i-...0702 206835 waters & stanton electronics free! new 1994 edition ham radio catalogue best et....

64
IA In U) I- ct ce 2 ct 0 N ct 2 U) 1/) UI JUNE 1994 £1.90 TM4541 E--1 44MHz Competition & Lots More!

Upload: others

Post on 24-Jan-2021

0 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • IA

    In

    U)

    I-

    ctce

    2ct

    0

    Nct

    2

    U)

    1/)

    UI

    JUNE 1994 £1.90

    TM4541 E--1 44MHz

    Competition & Lots More!

  • THE THREE POINTS OF THE KENWOOD TRIANGLE REPRESENT ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, QUALITY AND STYLE

    AlP/ATT

    NB

    Ifir

    If Kenwood's TS -50S wasn't the

    world's smallest H.F. transceiver, it

    would still be a mighty impressive

    piece of equipment.

    Its maximum output of 100W,

    combined with 100 memory

    channels, gives its operators a

    versatility that other, bulkier H.F.

    transceivers struggle to match.

    The multi -function microphone,

    KENWOOD PROUDLYANNOUNCES THE TS -50S.

    AN H.F. TRANSCEIVERTHAT DOESN'T MEASUREUP TO ITS RIVALS.

    /3/7--"0" IF SHIFTe

    .

    RIT

    M.IN

    SCAN

    MW

    menu system and user-friendly

    "fuzzy logic" Direct Digital

    Synthesiser makes it simple to

    operate on the move. And a host of

    features, from Advanced Intercept

    Point to switchable AGC circuit,

    means that although the TS -50S is

    small, its performance is a big

    talking point.

    Your local Kenwood specialist

    . 4

    dealer has the full technical story.

    So all that remains to add is the

    price: around £1000.

    After all, the Kenwood TS -50S

    may be the world's smallest H.F.

    transceiver. But you don't need

    the world's biggest bank account

    to own one.

    KENWOOD

    HOME AUDIO, CAR AUDIO, COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, TEST AND MEASURING INSTRUMENTS, TELECOMMUNICATIONS

  • 9 Guest KeylinesIan Suart GM4AUP. President of the Radio Society of

    Great Britain 1994 takes the opportunity to 'guest Inthe Keylines chair.

    14 Novice NatterThis month Elaine Richards G4LFM unravels the

    confusion behind JVFAX and has some advice on

    OSLing.

    20 Review- The Kenwood TM -251E 144MHzMobile Transceiver.Richard Newton GORSN tests a new mobile

    transceiver from Kenwood.

    MorseSpecial22 The PW Clone- An Active FilterPeter Wilkinson GOIIT clears the path to

    32 The PracticalWireless 144MHz QRPContestAdjudicator Neill Taylor G4HLX reminds you that It's

    time to prepare for the v.h.f. low power contest ofthe year.

    36 EquipmentSpecifications - The MysteriesExplainedIan Poole G3YWX unravels the mystery of noise

    factors and figures.

    38 The PW Jubilee14MHz SSB Mobile

    Transceiver Part 4George Dobbs G3RJV discusses the r.f

    converter section of the Jubileeproject,

    better c.w. reception.

    24 My 'Code Of Practice'Peter Baryllie G3XJS gives you a few tips to help you enjoy amateur

    radio on the key.

    26 Reviews- The MFJ-411 Pocket Code Tutor And TheMFJ-451 Morse KeyboardKeen c.w. operator John Goodall GOSKR tells you what he thinks of

    two new products from the MFJ stables.

    28 Basic Break -InRichard 0. Marris G2BZ0 provides a break -In unit for working Morse

    on the older receiver.

    EDITORIAL & ADVERTISEMENT OFFICESPractical WirelessArrowsmith CourtStation ApproachBroadstoneDorset BH18 8PW(0202) 659910(Out -of -hours service by answering machine)

    CREDIT CARD ORDERS(0202) 659930(Out -of -hours service by answering machine)FAX (0202) 659950

    EditorRob Mannion G3XFDArt EditorSteve HuntLayouts: Richard GaleTechnical Projects Sub -EditorNG ("Tex") Swann G1TEXProduction/NewsDonna Vincent

    50 Focal PointAndy Emmerson G8PTH has some

    interesting news on AN contests andthe progress of AN In space.

    51 Book ReviewsRob MannIon G3XFD selects some

    books that could make Interesting

    additions to your bookshelf.

    57Reader/SubscriberSClub OfferWhy not take advantage of PW's offer

    and get your own MFJ-209 antenna

    analyser at a very favourable price orpossibly even free!

    Editorial AssistantZoe ShortlandAdvertisement ManagerRoger Hall G4TNTPO Box 948London SW6 2DS071-731 6222Cellphone 10850) 382666FAX 071-384 1031

    Advert Sales and Copy (Broadstone Office)Lynn Smith (Sales), AiIse Turbett (Production)(0202) 659920 FAX (0202) 659950

    JUNE 1994 (ON SALE MAY 12)VOL. 71 NO. 6

    ISSUE 1047

    NEXT ISSUE (JULY)ON SALE JUNE 9

    Other RegularFeatures

    59 Advert Index

    42 Antenna Workshop

    51 Arcade - All PWServices under one roof

    56 Bargain Basement

    44 Bits & Bytes

    49 Broadcast Round -Up

    16 Club News

    4812

    29

    Competition

    HF Bands

    News '94

    Radio Diary

    10 Receiving You

    40 Valve & Vintage

    46 VHF Report

    COMING NEXTMONTH

    Practical Wirelessgoes out and aboutin a holiday mood

    with amateurradio.

    DON'T MISS IT!

    FRONT COVER ACKNOWLEDGEMENTOur thanks go to Trio-Kenwood (UK) for arranging for

    the main front cover shot with photographerBill Francis of Flair Photography.

    Copyright in PW PUBLISHING LTD. 1994. Copyright in all drawings. photographs and articles published in Practical Weeless Is fully protected and reproduction in whole 01 pertis expressly Rubidium. All reasonable precautions are taken by Practical Wireless to ensure that the advice and data given to our readers are reliable. Wocannot howeverguarantee it and we cannot accept legal responsibility for n. Prices are those current as we go to press.Published on the second Thursday of each month by PW Publishing Ltd . Arrowsmith Coen, Station Approach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW. Tel. 10202) 659910. PrintedInEngland by Southemprint (Web Offset) Ud Dishibuied by Seymour. Windsor House, 1270 London Road, Norbury, London SWI6 40H. Tel 081-6791899, fa. 081-8798907. Telex;8812945 Sole Agents for Australia and New Zealand Gordan and Gotch (Asia) Ltd., South Africa Central News Agency. Subscriptions INLAND E22. EUROPE E25, OVERSEAS(by ASPI C.27. payable to PRACTICAL WIRELESS. Subscription Department PW Publishing Ltd., Arrowsmith Court, Station Approach, Broadstone. Dorset 8)118 8PW Tel: i02o21659930. PRACTICAL WIRELESS is sold subject la the following conditions, namely that 11 shall not, without written consent of the publishers first having been given,be lent, re-sold. hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade at more than the rocommandea selling price shown on the cover, and that it shall eel be lent, re -sold. hired out orotherwise disposed of in a mutilated conditioner in any unauthorised cover by way of Trade. or affixed to or es pert of any publication oradvertising, literary or pictorial Matterwhatsoever Practical Wireless is Published monthly for S45 per year by PW Publishing Ltd., Arrowsmith Court. Station Approach. Broadstone. Dorset BH18 8PW, UK SecondClass postage paid at Middlesex, N.J. Postmaster. Send USA address changes to Practical Wireless, cia Permit to post at Hackensack pending. The USPS (United StalesPostalService) number lot Practical Wireless is 007075.

    Practical Wireless, June 1994 1

  • 0702206835 Waters & Stanton Electronics

    Free! New 1994 Edition Ham Radio Catalogue

    Bestet.

    "Congratulations-a mine of

    information""Very

    professional"

    FiAr ro. sr 5\505

    Radio I/WM.116.MMlowIssee

    4

    * Largest UK Ham Radio Catalogue* 64 printed A4 pages* Crammed with Technical Gen.* Products, reviews, information* Illustrations and ideas* Fully Indexed* Discount Vouchers* Plus Free Price List.

