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CCOOUULLSSDDOONN AAMMAATTEEUURR TTRRAANNSSMMIITTTTIINNGG SSOOCCIIEETTYY
G4FUR
M1FUR
CCAATTSS WWHHIISSPPEERRSS
November 2015
Affiliated to the RSGB
CCAATTSS CCoommmmiitttteeee
Chairman: Stuart Barber, G6CJR Secretary: Mike Buckley, M1CCF Treasurer: Steve Conway, G7SYO Members: Steve Beal, G3WZK Andy Briers G0KZT Dennis Noe, M0NDJ Vacancy - -
CATS Whispers Editor: Steve Beal, G3WZK
email address for contributions: [email protected]
RReegguullaarr SSoocciieettyy MMeeeettiinnggss These are held on the second Monday of each month at: St. Swithun's Church Hall, Grovelands Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 4LA at 20:15 to 22:15
SSoocciieettyy NNeettss
1st Saturday of month - 17:15 - Crescenta Valley / CATS Net on Echolink/ GB3NS Sunday mornings - 11:00 - Call on 145.400 MHz ± QRM Sunday evenings - 17:00 - Call on 3.700 MHz ± QRM
Wednesday evenings - 21:00 - Call on 70.425 MHz
CCAATTSS WWeebbssiittee www.catsradio.org EEmmaaiill [email protected]
FFoorrtthhccoommiinngg MMeeeettiinnggss
Monday November 9 Constructional Evening: 7 MHz Transceiver Monday December 14 AGM Monday January 11 CATS New Year Dinner at Chateau Napoleon
CATS is twinned with the Crescenta Valley Radio Club Glendale California USA www.qsl.net/cvrc
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CCAATTSS OOccttoobbeerr MMeeeettiinngg The October CATS meeting featured a talk on Dead Bug Construction by Bob G3OOU, followed by a practical session. Bob began by explaining briefly the reasons for adopting dead bug construction, such as the fact that it is much cheaper to build a prototype circuit in dead bug style to prove that it works, before undertaking the design of a PCB layout. With dead bug, it is easy to change components as the electronic design of a piece of kit is finalised. Hence its usefulness for radio amateurs’ one-off projects. Bob then showed some equipment that he had made in dead bug style, including a 7MHz receiver (with an AF amplifier added that day), and a stripline filter with a passband in the region of 260 MHz.
Bob G3OOU explains the principles of dead bug construction
Bob G3OOU with a selection of his equipment including a PCB using dead-bug construction, test gear, and homebrew
equipment lovingly constructed in Heathkit style. (G8NNT photo)
A 7 MHz receiver built in dead bug style by Bob G3OOU
An AF amplifier for the above 7 MHz receiver built in dead bug style by Bob G3OOU
The stripline filter under test
It was then time to put the technique into practice, using pieces of spare PCB kindly provided by Bob. With kits of parts provided by CATS, members began the construction of a variety of pieces of gear, including an AF preamplifier, an RF preamplifier, a zener-stabilised PSU and a twin tee oscillator. Help
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was on hand in case of difficulty and, in addition, Bob had brought with him a good selection of test gear to check the performance of each piece of equipment. A selection of photos follows.
L-R: Kim G6JXA, Alvin G6DTW and Steve G3WZK (G8NNT photo)
Alvin G6DTW constructing an AF preamplifier
The AF preamplifier constructed by Alvin G6DTW that had a
gain of over 20 dB
Dave M0TRQ constructing a Zener-stabilised PSU
Zener-stabilised PSU as constructed by Dave M0TRQ (Note
the IN and OUT labelling added in solder.)
Glenn G4FVL, aided by Peter M0PWW constructing a twin-
tee oscillator
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Twin-tee oscillator as constructed by Glenn G4FVL and Peter M0PWW
The output of the twin-tee oscillator as constructed by Glenn G4FVL and Peter M0PWW
Colin G3YCR and Martin G4GFI building an RF preamplifier
RF preamplifier as constructed by Colin G4YCR and Martin
G4GFI
RF preamplifier constructed by Colin G4YCR and Martin G4GFI that had useful gain up to a frequency of 150 MHz
L-R: Kim G6JXA, Martin G4GFI, Bob G3OOU and Colin G3YCR. In the foreground is a bass guitar constructed by
Bob G3OOU.
L-R: Steve G7SYO, Steve G3WZK, Prue G4RWW (G8NNT photo)
Overall this was a very successful evening, so a big CATS “thank you” to Bob for his efforts in ensuring its success.
