A very good turn out heard Brian Hawes tell of the progress in U.S. Photo Reconnaissance since the end of WW2. Early information was gained by use of existing military aircraft, but the range and altitude was limited. In May 1960 the world became aware of the U2 aircraft when one was shot down by the Soviets.
From the U2 to some of the latest satellites, Brian detailed Photo methods and equipment. The earliest satellites using film were limited by the fact that the film had to be recovered from space and developed before intelligence could be gained. Once the film was used up, the satellite was allowed to burn up by falling to earth since it could not be reloaded! The advent of digital photography meant better photographs and near instant recovery of images.
While most of the information appears to be Top Secret, in fact, it has now been downgraded and is even being published in a Haynes Manual!
An 18:30 start saw a dozen members meet at the RSPB headquarters at Sandy for an evening tour of the grounds. Two guides divided the group in half and each started off in a different direction. We were shown how areas of land are being managed to provide habitat for different birds and other animals. The tour guides provided a commentary as we spent the next hour and a half following trails finally returning back at the starting point
David Lloyd, G8UOD found us after about 50 minutes and travelled 15.4 miles. Gareth, M5KVK who did not have a directional antenna ran out of time when we called it a day after an hour.
As for the location, we were parked under trees on a triangular grass area at the intersection of three roads in Shillington. We all met up at the Brewery Tap afterwards.
Don showed a film about the AR88 and Brian had two videos: “TEEVEE” an amusing film on a day in the life of a TV repairman. The second was “”Phoenix Tower – The story of the Crystal Palace TV Tower”.
An active amateur radio society with a wide range of activities and benefits for members.