    Just send Two First Class Stamps!

    0702 206835Same Day Despatch

    Waters & Stanton

    Fast Mail Order Serviee/vire ri =IT reIf it's advertised on any page in this magazine - we've

    probably got it in stock - often at a better price!

    OLINCO

    DJ - G 1 £349.95 carnage FreeSpectrum Display

    * 2m FM Transceiver* Spectrum Scope* 108 - 174Mhz Rx.* 400 - 510MHz Rx* 800 - 950MHz Rx* Switchable AM/FM

    DR -130 £3592m Mobile SOW

    Carnage Free 20 Memories Expandable CTCSS Encoder built-in Programmable "Time Out" Channel or Frequency Display Receive 130 - 170MHz

    DJ -580E2m / 70cms

    * 5W (12V)* Full DTMF* AM Airband Rx* 42 Memories* Full Duplex Ni-cads & Charger

    Receives.108 - 143 / 130 - 174 MHz400 - 470 / 810 - 950 MHz

    TenTec Scout 50W HF Transceiver

    * SSB/CW* 5 -50 Watts* 2.51diz - 500Hz Filter Electronic Keyer

    CILINCO

    NEW 70cmsDR -430 (£369)Now Available

    MAILORDERCODE

    fli/Immediate

    despatch24 hour

    delivery mostitems

    CarriageInsurance10 daysto return

    if not satisfied12 month's

    parts andlabour

    Excellentspares stocks

    No greyimports

    Freeafter sales

    advice

    LED's go out for COUNTERSifte Aftegeem Jo cleulltytt

    Zion 6atteut etuu44#2tia4cOPTO-3300 1Mi. (?GHz

    * 1Hz/Sec display* 6 gate Periods* 10MHz time base* True Pocket Size* Great for weak signals* Display hold switch* Internal ni-cads* AC charger* "Rubber Duck" Aerial

    grovel t £169Va

    £599Carr. £6

    * 9 Bands (Option)* 100Hz Readout* Superb receiver.* Includes 40m module

    New "Argo" QRP Scout - in Nina £539

    Carriage £4.50

    "On Glass" AerialsSuperior models with whips that unscrew forthe car wash and 4.5m of cable with PL -259

    GM -144 2m 50W 27" long £29.95GM -270 2m/70cm 26" long £39.95TGSP Rx 30-1200MHz 22" £32.95TG-MKD Remount kit £9.95

    Carr. £4.50 (TG-MKD £1.00)

    Computer Control Your Rig

    1

    \ I 5 9Just plug the self -powered interface into your RS -232port, load the software provided and you are in controlof your rig. Less than the price of the manufacturer'sown interfaces and works with most other softwareprogrammes. Order TC-K for Kenwood TS -950, 850,450,690 . Order TC-Yl for Yaesu FT -1000, 990, 980,767, 736, 747. Carriage £2.00

    J-ComUSA

    Microset Amplifiers Carriage £4.50VHF/UHFBaseMobileHandheldSSB - FM

    R-25 2m 1-4W / 30W 3Amps £84.95R-50 2m 1-7W / 50W 5 Amps £109.95RV -45 2m 3-15 W/ 45W 5 Amps £99.95SR -I00 2m 4-25W / 100W 12 Amps £169.95SR -200 .... ...... 2m 10-50W / 200W 23 Amps £319.95VUR-30 2m/70cm 1-6W / 30W 4 Amps £259.95RU -20 70cm 1-4W / 20W 4 Amps £129.95RU -45 70cm 3-I5W /40W 5.5Amps £175.95RU -432-95 .... 70cm 6-15W / 95W 15 Amps £489.95

    DR -599E Dual BanderetLINCO

    SuperCreditTerms,

    2m / 70cms £699 45W / 35W. AM Carriage Free 108-170MHz Rx Remote Repeater Mode* 400-470MHz Rx DTMF Remote Control 830 - 980MHz Rx Full duplex 38 Memories Widely used by RAYNET

    Free Triplexer

    V.. Cu,InocrrwriarrA

    Fngxm II., dhnal

    Short Wave InternationalFrequency Handbook

    500kHz - 30MHz SSB/CW/DATA/FAX Military & Civil Aviation & Marine £9 95 Call signs & times 190 Pages of data Post £2

    Yaesu ICOM KenwoodDISCOUNTSPart Exchange Welcome

    TH-78EL.

    1 1 -53(1

    FT -890

    IS -50

    TS -850S IC -737

    We Bu For Cash Phone or latest lists.

    2 Practical Wireless, June 1994

  • UK's Centre For Ham Radio 0702206835NRD-535 Short Wave Receiver

    gee'antVara6

    £1549Carriage £6

    MFJ-451 CW KeyboardAlarmMEL '4.1£109.95 Carr. £4.50

    PW June Review says "Performed extremely well" -'good value for money."

    'Phis keyboard and interface plug straight into your trans-ceiver. Send perfect CW 5 - 100 wpm. Ideal if you havefinger trouble. 200 character type ahead, 100 charactermessage memory, serial numbers, tone adjust etc.

    P-335 2m £59.9530W Amp.

    Carr. f4.50

    2 Watts input for 30 Watts out-put. Ideal for handhelds used IL.mobile. RF sensed.

    Diamond VHF/UHF Co-linearsWork better - Last Longer

    Vag -A Wide Bandwidth* No Tuning Needed

    2m/70cm * Totally WeatherproofX-30 3/6.5dB I .3m long £66.95X-50 4.5/7.2dB I .7m long .... £82.95X-300 6.5/9dB 3.Im long f129.95X -510N ... 8.3/I 1.7dB 5.2m long £189.952m/70cm/23cmX-5000 ..... 4.5/8.3/1 1.7dB 1.8m £159.95X-7000 8.3/11.7/13.7dB 5m ... £209.956m/2m/70cm All Carriage FreeV-2000 2.15/6.2/8.4dBd8

    1.8m £129.95All SO -239 sockets (510N = "N")

    WE'RE PROMOTINGAMATEUR RACIioAt "LIVE 94"

    EARLS COURT EXhibiTiON CLINTRL20 - 25s1s SI pgrmbru 1994

    Huge Savings!ADI-145 2m Handy

    * 20 Memories* 2 Watts Output* Wide -hand Rx* Key -Pad Entry* Full Scanning* Uses AA cells

    You get 6 way and 4 waydry cell boxes included.

    Options:RBP-072 7.2V ni-cad £24.95RBP-I20 12V pack £49.95C11A-072 AC charger £12.95CHA-120 AC charger £12.95SI.C-145 Case £12.95

    70cms ADI-450£219Carriage Free

    Diamond - VSWR Meters gre,at

    Vaio

    £89.95All ModelsCarnage Free

    SX-200 1.8 - 200MHz 200 WattsSX-100 1.8 - 60MHz 3kW £132.95SX-400 140-525M1-Iz £109.95SX-600 1.8-525MHz £174.95SX-1000 1.8-1300MHr £234.95

    MFJ-411 Morse Tutor£89.95 Letters to QS0'sCarr. £4.50 5 - 50 wpmSends everything from random letters, fig-ures, and groups, to complete QSO's! Justlike the real Morse test. Self powered withspeaker. PW Review says "Simplicity it-self -a must for Morse Instructors.'

    MFJ-259 Aerial AnalyserResonance - VSWR - Resistance1.8 - 170MHz Digital Display

    £249.95 Carr. £4.50Amazing product. Helps you check anddesign antennas in a fraction of the time.Self powered from AA cells, just plug itinto feeder or directly to antennafeedpoint. In seconds you have all theanswers.

    HF Mobile AntennasPro -Am USA

    We have single band models for all frequencies. Fibre glasshelically wound, and fully tuneable. Approx length 2.2m with3/8" stud. Matching bases: - gutters, racks, magnetic etc.

    Bands 40m - 6m (inc WARC) £19.95 each80m Band £24.95160m Band £54.95AB -5 5 band set (80 - 10m) £79.95Add £4.50 Carr. to total order.

    ALINCO

    I Al

    DJ -180E / DJ -480E2m or 70cms

    The choice is yours!

