Richard, G3NII was the ‘fox’ and had set up a mobile antenna in the field near the river.  Some problems were experienced getting the rig to tune but the ATU was found to be the problem, so it wasn’t used.

After only 19 minutes Ian Taylor, G3ORG and Martin Pope, M6SCI came into sight having made a perfect triangle on the map to indicate our position. Ian, using the club project Top Band DF receiver noted that almost perfect (Null) bearings were obtained off the end of the ferrite rod antenna which they transferred to their map. Next, at 20:24 was Gareth, M5KVK who was also using the club project receiver, followed by Paul, G1GSN and David, G8UOD at 20:39.

At this point, everyone pitched in to help cart the gear back to Richard’s car so we could meet up at the local pub for a chat.

The speaker for the evening was Alan Merriman who spoke of the development of Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft from the flying bedstead through to the operational Harriers

Covered was engine development where the thrust to weight ratio became the idea for vertical lift.  The RAF became interested because of the fear that runways would be bombed and STOL and VTOL aircrafts could continue to be operational.  However, later development of the Tornado offered better load capacity and carried a navigator and all terrain radar.

David admitted he wasn’t an expert on the subject, but knew there would be interest in the economies and perhaps, nearer to members hearts, the effects they can have on our hobby.  Firstly, he gave an insight into how they work and what they are made of. Then followed by explaining how they are used to efficiently create energy.  David detailed how solar panels are used in the domestic environment.  The cost effectiveness was explained, followed by small applications where they might be useful in amateur radio.

Most members are more familiar with the problems associated with them and David explained what can be done to overcome these issues. Particularly which standards should be sought and the consequences of not following them.

There is no club meeting this Thursday as the hall is being used for elections.      Next week, however, on the 14^th of May, David, G8UOD will be telling about Solar Panels.

Shefford club member Steve Durham, M0DYR hosted a visit to Radio Peterborough to explain the ‘Hows and Whys’ of broadcast radio.

Radio Peterborough is a local community radio station based in Orton Malborne, Peterborough. They’ve been based in the city since 2010, with numerous successful restricted service licence broadcasts completed on 106.2FM. They continue to broadcast music on their website, just click the LISTEN LIVE button!   They want to become the local full time community radio station and have applied to Ofcom for the licence.

The station is a “not for profit” enterprise, and everyone who works for the station does so on a voluntary basis. Many of the city’s best known local radio broadcasters are on the airwaves to support the project. In addition many new voices trained by the station can also be heard presenting a range of programmes during the evenings and weekends. Radio Peterborough is always looking for volunteers to work both on air and behind the scenes – everyone is welcome to participate in this truly local community project.