Welcome to the Lothians Radio Society

Details

The next LRS meeting on 26th January 2022 at 20:00h will be a Zoom-only presentation by Malcolm Hamilton GM3TAL -  "Using a Vertical Dipole Antenna (VDA) on a Scottish beach, Part 2".

Malcolm will talk about using vertical dipole arrays from the shores of Loch Fyne. He operated in the CQWW CW contest in November 2014 (LRS talk 11 Feb 2015) and again in 2021 along with Nick Henwood G3RWF, with a different set of antennas. He will share his 2021 experiences and attempt to draw some conclusions about the best aerials to use in practice."

Zoom log-in info soon.

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On 12 Jan 2022 James Gentles GM4WZG gave a repeat on Zoom of his presentation from 8 Nov 2017 on the history of pirate radio in the UK in the 1960s and 70s. There was an excellent participation of 19 people.  

Click for report on 2017 presentation.

This presentation was Video-recorded and it is hoped to provide access to the recording shortly.

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Wed 19th Jan 2022 - Viral Net 86

20:00h 144.350 SSB - All Welcome 

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Viral Net #85 - Wed 5th Jan 2022

Participants: Colin GM4HWO (c), Pete GM4BYF, Norrie GM1CNH, Mike GM8KCS, Briain GM8PKL, Melvyn GM4HYR, Peter GM4DTH. 

Audio tnx Peter GM4DTH:

 

Viral Net reports saved to Meeting Reports. Click. 

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Details

Click on item to open. Send items to GM3PSP.
Usually archived as News or Silent Keys in LRS Archive after 1 month.

Click for LRS General Meeting ZOOM Info during Covid.

1. RADIO NEWS ITEMS (Click on for full info).

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Norbreck (Blackpool) Rally - 1st May 2022

Details: https://narsa.org.uk/

Norrie GM1CNH will be coordinating pre-drinks and an Indian meal the night before the rally.

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Don't forget RSGB GB2RS NEWS BROADCAST 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 with several LRS members often there.

2. SILENT KEYS (Click item for full SK).  

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3. ITEMS FOR SALE  (Click item for details)

2022-01-16 - Test Equipment for sale - Dave GM6KGZ

2021-12-31 - For Sale by Norrie GM1CNH - New Year List.

2021-11-28 - Tecsun HX-501x Multiband Rx Audio Player £160. Still available. Dave GM6KGZ 0131 539 2858.

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4. ITEMS WANTED 

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5. NEW ON LRS WEBSITE 

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Details

Wed 10th November 2021 :  Near Real-Time Propagation Measurement : Getting Started with WSPR - Colin Murray GM4EAU.

 

 

Precis: An explanation of WSPR, the Weak Signal Propagation Reporter protocol (pronounced Whisper) used to measure antenna performance and investigate radio propagation in near-real-time. The theory and practicalities were explained, followed by the steps required to observe WSPR traffic and to build and operate a WSPR station. The construction of a practical and simple standalone WSPR station was demonstrated using low-cost DIY modules. The author’s station was shown. Finally, two amateur-led applications for WSPR were outlined: tracking high-altitude balloons around the planet in real-time, and investigating aircraft flight paths with an update on recent research into the missing HM370 flight over the Indian Ocean. This talk was also received by 6 members via ZOOM. Full report - click.

 

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Details

The LRS autumn Surplus Equipment Sale was held on 20th October 2021 at St Fillan's Church, as usual. This year the participants were suitably masked and socially distanced. As this was the first sale in two years there was a lot of "stuff" including GM8GEC & GM3VLB SK items. Click for report.  

Pete GM4BYF sold many items from GM8GEC-SK. 

 

Treasurer Peter GM4DTH also ran the raffle.

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Details

Brian GM8BJF & Pete GM4BYF

Pete, assisted by Brian, described the building and operation of their VK3CV TRA-120 122GHz transverters and their achievement of the first GM-GM and G-GM QSOs on this band in July 2020.  

 

VK3CV pcb. 

 

Crossing the border on 122GHz. 

 Click for Full Report.

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Details

 

Bob Thomson of the Aviation Preservation Society Scotland described the work to reconstruct a Sopwith Strutter 1 1/2 aircraft, especially its electrical systems, at a base in East Lothian..

 

The Sopwith Strutter 1 1/2.

 

Annual service of remembrance in 2019 for APSS members and Scouts from North Berwick.

Click for Full Report.

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Details

The LRS 2021 Summer "Perseids" barbecue was held at "Bates Motel", Pete GM4BYF & Kay GM6KAY QTH   and was a great success.  

 Pete and guests at the grill.

 

 Enjoying the excellent BBQ grub outside.  

 

We moved into the sunroom as it got cooler.

Click for full report.

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Details

The 2021 LRS DF Hunt on Top Band was held on 28th July, starting from the "Tardis" on Braid Hills Road. Three teams attempted to find the Fox station GM3HAM/P operated by Peter GM4DTH.

Brian GM4DIJ, Briain GM8PKL (cheers!), Melvyn GM4HYR, Mike GM8KCS. (Photos: Alan GM3PSP).

Peter GM4DTH operating Fox GM3HAM/P in woods beside White Lady Walk at Fairmilehead. He was also able to call in to the LRS Net on 2m using a separate IC-705 rig. First to find the Fox was Melvyn GM4HYR, 20:17; Mike GM8KCS. 21:14. Refreshments afterwards at nearby Hunter's Tryst.

Melvyn GM4HYR, Peter GM4DTH, Mike GM8KCS, Alan GM3PSP (passenger with Mike).

Click for Full Report with more photos.

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  1. 2-4 July 2021 - GM3HAM/P - VHF NFD - Gatehouse of Fleet
  2. 14 -16 May 2021 - GM3HAM/P - RSGB 2m Contest, Gatehouse of Fleet
  3. 4-6 Sept 2020 - LRS GM3HAM/P - RSGB 2m Trophy, Gatehouse of Fleet
  4. 23 & 25 July 2020 - 122GHz - Two Firsts in 3 Days by Brian GM8BJF & Pete GM4BYF / G4BYF - Confirmed by UK Microwave Group