CLUB WEB Site: http://www.btinternet.com/~ray.howells/srcc/srcchome.htm

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Dear Members,

One of the problems, and there are many as you probably have seen, in editing a newsletter is that one has to think so far ahead which is the reason why I omitted to wish all members a HAPPY CHRISTMAS in the last one. Anyway I hope that you all have had a very happy one, and I, and the committee, wish you all a very prosperous and illness free NEW YEAR.

There are now so many different means of communication, apart from the original amateur ones of CW and Phone, such as RTTY, Packet, E-Mail, Internet and others that it is somewhat confusing, so we have persuaded Ray Howells G4FFY to clarify what E-Mail and Internet really means to us. Perhaps this will not appeal to those who have these systems in constant use, but co those unfamiliar with them it will be a very good and instructive talk, and for my part it will fill in a lot of gaps in my knowledge and clarify many points. I will look forward to it and expect a good turnout of members.

We were fortunate in having Laurie Atkinson, G4FAA to talk to us on his experiences using kites to raise antennas, mainly for top band operation, but some 80 meters. He started by apologising for his shortcomings but he delivered his talk very well. He had brought along three of his kites, one box and two deltas, and also the tuner unit that he used. He explained the problems with the operating of the kites and also the results he obtained, he found he could make contact more easily than when operating from home. The main trouble he found was that in the London area, due to the Qrn and Qrm, he could not receive stations that were able to hear him easily. He often operated from a boat and other times from fields when there was enough room and wind direction to get the kites aloft. The type of kite depended on the wind. The maximum height one can fly kites is 60 meters but he showed us the forms required if one wishes to fly higher than chat. Not many of us have used vertical antennas from kites so this talk did demonstrate what can be done and was an interesting insight into a facet of amateur radio used by only a few. All there found it an interesting talk and our thanks to Laurie.

This took place the other Sunday and as usual was very well organised. Apart from being able to browse round the several stands and also to buy from Robin Sykes it was an opportunity to meet friends one rarely met. I do not know the figure, but I estimate that there must have been aver 200 there and the raffle and "drinks stand" was well frequented. Maurice and Graham on our stand did a good job and raised a good few pounds for our club. Our thanks to CATS for what is now an annual event.

On the 30th November, with the kind hospitality of Peter G3ZPB, we held an inquest and planning meeting for VHF NFD, and nine members attended. We decided once again to enter the Mix and Match section that we won in 1998 from the same site. We sorted out some details but once again the plea went out for more OPERATORS AND CHECK OPERATORS. As usual we lost points, same of which were due to poor or incorrect logging...perhaps some of these were due to the advanced ages of some of our operators which again shows that we need young operators, especially if we wish to win our section again!!! We will be holding another planning meeting on 22nd March at QTH of G3ZPB so if more help can be drummed up before then please contact me, or any other committee member.

FURTHER TO THIS Gareth G4XAT has acquired a GENERATOR. WANTED, old (cheap?) general-purpose car trailer, typically 3 foot by 4 foot, wooden sides, it's condition immaterial, as it will be rebuilt as a generator trailer. The important bits are the suspension units and wheels/hubs. Phone with details if you can help, contact Gareth, evenings and weekends on 0181-462 2837

I am very pleased to be able to report that Blanca and 1 have just become grandparents. Catharine was born on 22nd November weighing 8lb 8ozs. Both she and her mother Helen are doing well, as strong lungs at all hours of the night (mainly) make her presence known! As her initials are CW will she be known as Morse?

Stamps for the Diamond Riding School are still coming in. Received a packet from Pat G8LZA with a letter wishing to be remembered to SRCC members. Thanks Pat.

Further packets of stamps from Gareth, John G3BFP, and the "youngsters" from the Old Coulsdon Community Centre.

You may have seen the letter in Radcom from David Mathiae GOVVZ who asking for details of the Terra Nova. It was a member who introduced him to Amateur Radio. It was also a coincidence that I had correspondence with him some years ago and to my surprise he was the priest officiating at the wedding of Helen and Victor.

