QUA Welcome, to issue 36 September 2021 Stockport Radio Society (SRS) Newsletter Written and compiled by SRS members, ‘QUA’ (Have you news of… ?) is your source of news, views and informed opinion on all matters relating to - and informed opinion on all matters relating to - and about - your hobby.
Smiles at the start of IOTA 21 with SRSCG with Dave G0LZL and Tom M0DCG
www.g8srs.co.uk @G8SRS / @SRSContestGroup
StockportradioSociety
Hello to All Stockport Radio Society members As you will all know by now I am stepping down as Chairman of SRS. I will still be on the HA trustees Committee. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Committee for their support during my term of office, and also to all SRS members who have come forward to support the changes that have been made in the last seven years. It is very much appreciated. I am sure you will support the new members of the Committee once they are voted for and installed into their relevant roles. We are now back at Walthew House albeit on a reduced scale for the time being. Hopefully back to normal (whatever the new normal may be) by 2022. The Events team had a great weekend at the AVRO Heritage Museum Classic Car and Military Vehicle show. Thank you to all those members who attended showing your support. Quite a number of people dropped by wanting to know what the hobby was about. Keeping an eye on the weather on the Sunday. Rain was forecast for the afternoon so the marquee was packed away before it got wet. Drying it out is a major task. Unfortunately we had a low turnout for the talk given by Steve Thomas M1ACB RSGB Regional Manager and Dave Wilson M0OBW our RSGB Regional representative. I have heard member’s comments about the “RSGB not doing enough for its membership” so a missed opportunity to put your questions forward. The SRS contest team have been very restricted due to the Covid situation, but that has not stopped them from competing albeit on a smaller scale to usual. And may I say with some good results. I hope to see our members at Walthew, providing you believe it is safe you to attend. Walthew Door payments can be made by card now, avoiding the handling of cash. A short Chairman’s corner this time, as I have been rather involved with family matters. Please Stay Safe and Well and Keep Talking. 73 de Tony M0SAV SRS Chairman 2
Contact Emails General - info@g8srs.co.uk Treasurer - treasurer@g8srs.co.uk Website / QUA - srswebsite@g8srs.co.uk Membership - membership@g8srs.co.uk Courses - courses@g8srs.co.uk Contesting - contesting@g8srs.co.uk Morse - morse@g8srs.co.uk
Website
-
www.g8srs.co.uk
SRS Contest Group is the ‘Contesting Arm of Stockport Radio Society’ For more details about the contest group, please contact Bernard G3SHF
QUA - We need your news NOW IN PDF FORMAT - we can allocate more space for your articles QUA is compiled by Heather Stanley M6HNS. This magazine is your magazine, containing information about the club. We would welcome your input. Tell us about what you have been doing. Have you built something?, How is that new antenna doing? It does not have to be radio related. Does your XYL have a recipe that you love that you think we would like. How does your XYL feel about ‘Radio’ write a short article to let us know. Do you have an announcement to make - it can be anything - SRS is your radio family. Lets get you in the pages of QUA, please send your information to srswebsite@g8srs.co.uk or give Heather a call on 07506 904422 3
There are many ways to see what Stockport Radio Society has planned for the forthcoming months.
QUA - 3 months in advance ICS file - everything to the end of 2022 www.g8srs.co.uk - everything to the end of 2022 Facebook - everything to the end of 2022 Weekly Email - the current month.
October 2021 Monday
4
70cm Net 433.525 - Chris 2E0KJC
Tuesday
5
Talk Night via webex - Tim Kirby GW4VXE starting again in a different country
Sunday
10
10m Net 28,550 Mhz
Tuesday
12
6m Net 51.550 FM 7.30pm
Thursday
14
2m Net 145.375 FM 7.30pm
Monday
18
C4FM Fusion 144.950 Simplex
Tuesday
19
Talk Night - History of Cellular Communucation with Nick M0NCZ
Saturday/Sunday
23 & 24
CQ Worldwide CW WW SSB Contest 48hrs 00.00 to 23.59 utc
Tuesday
26
Society Evening at Walthew
Wednesday
27
2m Net 145.375 FM 7.30pm 4
November 2021 Monday
1
70cm Net 433.525 - Chris 2E0KJC
Tuesday
2
Society Evening at Walthew
Tuesday
9
6m Net 51.550 FM 7.30pm
Thursday
11
2m Net 145.375 FM 7.30pm
Sunday
14
10m Net 28.550
Monday
15
C4FM Fusion 144.950 Simplex
Tuesday
16
Society Evening at Walthew
Thursday
11
Committee Meeting
Tuesday
23
Talk Night - EMF Presentation with John M0JAV
Wednesday
24
2m Net 145.375 FM 7.30pm
Saturday/Sunday
27 & 28
CQ Worldwide CW WW CW Contest 48hrs 00.00 to 23.59 utc
December 2021 Monday
6
70cm Net 433.525 - Chris 2E0KJC
Tuesday
7
Talk Night - An Introduction to Raynet with Bernie G8YUP
Sunday
12
10m Net 28.550
Monday
13
6m Net 51.550FM 7.30pm
Tuesday
14
Annual General Meeting via webex
Thursday
16
2m Net 145.375 FM 7.30pm
Monday
20
C4FM Fusion 144.950 Simplex
Tuesday
21
Social Evening at Walthew
Tuesday
28
Xmas New Year Special
Wednesday
29
2m Net 145.375 FM 7.30pm
5
Arthur G0E0M and his XYL Mary Many of you will know Arthur from our club meetings. Arthur has been with the club for over 25 years, and came along to all the meetings, and attended most of the rallies in recent years. Always after a job to do at the Rally (then in his late 80s), we put him on ‘direction duty’ advising members and the general public where to go in Walthew and what to view. Now 91 years old, Arthur and Mary have now moved into Hope Green Nursing Home in Poynton. This all happened very quickly in early 2021. Nigel 2E0CKA has been keeping in touch with Arthur and Mary, and now the restrictions on Mary and Arthur G0EOM visiting friends and families in nursing homes has been extended to five, we made enquiries about going over to see them both. On 30 June 2021, Nigel picked up Marys best mate Linda, and, after doing the required lateral flow tests, went to the home to see them both. Unfortunately, Mary was unsure who Nigel was, but by the end of the visit, seemed to have some recall. Arthur on the other hand was over the moon to see Nigel – in his words ‘I cant believe you have come to see me – its amazing – love my club – thank you for coming’. Nigel showed Arthur videos from our YouTube site of what had been going on, and he thanked Nigel for the items sent over to him. Arthur G0EOM and Nigel 2E0CKA 6
Arthur G0EOM and Mary
A half hour visit turned into over an hour, and hopefully we will be able to continue to go and see them both. We put a note out to the club, and below are a few of the comments we received.
