seen across the border from G4BYF/P. (International DX !)
Full details with more photos and 3 short videos are on Brian's website at:
https://gm8bjf.joomla.com/2-uncategorised/23-122-ghz-activities
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19th July 2020 - GM4DIJ/P in RSGB 70MHz Trophy Contest from nr Stranraer in Galloway.
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
Brian GM4DIJ returned to his favourite portable location at IO74mu about 8km south of Stranraer, to operate in the 70MHz Trophy contest on 19th July.
Brian's station was an FT847 into a TE Systems linear amp with 100W output. The antenna was the 11-element VHF NFD yagi re-spaced as a 6 element, which was a struggle to erect to 5m in the wind, but at least the wx was sunny.
Valid QSOs: 30
Claimed QSO points: 9224
Claimed # of exchanges: 23
Claimed # of DXCCs: 4
Claimed total score: 249,048
Best DX: G3XDY; JO02ob; 513km.
Mni tnx to Brian for providing this report.
See also Brian's 23cm entry in March 2020
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21st July 2020 - Website: https://WorldRadioHistory.com
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
WorldRadioHistory.com
Many thanks to Brian GM8BJF who has just reported finding a potentially very useful website: https://WorldRadioHistory.com which provides detailed links to a very large number of publications serving the Amateur, Broadcasting and Music interests. You can search for specific pages in the publications, from the first edition onwards.
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5th April 2020 - Temporary Q-Codes
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
Brian GM4DIJ has just received this from his friends in the SOC - Second-Class Operators Club:
From SOC mailing list
Temporary Ham Radio Q-Codes for our times:
QLD: I am locked down.
QUA: I am quarantined.
QPD: I am in the middle of a pandemic.
QTP: I have toilet paper. Want to trade for a new car?
QFC: I am flattening the curve.
QHG: I need a hug.
QSH: I am sheltering in place.
QHS: I have hand sanitizer. Want to trade for two new cars?
QSD: I am observing social distancing.
QCV: I hate Coronavirus
Click for Special Instructions.
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MESSAGE FROM RSGB TO ALL RADIO AMATEURS
Dave Wilson, M0OBW, RSGB President, and Ian Shepherd, G4EVK, RSGB Board Chair have a message to radio amateurs.
“We hope that you all understand the very serious nature of the current health crisis. As you are now aware, the situation has dramatically worsened and we have all been ordered to stay at home unless travelling for a specific and unavoidable reason. As radio amateurs we are in the fortunate position of being able to talk to other amateurs and chat to those who are finding it tough going. Ian and I are asking you, as radio amateurs, to please do one thing for us: search out local amateurs and arrange a sked, not necessarily on air: there are many alternatives we can all use such as video calls, or even a simple phone call. Pay particular attention to those who you know or learn to be alone or who are vulnerable for whatever reason. We are all in this together! Keep safe.”
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01 April 2020 - HAM COVID-19 Guidelines
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
EFFECTIVE APRIL 01, 2020.
Amateur Radio operators are ordered to strictly observe the Coronavirus mitigation guidelines as they apply to amateur radio operating.
All ham radio operators are encouraged to stay at least 6 feet from the microphone in order to maintain proper separation from others. The distance may be reduced if a mask is put on the microphone.
CW operators should wear appropriate gloves when handling keys. Speakers should be securely covered with .01 micron particulate HEPA filters.
There should be no more than 10 stations on the same frequency at the same time.
Disinfect your knobs, switches, etc before operating ... especially touch screens and PTT. Shoe covers should be worn when using foot switches. Use of hands-free VOX is strongly encouraged although from 6 feet away, it may be necessary to shout.
Disinfect all antenna cables coming into the station.
Only mobile stations and walkie-talkie contacts are permitted where sit-down service has been banned. The 6 ft microphone separation guideline is suspended for these types of operation, but a mask on the microphone is strongly recommended.
Mobile operators are encouraged to remain in their vehicles except to get necessities.
Operators should leave their operating positions only for necessities.
Outdoor antenna work is allowed as long as there is social distancing among all who are present.
Hoarding of batteries, spare tubes, coax, etc. is discouraged and is unfair to others. We are in this together.
New equipment and parts should be ordered online for front porch delivery.
Do not test (tune) your equipment unnecessarily. That is wasteful and inconsiderate. Testing should be reserved for those who actually need it.
Your understanding and cooperation in this matter is mandatory while particularly observing the Effective Date.
(By NL7XM, received via N2BEG, Rochester NY).
Click for Special Instructions.
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