Peter G7PCT receiving the G3FDF TROPHY from Secretary Dick, G3NVK
Phil, G4LWB receiving the G3MCK prize in respect of the latter's operating Contest
Low Power Field Day 2006 - the winner of the Portable, 10W section being Melton Mowbray ARS, G4FOX/P (Operator Pete - G3XYC) and taking the Housten-Fergus trophy once again. The RSGB reports Pete's comment as "Band condx not so good this year but wx fantastic!"
Next year's LEICESTER AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY SHOW is to be held on 6th, 7th and 8th SEPTEMBER 2007 - at Donington Exhibition Centre.
Sadly we record (from the columns of the Leicester "Mercury" of 28th October 2006):
Sally Wheeler of Rothley beloved wife of Anthony, loving mother of Phillip, Julie and Nicola and a much loved Nanny, passed peacefully away at her home on Thursday 26th October 2006.
RSGB LOW POWER FIELD DAY CONTEST, 2005 - Winner of the Portable, 10W section = MMARS
The Society's annual CONSTRUCTION CONTEST attracted a slightly better set of exhibits this year and presented the three judges (G6KQP (whose Trophy went to the winner), G4YSP and G7ARB) with a difficult-to-reach decision. From a scaled-down version of the Slim Jim (for 70cm) via a 1940s replica of the then standard two-band crystal controlled transmitter, a sophisticated aerial testing device to a digital RAYNET net controller. Winner was Ray G6FDD with the latter, seen here receiving the Trophy from judge Roy Barker.
Peter G7PCT set up an amateur radio club at the Melton Mowbray Upper School (formerly King Edward VII Grammar School) - callsign MØMKE - with the aim of encouraging pupils to develop their interest in radio even further. He said: "The Head, deputy Head and the assistant Head who set up the enrichment programme are very supportive of me, as is my own local Society Melton Mowbray Amateur Radio Society, who have supplied me with some equipment as well as advice."
Congratulations to Peter. It is work such as this that ensures that a new generation is introduced to the fun and excitement of amateur radio.
Sadly we report that Captain Kenneth George Melton, GM3WKM and John H. K. Redman, BDS., G4HBP have joined the ranks of Silent Keys.
Another local Foundation Licence Course was held on 12th and 13th November, and G3STG reports that "all three candidates passed and are now headed towards a lifetime infection" the successful members were:
And here's even more news of Foundation Licence candidates - Bill Fox, mentioned above, obtained his licence on 19th November - would you believe M3LQF. As the Society already has G7FOX and G4FOX as its own calls surely Bill will be known as "Makes 3 Lively Quick Foxes"
Once again, thanks to the organising ability of MMARS member Roy G7ARB and the kindness of the Curator Mick G8EGU several of us enjoyed our second evening visit to the Newark Air Museum on 14th October.
Taking advantage of the remaining daylight we made a grand tour of the huge external exhibits and thereafter spent a good two hours admiring the exhibits in the large hangars and smaller items in the extensive Museum itself.
RSGB SSB FIELD DAY - the full (9-page A4) Report with 20 colour pictures is in the E-Library ready for you to download.
Peter - G7PCT has now been appointed as a Registered Amateur Radio Instructor, and he joins Geoff - G3STG in this position. Geoff already has Courses under way and Peter is forming a Radio Club at the Upper School, Burton Road, Melton Mowbray with the obvious objectives.
Melton Mowbray Amateur Radio Society are planning to held a training course leading to the Intermediate Licence. The course will be held on weekday evenings beginning in September at the Club's HQ at Asfordby Hill, 2 miles west of Melton Mowbray. Anyone who would like to have further details, or to enrol for the course and exam should contact Geoff G3STG on 01664 480733 or g3stg@btinternet.com
IOTA - (Sat 30th/Sun 31st Islands On The Air (IOTA) Contest HF SSB/CW) - the full (10-page A4) Report with 17 colour pictures is in the E-Library ready for you to download.
With the usual effort mustered by Pete G3XYC we achieved second place in the RSGB Low Power Field Day Contest 2004
We were informed by RSGB HF CONTESTS COMMITTEE on 5th September 2005 that in respect of the 10 watt Low Power NFD MELTON MOWBRAY ARS has been awarded the HOUSTON-FERGUS TROPHY.
Our first Registered Amateur Radio Instructor, Geoff - G3STG is pleased to report Jeff Lashley (one of the two successful candidates on the Foundation Licence Course held at the National Space Centre on 25/26 June) has now been allocated the callsign M3KJU.