    £229 (70cms £259)Carr. Free

    Includes ni-cads and charger

    2 Watts (5W 12V)* 10 memories (Expandable)* Scanning / Auto Power Off* Steps 5 - 25kHz Low Batery Indicator* Rotary Control* DJ -180 - Rx 130-170MI lz* DJ -480 - Rx 420-460MHz

    Ameritron AL -811X LinearBest value we know of!

    * 600 Watts Out* 160 - 10 metres* 3 x 811A Tubes* Tuned Input* Dual Metering* 240V AC* Fan Cooled* 8.5" x 14" x 15"£839Carriap,e HO

    Hornchurch Branch12, North Street. Tel 070I4 444765

    Close to 4125 Junction 29Ili HM1111110

    North Traffic lights

    Shop

    Car Park

    Danfonl Croiiing-

    North to 3111

    1125M25 .129 M25

    L-1Second HandStock

    Latest Gear& Accessories

    Open Mon. - Sat. 9am - 5.30pmHornchurch Special Offer2m Handy £169!Key -pad entry. 12 month's warranty. Only available atI lomchurch Branch to callers. Phone for info. Limitedstock available!

    Packet Radio & Dat

    I 67T T::"MFJ-1278BX £339.95

    MFJ-1270B £149.95MF.1-1274 £179.95

    KantronicsKPC-3 £149.95

    KAM-Plus£399Tiny2 £139.95

    Carr. £4.50

    MFJ-ATU's Match Anything!0_01

    MFJ-921 2m£89

    MFJ-16010£49

    0;000MFJ-948 £149

    OM.MR1-901B £71

    raLINCO

    1994 MFJCatalogue

    50p

    MFJ-9620 £279

    SPECIALS!DJ-F4E 70cm 5WE42.9 £289

    Same basic features as DJ-SI libelow but with quick keypad entryand fast access to features.

    * 8 Scan Modes* Key Pad Entry* DTMF Module* Ni-cads & Charger* AM Airhand Rx

    ALINCO

    Big SavingsFull Warranty

    DJ-S1E 2M 5 W

    124' £199* 40 Memories* Rx 130 - 170M Hz* 6 Channel Steps* Scanning Modes* Dry Cell Case* Dial Illumination* Reverse Repeat

    _;

    Cs

    Waters & Stanton Access & Visa Welcome22 Main Road, Hockley, Essex. SS5 4QS Tel. 0702 206835

    Paractical Wireless, June 1994 3

  • fl:77

    NORMAN G4THJ

    400 Edgware Road, London W2Telephone: 071-723 5521 Fax: 071 402 9305

    Opening times: 9.30am-5.30pm Tuesday - Friday. 10am-4.30pm Saturday

    Normally24hr

    despatch butplease allow

    7 days fordelivery.

    SA4502 way aerial

    changeover switch2.5KW 501

    Isolation 20mS-2Insertion loss 0.2dB

    only £1 4.50

    STANDARDC188 -2M

    VHF/UHF FM HandheldTransceiver 200 Channel

    Memory capacity Code squelch/

    Tone squelch Wake-up feature

    Various scanmodes

    Sub-VFO feature No back-up

    battery required

    Special Offer

    *791.inc. Nicads & Charger

    We are main agents for"

    - ICOMYaesu - AlincoAOR - Datong -- Jaybeam -

    Diamond Meters& Aerials

    Please phone for yourrequirements

    Standard C168/C468 5W RF power at 12V DTMF paging and squelch 40 memory channels 144 - 147.995MHz Multi -frequency steps 5.5 to 16 VDC operating voltage

    New low price £199 with cell caseOR £239

    with CNB 160 nicad andwall charger

    NEWSTANDARD C408 430 - 439.995 MHz Receive sensitivity -

    10dB (0.3pV) IF frequencies 23.05MHz (1st)

    450kHz (2nd) 20 Memory channels Auto repeater shift

    Price £229 or £279with Nicads & Charger

    Standard C558 144 - 147.995MHz Simultaneous reception

    3 -way frequencyselection

    Dual band with AM 20 channels£429 with cell case£449 with nicad and wall charger

    Lee Electronics4 Practical Wireless, June 1994

  • A.S00 VII/X3 ON 1V SdOHS)IdOM ano oi noA 103NN03 NVO sumisvivil iiv .2'N '00:91.-00:60 :s4oPinPS )9 00:L1-00:60 :sAopp sAopseni :mon 11V aod S3W11 ONIN3d0 'ZPLLVL LZZO :xoj

    9991VL EEO :101 910 Tue>i Aog auJeki oeS '8101s3 'PPisnoullsem 409 euieH '9 -Pun -S1dHO - :AVEI 3N213114 'CL99 ZOZ L90 :xod £L00 ZOZ 190 :lel '1f C MAN uopuoi 'uopueH A0AA Pao OM Li - 7(1Vd - :NOON01

    '1900 Z99 LZO :xod CLOO Z99 1Z0 'Rip 699 sPuolPRAJ-1-seM AinqPIO uqdwoqieAloAA £96 'esnoH puowpwalui - NHo(' ,$) NOGdOS - (z NouoNnr Avmaoiow Sim AdO isnr) TivNeNaNtas

    771711c1119/0/0

    MO/41/01//1

    alidmy (5'0i/9i/1W

    YOZW1771/

    §c 400 AllN hi1/ M 01 771/6 _W/ -/A1

    hbigiNavi/-411110/457oVAI 9/i/avavi1 1/1,014,hi/-/_1

    h/09/ Y171/1

    e.14/1/M9/1Y/_14/1 11/1 NO 19/41i / 71/9/4/1/911

    ay)vs_iikyydicyie

    711(Y1/0

    ///(211/dll fflcYcX hY1:7105)

    2111 //1/4 legh

    aNY h1/7/0/7414Y f_9/0//e9

    aoo b //ill; LZ/OlY9 llavi 1-egcY110 0 h1//_1 NY9

    1YO_ISS1/71

    01AV / 0/OW _RIZ&

    el9/4cYgg avia0V-7/bV 3/P/1)

    b/14Y# h_W-L2 0a

    2111/11/1e9/AoY1Y

    00044/1Y Cli/h OlAnYddi/ YicY01e5WW1141cY1751/

    icY§CY100A/VY ibi/cYc

    /i43, eh h/o9/1(512b/7 al/CY OH1991/

    ISO/PI 21/±1P ,5'hi/acYMK5'

    NQ /1//Avild

    1/790_1(5)_1Y/-/i

    111/-/Ls/O79,'/

    __IcYgl/A1h441

    GY1 / I/ tAZ/141,2 1Vh

    0106Y114/1) h7c*A10/0/

    0Y141/1/ Y 0_2(50# 0/OW _11///131)11_1/

    seiMPY /)//3/411 X19#4

    (Wog 61,1771/

    771Sh1/6

    RYW6 ..

  • HF EQUIrivi&rsi

    TS850S SMC price £1499TS450S SMC price £1249TS140S SMC price £799TS5OS SMC price £889FT990 SMC price £1899FT890 SMC price £1099FT747GX SMC price £649FT840 SMC price £769IC765 SMC price £2669IC737 SMC price £1379IC729 SMC price £1179IC707 SMC price £795IC736 SMC price £1659

    Free UR67 Coax with every HF Transceiver

    RECEIVERS HF

    Substantial savingson most models CARRAR3030 SMC price £699 DR5000 SMC price £899 DR71 E SMC price £985 DR72E SMC price £769 DFRG100 SMC price £499 D* includes FREE PA11C and PSU worth £39 *

    r_ Blink%COMMUNICATIONS

    We will match any of our competitors genuine offers! But tFSo buy with confidence fr(

    HANDHELOS ItSASt & mOBILEFT11R SMC price .1269*FT415 SMC pnce...£239*FT815 SMC price...£259*FT811 SMC price...£249*FT530 SMC price . £399*IC2GXET SMC price £249

    IC2GXE SMC price £220IC4GXE SMC price....£239ICW21ESMC price ...£389ICW21ET SMC price£435TH22 SMC price £209TH28 SMC price £265TH48 SMC price £309TH42 SMC price £239TH78 SMC price £435

    *Save a further £10 on Handies with aYaesu Voucher

    SCANNERSAR3000A 100kHz-2036MHzSMC price £849AR2800 500kHz-600MHz800-1300MHzSMC price £399AR2000 500-1300MHzSMC price £279AR1500EX 500-1300MHzprice £314