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CCAATTSS NNoovveemmbbeerr MMeeeettiinngg The theme of the October meeting will be continued into the November meeting, which will be a constructional evening the aim of which is to build a QRP CW transceiver for 7 MHz. We are planning to provide a number of kits so that members can build a simple rig in an evening. The kit uses no SMD-type devices and the Editor has built one in forty minutes that worked first time, so this should be a manageable project for virtually everyone. Help will be on hand for anyone that needs it. It is hoped that by the end of the evening there will have been several CW QSOs completed within the hall, but this is not compulsory! The date for your diaries is November 9th 2015.
CCAATTSS DDeecceemmbbeerr MMeeeettiinngg AAddvvaannccee NNoottiiccee OOff AAGGMM
Annual General Meeting Of The Society In accordance with the rules of the Society, notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society will be held on Monday 14th December 2015 at St. Swithun's Church Hall, Grovelands Road, Purley, Surrey CR8 4LA, commencing at 20:15 hours.
Now is a good time for all members to consider any issues they may wish to raise at the meeting and whether they might wish to nominate someone new, or perhaps stand themselves, for election to the CATS Committee. Steve G3WZK has announced that he will be standing down as Committee Member and Newsletter Editor Secretary, so if you think you may be interested in taking on that or one of the other roles, please be sure to give it some serious thought before the AGM which this year will be on Monday December 14th. Serving on the committee is not as onerous as you might think, because many committee meetings are now run using Skype so you can take part from the comfort of your own home. Please give it a thought. CATS needs YOU … The date for your diaries is December 14th 2015.
CCAATTSS JJaannuuaarryy 22001166 MMeeeettiinngg This meeting will be the customary New Year dinner. On this occasion, the Committee have booked a room at the Chateau Napoleon Restaurant which is in Coombe Lane, South Croydon, CR0 5RE. There will be a fixed charge of £19.95 for this meal and, as usual, partners are warmly welcomed. You will need to pay for your own drinks. The Secretary recently emailed members with full details. Please let him know by 6th November if you are planning to come but have not yet advised him. The date for your diaries is January 11th 2016, starting at 7:30 pm.
KKeemmppttoonn PPaarrkk rraallllyy aanndd CCAATTSS bbaazzaaaarr It’s now only a matter of days until these two regulars in the CATS’ calendar. On November 8th, CATS will provide the Bring & Buy stand at Kempton Park as usual and we believe we now have enough helpers for that. The CATS Bazaar is on November 15th and needs more helpers. This year, it is being held at a new location – the Coulsdon Community Centre which is located in the Chipstead Valley Road in Coulsdon. The postcode is CR5 3BE. There is no access to set up tables on the day before the event, which means that table set-up will begin at 7:30 am on the Sunday morning. Clearing up will begin at 2:00 pm. In addition to the help that is needed to set up the event, more assistance is required to run the event, including in the kitchen, on the door, in the car park and on the Bring and Buy. Can anyone spare some time between 09:00 and 13:00 to help lighten the load? If you can help please advise the CATS Bazaar organiser, Glenn G4FVL (email [email protected] or telephone 020 8763 8093), as soon as possible. The event will open to the public at 10:00 am. More information is given on page (7) of this issue of CATS Whispers and on the CATS Website where there is an interactive map.
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FFoorr SSaallee Two metre vertical antenna – 5/8 wave over ¼ wave – only has 3 out of 4 radials. This antenna is 12 feet long and would need to be collected from the QTH of Kim G6JXA by someone with a roof rack. Kim is looking for £5 for this antenna please. Email him on: [email protected]
GGoooodd WWeebbssiittee http://www.g4dmp.co.uk/ I recently discovered the above website while doing some research into vintage equipment. It contains many interesting bits and pieces including a step-by-step guide into constructing a 405 line television receiver. It was written when there were only two TV transmitters in the country: Alexandra Palace (AP) and Sutton Coldfield (SC). Interestingly, the AP vision transmitter was apparently using double sideband on 45 MHz with sound on 41.5 MHz, while SC was using vestigial sideband for vision. I had always believed that vestigial sideband was the norm for 405 line TV, so I have learnt something new. Also on the site is the official BBC Guide to acceptable programme content. Some of it seems reasonable but apparently “Boer War” was an inadmissible term in 1949 ! (See page 20 of the guide.) However the ‘N’ word was okay in the context of “N***** Minstrels.” The final item worth a mention on the site is some music - the “CQ serenade.” How can I have been licensed for nearly fifty years and never come across this before? It is a song written by the late VE2QS and VE2BR, and is played by VE2QS and his orchestra. The singer is Joyce Hahn. The end of the tune even features VA (or SK) played by the band.