He also tells us that on the 13th July, three students at the Upper School, Melton Mowbray passed their Foundation course and exam. They are all youngsters who will be going on to VIth Form in the Autumn, and Peter (G7PCT, our man at The School on the Hill) is hoping that they will form the nucleus of a Radio Club at the School, and also eventually become active members of MMARS of course. They are Matt Heaver, Sam Elbridge and James Pritchett all resident in Melton.
ITsafe, a new initiative to protect home computer users and micro businesses
from viruses and other threats online, was launched on Wednesday 23 February
by HM Government.
The IT Security Awareness for Everyone website - http://www.itsafe.gov.uk - offers
free advice as well as virus and threat alerts allowing computer users to
surf the net and send and receive emails more safely.
The service, Home Office funded, uses information provided by
the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre (NISCC) - the
Government's centre for electronic defence. It aims to reassure users by
advising them on how best to protect their personal and business data.
To sign up users can simply visit the website where they will be asked to
provide their email address. For those who prefer, a text message service to
a mobile phone is also available.
See our Viruses page
MILESTONES - the separate page of radio-oriented web links researched and created by Howard Miles, G6KQP has been added hereto. The page content was increased and updated on 20th January 2004.
An annex to this massive cornucopia of links to relevant sites is the new HOWARD's WAY - a database of tables and information useful to the radio amateur.
All comments etc. direct to Howard please via the e-mail link on the page.
Our Registered Amateur Radio Instructor, Geoff - G3STG is pleased to report that both candidates (Brian Reed and Jeff Lashley) on the Foundation Licence Course held at the National Space Centre on 25/26 June were successful, and are applying for their tickets. They both have expressed an intention to go forward with the Intermediate course and ticket, and so he is beginning to lay plans for a Course at the MMARS HQ this Autumn.
Future plans include a Course and examination for 5 youngsters from the flock of Peter (G7PCT) at the Upper School, Melton Mowbray in July. Peter is beginning to form an Amateur Radio Club at the School (the former Grammar School of King Edward VII, Burton Road, Melton).
Following an intense discussion lead by Bob, MØRSH on the hot topic of the Ofcom Debate relative to the future of amateur radio licensing and allied matters, MMARS held its Annual Construction Contest on Friday 20th May. The winner, we are pleased to announce, and thus recipient of the G6KQP Trophy was Gerald G3MCK to whom "many congratulations" for his replicated vintage transmitter.
Our pictures show the damage to the premises we have occupied for over 40 years as our meetings venue, following an interrupted attack by vandals recently.
The kitchen area at the rear of the St. John Ambulance Brigade (Holwell Works Division) hall was rendered useless and left with a large gaping hole - the Police are looking into it! :-)
The main hall remains capable of use. The owners The Holwell Works Sports and Social Club (The 'Stute) are intending reparation but meanwhile our scheduled Meetings will continue as advertised.
And yet another licensed amateur joins us - following the tuition kindly offered by Geoff G3STG with his stalwart assistants Peter G7PCT and Roy G7ARB, we are joined by Ben Marston who has the callsign M3VDU (his father is G7VDU!).
Sad to say that our member Francis J.J. (Frank) Brown, G4MWN passed away on 10th February - the funeral service was held at Loughborough Crematorium on Thursday 17th February.
The first of what may be many Home-brew Web Pages is now on display in our special area (accessed from the Contents page) - Phil G4LWB takes pole position.
Any member of MMARS wishing to display his own page can avail himself of this facility via the Webmaster - the pages will be shown "as-is" that is to say as received from the member and without editing or correction.
Sad to say that our member R.W.E. (Reg) Matthews, GØPKG passed away on Wednesday 20th October - the Cremation Service was held on Thursday 28th October at Loughborough Crematorium.
Reg served with "Y" Services, Royal Signals at the relevant time.
Geoff, G3STG, our Registered Amateur Radio Instructor was pleased (as we are) to announce on 24th October "On a happier note, David Prior and Peter Green both studied their Foundation Licences this weekend and passed with flying colours."
Bert Reeves has very kindly donated to the Society his Radio and Television books. They are now listed and, subject to conditions, available for loan. The Contents page carries a link to the details.
For the disappointingly small turnout but some valiant efforts QRP CW FD ended up with a score of 104 valid QSOs on 80 and 40 metres. The operating was down to Pete G3XYC entirely, completing the two three-hour stints entirely on his own. He was assisted at the logging computer by Graham G4PTK. G6KQP and G4YSP gave of their skills and support. Their main problem was the myriad of small flies and beetles getting all over them and the equipment. However the rain kept off for the event, enabling the proceedings to take place on a table in the open air, alongside Graham's famous red van and "Tredder's" small mast.