Neil M6NAE - Great picture of art. He looks well. Maybe when this COVID-19 is over. Maybe a few members could visit him, possibly in the garden.
Bernard G3SHF - The pictures were a nice idea. Arthur does look well. Paddy 2E0TWD – He looks well Tom M0DCG - Thanks for keeping us informed. Art looks well. Brian G8NHN - I am glad you found Arthur and Mary ok. Arthur looks fine in his dressing gown. Please give them my regards when see or speak to them next.
Tony M0SAV - Nice to see Arts smiling face. Nigel G0RXA - Good to see doing well. Barrie G6GUT - Great picture, glad to hear Mary and Art are doing well.
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The QCX Mini Not your average tiny kit radio. Written by Ronan Cantwell MM0IVR CPSARC Club Member G0UPL might not be a callsign that you recognise. It belongs to Hans (not Ann) Summers, an ex-pat radio amateur currently living in Turkey. Hans owns and runs a small business called QRPLabs who produce a range of low power radio kits ranging from simple QRP dummy loads through to some quite sophisticated microprocessor 1: My 20m Band “Classic” QCX in a classy -controlled WSPR beacons and CW transceivers. One of these kits is the surprisingly capable and hugely popular QCX CW transceiver
The QCX transceiver was initially put together by Mr. Summers as a project for participants in the YOTA scheme a few years ago. The kit has seen several hardware and firmware revisions and there are currently two main variants on offer: The QCX+ and the QCX-Mini. Both are derived from the original QCX kit design which is no longer being sold and is now referred to as the QCX “classic”. The radio is a single-band design and is advertised as outputting between 3 and 5 watts depending on the supply voltage. More on this later…. The QCX is quite a bit more refined than your average QRP kit. Forget all those Pixies and Rockmites. The block diagram shows the general arrangement:
2: QCX Block diagram from the manual. 8
Hans gives an overall description: “ This CW transceiver is a high performance, yet simple and low cost, analogue design. The transmitter uses a high efficiency Class-E amplifier which results in low current draw on transmit, and inexpensive transistors with little or no heatsinks. The receiver is a direct conversion type utilizing the famous high performance Quadrature Sampling Detector, also known sometimes as the “Tayloe Detector” or even “I-Q Mixer”. This receiver front end architecture has been used in the early Flex Software Defined Radios, Softrock series, Norcal NC2030 and many other SDR’s and other high performance front ends. The detector has very high third order intercept (IP3) and dynamic range, as well as low loss.” Having already built two of the QCX “classic” kits for 40m and 20m I was interested to see there was a new MINI kit being developed. I avoided the initial rush in case there were any teething problems which turned out to be a good move as the initial batch used a 5V regulator that caused more than a few radios to give up the magic smoke… The regulator section was re-designed and the dodgy component replaced with a more rugged alternative for the second batch of kits. It is one of these that I ordered, along with the optional metal case. Total cost, including shipping with FedEx was $86.99 which, in earth-money, is about £63. The kit arrived pretty quickly and I was eager to get it built so I downloaded the assembly instructions from the QRP-Labs website and set to work. A quick word on the assembly instructions: Hans has produced some of the best written documentation that I’ve ever seen for a low-cost kit, or any kit for that matter. The Current QCX assembly manual runs to 121 pages with incredibly detailed diagrams throughout. There is even a thorough fault-finding section towards the end should things go a bit Pete Tong….
3: The kit of parts. The PCB’s have been cut apart 9
The radio is designed as a very compact sandwich of boards and contains a large number of surface-mount components. Thankfully all of the SM components have already been installed so there’s no need to go looking for magnifying glasses and microscopes. There are still a fair few through-hole components to install including a number of inductors and a small transformer that all need to be wound on their respective ferrite cores. The manual gives very clear instructions on this. The only tricky part of the construction is winding and installing the transformer (T1) which has four separate windings on a small toroid. Close attention should be paid to the instructions when mounting larger components and hardware as some minor modifications need to be done to some of these parts due to their size and pin arrangements. As long as the instructions are followed, it doesn’t take long to turn the pile of bits into a finished product. My build took roughly four and a half hours including a sanity break for a quick brew.
