Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society
    Afflilated to the RSGB
Callsigns used include: - G0MWT, GX0MWT, GB5HF, GB2TAM, GB5SM, GB70GB, GB75CH, GB90DNM & M2T
Awarded the Kenwood Trophy for Training 2007 by the RSGB.
Awarded Lottery Grant by Awards for All, November 2008.
Awarded the "Winning Club Entry" in the RSGB National and Region 12 Competition for 2009

Awards for All Logo
CARS Logo
Latest Changes
3rd September 2010 Added Peter Hale, G4OAD - SK.   Updated front page. Added Coach Outing to Bletchley Park on Sat 23 October.   Added Stock Mill event, GB5SM under "Past Events" & IMD Report and photos under "Sandford Mill".   Added CARS trip to the RSGB AGM-17th April   Changed the frequency of the 3rd and 5th Tuesday in the month Nets.   Added the CW Net on the 2nd Tuesday in the Month.      


Next Meeting:-
7.30pm, Tuesday 7th September, 2010.
Meeting - "The Battle for the Bridge at Arnhem, and the problems experienced with Wireless Communications".
By Peter Best, G8BLS.

Bridge Too far at Nijmegen, Holland

Peter is travelling from Ipswich to tell us about his latest historical investigation into Operation Market Garden in and around Arnhem and Nijmegen, Holland in 1944.

Peter has travelled to Holland and knows first hand the potential problems facing the Allied Army at that time.

He will cover: -
A brief overview of Operation Market Garden.
The Wireless issues suffered in 1944.
The trip with Tom, G0SBW and the TV crew in July 2004.
Investigation following on from that trip.
The 2009 trip in September 2009.
What we found operating Wireless over various paths in 2009.
Our conclusions (so far).
A quick trip around Arnhem and the surrounding area, including video of the commemorative Para Drop on Ginkel Heath on 18th September, several wonderful Wireless Museums in the area, a SRS (Surplus Radio Society); Special Event Station at the National Liberation Museum at Groesbeek, and a quick trip down 'Hell's Highway' to get home.

Come along and hear about "History in the Making" in our time.

Peter tells a good story - an interesting evening is guaranteed.

The bridge shown is the one which featured in the famous 1977 film "A Bridge Too Far" at Arnhem, now renamed the "John Frost Brug" after Lt Col John Frost, the Commanding Officer of 2nd Parachute Battalion.
Click here for the story of the film.     The photograph was taken by Peter in September 2009.

There is no entrance fee but we would like you to purchase a Raffle Ticket (or two).

Visitors are invited to this very interesting evening.



CARS keynote presention "Digital Radio and TV - What is Next" by Murray Niman, G6JYB with guide notes to read before purchasing any new Broadcast equipment.
Click here to follow the Link

CARS Operated from Oaklands Museum using GB90MZX, 12 June 2010 and Central Chelmsford on Tuesday, 15th June 2010.
Click here to follow the Link

CARS Operating GB75CH from BAE Systems, Great Baddow, February 2010 is now under Past Events.
Click here to follow the Link



CARS Meeting Place

First Tuesday in the Month.
MASC, Beehive Lane, Great Baddow, Chelmsford, CM2 9RX. Essex. UK
Telephone 01245 269422.  
Car parking is free though early arrival is recommended.

Please note that the area is being redeveloped and the access road is partly obscured by a new block of flats.
Access is to the right of the flats and is identified by a 5 Bar Gate with advertising on it - none refering to MASC.

Location Maps:   Streetmap.co.uk   -   Printer Friendly PDF


Meeting Arrangements

There is normally no admission fee to CARS Meetings.   Visitors are always welcome.   Meetings start at 7.30pm, local time.   Please identify yourself to Brian, G3CVI when you sign in and purchase a Raffle Ticket or two for Club Funds.

Refreshments can be purchased from the Bar before the Meeting and at the 9pm Break.

The Raffle is drawn after the refreshment interval.

For further information contact the Vice Chairman, Martyn Medcalf, G1EFL.
You can E-Mail Martyn at   info2010 at g0mwt.org.uk   or Tel: 01245-469008



Peter Hale, G4OAD – Silent Key
Peter became a Silent Key on Tuesday, 24th August 2010.

He was an active Member of SEARS and CARS and will be greatly missed.

CARS extend condolences to his Wife, Vera and Sons Simon, Kevin, Family and close friends.