IOTA 2004 proved a better event and more enjoyable. The turnout was increased and the addition of the girls in the form of Jan and Jo as catering staff for the post-event BBQ enabled us to forget the stormy and wet weather. A score of in excess of 500 contacts and a lot of fun.
It has been said that Building Your Own Gear is Half the Fun!
ELECRAFT ® I n n o v a t i v e E l e c t r o n i c K i t s are the firm responsible for this excellent apparatus and their website is well worth a long visit.
In spite of an almost total absence of input in the form of members' contributions, despite other pressing matters and not striving for the William Caxton Memorial Medal, Peter G3PCT manages to publish a regular "CQ de MMARS" Newletter - illustrated and as informative as the current one he deserves better support - the means whereby being facilitated at the foot of this column.
MMARS were out portable for Melton Country Fair, in Egerton Park from Friday evening (25th June) until Sunday 27th June.
Our snoring (oops, sorry, he had a 36-hour non-stop stint so no snoring, no sleeping)so it is a snoozing reporter that tells us "the event went fairly well, Saturday was spoilt because of a wet afternoon that kept many visitors away. I am suffering from lack of sleep because a shortage of overnight operators, nevertheless I worked quite a few Top Band stations, N & S America on 20 and VK5HK for 40 minutes long path and received a recording of myself back again the same way and after the two way trip the audio quality was super. They are on the site of the former Adelaide maritime coastal station and the website can be reached by clicking here.
We also sent by Slow Scan TV digital pictures across Europe and beyond showing the Fair's attractions, and we talked to other countries using IRLP links.
So special was the lecture by Ron G4ASE detailed above that the Doug Lilley Memorial Trophy (G3FDF) was brought out of mothballs, suitably inscribed and presented to Ron for such an advanced and unique contribution to the Society's technical interests.
Peter G7PCT was the winner of the Annual Construction Contest with his loop antenna.
The Society's Annual Fox Hunt (held on Friday 18th June 2004) was won by Alan G7TVH and XYL, running the fox (Shaun G6PGP) to ground at the 'Little Chef' on the A46 near Thrussington.
Second home was Jim G4DZL a guest from the Loughborough Club, sporting a very nice 'flexible fold-up' Yagi with elements made from lengths of steel tape rule blade.
The team of G4LWB and G6KQP were third home, followed by G3XYC and G8HWG.
The evening was rounded off with a very pleasant (belated in foxhunting terms)stirrup cup in the Blue Lion, Thrussington.
Congratulations to John G4YSP, who celebrated his 60th birthday on 19th June.
GX4FOX/P flying the flag for amateur radio
The many members who enjoyed the very informative and beneficial evening meeting on 16th January 2004 courtesy Mark GØGBY may care now to visit his firm's online presence viz: WATERS & STANTON from this link.
With much to present relative to RAYNET, RADIO MOBILE (This program, by Roger Coudé, VE2DBE enables maps to be drawn of specified areas, elevation contours and roads to be added, then Units can be placed where required. Individual Unit performances can be specified for power, sensitivity, antenna parameters etc. and individual Links examined for path profile and signal parameters. Coverage patterns can be produced for individual stations if required), and the MORSE TRAINING programs by G4FON (using the Koch method of training: when all characters are enabled, QRM, QRN and QSB can be superimposed on the audio signal which can be sent at a selected speed. Text files can be replayed with prosigns and also random words) RSARS member 1504 - Ian D. Brown, G3TVU has such an excellent website at http://www.g3tvu.co.uk that we guarantee you will be drawn back again frequently and also follow his most useful links to the matters mentioned above.
Congratulations are in order for Geoff G3STG on his registration as an Amateur Radio Instructor. Further details of tuition sessions and courses will be announced later but meanwhile Geoff can be contacted by e-mail as g3stg@btinternet.com
Once again Peter, M3PCT demonstrated and clearly explained some of the current means of communication (EchoLink and IRLP)(we have a DEDICATED PAGE explaining these here on site) thus putting his keen emphasis on the Communication aspect of ICT, particularly as he is now involved even more with youth training at the local High School. Peter's well-attended lecture was the main item of our Meeting on 21st November 2003 and he was able to distribute the requisite software for EchoLink to several of those present.
The neat station layout of Ray Barfield, one of our SWL/CB members, is the latest addition to our gallery.
