GX0TRG Welcome to Thames Amateur Radio Group (TARG)
Watch this 5 min PowerPoint / You Tube Introduction to TARG…..
- Fri 28th June. 8pm Net Via GB3DA. Preceded by CW on 144.250USB at 7.15pm.
- Fri 5th July. Club Meeting with Presentation : See below
Training dates: Foundation: 20/21 July (current syllabus) + 26/27 Oct (new syllabus)
Friday 5th July at 8pm:
This is for anyone who uses a mobile phone or amateur radio. The presentation will be well attended so a prompt arrival is recommended. You are very welcome as a visitor as this topic has generic health implications for you, your family and friends. Dr. Bejoy is an experienced radio amateur and will answer questions giving his opinion to support or debunk theories on this often controversial subject.
21st June: TARGet Nite
It may have been the longest day – but people just didn’t want to go home! Not surprising with so much going on: a Clansman (ex-Army HF Radio) was demonstrated by an ex-Signals officer, DMR programming, Advanced exam revision, Table Top Sale, and, in the general conversation, news the 144MHz allocation may be under threat: see RSGB link
16th June: Antenna Day
This was an exclusive event for any TARG member who booked for the Antenna Testing day. The aim was to have the space to try out new or existing home brew antennas in the presence of experienced members for advice on, well, why it didn’t work! “I fulfilled the objective for the day all by myself“, said Nigel M0ICH, whose radials for a vertical didn’t do the job; but with a little wisdom from fellow club members the end result (photo) worked perfectly.
Other antennas under test included Delta Loop, Mag Loop, DMR Hot Spot and Satellite array. The venue has six types of permanent antenna on display and we are grateful to Gary M0ICG, and his XYL, for their hospitality at their QTH.
Friday 7th June: Get Knotted
Presentation on knots to secure antennas. Mark M0IEO covered details such as different types of rope (some stretch and some don’t), different ways of sealing the ends so they don’t fray, how to fold a rope so it doesn’t untangle in transit, tips like adding knots when using to a pulley to stop the rope falling backwards, shortening a rope without cutting it to avoid tip hazard – as well as actual knot types: anitmatedknots.com
New Dates for Diary: 23 – 31 Aug
Due to the popularity of the Crowsheath “A week of radio” event; the same again has been arranged for the end of August. If you wish to stay overnight then contact Mark M0IEO, otherwise you are welcome to turn up as a day visitor. More information will be added nearer the event. The picture, in case you are wondering, shows a rainbow as seen through the Delta loop antenna and above the long wire antenna with three yellow safety flags.
Week ending 1st June
The annual week of TARG radio at Crowsheath (near Billericay) was another success. Fine WX and total of 10 pitches over the week with another 10 day visitors. A whole range of antennas to help with and learn from: Delta loop (picture), off center dipole, 6m Beam to mention a few. The real benefit came from sharing each others company and making the hobby fun. Contacts on 10w. UAE and South Africa.
Sunday 2nd June
This event was arranged to coincide with a family astronomy day being held at the park. Posters advertising our satellite comms were on display all around the park so the hobby has had some great exposure. Two tracking stations were in operation and there was clear reception.
In addition, there was a 80m CW station and (lower photo) a 20m Delta loop and 40m dipole in operation. The visibility of the antennas on the hill top attracted much curiosity from walkers.
Very grateful to everyone who turned up either with kit or simply to offer support. It was great to see you all. Special mention to the management of Hadleigh Coutnry Park for allowing us to use their splendid facilities and giving us a dispensation to drive our heavy kit to the set-up point.
The excitement of the day was when our stations were in imminent threat of being trampled underfoot by a herd of cattle; so it a group effort to shoo them off in the other direction. They didn’t cover that in the new syllabus!
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