Peter’s funeral will be at 09.30hrs, Thurs 9th Sept at Pitsea Crematorium, Church Road, Bowers Gifford, Basildon, Essex SS13 2HG.   All welcome.

The family have requested there be no flowers, donations instead please to Essex Air Ambulance. The wake will be for family only.

Directions to the Crematorium http://www.basildoncrem.co.uk/



National Club of the Year Competition

Following the successful Region 4 Club of the Year competition last year, the RSGB has launched the Competition nationwide.   The competition will start with the Regional heats and the winning club from each of the 13 RSGB regions will then move forward to the national competition.   The regional finals will take place in January 2010 and the National contest will be judged in March 2010.   The winning club will receive their prize and trophy at the RSGB AGM in April 2010.

Regional winners will receive their trophy and prize at a suitable event within their Region.

• The competition is open to any RSGB affiliated group, club or society.
• Entry to the competition is free
• The award is not open to individual radio amateurs.
• Full details and terms and conditions and closing dates for regional entries can be found on the individual regional websites by going to www.rsgb.org and clicking on local information.
• Regional finalists will be judged by the RSGB regional teams.   National finalists will be judged by a national panel.

What are we looking for in the region or national club of the year?

We are not looking for the biggest club; or the smallest club, we are looking for the club that promotes the very best that is the hobby of amateur radio.   Be it training, special events, support of the local community, charitable events, public relations, contesting.   What ever your club gets involved in throughout the year goes towards being voted the National or Regional Club of the Year.

Click here to see the RSGB Web Site.   http://www.rsgb.org/ncyc/     Note, opens as a new Window.

CARS is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the Winning Club for Region 12.

Report of trip to RSGB AGM

On a lovely quiet day in the sky (due to Icelandic Volcano Ash grounding all jets) John, G8DET picked up Clive Ward, G1EUC and Gwyn Williams, G4FKH and made 2metre contact with Mark Sanderson, M0IEO who was picking up Martyn, G1EFL and they set off to Bedford to attend the RSGB AGM.

Clive acted as a human Satnav and navigated the party to reach The Swan Hotel at 11am to Register.

RSGB AGM
From left to right. John, G8DET; Mark, M0IEO; Clive, G1EUC and Martyn, G1EFL.
Gwyn, G4FKH was talking a Board Member for Propagation inside the hall.
Photograph taken by an anon RSGB Member - thanks.

After a nice tea/coffee the AGM started at 12mid-day.

RSGB AGM
The AGM Top Table.
Photograph taken by John, G8DET.

The formal announcements and finance were kept short and then the Awards were presented.

Steve Hartley G0FUW and the Bath Buildathon team collected the Kenwood Training Trophy for outstanding contribution to amateur radio training.   This was awarded to CARS in 2007.

The National Club of the Year Award was announced in reverse order (as is Come Dancing!)

The 3rd place went to Spalding and District ARS and they collected their Award.

The 2nd place went to the Verulam ARS (Hertfordshire) and they collected their Award.

Had this meant CARS had lost out!

Peter Kirby then said "The Club of the year is deservingly - Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society"

We had done it due to the dedication of all Members - Thank you everyone.

RSGB AGM
The Live Video camerman, Gwyn, Clive, Mark, Martyn, John and Dave Wilson, M0OBW, President.
Photograph taken by a Regional Manager from the front row - thanks.

RSGB AGM
The Award.

With the Award (above) also comes a lovely modern Glass Trophy and a monetary Award as well.

In accepting the Award from President Dave, Chairman John paid tribute to all CARS Members who had supported the Club during the year to make the Award Competition Entry possible and to the excellent support received from all the surrounding Clubs including SEARS, LEFARS, CRA and Felixstowe to name but a few.

After the presentation the Regional 4 Manager introduced himself as Harold Scrivens, G0UGE, the promoter of the Club of the Year Award and had quite a chat.   He said he was very pleased that CARS had won the Award as he often seen items in RadCom (thank you Trevor, M5AKA) and noted our Training Web information (thank you Murray, G6JYB) and Training efforts (thank you Clive, G1EUC, Chris, G0IPU, Mark, M0IEO and Martyn, G1EFL).   He had also noted our publicity and he was particulary strong on promoting Amateur Radio to the public (thank you Mark, M0IEO & Richard, M3YLB).

RSGB AGM
John, G8DET with Harold Scrivens, G0UGE (promoter of the Award) and Dave Wilson, President.
Photograph taken by the Official Photographer.