NNeeww ((WWeett)) HHiigghhwwaayy CCooddee CATS member Frank G3ZMF has submitted the following for publication. He writes, “A bit of fun from the “Navigating Dept.” of the old New Zealand Shipping Companies vessels, dated 28th January 1978, author unknown.” If a ship ahead you see, Go and make a cup of tea. You may be tho’ the type of bloke, Who’d prefer a cup of cocoa.
If to starboard, red appears, Have no worries, have no fears, Hold on tho’, your pulse may quicken, When he alters, signal “Chicken”. Fishing boats, in every weather, Tend to flock and stick together, But size and numbers do not matter, Aim at them and they’ll soon scatter. Smaller craft are just the same, So go for them, they’re all fair game, A nicely painted yacht or dhow, Looks most attractive around your bow. If these rules you do obey, You’ll soon be prematurely grey, And I guarantee, what’s more, You’ll soon have a job ashore.
MMyy EEaarrllyy EExxppllooiittss WWiitthh DDMMRR bbyy AAnnddyy GG00KKZZTT Following the talk we received from Denis G0OLX at the October meeting, I decided to take the plunge and order myself a DMR rig. I had been in contact with Dave M0TRQ who had also ventured onto this new mode and eBay seemed the easiest route, especially with my low budget. I found several radios there but the best deal was for a Retevis RT3 which came with an external speaker mic and programming lead, all for £119.00. Further research revealed that this was a rebranded Tytera MD380 (one of which was seen at the talk and owned by a member of the audience in October). I ordered the item from a trader based in Portsmouth and it arrived several days later. Prior to its arrival, I downloaded a generic CODEPLUG for the rig and registered my call sign for the user code that is required. On opening the box, I found the usual goodies including two aerials, belt clip, programming lead, battery and charger. However there was no programming software although this is usually included in the package. I went to the Tytera website and was able to download and install it onto my Windows 10 machine without any problems. The software was straightforward and I could see how to upload the CODEPLUG and input the user code. I plugged the programming lead into the rig and within a few seconds the rig was programmed. It was as easy as that! My local repeater is GB7NS although I can also hear GB7WL Amersham (and with an
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external aerial I expect I could hear GB7HR in Heathrow plus several other located around London). The CODEPLUG has all the repeaters for the UK (correct at the time it was created) plus simplex DMR and analogue frequencies plus the analogue repeaters too. With respect to GB7NS, the rig is programmed for Roaming TG8, Local (slots 1&2) for TG9, UK Wide TG235, English Worldwide TG13, World Wide TG1, Euro Wide TG2, plus TG113 English World Wide, TG123 English World Wide,TG119 World Wide & TG129 World Wide. I have yet to confirm if ALL the Talk Groups listed are available via GB7NS.
The DMR handie now owned by Andy G0KZT
I still have a lot to learn and I am gleaning as much information as I can find on the Internet to get a better understanding of the mode. However, my early experience has been good and I am enjoying the crystal clear audio and the connectivity of DMR. I have chosen a cheaper entry level but more expensive gear including the Motorola equipment may offer better features including automatic channel hopping which the Retevis doesn't. This equipment is more expensive but so too is the is programming software, Anyone thinking of choosing the more expensive range should however not be put off. Local DMR repeater keepers may be able to assist with the programming.