4: The assembled main board
10
The QCX radio has a few tricks up its tiny sleeve. One of these is the fact that no external equipment is needed to align the radio. Test functions have been written into its software and by going to the “Alignment” menu, you can quickly fine-tune the band-pass filter, IQ balance along with the upper and lower audio phase shifts. All of this is done by watching an on-screen bar graph as you adjust the relevant trim pots and caps. It takes about five minutes to get the radio dialled in – maybe a bit longer if it’s the first time you’ve done it.
5: All three boards - A bit of hot melt glue on the inductors after they've been
The radio can be connected to a GPS module if you have one (QRP-Labs sell one of course). You can then calibrate its internal clock frequency using the 1 second pulse from the GPS – a nice touch. The QCX boasts many nifty features, one of which is the ability to beacon in CW, FSKCW and WSPR modes. The latter being a very useful addition for checking propagation or making antenna comparisons. There’s even CAT control via one of the 3.5mm sockets!
6: All tucked up inside the sturdy metal case. A bit better than my plastic effort for
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Transmit power on initial test was about 3 watts into a dummy load when powered by LiFePO4 battery pack which was measured at 13.2V. This is normal and Hans has provided a very good video guide on how to adjust the inductors in the Low Pass Filter section to bring the output up to its specified 5 watts or more. After a bit of spreading and squishing of the turns on the inductors the output power was a respectable 5.6 Watts and the three small parallel mosfets in the output stage were barely even warm to the touch. A bit of hot melt glue was used to keep the inductors in place and prevent me from ever being able to adjust them again… Due to the class E output stage, the radio is very efficient. I measured the current draw to be 570 mA on transmit (from a 13.2V supply) which equates to about 7.5 watts consumed for the 5.6 watts output. Receive current is a miserly 79 mA with the display backlight on, dropping to 65 mA with the backlight off. My 6.5 Ah battery pack should last for a bit!!! Receive sensitivity is quite remarkable but due to the lack of any sort of AGC there can be some very large and ear-splitting volume jumps when transitioning from weak to strong stations. The radio has no internal speaker so headphones or a small powered external speaker are the order of the day.
7: The finished article. It's TINY and only weighs 200 grams !!!
12
Since first building the radio, I have added a small AGC circuit which miraculously fitted in to one of the few internal spaces. This has really helped tame those huge volume jumps. I’ll probably add the same to my other QCX “classic” kits. All-in all the QCX-Mini is a very capable little radio. It’s an easy and fun kit to put together. Its only real drawback is that it’s a single band design but that just means I’ll need to buy another one for 20m, or 30m, or both…….. More info at https://www.qrplabs.com/qcxmini.html Ronan MM0IVR
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2m SOTA at Craig-y-Castell (GW/NW-074) 22 May 2021 - Dave G2DS Background to trying the site Activated on Saturday 22 May 21 I picked this location as it was close to a site that my friends and I were camping at over the weekend. I'd done some other sites in the area, in one case getting a Summit-to-Summit contact and activate the summit, but insufficient contacts to score a SOTA point.
Checking out the radio in the van. Anyone around?
Makeshift camping setup in Dolgellau, North Wales.
My kit For me, the SOTA activation always comes secondary to the walk and the brew at the top of the hill, so I took enough equipment to activate on VHF or HF. In addition to my normal 6m pole and flowerpot antenna, I took the 20/40m SOTABeams inverted V wire "just in case", although I didn't need it..
14
The Pole and Flowerpot in situ
The Icom IC-705, ready for action on the summit
While operating on the hill, I use a 7Ah LiFePo4 Tracer battery for power. The Icom IC-705 is powered by a little HT battery as standard, but the 12v external battery gives better battery life and also the option to crank the wick up to a full 10W! Approach and walking in We approached the hill from the Dolgellau side. This was mainly due to us camping at a great little site called Bryn-y-Gwin Farm (www.brynygwin.co.uk). This meant a walk of about 3km in each direction for the activation. From Bryn-y-Gwin to the footpaths there is a short on-road section which wasn't too bad, but always sensible to take care. Within a few hundred yards, we were on a single track road. Taking care to note the difference between a "fawr" (great) and “fach" (small) farm, we eventually found the right one (it was larger) and made our way onto the fell. The terrain wasn't particularly tricky, but as it'd been raining for the previous 2 days solid, there were quite a few places where the ground was boggy. After a walk and a brief scramble onto the pinnacle of Craig-y-Castell, I found a suitable activation point, slightly out of the wind and away from the cairn which marked the summit.
Cont on next page
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Activation I taped the flowerpot wire to the 6m pole and raised the antenna. As ther wasn't a lot to attach to, I just held the pole against a rock with my back. As always, the IC-705 performed beautifully. I typically look around the band and see if I can bag any other SOTA summits. Initially there wasn't much activity on the band, but as soon as I called "CQ SOTA", it seemed that I'd once more awakened the world! The short pileup that ensued was enough to score my SOTA point within about 15 minutes and I was able to have a brief chat with most of the local hams within about an hour. I learned how to pronounce CASTELL (it's a very phlegm-y "Cathtechhhh") and someone had a right old laugh trying to get me to do that. I didn't need to put the power above the 5W level and arguably could have turned things down a little, as most of the contacts were reporting 59 to 59+30. Considering that one of the contacts was into Pembroke (140km), that wasn't bad, albeit I only got a report of 44 from him. Again, that wasn't anywhere near line of sight, so I was pretty happy with the QSO as it was. With a brew supplied by my mate John G7GUN, we'd cracked the summit, had a nice brew and were able to have a look at some of the people at the higher scoring peak of Penygadair (Cadair Idris, GW/NW-009) which is a nice 8-pointer SOTA summit. Sadly we didn't hear anyone activating that while we were on our walk though.
