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G0MWT, GX0MWT, GB5HF, GB5SM, GB100MWT & M2T
CARS Skills - August-2015 |
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G0MWT, GX0MWT, GB5HF, GB5SM, GB100MWT & M2T
CARS Skills - August-2015 |
August 17th 2015 saw another interesting and quite varied Skills Night. The Danbury A414 roadworks had fortuitously finished just in time for an unspoilt summer evening that featured the following:-Finally another 'aerial' shot - showing representatives from CARS, Essex RAYNET, Essex Repeater Group, Essex CW Club and Essex Ham who were kindly all on hand to help with questions - and in the distance at the back, David and Myra working hard in the kitchen on the refreshments
- Construction – Peter M0PSD and Chris 2E0CUU managed another popular session for hands-on 2m/70cm Slim Jim antennas. It wasn't the only antenna or type of construction. Laura M6LHT proudly showed her homemade lightning detector whilst further down this page, take a look at some the other antennas present...
The popular constructors workshop had Slim Jims in progress, as well as Laura M6LHT with her homemade lightning detector
- Data Modes - Charlie M0PZT was present for programming handhelds and was demonstrating data modes on HF using his FT-857 including PSK31 and RTTY. Whilst many are familiar with these modes, the latest display was JT65-HF. This particular weak signal mode is actually developed separately by other amateurs and is not part of the main WSJT modes package from Joe Taylor K1JT, creator of JT65 and other VHF/Microwave JT modes
JT65-HF being demonstrated by Charlie M0PZT- Portable Antennas – Peter Onion G0DZB brought along his very nice compact Elecraft KX3 with its PX3 panadapter. It wasn't his only demo and his 80m portable antenna proved to be just of one a pair of eyecatchers on the night. A surprise was a homemade tetrahedral by Andy Chapman G7TKK (Chris G0IPU's brother), inspired by the late Alan Boswell G3NOQ, implemented with Slinkies to extend its lower frequency coverage.
Peter G0DZBs 80m vertical and the Tetrahedral by Andy G7TKK (inc a closeup of the slinky elements)
- Satellites - Tracking software and antennas for amateur satellites was on show from Steve M0SHQ. We hope that Steve will be giving a talk at CARS on the topic in early 2016.
Steve M0SHQ explaining satellites
- Getting Started – Essex Ham’s new Foundation Online course which features slides and videos for each module was on demo along with a selection of getting started guides.
Foundation Online by Essex Ham
- Essex CW Club - Oliver M0WAG and Andy G0IBN from Essex CW were on hand to explain/promote Morse. Pictured below were some of the keyers on show, though a miniature gem was the KK5PY Micro-key. The next round of CW Classes start in September - in parallel with the next CARS Foundation Course
The CW Keyers and a closeup of Andy's KK5PY Micro-key
- Quiz - This months quiz was presented by Clive G1EUC who had some quite detailed questions from one of our guest contributors. Topics included CEPT Operation and where you could operate on 220MHz.
An 'aerial' view of the hall and attendees
As a reminder, Skills Night takes place at the Danbury Village Hall – Entrance is free, and the event is open to all – no need to be a member of CARS.
Next Event: Monday Sep-21
Venue: Danbury Village Hall, CM3 4NQ
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See Also:-
Skills Night Main Page Training Main Page CARS Home Page
