| 24th January 2012 | Added the February Meeting details. Transfered the CARS Christmas Lunch report and photos to the Events page. Added Membership link to Home Page above. Added Canvey Rally. Added Report and photos from January Meeting. Added Essex Ham web site to Links Folder. Added the photo of the Advanced Exam Candidates. Changed Direct QSL Address from PO Box 112 to a private address. |
February Meeting:-
Tuesday, 7th February, 2012 at 7.30pm." Amateur Radio Self Build Kits".
By Mark Sanderson, M0IEO.How many of you realise that we are only six meetings away from the CARS Constructors Competition for 2012, time does fly and it seems the older I get, the faster it seems to go! With that in mind, this month we are going to have a look at some of the commercial kits that are available for Radio Amateurs to build.
I know many of you will be scratch builders when it comes to radio, preferring to specify and source your own designs for radio kit, but for those who are just starting out in building radios or who feel that more practice is needed with the soldering iron, we will be having a look at the likes of Softrock, Bitex and some of the other kits you can buy quite cheaply and construct yourself.
A small SDR Radio by Softrock.
The plug goes onto the USB Port on a computer for power, one lead is the Aerial
while the other is to a Sound Card on a computer.
The Foxx3 Transceiver as produced by Kanga Products - reproduced by kind permission of Dennis, G6YBC.
Available as a 80m, 40m, 30m and 20m version.
Don’t forget, you only have six months left in which to construct something and enter the CARS Constructors Competition, so why not make Carl G3PEM’s day and have a go, you never know, you may just win!CARS will have its Famous Raffle run by Peter Graves, G0KSJ. Please purchase a Raffle Ticket (or two!) - you may win a prize.
27th Canvey Radio and Electronics Rally, Sunday, 5th February 2012
At the Paddocks Community Centre, Long Road, Canvey Island,
(The Paddocks is situated at the end of the A130).Doors Open 10:30 am
The features are:
Major Amateur Radio and Electronic component exhibitors Selling New and S/Hand equipment.
Freshly made refreshments. (And by popular demand the famous Canvey Radio Rally Bacon Rolls are back on the Menu.)
Free car parking with space outside main doors for disabled visitors. Rally Organizer : Dave Speechley G4UVJ Tel 01268 697978
Further Details from our Web Site - www.southessex-ars.co.uk/canveyrally.html
January Meeting:-
Tuesday, 3rd January, 2012 at 7.30pm."What is NOT covered on the Foundation Courses".
By CARS Members.Despite the high winds and rain that Essex endured it was good to see so many CARS members had braved the elements to attend the first club night of the year.
Following on from opening announcements from John Bowen G8DET, and CARS President Carl, G3PEM who is organising the 80 Metre Activity Event, Mark Sanderson M0IEO kicked off “What is NOT covered on the Foundation Course”. This is a series of talks and practical sessions designed to be of help to newer amateurs still learning the ropes, as well as for more seasoned operators looking to expand into other areas of the hobby. Invitations had been sent to the CARS database of M3 and M6 Foundation Course graduates, and it was good to see so many new faces.
Carl explaining the January 80M Activity and Introducing the evening.
Photos by John G8DET
Part of the audience and Brian, G3CVI sitting by his "Tuned Earth" table. Peter Sipple is on the right.The first talk, “Foundation to Full”, was from Pete Sipple, M0PSX, who gave the audience a brief overview of his 14 month journey starting as a newcomer to hobby in late 2010, as he progressed through the three licence stages with the help of the CARS Training Team. Peter then discussed a number of modes that he has been using, starting off with a demonstration of the PSK31 data mode, and the weak signal propagation reporting software WSPR.
Mark talking about Aerial Tuners and Peter showing a Waterfall Display.This was followed by a summary of Pete ‘s experiences of receiving audio, text and images from the ARISSat-1 amateur radio satellite, complete with an audio recording and SSTV images received from space, plus a QSL Card confirming reception of the satellite’s signals. Sadly, since the club night, ARISSat-1 has now re-entered the atmosphere, and can be heard no more. Pete finished with a brief demonstration of the FUNcube Dongle Software Defined Radio, which offers access to the spectrum from 50MHz to 1.7GHz for around £125.
A list of links to the websites referred to in Pete’s presentation can be found at: - www.essexham.co.uk/f2f
Mark M0IEO then gave an overview of some of the essential tools of our trade, notably dummy loads (including the use an incandescent 40 watt lightbulb), low-pass filters, and ATUs. As well as explaining the "dos and don’ts" of how to set up a station correctly, Mark explained the benefits of correct filtering, and some common ‘gotchas’, such as ensuring that you remember to modulate when tuning your antenna on SSB.
