October Meeting Report

The “Skills Evening” held on 18 October proved to be very popular, with one of the highest attendances so far this year. Six members manned tables around the room to demonstrate, explain and talk about an aspect of amateur radio – usually one which was a particular interest of theirs. Ken G3LVP explained how make properly make-off coaxial connectors such as BNC and N-type, with examples and supporting diagrams. Peter G3YJE demonstrated a “Tuna-Tin” QRP transmitter, showing the output waveform on a ‘scope. He was also promoting the American Radio History website to which he has been contributing for several years. Paul 2E0IFV had a display of DMR radios, including hand-helds, and demonstrated their use. Tony G3SNN showed his fine collection of exotic QSL cards for his 160m and 6m activities. Barry M0HFY had a live demonstration of FT8 (one of the latest data-modes which is currently very popular), making several contacts during the course of the evening. Mike G4GUG was extolling the virtues of Linux, and telling how well this Operating System would run on older machines. Each of the tables attracted a gathering of members for much of the evening, and much general and lively chat took place as well. Very many thanks to the six members who kindly “volunteered” to man the tables and indeed to everyone else who made an appearance; you all contributed to the undoubted success of the meeting. We were pleased to enrol Chris M6NZC as a new member and John 2E0GCR who re-joined after an absence of a year or two. Thanks once again go to Alan M0NRO for kindly manning the kitchen. Thanks also to the several members who, without being asked, helped clear away the tables and chairs at the end of the evening – your efforts are much appreciated.