Celebrating 60 Years
VARC
VERULAM Amateur Radio CLub
Our next meeting
Monday 20th January 2025
7:30pm for 8:00 start.
The Boot Pub in Kimpton:
Topic to be decided – ideas welcome!
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December meeting:
Was a fun quiz and social gathering with food.
November meeting:
We had a freewheeling ‘presentation’ of what has been going on at the cabin recently (a lot!).
The meeting started with the Satellite Group attempting to access the ISS using the new remote system at the Cabin. Unfortunately the tech was not playing ball, but we did manage to catch it on the next pass at the end of the meeting.
We also heard from Ambrozy (M7MLU) on the intricacies of satellite working and Alex (2E0KUD) gave a very good insight into the world of contesting.
Peter (G4HSO) gave an account regarding our position as tenants at the cabin site and the plans we have for the upkeep and work to be done to improve on the cabin facility.
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October meeting:
Our October meeting featured Alex 2E0KUD who gave us a very interesting talk on ‘An introduction to nanoVNA. He covered VSWR, impedance, smith chart, measuring coax and its other useful functions around the shack.
Thank you Alex for a very well thought out and practical demonstration of the nanoVNA.
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LOCATION:
Directions to our Cabin can be found on this website – contact peter@g0oik.co.uk for the password.
Guests are always welcome.
VERULAM RADIO CLUB
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THE CLUB
VARC has been in existence for over 60 years with monthly meetings and a number of regular activities including the ‘Antenna Shootout’ and the ‘Foxhunt’
We currently meet on the 3rd Monday of the month. We are currently looking for a new venue for our winter month meetings, but during the summer we have been meeting at our cabin site.
THE CABIN
At VARC we are very lucky to have our cabin which is an excellent resource for our members, This site enables members to experiment with their own or the clubs equipment on an aerial system few can fit in their garden and make a more competitive entry in contests. It also houses a number of VARC supported repeaters.
Also see https://hertsrepeaters.com/
Cabin Satellite Group
Quick report from the Satellite Working Group from last night (6th Nov’).
The evening started with challenges from both groups, Matt & Matt were setting up their dish and downconverter, with some signal issues due to what turned out to be a tree in the way!
The night ended with lots of Germans being heard on 10Ghz. The S.A.T was very simple to set up but it did need calibrating with the rotator, where the HRD software did not. A quick YT video with some one having the exact same set up as us showed the exact procedure we had to perform.
Ambrozy did Azimuth, I did elevation and after sorting out the min and max we were in calibration and started picking up a Russian sat passing over.
Will, and the two of us heard some CQs being made but unfortunately unable to make any contacts this time.
Next steps are to fully commission SAT and the 9700 as a remote setup. Amir, M7HVR out.
More evenings planned. Come and join us.
AMATEUR RADIO
AN INTRODUCTION
A warm WELCome
We are excited to extend a warm welcome to all amateur radio enthusiasts, regardless of experience or skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting in the hobby, we encourage you to attend our meetings and become part of our vibrant club!
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!
Connect with fellow club members
Put faces to callsigns
Share your projects
Discuss the latest developments in amateur radio
Our MEmberships
Join us …….
Remote
£18
minimum per year
Additional contributions are always welcome!
For those who are not able to attend club activities, meetings, etc.
Full Membership
£36
minimum per year
Additional contributions are always welcome!
Whether licenced or not, enjoy the privileges of Full Membership, use of all facilities and loan of selected items of club equipment.
Full Membership is from the 1st of March to the end of February, pro-rata on application.
Family Membership
£39
minimum per year
Additional contributions are always welcome!
For where there are multiple licenced amateurs (or SWLs) in your family.
Bring your family to our events, meetings and allows use by them of the Cabin.