News!
NATIONAL HAMFEST 2009 - Friday 2 and Saturday 3 October 2009
Brought to you by the RSGB in association with Lincoln Short Wave ClubGeorge Stephenson Pavilion, Newark & Nottingham Showground, Lincoln Road, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY.
With only 8 days to go before the UK’s biggest Amateur Radio event, arrangements for the National Hamfest are in full swing. Visitors will have plenty to look at in the main hall as trader space there is totally sold out. Highlights to look forward to are finding all the main manufacturers and dealers under one roof as well as some overseas traders too. The Luso tower will be a talking point for those not lucky enough to have seen it at either the Dayton Hamvention or Friendrichshafen earlier this year.
The RSGB have a big presence at the show with representatives from their various committees and departments available with help and advice to members and non members alike. Don’t forget that the 2010 Yearbook is being launched at the show and the first 100 customers each day will receive a goody bag. Ofcom will also be exhibiting at the show and visitors will have a chance to discuss everything from licensing to PLT with them.
Some visitors will go home with a real bargain as there are two excellent free raffles taking place. Every entry ticket includes the chance to win one of the fantastic prizes on offer from the main raffle such as an IC-7200 and the chance to win a VX-8 in the daily Yaesu prize draw. Check out the latest RadCom for full details of the prizes.
Outside you’ll find more traders and a non-trade car boot sale – you can still book your spot at the car boot sale – where you’ll be certain to find a bargain or two.
We look forward to seeing many of you there over the two days.
National Hamfest, organised by the RSGB in conjunction with the Lincoln Short Wave Club. www.nationalhamfest.org.uk
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National HamFest Leaflet (PDF 143Kb) | |
National HamFest FloorPlan (PDF 135Kb) |
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15th August 2009 - RSGB Representitive for the Isle of Man
We are delighted to announce that Stewart gd0oud has been accepted as the RSGB representative for the Isle of Man. This important position has been held by Alan gd0mwl for the last few years and we would like to thank Alan for his excellent representation at the RSGB meetings.
Stewart is a very experience Amateur, a strong member of our Society and will certainly be a superb ambassador for Amateur Radio on the Island.
Congratulations Stewart and many thanks Alan.
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15th August 2009 - EMC Compliance of Power Line Adaptors
The RSGB have sent a letter on the above matter to OFCOM complaining about the RF problems caused by these devices.
The letter can be found at:
http://homepages.manx.net/butler/letter_to_rtb.pdf
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15th August 2009 - MFJ buys Cushcraft Antennas
MFJ Enterprises have announced they have purchased the Cushcraft Amateur Radio antennas product line.
According to MFJ, Cushcraft - makers of HF/VHF/UHF vertical, beam and Yagi antennas for the Amateur Radio community, will continue to be manufactured in New Hampshire.
"We are excited to have the Cushcraft Amateur Radio Antennas product line alongside our other five companies," said Martin F. Jue, President and founder of MFJ Enterprises, Inc.
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1st August 2009 - RAYNET Training
RAYNET Isle of Man held a formal training session on Friday 31-Jul-09 and the document used to guide the matters discussed can now be found on the IOMARS Forum under the RAYNET section.
The red italic text represents action agreed on the night to be taken ASAP.
It can be downloaded via the IOMARS Forum or via this link here: 
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1st August 2009 - International Links with the Island
From the 14 July 09 to the 31 July 09 the new Internet linked 70cm repeaters (IM and Bride) have seen lots of international activity.
Many callsigns have contacted the network using Echolink (software which allows licenced Amateurs to contact the repeaters via the Internet) and the following countries have been on line:
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15th July 2009 - BIG Thanks!
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) would like to thank Godfrey (GD4EIP) for all the hard work that he put in sorting out the antenna at Stuarts QTH, he really appreciated the work that Godfrey did and would like to thank him for his time...
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7th July 2009 - The Germans Have Landed!
And a great bunch of guys they are, and boy have they brought some kit with them, not just throwing up a few lengths of wire and hoping that they can tune them in, this lot have brought a real nice bag of antennas with them, all tested back in Germany many times before getting them shipped over here, but before we get onto that here is some info.
