10th March 2010
Border Search & Rescue Unit
Stuart Fuller-Shapcott and Normal Bethune gave a very well-illustrated talk and demonstration on the work of the Border Search & Rescue Unit, an all-volunteer organization which covers the south-east of Scotland, including the Lammermuir and Cheviot hill ranges. They described the use of radio communications, stretchers, sniffer dogs and helicopters.
Stuart Fuller-Shapcott (L) with a VHF-band hand-held radio and Norman Bethune (R) with a backpack full of useful items.
Stuart Fuller-Shapcott (L-centre) helping transport an injured walker using a wheeled stretcher.
Trained sniffer dogs are invaluable in finding missing people, often at considerable distances.
Helicopters are available to lift patients out of remote or difficult locations. The volunteers are trained to beware of strong downdrafts.
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24th February 2010
RSGB Trophies won by the Lothians Radio Society shown before their return to the RSGB
At the LRS meeting on 24 February the President, Colin Wright GM4HWO displayed the contest trophies that had been won in the 2008 VHF National Field Day (5-6 July). The trophies are the Martlesham trophy (left), awarded for first place in the Restricted Section, with an overall score of 3476 points and top band-scores on 70 MHz and 144 MHz. Lothians RS were Runners-up in this section in 2007. The trophy on the right is the Cockenzie Quaich, retained from 2007, awarded to LRS as the highest placed Scottish entry in this section.
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24th February 2010
"Aviation Transponders - from IFF to ATCRBS to Mode S to ADS-B" by Dave Stockton GM4ZNX
LRS member Dave Stockton gave a most interesting and amusing talk on the history of equipment for identifying aircraft on radar for military / defensive purposes and modern Air Traffic Control. He ended by showing a modern miniaturized transponder for general aviation use (private aircraft), manufactured by his company.
Dave Stockton GM4ZNX with a number of transponders which he described in his talk.
A modern miniaturized transponder with separate control panel unit, for use in General Aviation.
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10th February 2010
"Microelectronics Technology - the Key to your Lifestyle" by Prof. Tom Stevenson, University of Edinburgh.
Prof Stevenson described the development of microelectronics from the invention of the first transistor to today's amazingly complex integrated circuits, and the work of the Scottish Microelectronics Centre, of which he is the Director.
Prof Tom Stevenson
The discussion on microelectronics continued in the bar after the lecture.
L-R: Colin GM4HWO, Brian GM8BJF, Pete GM4BYF, SWL Bruce, John GM8OTI, Peter GM4DTH, Prof. Tom Stevenson.
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27th January 2010
The Central Scotland FM Group - Past, Present & Future", by Crawford Ross, GM8HBY
Crawford recounted the history of the Central Scotland FM group and the development of the current network of FM repeaters across the region. The controller unit for the GB3FF repeater, currently out of service, was demonstrated.
Crawford Ross GM8HBY, Chairman of the Central Scotland FM Group
The controller for the GB3FF Repeater
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9th December 2009
The now-traditional Christmas Curry at the Himalaya Tandoori Restaurant in Bruntsfield was enjoyed by all present.
L-R: Brian GM8BJF, Pete GM4BYF, John GM8OTI, visitor, Peter GM4DTH, Brian GM4DIJ, Colin GM4HWO, XYL-GM4HWO, Tommy GM4DCL, (XYL), Andy GM7HUD, Tommy GM1GEQ.
L-R: Tommy GM4DCL, Colin GM4HWO, XYL-GM4HWO, (XYL), (?), Brian GM8BJF, Pete GM4BYF, John GM8OTI, (visitor), Peter GM4DTH, Brian GM4DIJ.
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25th November 2009
Components in Defence Electronics, by Dr. Roger Hill MBE, Selex-Galileo / formerly Ferranti, retired.
Dr. Roger Hill MBE
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21st October 2009
Surplus Equipment Auction, arranged by Pete GM4BYF, at the St Fillan's Church Hall
L-R: Peter GM4DTH, Colin GM4HWO, Andy GM7HUD
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23rd September 2009
Visit to the Museum of Communication in Burntisland for the exhibition "Great Scots Who Changed the World".
L-R: Jack GM1CIC, Peter GM4DTH, Brian GM8BJF, Tommy GM1GEC, Vic MM0JVQ/JA5VQ, Colin GM4HWO
Tommy GM1GEQ gets an explanation from Jim McLaughlan of the Museum
Colin GM4HWO tries out the amateur radio station at the Museum
Vic MM0JVQ / JA5VQ points to his own QSL card, received at the Museum station.
Relaxation over a cup of coffee after the Museum tour.
LRS President Colin GM4HWO thanks the Museum staff for providing the tour.
Brian GM8BJF beside a photograph of the late Harry Matthews, a former colleague at Edinburgh University, who founded the Museum of Communication.