    AR8000 New model from/1011 price £TBA

    MVT7100SMC price £379ICR7100SMC price £1255ICR100SMC price £565ICR1SMC price £355FRG9600SMC price £529

    IC275H SMC price £1239IC281 H SMC price £359IC3230H SMC price £529IC2700H SMC price £739FT736R SMC price £1325FT5100 SMC price £499FT2200 SMC price £329FT712RH SMC price £279FT2400H SMC price £349TS790E SMC price £1649TM742E SMC price £739TM702E SMC price £489TM255E SMC price £799TM455E SMC price £899TM251E SMC price £349

    NEBLOW LOSSCOAXIAL CABLE

    SMC now have in stock two new types ofcoaxial, type 8D -2V and 10D-SFB, bothhave much lower loss figures at highfrequencies than the UR67, especially the10D cable, in fact this comes close tochallenging the performance of LDF4-50Aand at less than half the cost.Prices are as follows:

    Inc VAT8D -2V Low loss cable 11.1 mm strandedcore £1.70/m10D--SFB Very low loss 13m/m solid corefoam dielectric £2.82/mLoss per 100m in dbUR67 9.3db 150MHz 16db 400MHz 30db1200MHz8D2V 8.5db 150MHz 12.9db 400MHz24.6db 1200MHz10D-SFB 3.8db 150MHz 6.5db 400MHz12.2db 1200MHz'N' ConnectorsN8D N plug male for 8D -2V £3.70N1OD N plug male for 10D-SFB £4.95

    + THE LARGEST RANGE OF SECOND HAND EQUIPMENT IN THE UKPART EXCHANGE WELCOME, WE BUY CLEAN USED GEAR FOR CASH

    Personal callers and Mail Order welcome at all branchesService dept direct line Mon -Fri gam-5pm (0703) 254247

    SMC HQ SouthamptonS M House, School CloseChandlers Ford Ind EstateEastleigh, Hants S05 3BYTel: 0703 251549/2551119.30am - 5.00pm Mon -Fri

    \...9.00crrn - 1.00pm Sat6

    ARE Communications6 Royal ParadeHanger Lane, EalingLondon W5A lETTel. 081 997 44769.30am - 5.30pm Mon -Fri9.30am - 1.00pm Sat

    Reg Ward & Co1 Western ParadeWest StreetAxminster,Devon EX13 5NYTel. 0297 349189.00= -5.15pm Tues-Sat

    Practical Wireless, June 1994

    Access

  • IDO1 2 YEAR WARRANTY ON YAESU, KENWOODSTORE & ICOM TRANSCEIVERS

    ey cannot match our service, experience or spares back up!m SMC & AVE ORE ASH

    DIAWA POWER SUPPLIESPS120MIIA Power supply 3-15V variable

    9/12A max metered 79.95PS1401IA Power supply 13.8V

    12/14A max unmelered 69.00PS30411 Power supply 1-1 SV Variable

    24A/30A max metered 139.95RS4OX Power supply 1-15V

    Variable 32A/40A max metered 189.00DIAWA POWER METERSCN101L 1.8-150MHz 15/150/1500W

    SWR/PWR 69.95CN103LN 150-525MHz 20/200W

    'N' Socket SWR/PWR 79.95DIAWA COAXIAL SWITCHESCS201 50239 2 way DC-600MHz

    lkW UHF sockets 17.50CS201G2 N -type 2 way 2GHz

    IkW HF 'N' sockets 27.50DIAWA LINEAR AMPLIFIERSLA2080H 2m L/Amplifier 1.5-5W

    in 30-80W out 159.95DLABOH 2m/70cm 0.5-25W input 80/60W

    out 385.00

    Tokyo Hy -PowerAmplifiers &Transvertors

    LINEARS

    HL1008/10 10M Linear, lOW in 100W out PEP

    Suitable for 21/24/28MHz 210

    HL10013/20 20M Linear, lOW in 100W out PEP 210

    HL1008/80 SOM Linear, IOW in 100W out PEP 210

    HL66V 6M Linear, lOW in 50-60W out Rx Preamp 169

    HLI66V 6M Linear, 3/10W in Auto select 80/160W out Rx Preamp 299

    HL37VSX 2M Linear, 0.5-5W in 20-35W out variable gain preamp 109

    HL62VSX 2M Linear, 5/10/25W in SOW out preamp 235

    HL36U 70cm Linear, 6/10W in 25/30W GaAs FET Preamp 155

    HL63U 70cms Linear, I0/25W in 50W out GaAs FET Preamp 259

    HL180V 2M Linear, 3/10/25W Vp auto select 170W out Rx Preamp 389

    HLI30U 70cms Linear, 3/10/25W Vp auto select 120W out Rx Preamp48S

    TRANSVERTORS

    HX240 2M to HF 80,40,20,15,10M 2.5/10W Drive 30-40W o/p 339

    HX640 6M to HF Specs as above 329

    HX650 10M to 6M transvertor high performance, mGF1302Preamp ci8/I2d8 selectable 10/50W selectable output inputselectable, 100m V/1V RMS 459

    Carr

    B

    B

    13

    C

    Carr

    CUSHCRAFT ANTENNAS

    C

    C

    C

    C

    C

    B

    C

    B

    C

    C

    C

    Rexon RI2M FM Handy

    Amazing value

    ONLY i199 Inc.supplied c/w antenna and battery case* Frequency range

    144 - 146MHz1130-170) expandablecapability

    * 5 Watt output at13.8V DC

    * Multi -function keypad* 20 memory channels* Dual watch* Pause and busy scan* 6 selectable tuning

    steps 5 - 50 kHz* High sensitivity* Battery save facility* RN8111, 7.2v, 600

    MAh NICAD, £21.50* RNB112, 12v, 500MAh

    NICAD £39.95* Chargers £2050 eachAccessories Carr A Carr C

    THE LARGEST RANGE OFROTATORS IN THE UK

    ONLY FROM SMC

    YaesuG-250 Azimuth £109.00G-400 Azimuth £199.00G-400RC Azimuth £249.00G-600RC Azimuth £329.00G-8005DX Azimuth £395.00G-1000SDX Azimuth £435.00

    g G-2700SDX Azimuth £819.00G -500A Elevation £245.00G-5400 AZVELE £469.00G-5600 AZVELE £539.00

    IMPORTED DIRECT FROM THE USA AT SUPER LOWINTRODUCTORY PRICES!! CHECK OUT THESE PRICES

    AGAINST THOSE OF OUR COMPETITORS

    A3WS 12/17MTR 3 ELE YAGI £275.00R5 10/12/15/17/20 vertical £279.00R7 10 thru to 40M vertical £369.00AP8A 8 band vertical £199.0040-2CD 2 ELE 40M YAGI £439.0013132 13 ELE 2M YAGI £99.951762 17 ELE 2M YAGI £169.00A50 -3S 3 ELE 6M YAGI £75.954246 24 ELE 70CMS YAGI £115.00A35 14/21/28MHz YAGI £349.00A103 30M extension A3WS £115.00APR18A Radial Kit £49.00

    SMC (Northern)Nowell Lane Ind. EstateNowell LorneLeedsTel. 0532 3506069.30cmi - 5.00pm Mon -Fu9.00crrn - 1.00pm Sat

    CarrCDD

    D

    DD

    CREATERC5-1 Azimuth £255.00 DRC5-3 Azimuth £319.00 DRC5A-3 Azimuth £625.00 DRC5B-3 Azimuth £939.00 DERC5A H/D Elevation £1 275.00 E

    ROTATOR ACCESSORIESGC -038 Lower clamp Yaesu _122.00GC -048 Lower clamp G2700 E36.95MCI Lower clamp RC5 £54.50GS050 Rotary bearing 15k" E24.99GS065 Rotary bearing 2" £38.50CK46 Rotary bearing H/D £53.95

    ROTATOR CABLERC5W 5 way cable P/M £0.54RC6W 6 way cable P/M £0.74RC8W 8 way cable P/M E0.88