G7GUN taking in the sights (and a brew) 16
The much taller and higher scoring Penygadair (Cadir Idris)
A second trawl of the band on the IC-705 bagged me a S-2-S QSO with Malc MW0NLG/P on GW/NW-031, which wasn't a bad result, considering that it wasn't line of sight and there was a huge hill in the way. For all those who reckon that the bandscope is pointless for SOTA, I'd say that I'd have missed the opportunity to get that point otherwise, so it works for me.
Walking back out Believe it or not, I actually find walking uphill easier than walking down, as my knees are shot from Mountain Rescue exploits. Apart from having to ask John to slow down a bit (which was in contrast to the walk in), I managed OK. Main thing is not to get injured! Logging
Once home on the Sunday, I logged all the contacts on uLog (thanks to G3CWI for that tip) and also onto the SOTA database. All done in about half an hour. I still seem to struggle with some of the times even though I'm getting better with the more experience I get. I still can't decide if to just log everything everywhere in UTC, or have a mix of the two. Your thoughts on this are welcome.
The major benefits of SOTA and hill walking – the views.
Reflection on this as a SOTA activation Craig-y-Castell is a nice little summit and it's not too challenging to activate. In reflection, I think we went up the hill too early, but we still managed to activate and get a good walk in nevertheless. I am however a bit upset that I didn't seem to notice the other nearby summit of Y Garn (GW/NW-037) which was fairly close and has a +3 point bonus on at the moment. Darn, but not to worry! 17
Morse Code
Morse Code
Phonetic Alphabet
1
._ _ _ _
A
._
A
Alpha
2
.._ _ _
B
_...
B
Bravo
3
..._ _
C
_._.
C
Charlie
4
…._
D
_..
5
…..
E
.
D
Delta
6
_....
F
.._.
E
Echo
7
_ _...
G
_ _.
F
Foxtrot
8
_ _ _..
H
….
G
Golf
9
____.
I
..
H
Hotel
0
_____
J
._ _ _
I
India
K
_._
J
Juliet
Our Morse
L
._..
K
Kilo
classes run on
M
__
L
Lima
each club night
N
_.
M
Mike
from 7.00 to
O
___
7.30 pm.
P
._ _ .
N
November
Q
_ _._
O
Oscar
Come and
R
._.
P
Papa
speak to Evan
S
…
Q
Quebec
M0TJU if you
T
_
R
Romeo
would like to
U
.._
S
Sierra
give this part of
V
…_
T
Tango
the hobby a try.
W
._ _
U
Uniform
X
_.._
V
Victor
Y
_._ _
Z
_ _..
W
Whiskey
X
X-Ray
Y
Yankee
Z
Zulu
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Tea Time Morse - September 2021 Hello everyone and welcome to the latest Tea Time Morse update. Firstly, thank you to David M0WDD for producing the last couple of columns and it was good to see an alternative view of the sessions and tips for learning or improving one's understanding of the code. David has embarked on a further course of study for a CW OPs qualification so has asked me to step in to produce this edition. Hopefully, he will be back next time to fill you all in with his latest activities.
It's sobering to think an idea casually dreamed up at a meeting could develop into a Morse code net which is used by many to help learn and improve their understanding and use of this ancient art. It's not just members of our society who have benefitted, but operators around the country who either just listen or join in with the nets. Some are anxious to learn and have used the time at home to do just that, whereas others love the sound of Morse code drifting across the airwaves and are content to just spend an hour in our company with nothing more than a mug of tea and a jammy dodger. In fact looking at the statistics, it's incredible to think that as I type we have just passed 520 sessions. I don't think either Bernard G3SHF or Tom M0DCG anticipated the sessions growing into what is now an institution with only a handful of blank days since that first session on the 22nd March 2020, the day before the first lockdown came into force. So, if I may I'll throw in a few more notable statistics.
Number of sessions (as at 7th September 2021): Total Number of Participants: Non Member Participants: SRS Members who have participated:
Bernard G3SHF Tom M0DCG David M0WDD Chris 2E0KJC/M7CJK 19
521 53 44
Keith M0JYP/2E0JPY Jamie M1JSC Evan M0TJU Jeff M0IKI And myself Nigel G0RXA
Regular Non member participants:
Mike M6MPC/2E0MPC - Tintwistle
Dave G0LZL - Partington Mitch G4WPS - Tarleton Chris G5VZ - Pontefract Eric G0OTE - Bourne Kevin G4JKO - Nr Blackpool
.....and there are others who have joined us on more than one occasion. As for listeners, well, who knows but I am aware of SRS members Elaine 2E1BVS and Bob G4GDG being regulars either direct or using the Jodrell Bank Websdr facility. Then there's Phil G0BVD in north Devon, a regular listener plus Simon M0AAV nr London. Simon has now left us for a stint in Singapore but suggested he would listen when he could. An aim of the group has been to ensure that as much as possible a net takes place daily on 3.564MHz. Whilst there have been a handful of blank days, we have been very grateful to be able to call on the services of others to ensure the aim is met. Chris 2E0KJC and David M0WDD have, where possible, made themselves available to run the nets and have done a sterling job doing so. In fact, David was the man who was lucky enough to be in the chair for the 500th edition which took place on Sunday 15th August. With the usual crew being absent and Chris 2E0KJC not being available, David took on the task of running the net on his own for the first time. Ably assisted by Mitch G4WPS, Chris G5VZ and Evan M0TJU he successfully added this milestone event to the record books.
