Welcome to the Lothians Radio Society
22nd July 2020 - LRS Viral Net
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
Fresh from his 122GHz exploits (see below) Pete GM4BYF was the controller for the 17th LRS Viral Net on 29th July. Participants were Briain GM8PKL, Peter GM4DTH, Alan GM3PSP, Mike GM8KS, Norrie GM1CNH, John GM8OTI, Brian GM8BJF in deepest Peebles (now receivable by stations in Edinburgh via his vertical antenna) & Willy GM0CII. Topics discussed were the recent GM-GM & GM-G "Firsts" on 122GHz by Brian GM8BJF & Pete GM4BYF, now confirmed by the UK Microwave Group - congrats!. Also the search for a volunteer to run the SCOTIA-SOTA award formerly administered by Andre GM3VLB-SK. Pete GM4BYF is awaiting a response from LOTW to handle GM3HAM/P QSLs. LRS Pub Nights have been cancelled for 2020, & GMRT-2020 - Scottish Microwave Round Table - tbc.
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The next LRS Viral Net will be held on Wed 5th August at 20:00a on 144.350MHz SSB - all welcome!
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There were eight participants in the 16th LRS Viral Net on 22nd July: controller Colin GM4HWO, Peter GM4DTH, Pete GM4BYF, Brian GM8BJF, Briain GM8PKL, Alan GM3PSP, Mike GM8KCS and Norrie GM1CNH. Brian BJF was stronger with several stations after turning his antenna vertical and reflecting off a building to his south.
Brian and Pete both reported progress on their 122GHz project (that's a wavelength of 2.5mm)! Alan mentioned new LRS website items: GM4DIJ's report on his 6m Trophy entry, and the WorldRadioHistory website with links to very many radio, broadcasting and music magazines, found by BJF. Other topics included the "Phantom Jammer" - could this be military as one DF'd location was close to the Castlelaw range?; the Scotia Trophy (possible incorporation into SOTA?); outdoor pubs for Pub Nights and a possible date for return to the Braid Hills Hotel. The larger meeting room would be appropriate to provide spacing but the problem of servery noise remains.
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The ten participants in the 15th LRS Viral Net (is it really that number already?!) on 8th July 2020 were Controller Pete GM4BYF, Mike GM8KCS, Briain GM8PKL, Brian GM8BJF in Peebles, Norrie GM1CNH, John GM8OTI, Andy "GM3PYU/P", Peter GM4DTH, Alan GM3PSP and welcome return guest Mike GM0MMN in Kirkcaldy. Brian GM8BJF was slightly weaker than last week and a little difficult to copy, but did make an antenna adjustment which helped.
John and Alan both bragged about their brand-new post-viral haircuts and John even provided a photo - see below. He also mentioned his photos of Comet Neowise which he has sent to club members. Andy "GM3PYU/P" is actually MM0FMF using a SOTA club callsign (I think - psp). Also discussed were LRS hopes for participation in the RSGB 2m Trophy contest from Gatehouse on Sept 4-6, and possible continuation of the Scotia Award formerly run by André GM3VLB-SK.
John GM8OTI with brand-new post-viral haircut
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Earlier Viral Net reports added to
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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).
2020-09-04-06 RSGB 2m Trophy Contest: LRS GM3HAM/P at Gatehouse of Fleet - planning to participate - contact organizer Colin GM4HWO.
2020-08-04 SAQ Grimeton VLF 17.2kHz report: Alexanderson Day 5/7/2020 with (long, 46m) videos.
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2020-07-24 RadCom Basics issue free to all.
2020-07-18 - SCOTTISH RALLIES / MEETINGS 2020 CANCELLED:
- 02 Aug - Crianlarich Radio Rally
- 03 Aug - Museum of Communication closed until spring 2021.
- 12 & 26 Aug - LRS Pub Nights 3 & 4.
- 14 Aug - Cockenzie & Port Seton Mini-Rally
- 17 Oct - GMDX AGM
- 25 Oct - Galashiels Rally
- 07 Nov - GMRT - Scottish Microwave Round Table (cancellation likely - TBC)
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2020-03-31 Social Distancing 
MHz! ALSO: click for special instructions.
2. SILENT KEYS (Click item for full SK).
3. ITEMS FOR SALE (Click item for details)
2020-07-27 Shack Clearance - additional items added (at top) to Dave's list.
2020-07-22 Shack Clearance - Test Equipment - by Dave GM6KGZ.
2020-07-08 Updated list from Dave GM6KGZ
2020-05-02 Silent Key Sale List Updated - GM1CNH
2020-07-28 NAG-144XL 2m valve amplifier or similar unit (possibly Dressler). Condition not a problem as long as the transformer is OK - Brian GM8BJF
5. NEW ON LRS WEBSITE
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23 & 25 July 2020 - 122GHz - Two Firsts in 3 Days by Brian GM8BJF & Pete GM4BYF/G4BYF - Confirmed by Microwave Gp
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
In prep - psp
GM8BJF/P GM4BYF/P
Brian GM8BJF writes: 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 is 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.
QSO summaries by Pete GM4BYF / G4BYF:
Thursday 23/07/20 First GM/GM qso timed at 1521 UTC GM4BYF/P <> GM8BJF/P; GM8BJF/P was received at 57 and GM4BYF/P was received at 55 distance 700m Blackford Hill to Braid Hills Road.
Saturday 25/07/20 First GM/G qso timed at 1531 UTC. reports 59 both ways GM8BJF/P <> G4BYF/P 160m crossing Carham Burn (south of the River Tweed between Kelso and Coldstream).
Second QSO 25/07/20 GM/G timed at 1553 UTC. reports 59 both ways G8BJF/P <> GM4BYF/P.
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
- 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:
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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
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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.”
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).
17 March 2020 - LRS MEETINGS POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
- Details
- Written by Alan GM3PSP
In view of the current Coronavirus pandemic with the risk of infection being passed from one person to another when attending meetings, the LRS Committee has decided to stop all meetings for the time being at the Braid Hills Hotel and the Surplus Equipment Sale at St Fillans' Church, up to and including 24th June (BBQ).
Alan J. Masson GM3PSP
LRS President.
PS - Click for special instructions.
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PS In the meantime, if you have any reports on your radio activities - portable expeditions, technical projects etc, that you would like to share with LRS members, please let me have them, preferably with photos (and not too much maths!), and I will put them up to keep the website fresh.
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The first is already up (GM4DIJ 23cm DXpedition) - see this page. - psp.
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