    Carriage depends on length required.Quotations on request

    SMC (Micllcrnds)102 High StreetNew WhittingtonChesterfieldTel. 0246 453340T9 30arn - 5 30pm 71ue - Sat

    sewT563301

    TSB3302

    15133303

    TSB3603

    TSA6001C

    TSA6011E

    TSA6601

    MOBILETSM1005

    TSM1316

    TSM1339

    TSMI312

    TSM1309

    TSA5004

    TAIWAN SEluiNtANTENNA

    Amazing valueBASE STATION Carr

    144/430 G/Fibre 6.5/9.0d13 200W 3.18m £79.95 C

    144/430 G/Fibre 4.5/7.2d13 200W 1.79 £69.95 C

    144/430 G/Fibre 3.0/6.0dB 120W 1.15m £49.95 C

    144/430/1296 G/Fibre 6.5/9.0/9.0dB 3.07m £99.50 C

    144/430 duplexer Nskt - PL259 + N plug _125.50 B

    144/430/1296 triplexer Nskt -PL259 +

    2 x N plug £43.95 B

    144/430 15/60W mini SWR/PWR meter £39.50 B

    Carr

    144 7/8 wave 5.2dB 200W 1.89m £34.95 B

    144/430 2.15dbi/3.8c113 100W 0.44m £21.50 B

    144/430 3.0/5.5dB black 50W 0.89m E26.50 B

    144/430 3.0/5.5dB 50W 0.89m E26.95 B

    144/430 3.0/5.5dB 120W 0.93m £2930 B

    Wing mirror/roof rack mount £18.94 B

    COMET STATION ACCESSORIESMeters £ CarrCD -120 1.8-200MHz, 15-60-200W, SWR/PWR 129.95 BCD -160H 1.6-60MHz, 20-200-200W, SWR/PWR 104.50 BCD -270D 140-525MHz, 15-60-200W, SWR/PWR 91.50 B

    CMX2 1.8-200MHz 20.50/200W 129.95 8

    High Quality FiltersCF-30MR HF Cut Off Frequency 32MHz-500WCW lkW PEP 50239 39.95 BCF-50MR 6M Cut Off Frequency 54MHz 500WCW 1kW PEP 50239 38.75 BCF -30H Cut Off 32MHz 2kW PEP 80.72 ACF -30S Cut Off 32MHz 150W CW 19.35 ACF -50S Cut Off 57MHz 150W CW 20.35 ACF-BPF2 Band -Pass Filter 144MHz 150W CW 2M31.65 A

    BARGAIN OFFERSFf1000 ex demo 12 month warranty 12495

    Save £1000 from list price!!

    Met 432/17X 70cm Sat crossed Yagi £49.00

    HF3 VNB 12/17/30m Winc Vertical £69.00

    BNOS 432-3-50 70cm Linear 3-50 watts £199.00

    FMP1 Yaesu FT736 message processor £39.95

    50/726 6m module for FT726R £149.00

    144/726 2m module for FT726R £139.00

    430/726 70cm module for FT726R £169.00

    144TV 2m unit for Yaesu FTV107, 901 £59.00

    NDH518 memory unit for NRD515 £95.00

    FTC740A 40W Yaesu low band Tx/Rx

    OK for 4m £99.00

    1

    Carriage A=E2 B=C5 C=f7.50 D=E12.50 E=E16.50

    SMC Birmingham504 Alum Rock RoadAlum RockBirmingham B8 3HXTel. 021 327 14979.00am - 4.00pm Sat

    Practical Wireless, June 1994 7

  • GET ON AIR FOR UNDER £200!

    The AKD SOMHz, FM Transceiver has arrived!Switched channels, full band coverage. Ideal forbase station, mobile, packet and Raynet activities.Simple to operate and great value!

    Only £ 1 9 3 . 7 4 inc. VAT (add £5 p&p)

    * 20 switched channelsTram 70.250 to 7.500MHz(12 1/2kHz spacing)

    * Spec. as above

    £193.74inc. VAT (add S5 p&p)

    * Covers FM calling, FM,packet and Raynet channels

    * RF output 25 and 5 watts for13.2v supply

    * All AKD manufacturedproducts areGUARANTEED 2 YEARS!and are available through allleading dealers

    * Rx sensitivity better than0.25uV

    * Audio output 2 wattsCircuit diagram with alltransceivers

    * Full coverage 14-4.146MHz* PTT repeater tone burst* Listen on input

    £193.74inc. VAT (add £5 p&p)

    13.8V PSUFully regulated, ideal for AKD rigs.Guaranteed 1 year.

    £42.25 inc VAT (Add £5 p&p)

    ATTENTION RAYNET & CAIRO USERS! 2, 4 & 6M models now available, fully converted toCairo -8 standard, from stock. Easy to operate, user friendly, especially in emergency conditions. E 1 99.75 inc. VAT (add £5 p&p)

    We can supply WALLEN aerials!

    AKDUnit 5, Parson Green EstateBoulton Road, Stevenage,Rents SG1 40G

    Call 0438 351710to order or for more info

    on all AKD products(Fax 0438 357591)

    EXPORTTrade & retail

    enquiries +velcomedl

    VISA

    TELFORD ELECTRONICS DISTRIBUTORSVHF Log -Periodic AntennaType MA752 30-88MHzEx -army pro -quality. Construction by Racal Antennas. Thisantenna is transportable and comes in a convenient carryingholdall. The antenna can be assembled by one person in lessthan 15 min. Mounting con be either vertical or horizontal.Polarisation on a ground mounted 9m mast as above).

    General spec:- Input impedance 50 LIPower:- 400 wattsVSWR:- 2.6:1Gain:- 7c113i. Special Price VI 50.00

    Racal Linear AmplifierType: TA184. 10kW. Output of 7kW mean or 10kW p.e.p

    (2.5kW a.m.) Frequency range 2-30MHz. Types of emission:Al, A2, A3, A3a, A3b, A3j, A3h, Fl, F4, F6 with

    appropriate exciter. R.F. signal input 100mW nominal

    Price £1500.00Block Paper Copcitors: 240m1 min/270mf mox 2500KV.

    Brand new £20.00Marconi Spectrum Analyser: Type: TF 2370 30Hz-110MHz.

    Price £800.00

    MODEL 43 THRUUNE WATTMETERThis is an insertion type RF wattmeter, designed to measurepower flow and load match in 50 ohm coaxial transmission lines.It is intended for use on cw, am, Inn and TV modulationenvelopes, but not pulsed modes. The Model 43, when used in50 ohm applications, hos on insertion VSWR of less than 1.05 to1 up to o frequency of 1000MHz. The meter is direct reading inwatts, expanded down scale for easy reading and is graduated25, 50 and 100 watts full scale. The power ranges used aredetermined by the plug-in elements covering from 0.45 to2300MHz.The Model 43 is a portable unit contained in a die castaluminium housing, included in the unit is a carrying strap, fourrubber shock feet on the base and four rubber bumpers on the

    back. AS NEW CONDITION £145

    High Power V.H.F. A.M. TransmitterType: T 300 AM frequency range:

    68MHz-174MHz is covered in 5 bands.Min. RF output 300 watts.

    Uses 2 x 4CX 250B's.100-125 volts OR 200-250 volts.

    As new condition:

    £350.00

    Pump -up -MastType "SCAM 40"Extended height of Mast 40ftRetracted height of Mast 7'9"

    Maximum Recommended Headload 32kg

    Brand new £300.00See in the dark with our

    INFRA -RED BINOCULARSas used by the M.O.D. (N.A.T.O.

    Stock No. Z7/6650-99-960-7617)

    Operated from a 1.5v battery. Complete inrobust fibreglass transport case. Complete with

    instructions. Fully tested. Post and Packagingincluded in this amazingly low price of

    125 eachNow available, Infrared filter. 12" x 12" x 3mm thick £15 each

    Lightweight Telescopic MastType MA798Ex -army pro -quality. Construction by Racal AntennasHeight extended - 9m height closed -2.17m.Weight of mast 10.6kg weight of accessory kit 25kg.Most con be extended by hand, foot -pump or 12 voltHalfords car type compressor, Telescopic mast 9m comeswith installation kit - (guy ropes, hammer, stakes ek).

    Brand new £295.00new price in excess of £1100.

    Redifon Amplifier Type: GA485. lkW output. The GA 485 is awideband RF linear amplifier capable of delivering IkW CW orp.e.p. in the frequency range 1.5MHz-30MHz. The amplifieraccepts an input at frequency of radiation from a drive unit anddelivers its output to aerial through on aerial filter unit. Power forthe amplifier is derived from a 36V DC source which is suppliedby butteries through o DC interface unit or from AC mains via anAC power unit. The amplifier is air-cooled and RF output of lkWis obtained from a multiplicity of PA modules.CAW Redifon Driver Gic2113N.