I also had a nice letter from Geoff G4ELB who moved from Caterham to Bexhill. He writes: - I require an odd IC chip TA7089P for an Alinco power unit. I telephoned Robin Sykes (that fund of information) who informed me Toshiba in Mexico made it. He suggested I telephone Walters and Stanton, who used to be agents for Alinco. They gave me information as to where I could obtain this TA7089P. Nikko Electronics, Dalbani House, 257 Burlington Rd, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4NE. 0181-336 0566. A week after placing the order the IC arrived. I hope this information is of use to club members. Wishing you all the seasons greeting. YES Geoff certainly is useful and local too. Thanks.

FREE TO A GOOD HOME, help given with installation if required a "T-Lambda" aerial for 10 meters. Vertical polarisation, broad bandwidth, great performer. Join in the 10-meter net! Unobtrusive (far a ten meter antenna) and easy to mount on a wooden post such as an existing fence post or small tree. Contact Gareth G4XAT evenings and weekends 0181 462 2837.

KITES FOR (FOR ANTENNAS)??.

Gareth also sent: - Details of a "Bag Kite" basically because we (Joshua, Rueben and I) made it from builder's rubble bags. Details were obtained from SPRAT No. 84, Autumn 1995. Almost any material will do but for longevity use "waterproof" sellotape, not cheap but with care you don't need much. It is often sold for "repairing" greenhouse glass cracks. For experimenters ordinary sellotape and a black "bin bag" should get you off the ground. It flies well in a slight breeze but tends to loop and crash in higher winds. Someone suggested that moving the hitch points a little higher up would improve this aspect. We tried tails as shown and it now flies steady as a rock in howling gales. It really pulls though and broke Terylene kite line. This was replaced with 200 meters of 601b florescent nylon fishing line and it's fine. (£3.99 in a fishing shop!).

You will need s sheet of tough polythene 36" x 38", two pieces of 1/4" Dowel 36" long, two "cover buttons" or similar stress relief device; I used two 2" scraps of dowel. Sellotape, masking tape, (Neither are UV or water-resistant) or weatherproof sellotape, 2" wide, excellent stuff.

 Construction is fairly simple and flying is easy. Further information on this kite (based on the Scott Sledge, vents proposed by Grauel) and many others can be found in the Penguin Book of Kites, by David Pelham. It also contains much historical background and makes a good read.

Thanks for that account Gareth; perhaps it will spur members to have a go next summer.

In Radcom of October page 9, there was a report on the proposal by the ARRL that the morse test should be reduced to 5wpm and would give full operating rights. In the December Radcom page 9 the South African Radio League has come out in support of the RSGB'S decision to liberalise access to the HF bands by also making the morse requirement down to 5wpm. This should bring in a large number of new licencees. I did hear a rumour that one could go to the States and take the 5wpm test that would give a full license in this country. It would appear however that this is not yet the case as surely most countries will adopt this lower speed at the same time.

Charles G3JCL wishes to purchase a Kenwood 830, but it must be in full working, condition and be complete with microphone and operating manual. Anyone with one to sell please contact Charles, 0181-647 7373.

SMC of School Close, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, have informed us that the whole of January will be their special sale. Mon to Fri 9 -5, Sats 9 -1. Two special all day Sats 16th and 30th Jan. 01703 246222. You are invited "To poke around their stores!"

We welcome Raymond Beadle G70DG, of 8 Erica Gardens, Croydon. We hope he enjoys his membership and avails himself of our facilities etc.

As you have probably heard Barry Mawn GOBKD in Carshalton had an accident with his leg and he urgently requires help to fix a pulley onto his chimney. If anyone has ladders and transport and can do this small service please contact him on 0181-646 3422 and Barry will be very appreciative.

I had a very nice Christmas card from the Crystal Palace & DARS wishing all members of the SRCC the compliments of the season, and I am sure that all our members reciprocate those sentiments.

It is probable that there will be vacancies on the committee from next April, so I give you plenty of opportunity to search around to find members who are prepared to go on the committee.

That seems to be the lot this month. I hope you all have had a very happy Christmas break and wish you all the very best for the coming year.

88 Es 73

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