Members divided info four teams for the quiz which featured sounds files selected on themes. Running along with the sound quiz, the teams were trying to identify famous people pictured at microphones.
As what is now a usual occurrence, the Luton VHF group were again the winners.
Members where shown many examples of kits using PICs which are the basic building blocks of Software Defined Radios.
An internet search revealed that PICs were first introduced by General Instruments in 1975, and in 1985, General Instruments converted their Microelectronics Division to Microchip Technology. For the uninitiated, PIC stands for Peripheral Interface Controller. The General Instruments Company used the acronyms Programmable Interface Controller and Programmable Intelligent Computer for the initial PICs (PIC1640 and PIC1650).
In 1993, Microchip Technology launched the 8-bit PIC16C84 with EEPROM which could be programmed using serial programming method. The improved version of PIC16C84 with flash memory (PIC18F84 and PIC18F84A) hit the market in 1998.
Since 1998, Microchip Technology continuously developed new high performance microcontrollers with new complex architecture and enhanced in-built peripherals.
At present PIC microcontrollers are widely used for industrial purpose due to its high performance ability at low power consumption. It is also very famous among hobbyists due to moderate cost and easy availability of its supporting software and hardware tools like compilers, simulators, debuggers,and, of course, Software Defined Radios!
Paul also explained that all of the software he uses to display the output of the SDR is freely available on the internet. Part 2 of Paul’s talk will be on the 5th of December.
Some member have cut and drilled their project box in anticipation of receiving the remainder of the kit to build the 2013 Club Project, an Antenna Analyser. Richard, G3NII turned up with boxes full of bags filled with the necessary parts to complete the project. As a ‘special service’ to members, Richard had already soldered the only surface mount part to the PCB! This is the varactor diode which, as surface mount parts go, is about as small as they get. The rest of the parts have already been sorted and supplied in marked bags! A bound booklet with full building details completes the kit. This really is the ‘Rolls Royce’ of kits! Unfortunately, this kit is only available to current club members.
Unfortunately, the speaker originally scheduled was unable to make it. As a fill in we used the evening to watch a video of the many operations that can be preformed using the popular MFJ 259B antenna analyser. Members found that it is possible to do operations other than just check the SWR.
Using this analyser can take the guesswork out of building and adjusting matching networks and baluns. We found we could measure the distance to a short or open in faulty coax or measure the length of a roll of coax, or coax loss, velocity factor, and impedance. We found we could measure inductance and capacitance or measure the resonant frequency and approximate Q of traps, stubs, transmission lines, RF chokes, tuned circuits and baluns. A useful options told how to adjust an antenna tuner for a perfect 1:1 match without creating QRM.
Ian, G1JCC then gave a roundup of our week-end’s activity in the CQWW SSB contest. The score looked encouraging and most members agreed they had had a very good weekend in spite of the wind and rain that resulted in some antenna damage.
The long awaited project for this year was started last evening. Richard, G3NII gave a short presentation starting with a block diagram showing how the various parts work together. That was followed by a more detailed view of the circuit diagram detailing the interaction of the various components. Richard then handed out the first part of the kit; the project box and some copper sheet for lining. Also included were detailed instructions for cutting the display opening and battery well, and drilling instructions to take the various knobs etc. The finished Antenna Analyzer will feature a three line display showing all the relevant measurements in one view.
The club decided long ago that we would not rely on Junk Sales to fund club activities. That would come from members subscriptions. I suppose, in the back of many members minds was the realization that good returns from junk sales might not continue forever. Last evening proved the truth of those thoughts! Although the turnout was favourable the ‘junk’ did not materialise. Nearby clubs had been notified and the turnout was pretty fair, but the evenings takings were down on the usual amount we have grown to expect.
Still, since we were not depending on the income to fund our existence, the result was still good. And some who made successful bids took away items still in unopened boxes! Not a bad result, really.
A good crowd turned out to hear Paul tell of finding old 405 Line black and white TV sets and making them work again. Surprisingly, he always looks for those sets that are quite dirty since that may indicate they haven’t been subjected to earlier ‘restorations’
His simple approach to repairs belies a deep understanding of just what might be problematic and how to fix it. Fortunately, some models of TV sets were very popular and they now provide a source of parts for repairs.
By using a converter, Paul was able to show video from DVDs and an unexpected treat was seeing two sets actually working and showing The Coronation, which of course, was why most of these sets were originally purchased in 1953.
As contests go, this one is the mainstay of the club’s activities in HF contesting. The club’s equipment officer, Don, G4LOO, although not the contest officer, gave a presentation on our participation in CQWW SSB through the years. Members were pleasantly surprised to see that the club has made steady progress towards the top of the category.
Members could see from Don’s facts that there is still plenty of room for improvement! Details showed that the improvement can come from simple changes and that wholesale changes were not required. Accuracy in logging was one way to make a marked improvement. Rule infringements were few, but it hadn’t been noticed that a more prompt submission is now required. That should be easily addressed. Members were agreed that this club’s setup for contesting would be the envy of many clubs.
The rota will be posted elsewhere on this website, so members can always find a spot to lend a hand.
After a long Summer Break and my two weeks holiday, things should start getting back to normal (for me, that is)
The Club has been active in that members participated in the SSB NFD, 7 – 8 Sept. Stewart, G3RXQ spearheaded the drive to get members interested in this contest which has not been on the club’s agenda for many years, mainly due to the fact that members were usually away on holiday. I’m unable to report ‘first hand’ since I was one of those who was away.
However, on 26 Sept. Stewart and John, 2E0OAK, gave a presentation to members outlining aspects of setting up and running the contest. Those who participated in the contest were blessed with good weather, except for the cold night!. In all, it was judged to be Fun, which, after all, is what Amateur Radio is all about.
Originally, the programme planned for the evening was to be a speaker from the Butterfly Conservation Trust. We had hoped to hear details of the use of radar to track butterflies etc. Perhaps another time?
It is not my intention to write a blog each week during the club break, but this week I wanted to remind members that the IOTA contest is on this week end, 27 – 28 July. Lots of DX stations have been getting ready and there is usually some good DX to be made either during the contest or before and after. If you’re not sure of the rules, have a look at: http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2013/riota.shtml
In any case, have a look for GW2L on Holy Island (EU124). If you don’t recognise the callsign, look at the club front page and click the link: http://www.g3svj.org.uk/