LLiicceennccee RReevvaalliiddaattiioonn Both of the CATS Andys (G0KZT and G8JAC) wrote to CATS Whispers about Ofcom’s plan to revoke amateur licences that have not been properly revalidated. Revalidation online is not difficult but can also be done by phone on 020 7981 3131 or by email or fax. For more information, visit: http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/amateur-radio/revalidation/
CCoonntteessttss CCoommiinngg SSoooonn
TTuueessddaayy AAccttiivviittyy AAccttiivviittyy CCoonntteessttss 22001155 –– aallll bbeeggiinn aatt
88ppmm llooccaall ttiimmee Nov 10 70 cm Nov 17 23 cm Nov 24 6 metres Dec 1 2 metres Dec 8 70 cm Dec 15 23 cm
OOtthheerr CCoonntteessttss -- 22001155 Nov 7/8: 144MHz CW Marconi Nov 14: Club Calls (1.8MHz AFS) Nov 21/22: 2nd 1.8MHz Contest Dec 6: 144MHz AFS Dec 26/29: 50/70/144/432MHz Christmas Cumulatives Contest
LLooccaall RRaalllliieess && EEvveennttss 8 November 2015 West London Radio & Electronics Show Kempton Park Racecourse. Open 10:00. Parking, trade stands, catering, disabled facilities. Contact [email protected] NOTE: CATS involvement in this event. The CATS bring and buy sale is a permanent feature of this rally. www.radiofairs.co.uk
15 November 2015 CATS 38th Annual Radio and Electronics Bazaar NOTE NEW VENUE: Coulsdon Community Centre, Chipstead Valley Road in Coulsdon, Surrey CR5 3BE. Open 10:00 to 13:00 Parking, trade stands, bring and buy, refreshments Contact: [email protected] or www.catsradio.org
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7 February 2016 30th Canvey Radio & Electronics Rally The Paddocks Community Centre, Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 0JA Open 10:30 Parking, Catering, Disabled Facilities, Trade Stands 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). Contact: Vic Rogers G6BHE Tel 01702 308562 [email protected] www.southessex-ars.co.uk/canveyrally.html 14 February 2016 Harwell Radio and Electronics Rally Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot, OX11 8AY, Oxfordshire. Radio, electronics and computing trade stalls, secondhand stalls, special interest groups, displays. Refreshments. Entrance £2.50. Open 10:00 to 15:00. Contact: Ann Stevens 01235 816379 or [email protected] www.g3pia.org.uk
28 February 2016 Rainham Radio Rally Rainham School For Girls, Derwent Way, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 0BX Opens 10:00, Talk in on 2metres using G0BRC. RSGB RAIBC RSARS RNARS Peter Weatherall / QRP club, Clifton ARS contest Group Traders incl Sycom Contact Trevor, G6LYW, 07717 678795 or [email protected] www.brats-qth.org 13 March 2016 Dover Radio Rally Location: Whitfield Village Hall, Sandwich Road Whitfield, Dover. CT16 3LY Doors open at 10.00am. Auction starts at 12.30pm. Rally ends at 1pm. Entrance £2.00. www.darc.org.uk/
17 April 2016 West London Radio & Electronics Show Kempton Park Racecourse. Open 10:00. Parking, trade stands, catering, disabled facilities. Contact [email protected] NOTE: CATS involvement in this event. The CATS bring and buy sale is a permanent feature of this rally. www.radiofairs.co.uk
4-5 Jun 2016 SERF, Sussex Electronics and Radio Fair Eastbourne Sports Park, off Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF Open from 10am too 4pm. Manufacturers, Distributors, Dealers, Clubs, Groups, Societies, Educational and private stands, tables and stalls, flea market, complete with a bring and buy area. talk-in will be operating, together with indoor and outdoor events, refreshments http://serf.org.uk/ [email protected]
19 June 2016 27
th Newbury Radio Rally & Boot Sale
Newbury Showground, M4 J13. The Rally takes place at one of the biggest showgrounds in the south of England. Newbury Showground is located right next to junction 13 of the M4 Motorway. Nearest Post Code: RG18 9BB Open 09:00. Free parking, trade stands, catering, disabled facilities. Royal Air Force Amateur Radio Society, (RAFARS) Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society Royal Signals Amateur Radio Society Radio Officers Association (ROARS) British Amateur Television Club (BATC) Chiltern DX Club UK Six Metre Group Worked All Britain Awards Group (WAB) Castles and Stately Homes on the Air (CASHOTA) Reading Hackspace Vulcan To The Sky Group Group for Earth Observation Restored Police command truck and support vehicle And other organisations and clubs all displaying their special interests Contact [email protected] www.nadars.org.uk/
24-26 June 2016 39
th Hamtronic Show, Friedrichshafen
Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany Open 09:00 each day
• 63rd DARC Lake Constance Meeting
• with lectures and meetings
• HAM RALLYE - Friday and Saturday
• HAM tent camp
• HAM NIGHT - Saturday www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de/ham-en/index.php
OOtthheerr CClluubb NNeewwss && CCoonnttaacctt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn BROMLEY & DISTRICT ARS Website: www.bdars.org.uk/ Email: [email protected] Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of every month at Victory Social Club, Kechill Gardens, Hayes, Kent, 19:30 for 20:00. 17 Nov – Short Talks 15 Dec – Quiz and Mince Pies (TBC) 19 Jan – AGM
CPREC (CRYSTAL PALACE) Website: www.qsl.net/g3oou/ or http://www.g3oou.co.uk/ Club Net: Wednesdays 20:00 on 145.525 MHz Meetings: 1
st Friday at All Saints Church Parish Rooms,
Beulah Hill at 19:30 6 Nov - Electronic Components - 2 4 Dec - “Equipment on the Air and Trifle” 2016 8 Jan – Club 60
th Anniversary + Electronic Components -
3 5 Feb – AGM and construction contest
CRAWLEY ARC Website: www.carc.org.uk Meetings: Every Wednesday at Hut 18, Tilgate Forest Recreational Centre, Tilgate Forest, Crawley from 19:30, and Sundays, 10:30 to 13.00.