    Price E500.00 (this for both units).

    RF-601A AUTOMATIC ANTENNA COUPLERThis antenna coupler matches lkW transmitters with 4.5 to 10.6metre whip antennas over the 2 to 30 MHz frequency range(1.6 to 30MHz For 10.6 metre whip antenna): It is suitable foruse in shipboard, fixed station and transportable shelterapplications.The RF-601A is composed of two separate units: the control unitand the waterproof coupler unit. The control unit, located at thetransmitter, acts as on interface between the transmitter andcoupler unit to provide the control signals. The coupler unitcontains the tuning elements and discriminator circuitry and islocated at the antenna base.The unit meets MIL -E-16400 and MIL -S.901 where applicable.

    BRAND NEW £500

    Callers welcome by appointmentOld Officers Mess, Hoo Farm, Humbers Lane, Horton, Telford, Shropshire TF6 6DJ

    Telephone 0952 605451 - Fax: 0952 677978

    8 Practical Wireless, June 1994

  • When I was offered theopportunity byG3XFD to write the`Keylines' editorial. Irealised that I had a

    unique means of communicating theviews and aspirations of the RadioSociety of Great Britain to a differentsection of the amateur community.

    Although the RSGB represents over50% of the active licensed amateurs andshort wave listeners within the UK. weare always anxious to take such anopportunity to reach non-members andgroups that have an interest in one of themany facets of amateur radio.

    It is especially pleasing to be able touse PIV as a vehicle for this since thepaths of G3XFD and myself havecrossed in the past as we were bothemployed by the IndependentBroadcasting Authority at theirWinchester Headquarters. I continue towork for the successor to the IBA'sengineering division (NationalTranscommunications Ltd.) whilst Robhas returned to full time journalism.

    Why Support The RSGB?

    So why support the RSGB? Primarilyfor two reasons. The RSGB is acceptedwithin the International Amateur RadioUnion as the organisation that representsthe views of Radio Amateurs within theUK. And it is the organisation that dis-cusses with our licensing authority. TheRadiocommunications Agency, allaspects of the privileges that are grantedin the UK.

    I: The IARU represents the interestsof Radio Amateurs world-wide. TheIARU specialists represents us at WorldAdministrative Radio Conferences andmajor conferences dealing with allaspects of the spectrum. The IARU hasensured that delegates to these confer-ences are aware of the contribution thatthe Amateur Service has made toEmergency Communications and gener-ated many specialist papers setting outthe technical parameters affecting theallocations that we already enjoy andgiving reasoned arguments why thesemust he retained or expanded.

    And who pays to support theseVOLUNTEERS? - the National Society

    accepted by IARL! - the RSGB. TheRSGB contributes on behalf of everylicensed members to protect our alloca-tion for EVERYONE.

    You can also help to protect thebands you use - join the RSGB.

    2: The Amateur Service in the UKis fortunate in having an administrationwhich appreciates that the work is car-ried out by AMATEURS.

    The role of the RSGB is to placebefore that administration the views ofas many as possible of the licensed ama-teurs in the UK. In this area we appreci-ate the space that has been donated byPit for input by non-members of theRSGB.

    The RSGB maintains a specialistcommittee structure. again of volun-teers. many of whom give a consider-able amount of time to the RSGB. It isfront this structure that proposals areformulated and submitted to the RA forthe benefit of all. It is also these com-mittees that monitor the whole area ofradio development so that the Societymembers are kept informed of trends.

    How can you help to maintain thisservice? - join the RSGB!

    What Else?

    What else does the Society 'DO'? Itproduces a monthly magazine. RadioComnzunicati ons produces a wide rangeof technical hooks with price conces-sions to members. offers advice from thespecialist committees, runs the QSLbureau, operates GB2RS for general upto date news, promotes the Novicescheme. organises and adjudicates con-tests across the whole spectrum.

    In one phrase: the Society 'Looksafter the interest of ALL interested inAmateur Radio'.

    I believe therefore, that all UK ama-teurs (licensed or not) should supportthe SoCiety. As a member, it is worthmaking a positive commitment to con-tinue to support the Society. and as anon-member. by joining either under thenormal methods or by taking advantageof the three month trial offer available ifyou use the Direct Debit method of pay-ment. Finally. we welcome commitment- input illustrates interest - and theRSGB goes to a lot of trouble to gener-ate interest.

    I hope that if you are not already amember, you will take advantage of thespecial offer. I look forward to hearingfrom you.

    Ian Suart GM4AUPPresident Radio Society ofGreat Britain 1994

    COMPETITION CORNER wordsearchU

    0Y

    N

    E

    S

    F

    -I.

    z

    Y

    B

    V

    E

    Q

    S

    B

    S

    K

    F

    R

    N

    S

    N

    D

    C

    L

    K

    L

    R

    R

    M

    R

    N

    J

    0

    L

    E

    H

    H

    E

    E

    R

    F

    C

    V

    O

    U

    T

    B

    S

    z

    B

    M

    N

    U

    S

    L

    B

    U

    p

    S

    C

    L

    C

    Q

    O

    R

    S

    F

    B

    T

    N

    K

    S

    C

    W

    L

    B

    C

    L

    D

    O

    E

    N

    J

    H

    Y

    U

    E

    0

    C

    L

    G

    V

    z

    S

    T

    K

    F

    H

    K

    F

    G

    D

    A

    W

    R

    0

    N

    B

    B

    V

    Y

    C

    E

    S

    O

    E

    Y

    C

    D

    N

    N

    0

    O

    R

    G

    S

    F

    S

    S

    F

    T

    F

    Q

    O

    V

    D

    0

    Y

    Y

    Q

    P

    B

    1.

    C

    V

    U

    Q

    U

    D

    N

    M

    S

    P

    Y

    H

    W

    L

    L

    S

    Y

    S

    R

    M

    Y

    F

    K

    Wordsearch rules:Twelve different words haVe been hidden in the letter grid. They have been printed across(forwards or backwards), up and down, diagonally, but they are always in a straight linewithout odd letters between. You can use the letters in the grid more than once for differentwords. Once you have found all 12 words, mark them on the grid and send it, along withyour name and address (photocopies accepted with the corner flash) to our editorialaddress, marked 'Competition Corner' Wordsearch June 1994.

    Send your entry (photocopies acceptable with corner flash) to: Competition Corner,Wordsearch Competition, June 1994, PW Publishing Ltd., Arrowsmith Court, StationApproach, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8PW. Editor's decision on the winner is final and nocorrespondence will be entered into.

    FIRST PRIZE:A year's subscription toPractical Wireless or a £20book voucher.

    SECOND PRIZE:A six month subscription toPractical Wireless or a £10book voucher.

    0. SUBSCRIPTION0 VOUCHEREntries to reach us by Friday 24June 1994.

    Words To FindMorseKeyContinuousWaveKenwoodTutor

    CloneFocalPointCodeSubsClub

    Name

    Address

    Practical Wireless, June 1994

  • Send your letters to theeditorial offices in Broadstone.They must be original, and notduplicated in any other maga-zine. We reserve the right toedit or shorten any letter. Theviews expressed in letters arenot necessarily those ofPractical Wireless.

    RE

    Europe For QRP Weekend - Reply

    Dear SirIn reply to Mr W. FarrarG3ESP in the April issueof PW, I think he is cor-rect in part. I should likehim to try and prove hisassumption on 144 or430MHz, on a regularbasis. It is not too unusu-al to have S2 or S3 ofnoise evident on theabove bands. On occa-sions we, in the Fort

    William area, have thisunpleasant experience.

    Further to the aboveon VHF National FieldDay 1993, my groupusing 100W to a 17 -ele-ment Yagi on 144MHzhad reports of 'barelyaudible' through suchnoise. So, instead ofgoing down in e.r.p. weshall go much higher,indeed had we reduced

    power we would havebeen as well to use theRoyal Mail!