These operators are all friends of Mike (2D0GBM) 'German Mike' as most of us know him by, and with some help from him they decided to try out the Isle of Man for a small DXpedition.
Their group consist of Claus (D09BC), Bernd (DH1SSB), Achim (DG3SHD), Rainer (DG5SBK), Pit (DL1SPH), Gertraud (DC5SAN), Markus (D05MZ), Gunther (DG1SBU), another Gunther (DG7SF), Erwin (DL6SBN) and finally Ecki (DO2ETM).
They are operating from Eary Cushlin for a week, and would like to meet up with any local Amateur Radio Operators if they are passing.
They will be operating a big contest this weekend coming and I hope to bring you more news when I have it.
Here are some photos of them setting up some of their antenna's.
Fog over the old farm house at Eary Cushlin.
Some of the German Operators talking through the days events.
The GAP antenna, built and ready to put up.
I certainly would not want to be sailing out there is such a small yacht.
The guys dragging her up the hill to where she would stay.
Carefully laying out the guy wires ready for lifting.
And now to sort her out.
Fine tuning the guy wiress to get her perfectly vertical!
The GAP antenna, mounted on a hill top, could you get a more perfect vertical.
No time for that, get to work!
Putting together the VHF for Packet.
in the hope of reaching some Packet stations, alas, it wouldn't happen.
Laying out the 80 meter dual loop antenna, was a bit of a struggle, the wind was up and the mast was a little on the flexible side.
These guys brought everything, Setting up the dish for German Astra!
With the antenna itself and the guys supporting the mast, there was a lot of fine tuning to get the antenna sitting right.
Checking the SWR on the antennas that have been put up.
The Antennas can be viewed from over the hills on the entrance to Eary Cushlin.
The guys getting ready for the upcoming contest.
And very quiet antenna, a real good working antenna.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) setting up the Outbacker on his car!
Lifting the Manx Flag!
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6th July 2009 - IOMARS Website Update.
Here is a list of what has been changed:
- Uploaded Photo's from Tynwald Day to the Website (see below)
- Added GB5TD to QRZ.com and updated it with info from today.
- Added latest ICQ Podcast, the ever great SolderSmoke and also 73's Hambrief Podcasts to the site, see the Podcasts section.
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6th July 2009 - The New Society Chairman.
Keith Holland (MD0OHM) has stepped down as chairman of the Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society due to the pressures of work, we would like to thank him for the hard work that he put in, and hope to see him when he gets some spare time from upgrading all those Digi-Boxes...
In the meantime, Colyn G. (Godfrey) Baillie-Searle (GD4EIP) has been awarded with the chairmanship of the IOMARS, if anyone wishes to contact him, can they please e-mail him on chairman@iomars.com.
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6th July 2009 - Tynwald Day in the Isle of Man
Here are some photo's of the guys setting up for Tynwald Day...
Godfrey (GD4EIP) showing his age under the pressure of doing some actual work.
Harry Blackburn (MD0HEB) looking thoughtful at the start of the day.
Dave Corlett (2D0RGW) popped in to see whats happening.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) looking very thoughtful first thing, maybe he didn't get his beaty sleep.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) and Harry (MD0HEB) working on CW, though the morning was hard work.
Steve Kelly (GD7DUZ) workign on PSK31.
Alex (GD6IA) slightly shocked at having his photo taken.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) chatting with Jane (GD1LVY).
Andy (GD0AMD) said he would have a go whilst he was passing, just as the bands opened up and all hell broke out and a mamouth pile up occured on 20 meters.
Alex (GD6IA) talking with Ron (G4RQJ) from SOTA.
Martyn Parnell (GD3YUM) in his leathers, nowadays it is very hard to see him in abything else, weathers is too good!
All of the team setting out for tomorrow.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) after he found out which end of the hammer to use!
Steve Kelly (GD7DUZ) putting the steaks back into the ground after moving the tower.
Steve (GD7DUZ) doing some hard work whilst Godfrey (GD4EIP) looks on.
Where ever there is a camera, you will find the Isle of Man's version of a super model posing away, just be greatful that Godfrey is not modeling a bikini.