Following the break, attendees were able to watch and take part in various demonstrations, including Brian G3CVI’s demonstration of how your station’s earth can radiate, tuning a magnetic mount antenna with an MFJ29, an impressive ‘lightsabre’ demonstration using RF and a fluorescent tube by Peter G3SUY, and Carl G3PEM explaining to how to build a dummy load.
John, G8DET testing a Magnetic Mount Aerial with a MFJ259 and Peter G3SUY lighting a Floucesent Tube with RF from a home made mobile whip antenna.
Peter, G3SUY demonstrating Torch Bulbs lit showing current distribution in a Half Wave wire Aerial and using a 60 Watt Incandescent lamp as a Dummy Load.
Photos above supplied by Peter, G3SUY
Brian explaining the Tuned Earth device and Luke, M6LNT drawing the Raffle.The evening’s raffle, organised by Peter G0KSJ was drawn by Luke M6LNT, and the final event of the evening was a recording of Clive Ward, G1EUC’s recent appearance on BBC Essex. In the seven minute recording provided by Pete M0PSX, Clive can be heard explaining the hobby to BBC Essex’s morning show audience, and promoted the upcoming Foundation Courses being run by CARS. The next course on the 12th January 2011 is fully subscribed. If you missed the broadcast, a copy is available at: - www.essexham.co.uk/carsbbc
Photo left, Peter, M0PSX playing the interview by Essex Radio with Clive, G1EUC - Photo right, Peter G0KSJ (seated left) who runs the Raffle and CARS Member George G0LKY.Report by Peter Sipple, M0PSX.
Clickable Links for current items.
Note, each Link Opens in a New Page. "Close" to come back here.
CARS noting the Death of Louis Varney, G5RV.
Click here to follow the Link to CARS G5RV page
CARS June Meeting commemorating the Birth of Louis Varney, GB5RVA.
Click here to follow the Link to the June Meeting page
CARS operating GB5RVA from Sandford Mill.
Click here to follow the Link to GB5RVA page
CARS operating IMD on April 30th at Sandford Mill.
Click here to follow the Link to IMD at Sandford Mill page
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 an open 5 bar gate with advertising on it for SALSA - little referring to Marconi Athletic Sports Club (MASC) - it is nearly opposite to the Co-op stores.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.
CARS Membership
To be/remain a Member of CARS, send a Cheque for £12 – Adult Membership (under 16s or in Full Time Education - FREE) to:- Mr Brian Thwaites, 118 Baddow Hall Crescent, Great Baddow, CHELMSFORD, CM2 7BU. If you would like a receipt, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope with a 2nd class stamp.
Please see the Membership Form by clicking on the following link : - Membership Joining Form pageThanks to Geoff, G7KLV for sending the postal Newsletters – could it go by E-Mail? Please inform Geoff, G7KLV by E-Mail of any changes to your call-sign, postal or E-Mail address, etc. E-Mail him on g7klv-"AT"-g0mwt.org.uk Only by you sending Geoff your E-Mail address, can we ensure WE get it right!
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 who met up with Koos, GU0GUX who lives in Guernsey, Channel Islands and Paul Moss, KB1MTW who lives in Whitman, Ma, USA.
Martyn has visited Koos and his family in 2009, 2010 and again in 2011.
How was it done, you ask? Well Martyn is a whizz with Echo-Link and this is his rig.
Martyn's Rig.
Photograph taken by 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 pleasant. A very nice time was had by all."
Koos (left) and Martn. Note the Mag Mount aerial in the photograph.
Photograph taken by Judy, Wife of Koos.
See also Paul under "CARS - Mugs around the World" on this Web Site. Click hereOn Sunday, 7th August 2011 Paul KB1MTW flew into Gatwick and Martyn brought him to Sandford Mill to meet up with CARS Members operating GB100MWT.
On Wednesday, 10th August Paul attended the CARS Committee Meeting in Danbury with Martyn.
Paul, KB1MTW (left), Colin G0TRM, Martyn G1EFL, Mark M0IEO, Myra M0MYR, David G3SVI and Patrick M0XAP.
Photograph taken by John G8DET.At the Committee Meeting John G8DET Proposed that Paul KB1MTW should be invited to become an Honorary Member of CARS, this was Seconded by Martyn and unanamously agreed by the Committee. Paul said he was pleased and accepted.
Thank you Martyn for telling us the story.