20
We couldn't let this achievement go unmarked or unrecognised. So, to thank David for his help, he and the participants in the 500th net each received a special certificate acknowledging the landmark event. A fitting tribute I think and something to grace their respective walls.. But, there is something else we must thank both Chris and David for, and that's the evolution of the daily sessions into a genuine net. Since they began the aim was to provide a vehicle for those interested to learn and/or improve their morse code skill. A formal structure was adopted with differing speeds and make up of the sections with time allowed at the end for callers to call in. However, when running the sessions Chris and David changed the style to one of a genuine net by inviting callers to "check in" in a similar way to the society's VHF sessions. This proved to be successful, so much so it has influenced a change in the way the sessions are now run. The sessions still form a basic QSO between two members but now feature the following. Slow Morse Session
6 wpm - text 10 wpm - letters, numbers & punctuation 21
This usually lasts between 15 to 20 minutes, then after it's conclusion the person in the chair will open a net and invite callers to "check in" as did Chris and David. As a result of this change we have seen a number of new and regular callers "check-in". Most notably there's Mitch G4WPS from Tarleton, north east of Southport. He first joined us a while back but more recently has become a regular caller, as has Eric G0OTE who hails from Bourne in Lincolnshire. Aged 92, he is still able to call in until directed otherwise by his better half. So, what of the future? Well, the sessions will continue on a daily basis occupying 3.564MHz where a “cult” following has been established. There have been talks of expanding the sessions into the evening using 6 Metres and whilst tests have established these are viable, no formal plans have been laid down yet. So, to conclude this piece, would a six metre net interest you? Have you thought of joining the current sessions but not got around to doing so? Is there anything we could do to help you? If there is anything you want to ask or if you just want to make a comment about the sessions or a signal report, please email morse@g8srs.co.uk and we'll get back to you. So, until next time, thank you for joining us and we look forward to welcoming you to the net sometime soon. 73's from the Tea Time Morse crew. Teatime Morse with Bernard & Tom
Days: Daily unless specified Frequency: 3.564 MHz +/- QRM SRS info phone: 07506 904422
Time: 4pm local time Email: morse@g8srs.co.uk
SRS Morse page: https://www.g8srs.co.uk/morse/ Jodrell Bank Websdr: https://www.g0xbu.co.uk/websdr/jodrell-websdr-infopage 22
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Congratulations On 15 August 2021, Barry G3PEK/VK2BJ will have been licensed for exactly 60 years. Barry received his G3PEK licence on 15 August 1961, having been introduced to SRS by Peter Reynolds, G3NOA who lived near Barry and who he had heard on 160m AM on my crystal set. Ray Phillips, G3FYE, guided Barry through the RAE at night school and John Bell, a childhood friend, who trained as a radio operator at the Marconi College in Manchester, taught Barry CW. Little did he realise at that tender age (Barry was 16 when he got my licence) that he would have a wonderful lifetime hobby meeting so many different people around the world, mainly on the air but also a large number during overseas holidays and visits to hamfests. 73 to all at SRS from Barry VK2BJ
If you know of anyone who may be interested in giving a talk or demonstration at SRS on one of our society nights, please let Evan know either at a society meeting. email:treasurer@g8srs.co.uk
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How often do you have to revalidate your radio licence? All radio amateurs are required to ‘revalidate’ their licence at least every five years. In practice, confirming annually is ecommended. The process requires every licence holder to confirm or update the details on the Ofcom licence database. It is important to be registered with and be able to access the Ofcom Online Licensing System. How do we do this? https://www.ofcom.org.uk/manage-your-licence/radiocommunication-licences/ online-licensing-service 1. 2. 3. 4.
Ensure you are registered and can access your Ofcom online account Logon to your Ofcom account Note the last verified/changed date on the lower left Revalidate by Confirming your personal address details (or updating a phone number) 5. If successful the date on the home page will be updated Notes:
• •
Just logging on with no other change is NOT enough. If you have not logged on for some time a reminder will be more prominently displayed on your account home screen
Confirming your details on the database does not change the 'Issue date' on the licence itself - this is not necessary - but see below if this is desired For more information please have a look at the RSGB website https://rsgb.org/main/operating/licensing-novs-visitors/uk-licensing/ 25
QSL Cards (Sent by Kieron M5KJM)
Alan M6KOY Alan M1FHM
Derek G8NRU
Nigel 2E0CKA with T4NK (the cat)
Bob GM4UYZ
Robert G7IOC
Jack 2E0JEH
26
Tony M0SAV Chairman
