Lothians Radio Society

26 Jan 2022 - Using a VDA on a Scottish Beach Pt.2 - Malcolm Hamilton GM3TAL

Details: Written by Alan GM3PSP

Malcolm talked (on Zoom) about using vertical dipole arrays from the shores of Loch Fyne. He had operated in the CQWW CW contest in November 2014 (LRS talk 11 Feb 2015) and again in 2021 along with Nick Henwood G3RWF (former RSGB President), with a different set of antennas. He shared his 2021 conclusions on the best aerials to use in practice.

Nick Henwood G(M)3RWF

Click for Full Report.

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20 Jan 2022 - New GM3VLB SOTA Islands Award - LRS

Details: Written by Alan GM3PSP

André GM3VLB/P on the Flannan Isles 1999.

André Saunders GM3VLB (SK) was active in many countries as GM3VLB, G3VLB, 5Z4KL (5Z5KL) from the 1960s onwards. In later years he became very keen on IOTA (Islands On The Air), activating Scottish Islands. André passed away in 2019 just before his 81st birthday. He left a legacy to support and encourage radio operation on Scottish islands, which is administered by the Lothians Radio Society. The LRS spent time coming up with a proposal that met the legal requirements of the legacy and André's desires.

The GM3VLB SOTA Islands Award will be awarded to the two top stations activating SOTA summits on Scottish islands. The prizes each year will be an engraved quaich (traditional Scottish wine cup) for the two winners each to keep. Click on GM3VLB SOTA Islands Award for the full rules. The first award period commenced on 1 January 2022.

Click for GM3VLB Silent Key article.

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12 Jan 2022 - Pirates - Offshore Radio 1974-1984 - James Gentles GM4WZP

Details: Written by Alan GM3PSP

James Gentles GM4WZP gave a repeat on Zoom of his talk from 8th Nov 2017 on the history of pirate radio in the UK in the 1960s and 70s. There was an excellent participation of 19 LRS members and visitors.

Radio London Ship

Click for report on 2017 presentation.

This presentation was video-recorded - Click

James also gave this talk to the Museum of Communication on 9th April 2022.

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10 Nov 2021 - Getting Started with WSPR - Colin Murray GM4EAU

Details: Written by Alan GM3PSP

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. Talk also received by 6 members via ZOOM. Full report.

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20 Oct 2021 - LRS Autumn Surplus Equipment Sale

Details: Written by Alan GM3PSP

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.

Pete GM4BYF sold many GM8GEC-SK items.

Treasurer Peter GM4DTH also ran the raffle.

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6 Oct 2021 - 122GHz - Pete Bates GM4BYF & Brian Flynn GM8BJF

Details: Written by Alan GM3PSP

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 122GHz GM-GM & G-GM QSOs in July 2020.

VK3CV pcb.

Crossing the border on 122GHz.

Click for Full Report.

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22 Sept 2021 - WWI Aircraft Electrical Systems including Radio - Bob Thomson, APSS

Details: Written by Alan GM3PSP

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..