MMARS' attendance at the Leicester Amateur Radio Show 2003, Donington Exhibition Centre was as always a huge success. Fielding almost a score of members we provided and operated the Talk-in stations throughout the two days of the Show as well as the Special Event Station GBØLS.
In spite of being in the throes of a severe cough-cold-viral attack Peter M3PCT the Editor of "CQ de MMARS" the Society journal managed to produce entirely single-handedly yet another volume for our delectation at our Christmas Meeting 19th December 2003. Full of news snippets, colourful and well-produced Peter still requires much more input to continue this success. Hereafter the journal will be published Quarterly so please let him have your articles before March next.
SSB FIELD DAY 6/7 September 2003 - G4FOX/P from White Farm, Nether Broughton top - "Saturday morning Graham and Howard set up, joined later by Terry Lea.
Pete XYC started off the contest, and stayed till 2 am Sunday,
assisted by John & Linda, Roy Shields, John & Jan, Phil and Peter PCT.
Roy Barker and Terry Murphy also attended.
Had to go QRT for 1 to 2 hours Saturday tea time because of thunder & rain
storm overhead.
PL259 sockets in the van from the 40m & 80m dipoles were flashing over with
blue sparks,
fortunately the Tx/Rx's etc had just been disconnected in time.
Overnight stint done by Howard and Graham, then little Roy and Phil then Pete
XYC.
Total contacts made 671.
Most of above there for close down, with nice Chocolate cake baked by Jan
and
small cakes provided by Linda."
On Tuesday 19th August 2003 the Society's conducted tour of St. Mary's Parish Church tower and a demonstration of bell ringing took place. Not all Members were able to take advantage of this kind offer by Matthew Bradwell but those who did thoroughly enjoyed the trip - Our BELLS OF ST. MARY'S DEDICATED PAGE shows highlights (or if you prefer the accuracy - HIGH LIGHTS!).
'Distance is no object' was the clarion call used by some suppliers and travellers years ago but slightly changed to "Distance is no objection" we can report that whilst Clarksville, Indiana and Melton Mowbray may seem remote from each other geographically, persons living in each of these towns are but the length of a microphone lead attached to a computer apart from each other. Following the excellent exchanges of information by E-mail effected by citizens in each of the towns, now, using the techniques of EchoLink or IRLP (and we have a DEDICATED PAGE explaining these here on site) "instant twinning" by voice is now taking place.
On 5th July 2003 the inaugural contact was made between John McCrory of Clarksville (NM9A) and Peter M3PCT.
This achievement realises an ambition held by MMARS since twinning began in 1973 with Dieppe, France and is the result of the marriage between Amateur Radio and the Internet and technological progress during the last 30 years although there still remains the goal for MMARS to establish actual radio contact with fellow amateurs in Kapelle, Sochaczew or Clarksville itself.
EchoLink is not confined to radio amateurs and moves are afoot for other members of the public, including Civic Authorities in both locations to make contact in this novel, cheap and very simple way to continue the growing international friendship links which are the aim of Town Twinning or Sister Cities as it is called in the USA.
Once again MMARS aired G4FOX/P at the annual WHISSENDINE MINIATURE STEAM RALLY in conjunction with Melton Mowbray & District Model Engineering Society. Our STEAM RALLY DEDICATED PAGE gives you an illustrated humorous account of the happenings of Sunday 8th June 2003.
The Visit to the Newark Air Museum arranged by Roy M3RGB for Friday 16th May 2003 proved to be an outstanding evening albeit only a handful of Members were able to turn up. Our NAM DEDICATED PAGE gives an idea of the visit and is aimed to encourage a repeat trip.
Over the weekend 3rd/4th May 2003 GX4FOX was aired from the mobile shack in order to demonstrate Amateur Radio in many of its forms to the Scouts at their campsite outside the nearby village of Holwell. Peter, M3PCT was newly returned from Sweden where he met up with the designer of IRLP, Dave Cameron and was thus able to show this new technology vividly to the keen youngsters. Peter, G3XYC demonstrated HF SSB working to many distant stations. G4PTK, G4YSP, G6KQP, G4ASE, G4LWB and G3NVK lent a hand in various ways too.
The Society's Annual Construction Contest, held on 25th April, was won by Ray, G6FDD with his very well designed and constructed Wattmeter. The G6KQP Trophy was presented to him by Chairman G3NVK at the Meeting. Congratulations Ray!
Concurrent with our exhausting involvement in the LEICESTER RADIO SHOW at Donington Park 19/20/21 September 2002 the second issue of CQ de MMARS was put onto the streets by our hard-working Editor Peter M3PCT.