    Can I suggest he trythe Practical WirelessVHF Low Power Contest?And then compare hisresults with the top tenVHF Field Day entrants.R. Johnstone GM1YGVInverness-shire

    Insurance

    Dear SirAs a full time insurance intermediary I read with some interest the article byJim Stroud in the March 1994 PW. Having spoken to those of my clients whoare radio amateurs, I think that there are two issues here.

    The first issue is whether or not motor insurers regard the installation of atransceiver as a modification. Most of the insurers that I have spoken to onthis issue seem not to have any problem with this, although I would suggestthat any reader taking out motor insurance checks with his broker or the com-pany as to whether or not problems exist. I would suggest that anyone insur-ing through a Lloyds syndicate be particularly careful about this.

    The second relates to cover on the equipment itself, as Jim Stroud sug-gests, cover under a motor policy is likely to be limited. It is, after all, theintention of motor insurers to cover standard risks at a standard price andcover on amateur radio equipment installed in cars is not standard. It is alsoquite likely that much of the equipment installed is put in on either a semi-permanent or temporary basis, for example using locking slide mounts. Manyamateurs may well use their mobile rig in the house, up a mountain or take itaway with them on holiday.

    As a result of this, I would like to suggest that readers wishing to insuretheir equipment, insure it as extensions to their household contents policies.Most insurers will do this, although it is important to explain to them exactlywhat your intentions are. This has the advantage that the equipment is cov-ered anywhere, the excess will be less and there will be of course be no lossof motor claim bonus, which, as Jim Stroud pointed out, is a very importantconsideration.P F. Rigg GOTVB, Lancashire

    The Star Letter willreceive a voucher worth

    E10 to spend on itemsfrom our Book or other

    services offered byPractical Wireless.

    All other letters will receivea £5 voucher.

    'Criminal' Operators?Dear SirReference PWApril news story 'Repeater GroupTrap Misusers'. So, this is what amateur radio iscoming to! Repeater Group's sending invoices tothe 'criminal' operators that have the bare facedcheek to exceed the two minutes time out, orworse still, don't contribute towards the 'electricbill'.

    I thought amateur radio, to quote ARRL "is away of making new friends" through your hobby.Can Mr Colin Lansley inform me if GB3SN'saddress is the registered 'business address',because once invoices are issued to user's of arepeater, it then becomes a money earning con-cern which I am sure contravenes licence regula-tions. I would also like to know how many of hisrepeater group use packet or any other mailbox-es, and if so, do they contribute to their upkeep?

    Sorry Colin, you have got it wrong. I think it'stime to get back to the real spirit of amateur radio.Repeaters have their place in the hobby, but don'texpect other radio amateurs to 'finance' yourequipment, other than on a voluntary basis anddon't try to be the policemen of the air waves orworse still 'REPEATER TRAFFIC WARDENS', last-ly, don't 'rip off' your fellow amateurs or youcould end up being a 'RADIO LEPER'. I can contin-ue my interest's in amateur radio without usingrepeaters, but not without replies to my CQ calls,can you Colin?R. Frettsome G4VVP1N, Nottingham

    Editor's reply: Wow! It seems as if the PW'April Fool' spoof really worked this year!Quite a few readers seemed to fall for our1994 joke (despite the news story saying itstarted on April 1st!) and I received quite an'earbashing' from really upset visitors to thePicketts Lock show who thought thatGB3SN's keepers were being high-handed. Ithank those who recognised it as an AprilFool spoof and called us in the office to'pull our legs'. I cannot promise we won'ttry another devilish trick in 1995!

    Direction FindingDear SirBefore becominglicensed I found yourmagazine a great sourceof information and inspi-ration. Now that I amlicensed I am finding itdifficult to pursue mychosen field of interest,namely direction finding.

    The only book I havefound on d.f. equipmentis the ARRL Handbook,but none from the RSGBor just separate authors.

    I found the ARRLbooks good but found itdifficult to copy the cir-cuits as many of theimportant components

    were not available inEngland, I wasn't surewhat the best equivalentwas. Through sheer luck Icame in contact with anamateur who has built a144MHz d.f. unit whichuses Doppler shift to givean extremely accuratebearing. The said gentle-

    man gave me a lot ofhelp in the constructionof my own unit. I wouldlike to know if there areany amateurs who sharemy interest in d.f. or anyclubs who cater for thissubject.G. Kinder G7PUTSurrey

    Editor's reply: Wewould be like to hearjust how many readerswould be interested ind.f. operating. We willalso pass on any let-ters to G7PUT.

    10 Practical Wireless, June 1994

  • Getting Through The RAE

    * * STAR LETTER * *No Projects For VHF

    Dear SirI am writing in support of Bob G1WEX (April issue). The v.h.f.bands are neglected in PW, you only have to read it regularlyto see the truth of this. No projects for v.h.f. bands from a mag-azine with 'practical' on its cover, in small print and gettingsmaller!

    It takes no effort and no skill to criticise, but surely oneissue a year wouldn't be too much to ask. The magazine is,after all, the same price to G7s and 2Els as it is to everyoneelse!

    Secondly, your magazine is also read by many people whoare not amateurs but might like to be. For the benefit andencouragement of those people could the syllabus and approx-imate cost of the NRAE be printed, say twice a year. They can-not enquire on air can they?

    On the plus side I subscribe to PW, so it can't be all bad.'Antenna Workshop' is my favourite and G3RJV is my hero!John Cartwright G7OBGDerby

    Editor's reply: We will be doing another v.h.f. specialissue soon John. 'Antenna Workshop' will also be cov-ering more v.h.f. projects and you'll see more ofG3RJV's writing (including some in 'AntennaWorkshop'). I hope to make an announcement verysoon. Watch this space!

    Restrictions OnSubscriptionsDear SirSome few years ago, as a pen-sioner, it became necessaryfor me to exercise financialrestrictions on subscriptions tonewspapers, magazines, etc.Regretfully, PW had to beincluded in the cancellations.

    A request to the locallibrary to take out a subscrip-tion to PWwas rejected on thegrounds they too were onstrict budget control.Notwithstanding, enquirieswere made by them to themany other libraries inStaffordshire, resulting in theCannock Library transferringtheir copy of PW after use tothe Stone Library, especiallyfor my reading pleasure.

    I have enjoyed this uniquearrangement for three yearsand as PWdoes not 'date', thearrangement is entirely satis-factory and will explain thesomewhat dilatory response toyour invitation in theDecember 1993 issue of PW toshare experience of PublicLibrary services. Hats off toStaffordshire County LibraryService in general and toStone and Cannock Librariesin particular!D. LongStaffordshire

    Licence ProblemsDear SirAs the anniversary of my firstreceiving my 'A' licence was the14 November and I arranged topay the fee by direct debit to PostOffice Counters I was not expect-ing to receive a reminder, but Iwas most certainly surprised toreceive on the 29 December a redFinal Notice that payment had tobe received within 14 days ORELSE!

    Without delay, I sent mycheque for £15 to the RLC asrequested. On 14 January mycheque was returned and I wasinformed that I had to re -apply fora licence. Sending original RAEpass and Morse test certificates.

    Following two telephone callsto Subscription Services Ltd.,Bristol, I learnt that payment inNovember had been returned andthe computer listed me as nothaving paid, as my cheque wasreceived after 1 January when therules had been changed and a 30day warning rule had beenbrought in. I was told that I wasone of those who 'had beencaught out'.

    I have received one or twocirculars from the RA all undatedwith unfranked envelopes which Ifound confusing, so I suppose itis my own silly fault. In the mean-while I understand that my appli-cation has gone to the bottom ofthe pile of new applications and Iam at present incommunicado!N. Bray GWOMOJGwynedd

    Dear SirReference getting through the RAE. I noticed the recent correspon-dence in PWfrom readers who had problems in passing the RAE.

    My studies for the RAE consisted mostly of reading just one book,Foundations of Wireless by M. G. Scroggie.

    The author's style of writing is extremely clear and lucid andmakes electronics and wireless very understandable, (indeed the bookitself serves as a classic example of a good textbook, regardless of thesubject). I believe that Mr Scroggie edited the book from the time ofthe Second World War through to the last decade. He died only a fewyears ago when aged around 90.

    I readily recommend this book to anyone struggling to understandelectronics and wireless in preparation for the RAE.

    I took the RAE twenty years ago, after reading Foundations ofWireless. I did not find it too hard going (although the exam itself wasin a different form then and the range of topics has since changed).