The "Founders Trophy" was awarded to Prof. Martin Harrison - G3USF, Chairman of the PSC.   As he could not be there it was accepted by Leslie Butterfields, G0CIB (Board Member for Propagation) and Gwyn, G4FKH.

RSGB AGM
Dave Wilson, President, Gwyn Williams, G4FKH and Leslie Butterfields, G0CIB.
Photograph taken by John, G8DET.

After excellent lunch provided by the hotel the AGM reconvened at 2pm for question time where CARS Members took an active part.

At 3.30pm the RSGB Members were going and CARS took Leslie, G0CIB (and the large Founders Trophy) to the railway station with Clive acting as human Satnav again.

A Wedding party were waiting to take over the places the RSGB had just vacated - a good utilization on the part of the Swan Hotel.   Thanks to their good facilities and to the RSGB.

RSGB AGM
The new bride waiting to use the Swan Hotel.

A good drive back (the quiet way via Baldock) and the CARS party got back in Chelmsford for 6.30pm in time to see the setting sun.   Round trip of 150 miles (more for Mark).

RSGB AGM
The setting sun in the Volcano Ash.

CARS have received dozens of very nice congratulation E-Mails - good news seems to travel nearly as fast as bad news!   Jeff Stanton, G6XYU (W&S) has passed his congratulations and Norman from SEARS has Forwarded the next E-Mail from India. What Ganesan may not know is that we used his photograph in our competition entry - so we have to thank him!

John, G8DET,   A note from Ganesan.   73s   Norman, M0FZW, SEARS.

----- Original Message -----
From: MKAananthaganesan ganesan
Sent: Monday, April 19, 2010 2:46 PM
Subject: Re: RSGB Club of the Year 2009.

Dear Norman,
Let me congratulate the Chairman, Hon. Sec and office bearers and Members of the CARS for being adjudged the "Club of the Year" by the RSGB.   I am really privileged to be associated with CARS as a Honorary Member.
Hats off to all who have made this possible.   I hope the Anamalai Amateur Radio Club will try to emulate all your activities and in the years to come try to get the honour received by CARS.

Please be kind enough to convey my heartiest wishes to the Club Members and other office bearers that your achievement is kindling me to train as many students as possible and bring them in to our fold.
Your untiring efforts are giving me the fillip to do as much to the student community as possible.   Keep it up and good luck.

Ganesan, President of the Anamalai Amateur Radio Club, India.

Thank you very much Ganesan and Norman.


The Trophy for Region 12 has been sponsored by W&S and was presented at their Hockley shop on Saturday, 27th March.

A number of CARS Members travelled to Hockley where Jeff Stanton, G6XYU presented the Trophy to Phillip Brooks, RSGB Region 12 Manager to pass on to them.

Region 12 Presentation
From left to right. Jeff Stanton, G6XYU, Phillip Brooks, G4NZQ presenting the Winning
RSGB Region 12 Club of the Year Trophy to CARS Chairman John Bowen, G8DET.
Photograph taken by Murray, G6JYB.

In presenting the Trophy Jeff said he was pleased that the first Club to win the new title was CARS as they had such a good working relationship with them – they also appeared in RadCom more often than W&S!

CARS Members were then invited to have their photograph taken to record the event.

Region 12 Presentation
From left to right.   Late Peter Hale, G4OAD, SK; John Yates, G1UZD; Andrew Kersey, G0IBN;
CARS Vice President Geoff Mills, G3EDM; RSGB Region 12 Manager Phillip Brooks, G4NZQ;
Mark Sanderson, M0IEO; CARS Senior Instructor Murray Niman, G6JYB;
Stuart Haycock, 2E0VZL; Colin Page, G0TRM.
Seated, CARS Training Manager Clive Ward, G1EUC, Chairman, John Bowen, G8DET and
Lead Trainer Martyn Medcalf, G1EFL.
Photograph taken by Norman Crampton, M0FZW, Secretary of SEARS, Canvey Island and a CARS Member.

Region 12 Presentation
The top inscription of the Trophy
Photograph taken by Murray, G6JYB.

Region 12 Presentation Region 12 Presentation
The RSGB Region 12 Club of the Year Trophy, sponsored by W&S, Hockley.
The plaque was presented to be kept by CARS to remind them of the event,
the Trophy being passed to the year 2010 Club winners.
Photographs taken by John, G8DET.
Congratulations to those who drafted and edited the Competition Entry and to all those CARS Members who made Winning the Trophy possible.