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Events Team at The Knot Inn Rushton Spencer It’s been a long time since we have had an outdoor event for obvious reasons, but the time has come to do our first since 2019. A two day event was planned for the end of June, restrictions permitting. Thankfully, a lot of restrictions had been lifted, allowing Tony M0SAV, to arrange the event at The Knot Inn in Rushton Spencer. Just before the last lockdown, Tony M0SAV’s daughter and her husband took over the tenancy of The Knot Inn, then lockdown hit, but they managed to get going by doing takeout meals and drinks. Then the take out drinks was stopped by the government leaving just the take away meals. But they managed to survive the restrictions. Tony arranged with Colin and Sandra to do the event at the end of June. Well the weekend arrived, and the team (Tony M0SAV, Heth M6HNS, Nigel 2E0CKA, Neil M6NAE, Nigel G0RXA, Evan M0TJU and Nigel M0VNL) arrived around 9 to start to set up. Set up took a bit longer than normal, but it has been 2 years, so we can let them off this time, Not long after breakfast arrived, kindly donated by Colin and Sandra, tea, coffee and bacon butties. The kit was set up and with a new HF antenna – ‘Delta Loop’ to try, kindly donated by one of our members, we were up and running. Luckily we could leave the kit set up, just removing the radios into the pub for the night. Both days were successes, with the first day (Saturday) having the most attendance from club members and their families. 28
What was supposed to be a radio event, turned into more of a social event, which to be honest we expected, as members had not seen each other for such a long time. Lots of drink flowed, and quite a few home cooked meals, and lots of laughing and smiling, which was lovely to see. Neil M6NAE ran the 2m/C4FM set up and had some contacts including M1DYU, M6HOU, G3CWI, AD8EY, M0UKT, 2E0JEZ, M7CAD, G7RC, and M0ALE
Evan M0TJU ran the HF set up and had some contacts including RL4A, RA3AN, R5AF, DH1TST, IK2CJ, TM57COV, II0GDF, OZ1IKY, F6IJU, OK2PMF and IG2CJ
Nigel G0RXA was also running his own set up and managed to get some satellite contacts – see his list on the next page
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Our first event in two years was a great success, and now we look forward to our next event at the Runway Visitors Centre – Aviation Memorabilia Event at the end of July. Thank you to everyone who came along to make it all worthwhile and a huge success. Thank you to the team over the two days. Tony M0SAV, Neil M6NAE, Nigel 2E0CKA, Nigel M0VNL, Nigel G0RXA and Evan M0TJU and also to Bill M0WBS for assisting with the setup. To the members who came along and supported us Bob M6TMA, Paddy 2E0TWD, Simon 2E0TKP, Keith M0JYP, Chris 2E0KJC and his Xyl Chris, Dave G2DS, Jim G6URD, Kieran (Jims son) and Jims Mum, Bob M0CPP his daughter and son in law, Barrie G6GUT and his XYL Janice and John M0PEK and his xyl Gwen. And members of the public, who were visiting The Knot Inn, and took time to come to the SRS marquee. Not forgetting Doreen Tony’s XYL and scrappy And a final thank you to Colin, Sandra and everyone at The Knot Inn for their hospitality. 30
Dave G2DS
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News of a past member now SK We have recently received the news that one of past members had passed away. Bernie Stevens G8YUP (Secretary of Stockport Raynet) sent the following I regret to inform you that Vernon Elliott has died. He was a merchant marine officer all his life and found great comfort in Amateur radio. He moved to the midlands to be near family only about 15 months ago. His son Anthony didn't know how to inform yourselves, so I undertook to inform you. I am presiding at his memorial service at United Reformed Church in Cheadle Hulme (but we are covid secure with little space). Though he was a member at my church for many years, I am ashamed to say I cannot remember his callsign, he loved CW and I am VHF. Please could you reply so that I can reassure his family. I passed the information onto the membership and received the following comments
Thanks for the very sad news of Vernon. He was a member of SRS for some considerable years. A keen CW operator I recall. G3SHF
Bernard
.
A stalwart of the society for many years being a regular attender at TS Hawkins, Benja Fold and many outside events. My condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Nigel G0RXA
I remember delivering the QUA to him on several occasions. My condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Tony M0SAV
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G6UQ QSL Cards provided by Alan G0ROW
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You may not see one of these for a while - Keith M0JYP is quite proud of this.
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Frequencies LF (Low Frequency)
MF (Medium Frequency)
2000m : 135.7 - 137.8Khz
630m : 472 - 479Khz 160m : 1.81 - 2.0Mhz
HF (High Frequency) 80m : 3.5 - 3.8Mhz 60m : Consists of 11 spot frequencies check band plan 40m : 7.0 - 7.2Mhz 30m : 10.1 - 10.15Mhz 20m : 14 - 14.35Mhz 17m : 18.068 - 18.168Mhz 15m : 21 - 21.45Mhz 12m : 24.89 - 24.99Mhz 10m : 28 - 29.7Mhz Note for operating on 60m Only available to full licence holders
VHF (Very High Frequency)
UHF
6m : 50 - 52Mhz 4m : 70 - 70.5Mhz 2m : 144.0 - 146.0Mhz
70cms : 430.0 - 440Mhz 23cms : 1240.0 - 325Mhz
(Ultra High Frequency)
Date of Next Issue - December 2021 Articles to be sent to QUA by 5 December 2021
If you have news, events, contest information etc that you would like to share with your fellow members, please email : srswebsite@g8srs.co.uk As you will see from this issue, it does not have to be radio related, but a subject that other members maybe interested in 36
You can become a member of Stockport Radio Society by completing a membership form and, either emailing it to membership@g8srs.co.uk or handing the form to the Membership Secretary, Nigel 2E0CKA, at any Society meeting.
Subs Payable Annually on January 1 each year Senior Country Junior
£15.00 £10.00 £ 10.00
Family Pensioner
Juniors upto 18 yrs of age Pensioner from 65 yrs of age.