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CRAY VALLEY RS Website: www.cvrs.org Contact: Richard Cains G7GLW [email protected] Club Nets: Wednesdays 21:00 on 145.500/QSY and 22:00 on 3.720 ± QRM, and Sundays 11:00 on 3.720 ± QRM Meetings: 1
st and 3
rd Thursdays at 1st Royal Eltham
Scouts HQ, Rear of 61 - 71 Southend Crescent, Eltham, London, SE9 2SD. 5 Nov - Annual Surplus Sale 19 Nov – Meet The Members 11 Dec - Christmas Social 2015 21 Jan – Annual Planning Meeting 17 Mar – Backyard EME by Paul G4DCV
DORKING & DISTRICT Website: http://www.ddrs.org.uk Email: [email protected] Contact: George Brind, G4CMU Club Nets: Sunday 08:15 on 3.770 MHz & Thursday 20:00 on 144.775 MHz Meetings: Friends Meeting House, Butterhill, South Street Dorking at 19:30. 24 Nov – AGM and Antenna modelling using 4NEC2 4 Dec - Christmas Dinner
HORSHAM ARC (ch’d30.10.15) Website: www.harc.org.uk Club Nets: Saturdays 21:30 on 144.725MHz and Sundays 10:00 on 3.722 MHz Meetings: 1
st Thursday at The Guide Hall, Denne Road,
Horsham, Sussex 5 Nov - HARC-CARC Challenge (interclub quiz night) 3 Dec - AGM
MID SUSSEX ARS Website: www.msars.org.uk Club Nets: Sundays 08:00 on 3.740 MHz and at 11:00 on 145.350 MHz, Wednesdays 20:00 on 145.350 MHz and Daily 13:30 on 21.330 MHz Meetings: Every Friday at Cyprus Hall, Cyprus Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex for 19:45 6 Nov – Junk sale 13 Nov – Propagation by Chris G3TYU 11 Dec – Christmas Dinner at The Plough in Pycombe
REIGATE ATS Website: www.qsl.net/rats Email: [email protected] Club Nets: Thursdays 20:00 on 145.500 MHz and Sundays 20:00 on 3.740 – 3.760 MHz Meetings: 3
rd Thursday at RNIB, Redhill College,
Philanthropic Road, Redhill for 19:30
SRCC Website: www.g3src.org.uk Contact: John Kennedy G3MCX, 020 8688 3322 Club Nets: Sunday 09:30 on 1905 kHz Daily natter channel – 144.215 MHz at 19.30. Meetings: 1
st & 3
rd Mondays at Trinity School, Shirley
Park, Croydon CR9 7AT 19:30 for 19:45. 7 Dec – Construction Contest
SUTTON & CHEAM RS Website: www.scrs.org.uk Contact: John Puttock G0/ BWV 020 8644 9945 Club Nets: Saturday 10.00 - 7.120 MHz ± QRM Saturday 11.00 - 145.500 MHz (S20) Then QSY Meetings: 3
rd Thursday at Sutton United Football Club,
The Borough Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton. 19:30 for 20:00 19 Nov - Digital Amateur TV, the Primer – by Andy Mace – 2E0IBF 10 Dec – Surplus Equipment Sale 2016 21 Jan - Visit by RSGB President, Dr John Gould – G3WKL Please note: this meeting will start slightly earlier at 7:30pm
WIMBLEDON & DISTRICT ARS Contact: Andrew Maish G4ADM 020 8335 3434 andrew.maish ATntlworld.com Club Net: Mondays 20:45 on 145.500 MHz Meetings: 2
nd & last Friday of each month at
Martin Way Methodist Church, Buckleigh Avenue, Merton 27 Nov – Surplus Equipment Sale 11 Dec – Christmas Social 8 Jan – Members’ Xmas Activity Review
CATS Whispers is published monthly by S J Beal G3WZK on behalf of the
Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society. © CATS 2015