Steve (GD7DUZ) bolting on the matching elements and the balun with the help of Godfrey (GD4EIP).
Stecve getting up and close with the Mosley!
Godfrey (GD4EIP) being thoughtful.
Steve (GD7DUZ) and Godfrey (GD4EIP) connecting the remaining elements.
Final tightening of the Mosley on the tower!
Godfrey (GD4EIP) holding onto the vertical whilst Steve (GD7DUZ) tightens up the bolts.
Steve (GD7DUZ) tightening up the U-Bolts of the vertical antenna.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) showing that he can handle manual labour every now and then...
Nearly there!
Steve (GD7DUZ) geting all tied up, im sure he likes it....
Colin Ingles (MD0PWI) dropping in to help out.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) playing around again...
Final checks as she goes up.
Colin Ingles (MD0PWI) helping out.
Godfrey (GD4EIP) and Steve (GD7DUZ) sorting out the base of the tower.
Ready for tomorrow.
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) and Dave (Sorry don't know the callsign), helping out...
Stuart (GD0OUD) found that the only way to get a good seat was to get it himself!
Martyn (GD3YUM) and Alex (GD6IA) talking with Mike (2D0GBM) about a big German event that is just about to take place on the Isle of Man.
Ex-Manx man Mike Radcliff (G8XUE) popped in to meet an old friend Godfrey (GD4EIP), it was really nice to meet him.
The Societys Mosley Beam and Vertical at Tynwald Day.
Dave Cain (MD3YLX) and James Kelly (MD3WKJ) popped in to cause trouble...
I thought doing the website kept me out of these blummin photo's, here is me (MD0MDI) with Dave Cain (MD3YLX) making sure that everyone knows where FUN can be found!
A new MD3 took the reigns and managed to land himself in a Pile up, but he seemed to enjoy it!
Harry (MD0HEB), the Isle of Man's David Attenborough hiding in the plants in the sun.
Click on te above image to view a larger image of the station contacts made during the 2 days of operation.
Many thanks to all the guys who attended and took part in the event, special thanks to GD4EIP, GD0OUD, GD7DUZ and MD0HEB for all the hard work that they put in.
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4th - 5th July 2009 - RSGB VHF National Field Day
The annual RSGB VHF National Field Day will take place between 14:00z 4th July - 14:00z 5th July on 6M, 4M, 2M, 70cms and 23cms. Rules at www.vhfcc.com.
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1st July 2008 - Overseight sorted out!
The QSL Info page on QRZ.com for the Callsign GB4MNH has now been sorted out, the page was blank and had already had over 600 hits, not exactly professional! so I managed to get one of the Administrators to transfer the GB4MNH callign to my own callsign so that I can manage it, I have since then just uploaded all the relevent information along with a pointer to the website, I hope you find this OK.... James (MD0MDI).
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29th June 2009 - IOMARS Website Update.
Here is a list of what has been changed:
- Added some Manuals to the Yaesu ection.
- Updated the Museums on the Air page.
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27th June 2009 - Museums on the Air...
27th and 28th June is our annual operation in aid of 'Manx National Heritage' where we will be operating from the Old Grammar School in Castletown with the callsign GB4MNH, will be operating all modes all bands, please come and offer your support and help..
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26th June 2009 - Jeanie's Letter in Radcom...
Jeanie Hill one of our Society members got a letter published in Radcom!
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23rd June 2009 - IOMARS Website Update.
Here is a list of what has been changed:
- Added ICQ Podcasts Mirror to the Podcast Section.
- Added some Manuals to the Yaesu ection.
- Moved the News link to the main menu so that it is easier to locate for any visitors to the site.
23rd June 2009 - IOMARS Forum Update.
- Added a new catagory for RSGB Raynet.
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21st June 2009 - IOMARS Forum Update.
Ok, finally managed to finish off the problems that I was having with the new Forum, this was mainly down to the CSS for the main forum template, but now tested it for the last few days and it seems to work OK in all internet browsers.
Here is a list of what has been changed:
- Added an Image Gallery (strangely under the 'Gallery' link on the gray menu bar under the Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society Logo), made this so that all users (except for guests) can post images with comments, and rate all images, even other users images.