£15.00 £10.00
Senior upto 64 yrs of age
If you are interested in paying your subs by standing order, please contact the Treasurer on treasurer@g8srs.co.uk
If you wish to join Club Log and also get entry into the HF Ladder with the end reward of entry in the HF Ladder competition at the end of the year, and you chance to win a trophy for the year, follow the information below. If you wish to join SRS DXCC league in Clublog, please follow these instructions:
Register your details with Clublog at www.clublog.org Click ‘settings’ and then go to the ‘clubs’ tab Select SRS - Stockport Radio Society and click ‘join club’ Your membership of SRS will show as pending until approved by the Administrator
The SRS DXCC League can be viewed from this link http://www.clublog.org/ league.php?club=99
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Club Nets It has been decided, that the following callsigns may be used by any full licence holder chairing the nets - G8SRS, G6UQ, G3LX, M5MDX on the following nets - 2m net, 6m net 10m net, 70cm net Net Controllers If you have the equipment and would like to try and chair a net, please contact Keith M0JYP who will happily help you. If you would like to try a net with a current net controller with you, again speak to Keith M0JYP The current Net Controllers are: Alan G0ROW Neil M6NAE Keith M0JYP Jim G6URD
Tony M0SAV, Heather M6HNS Slawek M0SQJ Chris 2E0KJC
Nigel 2E0CKA Nigel M0VNL Roy G6RSU
A list of all our nets, times and frequencies is available on the website
SRS Links RSGB www.rsgb.org
UKFM Group Western www.ukfmgw.org.uk
Ofcom www.ofcom.org.uk
ARRL www.arrl.org
QRZ.com www.qrz.com
UK Repeaters www.ukrepeater.net
Raynet www.raynet-uk.net
Summits on the air www.sota.org.uk
BYLARA www.bylara.org.uk
Echolink www.echolink.org
Ham Links www.eham.nets
Hack Green SDR www.hackgreen.co.uk
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Repeaters - www.ukfmgw.co.uk 23cm
Output
RX1
Mode
Location
GB3SE
1297.0750 Mhz
1291.0750 Mhz
Analogue
Stoke on Trent
70cm GB3CR
433.1500 Mhz 434.7500 Mhz Analogue
Caergwrle
GB3LI
433.2500 Mhz 434.8500 Mhz Analogue
Liverpool
GB3LL
434.0000 Mhz 434.6000 Mhz Analogue
Llandudno
GB3MF
433.0500 Mhz 434.6500 Mhz Analogue
**
GB3MR
433.3500 Mhz 434.9500 Mhz Analogue
Disley
GB3PZ
430.9000 Mhz 438.5000 Mhz Analogue
Dukinfield
GB3SM
433.3250 Mhz 434.9250 Mhz Analogue
GB3ST
433.2250 Mhz 434.8250 Mhz Analogue
GB3WP
430.9375 Mhz 438.5375 Mhz Analogue
GB7MN
439.4125 Mhz 430.4125 Mhz DMR
Disley
GB7ST
439.4500 Mhz 430.4500 Mhz DMR
Stoke on Trent
GB7WC
439.4875 Mhz 430.4875 Mhz D-Star
Warrington
Stoke on Trent Stoke on Trent **
2m Analogue Digital C4FM Fusion
GB3MN
145.6500 Mhz 145.0500 Mhz
Disley
GB3MP
145.7500 Mhz 145.1500 Mhz Analogue
Prestatyn
GB3VT
145.7250 Mhz 145.1250 Mhz D Star
Stoke on Trent
50.7900 Mhz
Stoke on Trent
6m GB3SX
51.2900 Mhz
Analogue
If you use the repeaters on a regular basis, please subscribe to them www.ukfmgw.co.uk. Please check the website to confirm which are currently working 39
A Full list of Your Fellow Members Arthur Alan Nigel Carsten Robert Brian Dave Lee Richard Bernard Julian John Graham Mark Robert John David David
G0EOM G0ROW G0RXA G0SYP G1VXD G1YMW G2DS G2LK G3CWI G3SHF G3TFR G3WFK G3ZOD G4FRW G4GDG G4GEY G4GRU G4MUL
Keith
G4WHF
Barrie Roy Allen James Robert Ray
G6GUT G6RSU G6UQC G6URD G7IOC G7TQT
Peter Chris Brian Derek Steve Bob Andrew Simon Robert Tony Tom Chris Meeko Phill Dave Jeffrey Bernard Keith
G8BCG G8HCB G8NHN G8NRU G8YTP GM4UYZ M0AQM M0AVV M0CPP M0CVC M0DCG M0EEG M0FVD M0HNJ M0IEF M0IKI M0IPF M0JYP M0KJC/ Ken G8KJC Les M0LPB Chris M0LZA Marie M0MLK Matt M0MVR Stephen M0MWB
Ben Chris Rob John Pete Andy Brian Jon Tony Slawek Isla Evan Thomas Rob Allan Alex Nigel Bill
M0NEN M0OGG M0ORA M0PEK M0PTB M0REP M0REU M0RFU M0SAV M0SQJ M0SWZ M0TJU M0TKG M0TKT M0TZD M0UTA M0VNL M0WBS
David
M0WDD
Phil Alan James Peter Kieron
M0XYA M1FHM M1JSC M1PTR M5KJM
Congratulations to Ian M0RNH on getting your Dutch callsign PA0RNH
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Ed Nigel Darren Paul Andrew John Keith Rado Steve Jack Ben
2E0CFM 2E0CKA 2E0DVM 2E0ESH 2E0GCL 2E0GCX 2E0GKT 2E0GVA 2E0GZK 2E0JEH 2E0JLR
Chris Andy Sarah Mike Ian Andrew Simon Paddy Steve Elaine Richard
2E0KJC 2E0KKF 2E0KUH 2E0MBV 2E0RHN 2E0ROR 2E0TKP 2E0TWD 2E0WIT
Kenneth Heather Alan Tony Dave craig Robert
M3UQP M6HNS M6KOY M6MZV M6NAE M6OFO M6OKV M6TMA
John William Doug Marie Pauline Ron Andrew
M7CPT M7FWR M7HNT M7OEN M7PLB M7RJL M7USL
Simon James Georgio
SWL SWL SWL
Tracy Neo Kieran
SWL SWL SWL (Junior)
Barry
VK2BJ
Neil
2E1BVS 2W0FSU
I hope you find this list of use, especially for those members who are chasing ‘Double Sapphire Points’ If I have made any errors (hopefully not), please email me direct on m6hns@btinternet.com and I will get the changes done. 41
SRS HF Ladder Sept 2021 As the summer turns to autumn it’s a good time to do those long awaited antenna tweaks (you promised yourself) before the weather turns against us. With all the issues facing us in the world at the moment I think it’s a good time to switch off the news and turn on your radio set to contact likeminded people and enjoy the improving band conditions.
