Don reminded members that his first talk about Utility Listening was back in 1990 when he described the Hoka Code 3 Data Mode Decoder. At that time there were about 37 or so different modes which are, for the most part, no longer used.
Since  that time, many of those who made the  transmissions have changed to satellite communications. However, now it is realized that satellites can be  vulnerable as well as costly. Slowly the authorities have been migrating back to HF communications. The use of complicated software negates some of the shortcomings of HF drop-outs and the overall result is still reliable and much cheaper. While still using satellites, having the HF communications means all the eggs aren’t in one basket.
Don demonstrated the free decoding software available and identified several transmissions using modern modes of modulation, although much of the results are encrypted.

John Regnault, G4SWX started by asking the assembled 25 members what they might do about getting too old to work on antennas and masts. Or living in sheltered accommodation where masts and wires were not allowed. That could even apply to young persons living in blocks of flats with the associated problems of TVI, QRM and antennas.

John’s solution is to operate remotely! Of course, there are strict regulations regarding unattended operations. He had to make sure the remote antenna site and equipment was very secure and measurers had to be taken to be able to shut down quickly in the event of problems.

The link between his home rig or laptop is via Wi-Fi over a protected circuit using ‘off the shelf’ equipment. Of course, John’s considerable experience in IT and Security has helped immensely and the results speak for themselves with DXCC on 2M EME for starters.

Not exactly an addendum, but the club has a volunteer to join the committee. Gareth Howell, M5KVK who couldn’t make the meeting, has filled the last open committee position. He was unopposed.

From my viewpoint, the club has had another good year. The following members were elected as Officers and Committee members.

Chairman: Ken Amos
Vice Chairman: Bryan Bourne
Secretary: John Burnett
Treasurer: Owen Williams
Equipment Officer: Don Ross
Webmaster: Ian Jefferson
Committee members are:
John West
Paul Godfrey
David Lloyd
Martin Pope
Paul Bradfield

As yet, we do not have a Contest Officer. The club needs a person who can motivate members to participate and later organize logs and contest entries.  Please discuss this post with any member of the above group if you feel you can help.

A very good turn out by members heard guest speaker Richard Crane from the Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users’ Association tell of the main lines and branch lines through and near Bedford beginning with the 16.5 mile line to Bletchley which opened in November 1846.

Richard detailed many of the branch line stations with photos, many showing steam engines on the lines. He pointed out that although the Midland, East and West Coast main lines were to thrive, the remaining rural railways suffered declining traffic after the second world war, in common with similar routes throughout the country. During discussions, John West pointed out that the Station Master at Shefford used to be a member of our club!

At the present, many lines have now been modernised and run fast trains for commuters. The sad state of our roads leading to hold ups and greater congestion every day may just be the catalist to drive more investment in railways.

The first topic was ‘did you hear SAQ?’  Some did and some didn’t.  Victor, G3JNB used his Spectrum VLF up converter and could hear at about S2 or so.  Ian, G3ORG used a general coverage receiver that could tune 17.2 kHz without a converter and with his 500ft longwire could copy at RST 589!  Various other methods were tried, Bryan, M0BIK used the SDR programme suggested on the SAQ website with an indoor wire and I tried the online SDR provided at www.websdr.org     but neither could hear a signal.  Victor provided a recording of the transmitted message and Ian described the giant Alexanderson alternator, one of many around the world, however this is the only working model. More details can be found at: http://www.grimeton.info/world_heritage_grimeton.html

Richard, G3NII then described the problems associated with high powered pumps driven at variable speeds and the large current spikes, as large as 400 Amps, which causes interference in the control circuitry.  The problem was cured by using better screening on the cables.  We didn’t get around to a Talk out of a Hat, which we will do another time.

The evening saw Paul, G1IUG show his Major Construction project winner followed by Paul, G1GSN who showed his 4M antenna sporting a sixteen foot boom!

An evening organized by Bryan, M0BIK where members participated in a survey to find what rigs had been used over the years and which seemed to be the most successful in fulfilling members needs.

Most recent transceivers discussed were from the major three manufacturers, but surprisingly a few old radios caused quite a stir of nostalgia. The first in use from 1979 to 1999 was the Drake TR7, followed by an even older favourite, the Eddystone 888A which was in use in 1972, but now in storage. Another member told of his first radio which was his 10^th birthday present. That was the R1155.

It looks as though the weather was against us last evening; only nine members turned out for the contest. Although there was some snow and hail earlier in the day, the main roads remained clear and some were dry. Perhaps the forecast of snow later in the evening put members off, but the snow held off till around 21:30 by which time the contest had finished.

There were a total of three entries for the entire contest! Paul, G8IUG entered an Electro Luminescent Receiver that contained a double superhet with full digital readout. It also had tunable filters and a phase locked VFO. The PCBs were bought in. Although the project didn’t look like the usual Major Construction Project, Paul assured us that it could tune amateur bands and resolve double sideband on HF, although this was not demonstrated as there was no HF antenna connected.

There were no entries for the ‘Kit’ and the ‘Novice’ class.

There were two entries in the Weekend Project and both were antennas. The winning entry was submitted by Paul, G1GSN showing two elements of a six element 70Mhz antenna designed by DK7ZB and finished to a high standard. The other antenna was a 2M tape measure DF antenna submitted by Alan, G4PSO.

Both Paul, G8IUG and Paul, G1GSN are now scheduled to explain and demonstrate their winning entries on the 12^th of Feb. So, come along, this will be worth seeing!

Bryan, M0BIK and Terry, G4OXD used an impressive line up of professional test equipment to check members VHF and HF transceivers. Tested were the transmit frequency, modulation, power out, receive frequency and minimum signal sensitivity. Other tests were performed if requested.