Scottish Charity number SC045038
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LRS Messages of the Day:
From Peter GM4DTH: television programme scheduled for 00:25 on Wednesday morning, 8th July, on BBC2:
‘The Farthest: Voyager’s Interstellar Journey. The story of Voyager, an epic of human achievement, personal drama and miraculous success. [S] [HD]’LRS July Nets: Weds 8 July (TODAY), 15 July – 20:00h – 144.350MHz SSB.
LRS Summer Pub Nights: Weds 8 July (TONIGHT), 22 July, 29 July – 7:30pm – Wee Bennet’s Bar, Maxwell St, Morningside Stn.
LRS MEETINGS
LRS meetings are normally held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month (except July and August) at 8:00pm at the Braid Hills Hotel, 134 Braid Road, EH10 6JD.
In July and August Pub Nights are held at 7:30pm at Wee Bennet’s Bar at Morningside Station, on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. There are also occasional Wee Bennet’s evenings arranged during the main club season.
Most items are archived in Meeting Reports or Society Activities.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
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LRS Barbecue POSTPONED from Wed 24th June. New date TBA ~ Aug.
Wed 9 Sept 2026 – Presidential Address – Andy Sinclair GM4LLD.
Wed 23rd Sept 2026 – LRS Visit to MOC Burntisland 2026 Exhibition – When Screens were Small, but the Magic seemed Huge – 100 Years of Television. There will also be a lecture by Prof. Tom Stevenson – 100 Years of Television – some Technical Milestones, including the early days of TV in Orkney.
RALLIES AND OTHER EVENTS
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Sunday 25 Oct 2026 – Galashiels Rally
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Friday 14th August 2026 18:00 to 21:00 Cockenzie & Port Seton Junk Night, Port Seton Community Centre, South Seton Park Port Seton EH32 0BG
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Sat 31 Oct 2026 – GMRT-2026 at MOC Burntisland & Dinner at Kingswood Hotel
The 2026 Scottish Microwave Round Table (GMRT-2026) will be held as usual at the Museum of Communication in Burntisland, followed by dinner at the nearby Kingswood Hotel.
https://gmroundtable.org.uk/
One more speaker to present a microwave-related talk is still needed – contact Colin gm4hwo@gmail.com.Details will be available nearer the date.
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9 May – 30 Sept – Weds & Sats – MOC Exhibition 2026
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Friday 17 July 2026 – MOC Goudie lecture – The Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication, Minneapolis USA.
Our next Goudie Lecture will take place at 7.30 pm on Friday 17 July and is entitled The Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication, Minneapolis USA. It will be presented by the Museum’s Curartor, Dr Luis F. E. Souza, who is visiting Scotland for a conference in Edinburgh. The lecture is taking place on a Friday, as this is the only day available in Dr Souza’s busy schedule. Please see Events – Museum Of Communication for further information.The Pavek Museum has a similar background to the MoC, being started by Joseph Pavek [1908-1989] who was only slightly older than our own founder, Harry Matthews.To attend in person, please email enquiries@mocft.co.uk or REPLY ALL to this e-mail. Zoom access details will be sent to you about 10 days before the Lecture.
Attendance in person costs £5. Those viewing the lectures online are encouraged to make a voluntary donation of £5 in support of MoC activities via our web page at Shop – Museum Of Communication. We are a charitable organisation that relies entirely on donations for financial survival.Please be aware that our lectures are not recorded. There is therefore no catch-up facility.
CONTEST CALENDAR
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20-21 June 2026 – GM3HAM/P operated by Brian GM4DIJ in 50MHz Contest.
I’m out /P from IO74MU for the 50MHz Trophy. Today and tomorrow. 3pm till I get hungry, and 9am to 3pm tomorrow.
Fairly minimalist effort 300W to a 5 ele
Listen for GM3HAM/P . No postcode bonuses, only countries and squares -
3-5 July 2026 – VHF NFD 2026 participation by LRS is CANCELLED. Sadly, the key players in the LRS contest group have decided this event will need to be cancelled. The main reasons are lack of resources and transport at this time. Participation in the Sept 2026 VHF event is being discussed.
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The LRS operates GM3HAM/P from a great site near Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries & Galloway.
5-6 July 2025 – VHF NFD – see report in About LRS – Contest / Portable.
(This photo by Andy MMØFMF / now GM4LLD, is in RSGB RadCom Sept 2025, p.80).
RSGB GB2RS NEWS
Every Sunday morning in the Edinburgh area at 09:30h from LRS member Peter Dick GM4DTH. 70.425MHz FM, 145.525MHz FM & 433.525MHz FM. Then call-in to Peter at 10:00h on 145.575MHz for local net. Several LRS members often there.
RADIO NEWS, RECENT MEETINGS, SILENT KEYS and FOR SALE / WANTED
Click on image or “read more” to open full article.
Send items to Alan GM3PSP:
webmaster@lothiansradiosociety.com
Items usually archived as News or Silent Keys in LRS Archive after 1 month.