- Been adding the images from the Lifeboats on the Air event in Peel to the Gallery, this will take a while as I keep remembering other things to do.
- Added a Blog to the Forum, this will Mirror any comments entered in the IOMARS Blogspot, but this does give the added benefits that anyone who is registered on the website can create their own Blog as well or add comments and posts to other Blog's, This is not a replacement to the IOMARS Blogspot.
- Finished laying out the basic layout of the Categories and Sub Categories for the Forum, this I am sure will change, and more headings can be added as and when they are requested.
- Added a Downloads script to the forum and amended the CSS to suite, this will enable the forum to act as a mirror and useful source of software, programming aids and other apps and documents that we seem fit, i.e the latest Ham Radio Deluxe, etc.
- Created a New Catagory for General Chat for all IOMARS Members and Non-Members, where hopefully you lot will post ideas for the Society, for where you want to see it going, what we should be doing, ideas for the website/forum, events, even what you think we should be purchasing (that will scare Harry)...
21st June 2009 - IOMARS Website Update.
Here is a list of what has been changed:
- Updated the Isle of Man Repeater Page to give links to the Status of the 70cm Repeaters.
- Added links to the Menu for the Forum.
- Added some IOMARS Members to the Members page, so many more to do, will get round to it when I can.
- Minor Typos located and changed.
- Added Repeaters Page for the British Isles and updated links to the Isle of Man Repeaters Page and main menu.
- Added a Page under the Electronics section for Ohm's Law Maths.
- Added a Page under Useful Information link for the Meaning and Use of Abbreviations.
- Added a simple page on the Phonetic Alphabet for Newbies...
- Added a Ham Radio Prefix Guide under Useful Information.
- Updates some Podcasts (73's.org, Practical Amateur radio, and good old SolderSmoke).
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20th June 2009 - GB3IM Links to the Internet and gets new equipment.
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Today’s report is as follows: From now on, access to GB3IM will be by means of CTCSS at 110.9Hz only. Tone bursts will have no effect.
These points only apply to Snaefell and then, only for so long as it is “Up linked”. We hope to install a control system on-site in the near future, which will remove these requirements. GB3IM’s Echolink node number is 464453. |
| Noted Issues 1. I apologies in advance for the “wordy” node linking announcements. These are already proving to be a pain and I hope to be able to remove them in the near future. 2. When Snaefell receives a broken transmission, the software on the uplink sends a “pip” immediately after the repeater drops – which only takes a couple of hundred milliseconds. The sending of the pip takes approximately two seconds, during which time the incoming mobile will probably be “flattened” by the uplink. This leads to unnatural sounding breaks in a transmission which, under other circumstances, would just be a little fluttery. The system is oversensitive in this area and I am looking at ways to reduce the problem. When a PC is installed on Snaefell, and control then becomes local, this issue will go away, so it is hopefully only a short term problem whilst we are using an uplink. David Osborn (GD4HOZ). |
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15th June 2009 - Isle of Man Repeater Update...
Current Status
GB3IM-R (Kionlough, Bride) has been working well for over a month now and has been an invaluable test bed for discovering the functionality of the AllStar Link software, as well as the best way to use it.
A number of local stations have made good use of the repeater, and it is covering all of the areas that it was expected to. Specifically, solid coverage is now available from the Sulby Glen Hotel, right through to Ramsey on the Lezayre road (a traditional Snaefell “black spot”). Further East, coverage is good around Ramsey and some of the Maughold area. On the coast road, coverage is good up to the Dreemskerry turn-off and, on the mountain, solid coverage is available right up to the Mountain Box.
GB3IM-S (Snaefell) has been on test for a couple of weeks and a number of iterations have taken place in coming to a suitable configuration. When it is put into service, the “personality” of GB3IM will change significantly, particularly in the following areas:
Access: 1750Hz access will disappear forever. CTCSS at 110.9Hz will be required.
Timeout: Gone.
Idents: Every 15 minutes at 00, 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour. The long beacon (i.e. “GB3IM Isle Of Man”) will cease to exist and the callsign will be “GB3IM H”, where the “H” indicates the CTCSS tone frequency as dictated by the RSGB.
