Celebrating 60 Years
VARC
VERULAM Amateur Radio CLub
Our next meeting
Monday 18th Nov’
at The Boot Pub in Kimpton:
A freewheeling ‘presentation’ of what has been going on at the cabin recently (a lot!).
The meeting plans to open with the Satellite Group accessing the ISS at 1959GMT using the new remote Cabin access. Don’t be late!
We will also be inviting anyone to tell us about their winter projects or bring their problems to help solve. See you there! 1930 for 2000 start.
______________________
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.
______________________
September meeting: Was our annual Foxhunt that was organised by Matt G7HMV.
This was an excellent well attended event with around 12 members in four teams who took on the challenge of direction finding the fox. Matt used the repeater GB3VR to pass on details and for lost souls to find their way to the final destination.
The foxhunt was in two stages, the first being done with cars direction finding their way to the main site. All teams arrived there within the hour.
The second stage was on foot to find the hidden fox. This ended us up at The Wicked Lady pub on the Wheathamstead to Sandridge road.
The fox was found by Ivor who didn’t found the fox without any equipment – he saw it glowing in the dark perched on top of a fence at the cricket club there.
Many thanks to Matt for organising this event, we all look forward to the next one!
______________________
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
______________________
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.