1. RADIO NEWS ITEMS
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20-21 June 2026 – GM3HAM/P operated by Brian GM4DIJ in 50MHz Trophy contest from near Stranraer.
Brian operated from his usual location near Stoneykirk, SW of Stranraer. “The weather was good if a little warm. I did the 24Hour section, but split it into two sessions. Saturday 3pm till 7pm. This was set by the falling off of SpE and the need for dinner. Sunday was 8am to 3pm. The band was open via SpE to most of Europe , Italy, France, Spain etc, but I was failing to get replies to CQ and to work what were very loud stations. I think it was a combination of heavy QRM in Europe and my…
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11 June 2026 – US Army’s breakthrough sensor to pinpoint radio signals on battlefield
US Army develops ‘breakthrough’ Rubidium vapour cell quantum sensor to pinpoint radio signals on battlefields. See: https://interestingengineering.com/military/us-develops-breakthrough-sensor-for-battlefield
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RadCom June 2026 – LRS NARSA Rally Photo in RSGB RadCom
The LRS group photo taken at Pete GM4BYF’s table at the NARSA (Blackpool) Rally has been published in RSGB RadCom magazine, June 2026 issue, p.80.
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Sat 27 June 2026 – BBC closed Radio-4 198kHz LW Service at 01:00h BST.
The BBC closed its Radio-4 198kHz Long-Wave service from Droitwich, Burghead and Westerglen at 01:00h BST on Saturday 27th June 2026. It had operated since Sept 1934. The RSGB and the BBC Amateur Radio Group are planning to mark this event on the air. Click for info. Iain GM8LYQ reports: The transmitters are actually still running. They no longer carry BBC R4 programming, but are broadcasting a repeating message concerning the cessation of the R4 longwave service. The very last R4 item broadcast was the time signal (with the final pip truncated!). Peter GM4DTH reports that the 198kHz transmitters…
2. RECENT MEETINGS
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17 June 2026 – LRS AGM 2026
John Taylor GM4JRT (Treasurer), Andy Sinclair GM4LLD (President), Dr. Iain Coates GM1MSS… Read more
3. SILENT KEYS
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28 June 2026 – Obituary – Liz Brunsdon, XYL of Mike GM8KCS and mother of Michael MM3MDB.
4. ITEMS FOR SALE
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28 June 2026 – Corsair CV450 modern PC PSU – for sale by Andy GM4LLD
Corsair CV450 modern PC PSU. Comes from my son’s PC as he has just updated with some new GPU that needs a bigger PSU. No box but clean and working. £20 Andy GM4LLD (ex-MM0FMF)
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13 June 2026 – Dell Monitor for Sale by Andy GM4LLD
Dell U2412M hires 1920 x 1200 LCD monitor Adjustable stand DisplayPort, DVI & VGA inputs 1920 x 1200 WUXGA resolution 4 port USB2 hub. Mains lead Very good condition, no screen blemishes. £35 Andy GM4LLD.
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26 Apr 2026 – Bencher BY-1 Dual Paddle for Sale by Andy GM4LLD.
Bencher BY-1 dual paddle key. Chrome mechanics on black base. Used and slightly worn but in very good condition otherwise. Pictures available on request. Price £125 or offer. Andy Sinclair GM4LLD (formerly MM0FMF
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10 Mar 2026 – For Sale: Sigma 2010 Skip Master 25-30MHz am/fm/ssb, fibreglass home base antenna
John GM4JRT has for sale this aerial a Sigma 2010 skip master 25-30MHz am/fm/ssb , fibreglass home base antenna , works well without an ATU on 10 m and 11m band I have the aerial at my QTH , photo attached – collection from QTH GM4HWO @ Liberton Sigma 2010 skip master 25-30MHhz am/fm/ssb , fibreglass home base antenna, power handling 1000 watts, length 5.48 m/ 18 feet, Gain 9.9 dB, impedance 50 ohms, frequency 25-30MHz (with tuning), construction fibreglass, swr 1:1.3, Mounting bracket pole, the sigma euro-comm ½ wave skip master 2010 is a high performance base station antenna.…
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29 Jan 2026 – Items for Sale by Norman MM0BMG (Reduced Prices).