The repeater on the mountain will be a standard, unmodified, Simoco PRF1060 commercial grade repeater with a transmitter output of 15W (The existing repeater is 5W). In common with many other commercial repeaters, there is no provision for “courtesy tones”; When the repeater is opened by a valid signal, it will relay that signal and, when the incoming signal is removed, the repeater will drop carrier immediately. This can be somewhat disconcerting for those unaccustomed to such behavior but it is mitigated by the behavior of the supporting system, which I will explain.
Some amateurs are familiar with the use of an “uplink” radio to access a hilltop repeater. Many EchoLink users use this technique to connect their local repeater to the internet. We are using a similar technique for Snaefell, mainly because there is presently no internet access up there. By reducing to an absolute minimum the amount of equipment on the hilltop, particularly a PC, the chances of serious problems are reduced.
The uplink radio is co-located with GB3IM-R at Bride.
When a user calls through Snaefell, the Uplink radio will receive the output from Snaefell and send it into the local AllStar network, as well as to any incoming/outgoing links to other nodes. When the user ends his transmission, the uplink radio will signal this to the controlling computer which, in turn, will briefly command the uplink radio into transmit in order to send a “Pip”. The repeater will then drop carrier, ready for the next incoming transmission either from a local user on the repeater’s input frequency or from someone accessing either from the internet or via another Isle Of Man repeater node.
It is hoped that the new radio will be installed on Saturday 20th June 2009. For a short period the repeater will be operated without the uplink, so there will be no bleeps or hang time. From the caller’s perspective, it will appear that the repeater is not working – but it will be!
GB3IM-C (Carnane)
Watch this space. Hopefully very soon.
Other linking methods
GB3IM-R is registered with EchoLink, node 464453. Very little testing has been done on this link so far so please report any problems. This link connects to the GB3IM-S node computer at Bride and thence into the remaining IOM repeaters. Outgoing EchoLink connections are possible but, since only the Snaefell node is presently registered with EchoLink, you can only set-up an outgoing Echolink connection via Snaefell.
I am keen to hear from any local amateurs who operate, or plan to operate, simplex internet gateways – especially on 70cm.
If anyone requires clarification on any of the foregoing, please get in touch.
David Osborn (GD4HOZ).
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11th June 2009 - Lifeboats on the Air - Peel...
Peel Lifeboat Station will be on the air on Thursday 11th June, not as previously advertised which was the 4th. Please come along an offer your support. Contact Mike GD0HYM (aquuatechiom@mbc.net) for further information (See the link to the left as well).
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9th June 2009 - The Next IOMARS meeting has been put back till next month due to the TT...
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 14th July, saves trying to get through traffic and tourists.
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7th June 2009 - Mad Sunday (GB2MAD).
The Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society will be operating from the Southern Vintage and Tractor Club Show under the callsign of GB2MAD. This takes place at Port Erin and again we need your support, visit this link for more information.
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20th May 2009 - Another welcome visit from Simon Brown...
It's always nice to have visitors to our humble little shack, and with Simon Brown (programmer of Ham Radio Deluxe) still on the Isle of Man while visiting family, he popped in to show us the latest build of the software and also grab some e-mails, but we were having a problem with our internet access so he had to settle to showing us the diagnostic tools that are built in to Digital Master 780 for SSTV, it was quite informative, and it's always nice to listen to him going on about his pride and joy, and the new features in version 5.0, with the build now in the 2100's and changing daily. It is really going to be a wonderful package, and as it already is the best software out there for radio control, data mode control and logbook entry, all of which are greatly improved in the latest version.
The new Logbook which can be now run totally as a standalone piece of software, now becoming so useable for multi-user and multi-situation use with the added benefits of switching between different logbooks on the fly, and the ability to run the logbook with a SQL database makes this side of the software really fly, and with the logbook software now being totally standalone, the ability to run the software over 3 or even 4 screens is now within grasp.
Another great feature is that of the dock-able windows on the display, separate applications such as the tuning windows, rotator control, gray line map and of course the logbook and the entry screen can not only be placed around the screen to your own liking, but are totally dock-able so that the overall layout of the display screens can be very neat and clean and to your own taste.