Propagation Recent reports indicate that Solar activity is improving in our favour with a short term flux index of 100. Although it didn’t last long in early September, quickly dropping to 75, it does give hope to steadily improving conditions and openings on the higher HF bands. Clublog https://clublog.org is a good place to see when to listen for that not-yet-got DXCC. The propagation tool is accessed via the left hand menu. Select a DXCC or Zone*and the current month. Pick SFI min of say 70 and max of 100 and you’ll see predicted and real QSOs per band and time.
HF & 6 DXCC Ladder The leading pack of mainly Digital QSOs dominate the table with Peter G8BCG collecting over 700 slots with a comfortable lead, however Andrew M0AQM and John M7CPT are starting to close the gap each adding well over 100 slots to their June scores. Keith, M0JYP continues to lead the Phone section and Tom, M0DCG leads the CW section both have a good lead over the second place in the category. Information to join the competition and the link to individual mode tables is found via the ‘HF ladder’ box under the ‘Activities’ tab on the main page. If anyone needs help with a submission please drop me an email. I’ll be glad to help. 73 and Good DXing, Pete Ridley, M1PTR *List of CQWW Zones https://www.cqww.com/resources.htm
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Good day Mr President. Hello everyone, hope you're well and thank you for joining me. Firstly, a big thank you to Heather M6HNS for producing another excellent QUA filled with such a wide variety of articles and news. It's pleasing to see so many members putting pen to paper, or more likely finger to keyboard, it highlights how well our members are engaged with the society. On that note, we are still basking in the success the anniversary book has brought with positive reviews appearing far and wide. I'm sure Heather won't mind me saying again what a fabulous job she has done collating the society's history from many, many sources. Looking forward to the next edition, Heather has put in place arrangements to ensure whoever assumes the task next time will have an easier job. A central file is being established where all items relating to the society's activities and history will be stored. So, I would echo my comments from last time and urge anyone with anything relevant to our history such as photographs, documents, etc contact Heather so they may be archived for future generations. Well, as I put these words together the night's are drawing in and Summer will shortly be a distant memory. However, the period since our last QUA will be remembered for the world opening up again and in particular many of our activities. I know there are many who have welcomed the opportunity to meet again at Walthew House, but not only that but our outdoor activities too notably The Knot Inn weekend in June and the Aviation Fair at the Runway Viewing Park, Manchester Airport. There's still the event at Avro to come, taking place just as this edition is being finalised, so let's hope it, like the others, is a great success. We are certainly building relationships at these venues as with each we have been invited to participate at future events. Something which I am sure we are keen to do with the result being we bring the hobby of amateur radio, and importantly the society to the attention of the general public at large.
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With all this good news it is important the views of the membership are taken heed of. Therefore, if there is anything about the society which you the member feel you wish to comment on, something you think can be done better, or a suggestion for something you'd like to see in the future, then please make your views known to the committee. This can be done at any meeting, by email or by letter. There's also our telephone info line looked after by Heather where a message can be left. If your comment is one of criticism, please may I ask this not be discussed on air. This weekend, 4th & 5th September sees the return to the calendar of an old favourite with the society taking part in the Region 1 SSB Field Day for the first time in many years. As a result of restrictions now in place at our contest site a much reduced station will be put together but nonetheless competitive. Those members taking part will be doing so to achieve the highest place possible and once again propel the name of Stockport Radio Society into the headlines. By the time you read this it'll all have happened and hopefully a good score achieved. A bit late to wish the chaps "good luck" but I hope it was another fabulous weekend at the farm. With that it's time for me to wrap up and since this piece appears at the end of the edition I hope you've enjoyed reading our latest QUA. Maybe you'll be inspired to put together your own article for the next edition no matter how long or short it may be. If so, please send it to Heather and feel free to contact any one of us should guidance be needed. So, until next time may I say thank you again for joining me and take care.
Nigel R Roscoe G0RXA September 2021
On the following two pages are a few images from the archive
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Marple Ridge G2BJT SSB FD Site
Gary G0HJQ enjoying Breakfast SSD FD style (1992)
Gary G0HJQ SSD FD 1992
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SRS Tent Marple Ridge G2BJT SSB FD Site
Nigel G0RXA SSD FD 1992
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Stockport Radio Society Walthew House, 112 Shaw Heath, Stockport SK2 6QS Tel : 07506 904422 Email : info@g8srs.co.uk
Stockport Radio Society are affiliated members of RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) and NARSA (Northern Amateur Radio Society Association) 48