CARS Members - Amateur Radio - Creating Friendships.

As a communication Hobby, Amateur Radio crosses boundaries and in a few cases enables friendships to be founded.

This has happened to CARS Committee Member, Martyn Medcalf, G1EFL & Koos, GU0GUX who lives in Guernsey, Channel Islands.

Martyn has visited Koos and his family last year and again in 2010.

How was it done, you ask?   Well Martyn is a whizz with Echo-Link and this is his rig.

G1EFL
Martyn's Rig.
Photograph taken by G1EFL.

G1EFL
Martyn's using his Rig.
Photograph taken by Val, Wife of Martyn.

Here he is in Guersey. Martyn says "I took two Handhelds with me, a Yaesu VX-5 and an Alinco DJ-V17.   Being a Scout I was being "Prepared".   This proved to be a good move, as the batteries started to play up and would not hold their charges.   I used the Yaesu radio a lot of the time but the metal case got very warm.

I only operated in the evening before we went to dinner.   We were too busy to play radios during the day time.

The stations I made contact with were as follows: - G0RAS, 2E0XBF, G6HHP,G8YPK, M0IEO Mark from CARS, G8YPK/Mobile, 2E1RMI Jim from CARS, KI6PNS and KC3MM.   This was all for fun.

Val and I met up with Koos, GU0GUX, Judy and son Andrew and spend some time with them, which was very plesant.   A very nice time was had by all."

G1EFL
Koos (left) and Martn.   Note the Mag Mount aerial in the photograph.
Photograph taken by Judy, Wife of Koos.

Thank you Martyn for telling us the story.
See also Martyn under "CARS - Mugs around the World" on this Web Site.     Click here



Future Meetings & Events

Monthly Meetings are normally on the First Tuesday in the Month:-

2010 Schedule prepared by John Yates, G1UZD.
Saturday, 11th September. CARS - Operating from Great Baddow, Chelmsford - Battle Of Britian.
Thursday, 23rd September. Sandford Mill Museum - Play about farm mechanisation at 1.30pm and then visit the new Wireless Exhibits.   Tickets from 01245 475498
Sunday, 26th September. CARS - "Science & Discovery Day" at Sandford Mill.   10am to 5pm - Free.
Members of the Public are invited to attend and to send & receive Greeting Messages.
Tuesday, 5th October. CARS Meeting - "CARS Annual General Meeting" by CARS Members.
Sunday, 17th October. CARS Operating from Sandford Mill Museum to commemorate the "World's First Wireless in an Airship" and the "First Air-Sea Rescue involving Wireless" - Airship "America" 1910s attempt to cross the Atlantic.
Saturday, 23rd October. Coach outing to Bletchley Park.   Click here to download a Doc Booking Form and information.   It is 46kBtyes.
Tuesday, 2nd November. CARS Meeting - "WSPR Mode and 500kHz, 136kHz and 8.97kHz VLF Operating" by Roger Lapthorn, G3XBM.
Saturday, 4th December. CARS Christmas Lunch, 12.30pm at the Glades Restaurant, Princes Road, (by Tesco Roundabout,) Chelmsford..
Tuesday, 7th December. CARS Meeting - "The Joy of Contesting" by Mark Haynes, M0DXR.
January 2011. CARS 80 Metre Contest - By Carl, G3PEM.



Chelmsford Amateur Radio Training Courses

CARS run the full range of Amateur Radio training courses from Foundation to Advanced.

September Foundation Course
January 14th, the CARS 21st Foundation Course in Danbury Village Hall.
Training Manager Clive, G1EUC at the computer with Lead Instructor,
Martyn, G1EFL on the right, and CARS Committee Member, Mark M0IEO in the distance.

September Foundation Course
January 18th, the CARS 21st Foundation Course - all PASSED - Congratulations..
Front row; - Trevor, M5AKA; Lead Instructor Martyn, G1EFL; Training Manager Clive, G1EUC;
Invigilator, David, M0BQC and Mark, M0IEO.

The Courses require the candidates to carry out on-air contacts at both HF and VHF and we would like to express our thanks to the Members who give up their Thursday evenings during Course times to provide the other end of the link.



Future Training Courses

CARS run courses for all three levels.  

The next Foundation Course starts in september 2010 in Danbury Village Hall.

More details are on our Training page: -   http://www.g0mwt.org.uk/training


Morse Classes at Danbury.

Those interested in learning morse code or wanting to increase their morse skills should contact: Andrew, G0IBN, on 01621 868347
email: g0ibn@kersey1.freeserve.co.uk.

