The meeting saw one of the largest attendances for a talk for some time, no doubt because of the popularity of the subject matter, Data Modes, and the speaker, Barry M0HFY.
The meeting began with a couple of presentations carried over from the AGM in December.
The Bernard King G3CEG Memorial Cup, for noteworthy and praiseworthy on-the-air activities went to Simon G6AHX in particular recognition of his VHF DX successes.
The John Holt Award, for exceptional services to the club, went to Jon M0JMM in particular recognition of his work creating and managing the CARA Fun Activity Challenge.
Barry began by explaining how radios and computers could be connected together for working data modes, starting with the simplest form of inter-connections to more sophisticated arrangements using interface units. He then spoke about popular modes such as JT65 and FT8 – noting that the latter is rapidly becoming the data mode of choice for very many operators. Several screen-grabs of JT65 and FT8 in action where shown. A fuller report will appear in February’s CARA News.
Many thanks to Barry for a really interesting talk, as evidenced by the many questions asked of him, and to Alan M0NRO for manning the kitchen.