Future Meetings & Events
Monthly Meetings are normally on the First Tuesday in the Month:-
2011 Schedule prepared by Mark Sanderson, M0IEO. Monday, 12th December. CARS Committee Meeting at 7.30pm - Danbury Village Hall - Note the change from Wednesday, 14th to Monday, 12th. Tuesday, 7th February, 2012. CARS Meeting - "Either Enigma or a simple Transceiver project". Tuesday, 3rd April 2012. CARS Meeting - "Titanic Evening". Saturday, 14th April 2012. CARS Operating to Commemorate the Titanic Event at Oaklands Museum, Chelmsford. Saturday, 21st April 2012. CARS Operating "International Marconi Day" at Sandford Mill. Saturday12th and Sunday 13th. CARS Operating "Mills On The Air" from Stock Windmill using GB5SM. Tuesday, 5th June 2012. CARS Meeting - "Marconi - History - Opening of the Worlds first Wireless Factory in New Street, Chelmsford 100 years ago".
Chelmsford Amateur Radio Training Courses
CARS run the full range of Amateur Radio training courses from Foundation to Advanced.
Candidates at the Advanced Exam - 5th December 2011.
Peter Sipple now has M0PSX (Black Jersey).
Additionally Steve Hedgecock is now M0SHQ; Andy Burfield is now M0KVR and Mark Hardingham is now M0ZMX.
Photo by Mark Sanderson, M0IOE
Training Courses in 2012.All Courses will be held at the Danbury Village Hall near Chelmsford on Thusday evenings between 7 and 9pm.
CARS started the new year with a full Foundation Course that is running until 16th February. This Foundation course is CARS 25th (yes a Silver Jubilee) and also marks 10 years since we began!
CARS next Intermediate Course is due to begin on the 8 or 15 of March (TBC). Following a summer break another Foundation course is scheduled to being on 30th August for six weeks
More information at: - http://www.g0mwt.org.uk/training/ which also has the dates for all courses in 2012. Those interested in attending should contact the Training Organiser Clive G1EUC on
Tel: 01245-224577
Mob: 07860-418835
Email: training2012 at g0mwt.org.ukMore 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, 1st September 2011. 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.
A Morse Class in Danbury Village Hall
Photo by Trevor, M5AKAThe 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.
Assuring you of my best intentions - for CW,
Andy, G0IBN
CARS Merchandising for 2012
CARS Merchandising Manager, Martyn Medcalf, G1EFL has put together a coloured brochure for the available clothing, cap and mug available for 2012.
Light and Dark Blue are the options generally available but only Dark Blue in the Fleece, Cap, Lapel Badge, Car Sticker and Mug.
Note that half sizes are available in the Short and Long Sleeved Shirts.
Please note that once ordered the items unfortunately are made to order and therefore not generally returnable if they do not fit – maybe you ordered the incorrect size.
Martyn does not generally keep any stock of clothing – always worth asking incase two persons ordered a too big and a too small item and could swap!
You can contact Martyn on 01245 469008 E-Mail m3vammartyn@supanet.com
Mr Martyn Medcalf, G1EFL
47 Paddock Drive, Springfield
CHELMSFORD,
CM1 6UX
See also the Web page under "Society Information" Mugs Around the World
Take a CARS Mug away with you when you go DX and have a photograph taken to go on that page.
Download a MS Excel Booking Form, fill it in and make the Cheque payable to: - C.A.R.S.
The Dots are important between the letters.
Sent a copy filled out accordingly to Martyn, Address above. Enclose a SAE for conformation of your order.Click here for a Order Form in MS Excel.
Future IET (Formerly IEE) Meetings
Click below to see the Meetings which are current.
South Essex Amateur Radio SocietyClick 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.
The 2nd Tuesday at 8.30pm (local) CARS VHF FM Net will be using GB3DA from Danbury.It is 145.125MHz Input and 145.725MHz Output.
Don't forget long "Overs" are a thing of the past! Time-out is less than 2 minutes.
Don't forget to wait for the "K" after each "Over" or you will be cut short!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.
Don't forget there is a 2 minute "Time-out" so keep "Overs" short.
Vertical aerial is best.
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 29th, is the first time this occurs in 2011, 31st May, 30th August and
finally 29th November.
However January 31st is the first time that this occurs in 2012.
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.Click here to go back to the Top
|
Postal Address
Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society C/O CRAIGIELEA South View Road Danbury CHELMSFORD CM3 4DX UK. To contact CARS on any topic
|
Newsletter & Membership A Monthly Newsletter is provided to every paid-up Member, either by E-mail (PDF) or by Post
Martyn Medcalf, G1EFL, Tel: 01245-469008 |
|
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: training2012 at g0mwt.org.uk |
|
Direct QSL Address:-
Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society C/O CRAIGIELEA South View Road Danbury CHELMSFORD CM3 4DX UK. |
|
Click here to go back to the Top
Hits from 20 Oct 2002 to 8th January 2007 - 50,000. Then the counter reset itself - which it did on its own from time to time!
Hits since it reset itself on 27th May 2009: -
©Copyright CARS 2012.