A new Morse class started on Thursday, 2nd September 2010.   It is still not too late to join - turn up on the next Thursday.

The Morse classes, run by Andrew Kersey, G0IBN, have proved very popular.   Foundation holders have been keen to find out more about this mode which enables DX working using very low power levels.

Morse Class in Danbury Village Hall
A Morse Class in Danbury Village Hall
Photo by Trevor, M5AKA

The classes are held on Thursday evenings in Danbury Village Hall.

Andrew, G0IBN, also operates Slow Morse transmissions at 5, 7 and 10 wpm on 3555-3560kHz +/-QRM at 2015hrs (local) every Wednesday evening.

See also CARS CW Net on the second Tuesday of the month starting at 8pm.

Assuring you of my best intentions - for CW,

Andy, G0IBN



CARS Mug for sale
CARS Mugs for sale

CARS Mugs for Sale

See also the Web page under "Society Information" - "Mugs Around the World"

Click for   Mugs Around the World

CARS Merchandising Manager, Martyn, G1EFL, has come up trumps again with his design of a CARS Mug.

It has the CARS Logo on it in two places so you you cannot forget whose mug you are picking up!.

It is for Sale from the next CARS Meeting at the bargain price of £5 with a small donation to Club Funds.   Well done Martyn.

Bring your money & take away a lovely CARS Mug.



Future IET (Formerly IEE) Meetings

Click below to see the Meetings which are current.

IET Meetings



South Essex Amateur Radio Society

Click below to see the Society information and Meetings which are current.

South Essex Amateur Radio Society



Take part in (or listen to) the Chelmsford Nets:-

The FM/SSB Nets start at 8.30pm (Local)
They are held every Tuesday evening, AFTER the first Tuesday in the Month (which is Club Meeting Night).

2nd Tuesday in the Month is the first CARS Net Night.
Starting from December 8th 2009 at 8pm, the CW Net will be on 80 Metres, 3.545MHz +/- QRM using GX0MWT.
The speed will be a max of 18 Words per minute.

Starting at 8.30pm, VHF, FM on 145.375 MHz.
Vertical aerials are best for this Band.

3rd Tuesday in the Month.
Starting from December 15th 2009 at 8.30pm (local), the Danbury 70cm Repeater, GB3ER will be used for the
CARS FM Net this night.   If you have a beam, aim it at Danbury.
Input frequency is 434.675MHz.   Output frequency is 433.075MHz.   Channel RB3 (RU246)
The Repeater can be "Opened" by 1750Hz Toneburst or CTCSS Tone-H 110.9Hz.
Vertical aerial is best.
Don't forget there is a 2 minute "Time-out" so keep "Overs" short.
Click Link to
ERG's, GB3ER.   Opens in a New Window.

4th Tuesday in the Month.
Starting at 8.30pm.
This has for a couple of years been "Top Band Night" on 1947/1950 kHz +/-QRM.
Note, there maybe a slight change in frequency to miss constant QRM.
Horizontal aerials are usually used for this Net.
Just a reminder - limit your power to a max of 30 Watts, please.

5th Tuesday in the Month (when there is one).
March 30th is the first time this will occur in 2010, then 29th June, 31st August and
finally 30th Nov.
Starting at 8.30pm, this is now the "28.375MHz" Night, SSB.
Horizontal aerials are best.

Backnang (Germany) Nets:-
Each Sunday at 1930 (UTC) on 3.750MHz +/-QRM.
This Net has been running for many years - it started in March 1990.
Chelmsford is Twinned with Backnang.

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Contact Information

Postal Address

Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society
PO Box 112
Danbury
CHELMSFORD
Essex, CM3 4DF, UK

To contact CARS on any topic

Newsletter & Membership

A Monthly Newsletter is provided to every paid-up
Member, either by Email (PDF) or by Post

Vice Chairman & Contact Secretary
Martyn Medcalf, G1EFL, Tel: 01245-469008
E-Mail: info2010 at g0mwt.org.uk

CARS Training Courses

CARS offer a full range of Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Amateur Radio Licence Training Courses

Training Contacts

CARS Training Manager:
Clive Ward G1EUC
Tel: 01245-224577
Mob: 07860-418835
Email: training2010 at g0mwt.org.uk

Direct QSL Address:-

Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society
PO Box 112
Danbury
CHELMSFORD
CM3 4DF
UK
GX0MWT QSL Card


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