Norman has reduced the prices of many of the items on his list: GM1CNH Equipment Sale Updated: 29 January 2026 Item Description Price Alinco HF Mobile Whip Antenna 2.7 m mobile whip; antenna mounting bracket and spring; adjustable vehicle mounting bracket; heavy duty; boxed. NEW – £150 Anritsu MT8820A Radio Communication Analyser 30 MHz to 2.7 GHz, spectrum analyser, 2G/3G mobile phone tester, output power, modulation, RF signal generation, £300 Badger Boards HF Antenna wideband folded dipole antenna with balun N(f) connector; heavy duty centre spacer; termination resistor; 1.5 MHz to 30 MHz; supplied with 2 x 50 ft antenna…
Lothians Radio Society activities – latest reports
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Wed 9th May 2018 – Amateur Deep Space Reception – RSGB 2017 Convention Lecture by Paul Marsh M0EYT (Video)
LRS President Brian Flynn GM8BJF presented the video of the RSGB 2017 Convention lecture “Amateur Deep Space Reception” by Paul Marsh M0EYT at the meeting on 9th May 2018. Summary: When in January Scott Tilley VE7TIL/VA7LF discovered a signal coming from the “dead” IMAGE satellite, Paul Marsh M0EYT gave the first independent confirmation. In this video Paul Marsh, M0EYT…
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Wed 25th April 2018 – Using Chinese ADF4351 & ADF5355 PLL Boards as Microwave Signal Sources – Brian Flynn GM8BJF
Brian Flynn GM8BJF talked about Using Chinese ADF4351 and ADF5355 PLL Boards as Microwave Signal Sources at the meeting on 25th April. He writes: “Recently PCBs have become available from different Chinese internet outlets which have Analog Devices ADF4350/1 ADF5355 PLL ICs on them. The ADF4351 boards are available for prices starting at about £30 and the…
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Wed 11th April 2018 – “Spring” Surplus Equipment Sale
The LRS “Spring” Surplus Equipment Sale on 11th April at St Fillan’s Church was well attended. Most of the items were sold, with 10% donation to club funds. A moment of merriment in an otherwise serious evening! Full photo report.
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Wed 28 Mar 2018 – Wilderness Radio – Paul Gacek W6PNG
Paul at Dante’s View, Black Mountains, CA. We were delighted to welcome Paul Gacek W6PNG and his XYL from Laguna Beach, CA as the speaker at our meeting on 28th March 2018. Paul is a SOTA friend of Andy MM0FMF to whom our thanks for arranging this talk. Originally from London, and now splitting his time…
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Wed 14th March 2018 – Microwave Antenna Testing – John McCormick, Leonardo
(Photo of a similar installation) John McCormick from Leonardo Airborne & Space Systems gave a talk about the Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) at Crewe Toll, Edinburgh, at the meeting on 14th March. CATR is a dual-reflector test facility enclosed in a 24m x 14m x 8m anechoic chamber. It makes measurements of antenna performance…
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Wed 28th February 2018 – Digital Voice Modes – Allister Watson GM7RYR
Allister Watson GM7RYR, who is beacon-keeper for GB7EE, talked about Digital Voice Modes at the meeting on 28th Feb 2018 at the Braid Hills Hotel. This talk looked at the different digital modes used on the VHF / UHF bands: D-Star, Fusion (C4FM) and DMR, the developments of the Local, National and International Networks and compared…
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Wed 14 February 2018 – Battery Types & Behaviours – Stan Frey GM8ZQY
Stan Frey GM8ZQY gave a comprehensive talk on “Battery Types and Behaviours” at the meeting on 14th February – a review of the currently available battery types with an emphasis on lithium ion rechargeables. And he was thinking about the behaviours of the users as well as the batteries themselves! Full Report. Stan brought many examples…
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Wed 24 Jan 2018 – 3D Printing – Neil Gillies (ex-GM6BZF)
At the meeting on 24th January 2018, Neil Gillies, ex-GM6BZF, talked about and demonstrated 3D Printing, the state-of-the-art way of producing plastic parts. He gave an in-depth talk on how to get started – types of machine available, the software required for various parts of the process, materials, what can and can’t be done with…
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Wed 10 Jan 2018 – Video NIght – The Role of Radio in Aviation – Peter Dick GM4DTH
The annual Video Night, presented as always by Peter Dick GM4DTH who is the current President of the Edinburgh Cine & Video Society, was held on Wednesday 10th January 2018 in the ECVS screening room. The theme was ‘The Role of Radio in Aviation’. 1. Air Ministry Official Film – The Imperial Airway – The…
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6 Dec 2017 – Christmas Curry at the Himalaya Tandoori
The annual LRS Christmas Curry was held on Wednesday 6th December at the Himalaya Tandoori Restaurant at Bruntsfield, with 14 diners, including a very welcome DX visitor – Eric Worley W0RLY, a United Airlines pilot between flights, who had spotted our dinner notice on this website. (On left above with Alan GM3PSP and Pete GM4BYF). Click…
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22 Nov 2017 – Optimization of Antenna Height over Terrain – Brian Howie GM4DIJ
LRS member Brian Howie GM4DIJ gave an introduction to antenna modelling at the LRS meeting on 11 March 2015. This time he talked more specifically about “Optimization of Antenna Height Over Real Terrain in the Low VHF Bands” at the meeting on 22nd November 2017. Brian writes: “It is common intuition that the higher…
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8 Nov 2017 – ‘Pirates – Offshore Radio 1964-1974 – ding-ding’ – James Gentles GM4WZP
James Gentles GM4WZP gave a great talk on ‘Pirates – Offshore Radio from 1964 to 1974, ding-ding!’ at the meeting on 8th November 2017. He covered the history of the pirate radio stations located in ships around the British Isles, including the best-known, Radio Caroline which used its famous “ding-ding” jingle. They all disappeared after the BBC introduced…