Simon is still working on many new features and is still hoping for a July Beta release.
He donated to the Society one of his old university projects, this old and very heavy and very much 'industrial' looking piece of kit (see above); was a 500 W VHF Linear Amplifier that he constructed many years ago, Godfrey (GD4EIP) decided that he could put this to a good use, so it was quickly lugged out to my car so that I could drop it off to him.
The rest of the evening was taken up listening to Simon explain the rudiments of what makes a good SSTV signal and why so many signals are quite poor, and this was lapped up by Steve (GD7DUZ) who is very much into their data modes.
As ever all enjoyed his visit, and on a separate note, please donate to HRD, he is now only funded by donations and as the software is after all free, and he does a fantastic job, so please, don't forget to donate anything you can when you can, it all adds up.
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19th May 2009 - Special Event Call - TM6SME
Next month we will see the 65th Anniversary of the Landing in Normandy which took place on June 6th 1944.
To remember this momentous and also thoughtful event, Amateur Radio operators around the world will all give thanks in our own special way.
A group of French operators, lead by Maurice Charpentier (F5NQL), including Michel Le Balc'h (F6IPS), Jean Michel Duthilleul (F6AJA), Philippe Marrache (F5MSB) and Jean-yves Manoury (F8LDX) are leading this event world-wide, making sure that we remember this event using the Special Callsign of TM6SME.
More information can be got from Michel (F6IPS) via e-mail at f6ips@orange.fr and/or his website which can be found at http://perso.wanadoo.fr/michel.f6ips/
Two operators from the Netherlands will be working from Juno Beach (Courseulles sur Mer) between June 5th to the 8th using the callsign F/PA65DDAY, Henk Flint (PA0HFT) and Hans Weis (PA0WYS) should be operating on 80, 40 and 20 meters on SSB.
Another station to listen for will be the station using the special call of TM5BBC which will be operation from the square tower in the Castle of Creully (Calvados) between June 4th to the 12th thanks to the special permission being granted to them by the French Conseil Superieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA, the French Authority).
After the initial landings which starting on June 7t h 1944, the BBC used this building to broadcast information about the Battle of Normandy, TM5BBC will be operating using the original frequency of 1602 kHz on AM, using rebuilt original equipment.
A little nearer to home Wyke Regis Radio and Training Club will be operating with the call sign GB65FRW between June 5th and the 7th from Weymouth, in the UK. They will be looking for European contacts on 80 and 40 meters and other Normandy Landing Special Event Stations world-wide on 20 and 15 meters.
Please give all these guys and other operator world-wide a call on this day and remember those who fought and fell for us during the Normandy Landings.
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13th May 2009 - A Sad Loss
As you may have seen on our Blog and on other Amateur Radio News Blog's out there, the very sad news of yet another Amateur Radio Magazine vanishing into the ether. The magazine was mainly aimed at the ever popular hobby of the Short Wave Listener (SWL) as well as Radio Hams, the statement offered by the editors on their website is as follows:
Sadly We Announce That This Is The Last Issue Of The Best Radio Listeners' Magazine! The publishers of MM have, as a result of difficult trading conditions, ceased trading. This website will remain operational for the foreseeable future to allow MME customers to download their electronic issues. The Management and Staff of monitoring monthly extend their thanks to all their customers and contributors. We are proud of what we have achieved with the magazine and dismayed at the unavoidable closure.
We wish all the people involved with the magazine all the best and hope that the magazine will hopefully be back with us soon, in one way or another.
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12th May 2009 - Simon Brown Visits Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society
Simon Brown, creator of superb Ham Radio Deluxe software, was visiting home on the Isle of Man and decided to pay a visit to our monthly meeting in Tromode on Tuesday and also our humble shack last Wednesday night, and the lucky ones that were down there managed to get a really good insight into the upcoming version 5.0 release of the software.
I am afraid that I myself was across in the UK during this so not only did I miss out on a chat with Simon, but I also missed out on his talk that he gave at the monthly meeting, so I am afraid that I can only go by what I was told by others, and that was that the talk was very interesting and the new version is a lot sleeker, and has many new features built in to the software which is due to be released to us mortals very shortly.
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