The annual CARA Constructors’ Exhibition took place on Thursday 20th March. A primary aim of the meeting is to demonstrate that home construction, or “home-brew” if you like, is alive and well in the Cheltenham area. This is certainly true as there was a massive turnout of projects, many of a very high standard.
The CARA constructors’ exhibition 2014
Two trophies were presented: The Bill Brown G5BK Cup for the “Best in Show” and the Pat Moore G3IKR Memorial Cup for “Innovative Construction”. Judges this year were Bob, M0NQN, and Jon, M0JMM.
Judges Jon, M0JMM, (left) and Bob, M0NQN, (right)
Here’s some of what was put on show…
Doug, G4IGN’s, halo antennaColin, G3TA’s, brass key made from scrapDerek, G3NKS, finished his project after 29 yearsBob, M0NQN’s, ladderline 4:1 balunA selection of Andy, M0JLY’s, QRSS projectsPeter, G4ENA’s, 4m transvertor and dual band portable yagiKen, G3LVP’s, portable Pic-a-star projectJon, M0JMM, beats the commercial competition
The winner for “Best in show” went to Colin, G3TA, for his Morse key constructed from scrap metal. Colin, G3TA, being presented withthe Bill Brown, G5BK, cup for best entry
The prize for “Innovative Construction” went to Andy, M0JLY, for his magnetic loop made with under soil heating pipe.
Andy, M0JLY, with his innovative loopAndy, M0JLY, being presented the G3IKR cup for best innovative construction by Doug, G4IGN
With the help provided by WillHosts Ltd, we now have the latest installation of Bootstrap, which makes front-end web development faster and easier.
We have added drop-down menus and as you can see, an image carousel. Simon G4SGI is kindly going to providehas provided some images in the form of montages, of photos from various CARA events. The CARA logo needs a tidy up and that is on my ‘to do’ list. A new shiny logo has been provided by Graham G3VKV.
On mobile devices the body of the site now proceeds the left column. You will also notice that we now have a sticky nav bar.
A short talk and demonstration by Roger, G3REB, of a potential extra project for all those who completed the FoxDelta antenna analyser club project.
The February meeting about to start
Roger described a graphical interface and controller to go with the FoxDelta SWR Analyser which some 20 members built from a kit last year under the club’s “Assisted Build” project. The Graphics Adaptor appears to be a very useful addition to an already very useful piece of test gear and, like the SWR Analyser, it is available as a kit so is a contender for another “Assisted Build” project.
Roger, G3REB, describing the graphics display and controller for the FoxDelta antenna analsyerA ‘walkabout demonstration’ of the FoxDelta SWR analyser display
Unfortunatelty the advertised talk entitled “A Day in the Life of an Air Traffic Controller” did not take place due to a last minute change to Tom’s work commitments.
This is an extremely popular annual event and a great opportunity to meet up for a chat and restock the shack at the same time. Members brought along their unwanted radio equipment, components, aerials, and all sorts of items, found a free table, and sold to the multitude over lots of friendly haggling and a cup of tea. Everything offered for sale had some relevance to radio or electronics, and as usual there was a very wide selection on offer. A great time was had by all.
A quiet chat over some bargains
I never knew anyone could eat so much margarineDerek, G3NKS, getting busy with customersTony, G3SNN, with a big selection of items on offerA bargain being negotiated
Once again CARA will be taking part in these annual contests for clubs affiliated to the RSGB.
Clubs may enter one or more teams of up to four stations in each team.
CW: Sunday 12th January 1400 to 1800utc.
Band: 3510 – 3560kHz. Note change from previous years.
SSB: Saturday 18th January 1400 to 1800utc.
Band: 3600-3650 kHz and 3700-3775 kHz. Note change from previous years.
In each contest, exchange: RST plus serial number starting at 001.
The full rules may be found on the RSGB website at www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2014/rafs.shtml
A summary of the rules appeared in December’s CARA News.
Although among club members we now longer have any really “big gun” stations, we are still capable of putting in a decent team score, particularly for the CW session. So please support your club and join in the fun.
At the recent AGM it was suggested that we should reinstate the Christmas Day Net. So let’s gather on 145.400MHz FM at 10am on the 25th to exchange seasons greetings and may be to tell what we’ve found in our Xmas Stockings! As many of us will be busy with families, please try to keep the overs short, particularly if the net is large.
With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from your committee.
Twenty three members and spouses/partners had a very jovial time at the Toby Carvery at Brockworth on Tuesday 17th December partaking of their special Christmas menu. We enjoyed good food, lively chat and much bonhomie. The place was very busy, probably full to capacity, so we had to wait a bit for food especially at the carvery itself. But this did not really mar an otherwise very successful and greatly appreciated event. Many thanks to Chairman Doug G4IGN for booking us in and to Treasurer Peter G3YJE for handling the finances so efficiently.
Here are a few photos (left click to enlarge and see full picture):
Twenty nine members, and two prospective members, attended the 37th CARA AGM held on 12th December 2013 at the Brizen Young People’s Centre. The Reports from the Chairman and Treasurer were approved, and the following were elected to form the 2014 Committee: Chairman: Doug G4IGN. Deputy Chairman: Giles G0NXA. Secretary: Derek G3NKS. Treasurer: Peter G3YJE. Ordinary Committee Members: Malcolm G0TMP, Ron G3SZS, Simon G4SGI and Tom M6TWR.
Accounts Examiner (non-committee): Tony G3SNN.
On the recommendation of the Committee, the annual subscription remains at £13. Membership Renewal Forms will be sent to members shortly.
The best part of the AGM is the awarding and presentation of trophies, awards and certificates.
The John Holt G3GWW Award goes to a club member who during the previous year or two has performed exceptional work for the club and its members. This year it went to Matt Wilkinson, 2E0MDJ, for his work in developing the club website up to the recent changes.
The John Holt, G3GWW, award was won by Matt, 2E0MDJ (on the right)
The Bernard King G3CEG Cup is awarded to a club member for his/her noteworthy and praiseworthy on-the-air activities. This year it went to Martin Church, G4ENZ, for his success on the G100RSGB Leaderboard.
The Bernard King, G3CEG, memorial award was won by Martin Church, G4ENZ (on right)
This year special certificates were also presented to the winners of the three sections of the CARA G100RSGB Challenge: Phone, CW and Data.
Stewart, G0LGS – DataDerek, G3NKS – PhoneColin, G3VTS – Data
The evening concluded with an excellent buffet provided by Victoria and Margaret, to whom go our grateful thanks.
Here’s a photo gallery…
The club members gather for the Annual General Meeting
The Cheltenham ARA Annual General Meeting 2013 gets under wayEnjoying a chat before the AGMThe buffet