In spite of his cries for "More input, please" there is a dearth of material so the issue is slender - but as always very interesting. Peter's pursuit of IRLP increases and there is coverage of the topic within the pages and his advice to consult two websites:-
IRLP and
UKIRLP
is very worthy of note.
Speaking of the LEICESTER AMATEUR RADIO SHOW, MMARS fielded their usual team (in 2001)to assist with the setting up, running and operating of the Talk-in and Special Event stations. Our dedicated page has already been commenced for those of you who were unable to attend. This also includes a Press Release by John Theodorson, G4MTP, Chairman of LRS to whom we are indebted.
The first "CQ de MMARS" for 2002 is now in members' hands thanks once again to our Editor Peter M3PCT. The issue contains the detail of the Internet Gateway station in Melton (G7PCT).
The fourth issue of the very popular illustrated production CQ de MMARS was made available by Peter, G7PCT (who edits and prints all copies) on the evening of the Winter solstice and has proved to be as equally interesting as the earlier ones and to contain a comprehensive balance of material supplied by Members and particularly the annual report of Melton Raynet by Geoff G3STG.
Peter works entirely single-handed and is to be congratulated on his continued efforts and achievement.
Sad to say + ROWLEY W. BROOM, G4GWW +, one of our members, has become SILENT KEY following a heart attack. The Service will be at All Saints' Church, Oakham at 15:30hrs on Wednesday 27th March. At the request of the family "please, no mourning attire - this is a celebration of his life"
The initiative to progress and enhance the ailing hobby of Amateur Radio following the announcement on 21 September 2001 of the new structure for Amateur Radio Licensing in the United Kingdom lies to a large extent with those already experienced. MMARS have grasped that opportunity - a Presentation and discussion lead by member Geoff Griffiths G3STG on Friday 19th October 2001 points the way ahead for our members.
Further discussions are imminent and it is hoped that we will publicise opportunities for interested parties to receive the benefit of expertise and encouragement from us.
Continuing the theme of "Communications" note should be taken of The GB7MBC Website - in the capable hands of Ian Maude (G0VGS).
Visit the site on the Internet and you will quickly discover that if you are a licensed radio ham then you can connect to the cluster from this page in one of two ways available. Based in Morecambe, Lancashire, GB7MBC was the first operational non-Pavilion cluster in the UK. GB7MBC is a part of the Bay Metropolitan Area Network. BayMAN is a group of tcpip stations around Morecambe Bay which are inter-linked to offer many and varied services to the local amateur community.
The gateway here is known as LURPAC and is run by Mike, G6PHF who also runs GB7MBB, a tcpip BBS on the BayMAN.
Because of the gateway, GB7MBC gets users from around the globe at different times of the day and night. However, until recently the cluster was only reachable from the Amprnet and not from the Internet. UK law did not allow direct connection from internet addresses to amateur stations, so the gateway at Lancaster was firewalled to prevent this from happening. However, recently the law was altered to allow Internet connection and with the help of Ian, M0AZM and the nice guys up at Lancaster University, Internet connection was made available. It is therefore now possible to connect to the cluster by using a Web browser or via telnet.
Following the postponement of how we should best form a memorial to the late Doug Coe G4PZQ the item was brought to the table again and the decisions made were to purchase a suitable "Rugby" clock with tablet to honour Doug and the earlier 15 Silent Keys of MMARS and to purchase a keepsake Trophy and endorse another plaque adjoining the clock in a manner acceptable to the RSGB to be awarded by them in respect of Low Power Field Day so much favoured by Doug during his contesting activities.
Following the most recent meeting of the Way Ahead Group Saturday 14th July 2001 saw the scheduled Treasure Hunt (organised by Ray G6FDD and Roy G7ARB) and to follow it with an evening Alfresco Social cum Barbecue. We were graced with dry weather, cool but sunny, for these well attended events and "a good time was had by all" as you will read in the next issue of our ever-popular Newsletter. Our Society callsigns were well activated during the day. Plans are being mooted for a similar celebratory event for New Year's Day and to include mulled wine!
The following site contains, inter alia, the text reproduced below the
link:
SANS NEWS
Dick, G3NVK is the appointed Web Master in addition to his continuing duties as Secretary/Treasurer
Peter, G7PCT kindly volunteered to be the Editor of the Newsletter and produced an 8-page (A5) colourful and illustrated first issue.
Sadly we report on our DEDICATED PAGE the passing of Doug, G4PZQ (24.1.1920 - 11.5.2001) into the Ranks of Silent Keys