    I am now studying for a BSc. in Computer Science andManagement Studies. As a final tribute to this book, several of my fel-low students found it of great use when they encountered electronictheory and semiconductors for the first time.lan Brothwell G4EANNottingham

    Editor's comment: Fortunately lan, copies of Foundations ofWireless regularly appear on bookstalls and at car boot sales (Ibought two copies last year myself) and they still provide anexcellent reference source. Another series of books commonlyavailable secondhand (which I thoroughly recommend) are the'Common Core' Basic Electricity, Basic Electronics, BasicTelevision, etc. Although out of print, many libraries stillstock the hard back versions. They provide excellent, easy -to -read structured basic teaching courses which in my opinionhave never been bettered. I bought three sets of BasicElectricity for a school club last year...for an outlay of only £3a set!

    Dear SirI would like to add a few lines to your correspondence on the RAE andthe tuition available.

    In 1960 I started an evening class course in preparation for theRAE. After a few weeks I realised that 95% of the students had electri-cal backgrounds.

    As one who had no knowledge of radio or electricity I was com-pletely out my depth and dropped the whole idea. During the follow-ing 30 years, my interest in radio continued, but I only participated asa listener.

    In 1992 having retired, I again considered the RAE and enrolled asa student with the Rapid Results College. I thoroughly enjoyed everylesson and my tutor G8PG was first class.

    I sat the examination in 1993 and was successful in both papers. Iwould recommend the RAE to anyone and can honestly say therewasn't one question on the papers that hadn't been covered on theRAE course.Doug MayhillWest Glamorgan

    Dear SirI'm writing in response to Mr T. M. Pirre's unfair criticisms in the AprilPW of both the RSGB and the Rapid Results College.

    I was not able to attend the RAE classes given by our local cluband so I decided to use the Rapid Results College course.

    After studying at home and with the excellent tutorial supportgiven then by Gus G8PG, I was able to confidently sit the RAE after sixmonths.

    My sole sources of information were from the Rapid ResultsCollege and the RSGB's Radio Amateurs' Examination Manual. Theexcellent content of the information provided by both these sources isobviously regularly updated and more then adequate. After sixmonths of hard slog I was able to sit the RAE and achieved a Creditand Distinction in the papers. I will also add that I have no connectionwith either the electronics or radio industry and I started my studyfrom the basics.

    The RAE is far from being a 'doddle' and one only gets out whatone puts in. Frankly, Mr Pirrie's letter smacks of sour grapes.R. J. Kent GOROS, Oxon

    Practical Wireless, June 1994 11

  • Shoestring MorseSwansea based ShoestringSoftware have produced a newprogram entitled Morse Helper,designed to run on IBM PCs andcompatibles. Anyone owning anIBM PC or compatible computer,with a minium of 512K RAM willbe able to take advantage of thiseducational program.

    Morse Helper is available intwo versions, one for personal use and one for clubuse. The club version will support up to 21 usersrecording the individual settings and recalling themby name.

    Shoestring's program is capable of providingMorse speeds from four to 17 words per minutecomplete with user definable word and letter spac-ing. The sound is played through the computer'sown built-in speaker and the tone can be adjustedto suit the user. It 's also possible to send randomMorse groups as well as continuous streams ofMorse and to read a standard PC text file into ASCIIand have it replayed in Morse.

    Morse Helper comes complete with full instruc-tions and is available direct from ShoestringSoftware, 78 Carmarthen Road, Waun Wen,Swansea SA1 INS, although dealer networks arecurrently being sought. The program is currentlyavailable for the introductory price of £6.99 for thesingle user version or £10.99 for the club user ver-sion. The introductory prices will be held until June30 1994 when they will increase to £8.99 and £14.99respectively.

    A free demo of Morse Helper is available onreceipt of a blank formatted 3.5in disk and an s.a.e.

    The Edgware &

    District RadioSocietyare, this year,

    Sagai

    holding their Straight

    Key Evening (SKE)

    on Friday May 201994 on the 3.5MHz

    band from 190OUTC.for as long as possin

    i-

    ble. It is hoped, asprevious years that,

    Edgware & DRS will

    be able to operatetheir special event

    callsign GB2SKE. for

    an extended time itand possibly make

    a Straight Key

    Afternoon.The idea behind

    the Straight KeyEvening is not a con-

    test pbluetttooencouragepg in the

    straight key andindulge in somerelaxed and friendly

    operating. Anyonecan join in from thenewest and mosthesistant operatorsto the high spe.edpaddle enthusiasts.

    Further informa-tion can be obtainedfrom John BluffG3SJE, SKEOrganiser, 52Winchester Row,,Kenton, HarrMiddlesex HA391P0E34, T. el: 081-204

    Prize Draw Winners

    NThe Essex basedAmateur Radio dealerCoastalCommunications stockan extensive range ofequipment for the ama-teur radio and short-wave enthusiast. This includes the Hustler range of h.f. mobile antennas.

    The Hustler range of antennas from yesteryear are fast re -gaining their previ-ous popularity. Hustler h.f mobile antennas offer a wide variety of componentswhich enable the user to customise their own installation to suit their needs.The antennas also come in a choice of four different support masts, makingthem easy to install on a variety of vehicles.

    Prices for the Hustler antennas, from the main stockist for England andWales Coastal Communications, start from £15.95. Contact CoastalCommunications at 19 Cambridge Road, Clacton -on -Sea, Essex C01530.J. Tel: (0255) 474292 for details on their full range of equipment.

    Famous Open Day

    Waters & StantonElectronics are holdingtheir fourth annual nowfamous, Open Day onSunday 22 May 1994, at22 Main Road,Hockley, Essex. Doorsopen at 10am.

    The Open Day isyour chance to see howa radio dealer operates,and Waters & Stantonsay it will be thebiggest open day yet. A

    vast number of dis-countinued lines,reconditioned goodsand samples, to be soldoff on the day, havebeen accumulated:

    Free food and drinkwill be available as willfree parking behind thebuilding and allHockley car parks arefree on Sundays.Alternatively, the show-room is a five minute

    Novice Science

    walk from Hockley sta-tion on the LiverpoolStreet/SouthendVictoria line.

    The advice fromWaters & Stanton is getthere early to increaseyour chances of pickingup a bargain and enjoy-ing what promises tobe a great social occa-sion.

    Michael Stott GONEE has informed the PWNewsdesk that he will be runninga Novice course at the Science Museum, Blandford Street, Newcastle, situatedclose to the bus, main line train and metro stations. Michael's course will runfor ten weeks, with two or three weeks off, leading up to the exam inSeptember.

    There will be no charge for the course, which commences on Saturday June11 1994 at 10am for three hours. However, there will be a charge for the coursebook and for the bits and pieces required for the projects that will be construct-ed during the course.

    Anyone who is interested in enrolling for the Novice course should contactMichael by writing and enclosing an s.a.e. to 'VVellview', 12 Castle View,Ovingham-on-Tyne, Northumberland NE42 6AT. Alternatively you can callhim on (0661) 832020.

    Congratulations go to the lucky winner of the Practical Wireless Questionnaire Prize Draw, EdwardHart from Preston in Lancashire. Mr Hart's completed questionnaire was the first one pulled fromthe hundreds of entries in the Editor's (low calorie) biscuit barrel!

    Phil Jefferies from Nevada Communications kindly presented Edward with his prize of aYupiteru MVT-7100 Scanner, at the recent G-Mex Rally held in Manchester on February 20 1994.

    The second and third prize winners, who each win a one year subsciption to Practical Wirelesswere Stan Williams G3L01 and S. G. Rose G7PMG. The PW editorial team send a thank you toeveryone who took the time and trouble to fill in the Practical Wireless Questionnaire.

    Edward Hart being presented with his Yupiteru MVT-7100 Scanner by Phil Jefferies infront of the PW & SWM stand at the G-Mex Rally.

    12

  • Young Radio Amateur Of TheYear 1994

    The search is on by theRadiocommunicationsAgency and The RadioSociety of Great Britainto the find the YoungRadio Amateur Of TheYear 1994. The award,which was inititated bythe Radio Society ofGreat Britain in 1988 isgiven for the most out-standing achievementby a young amateurradio enthusiast underthe age of 18.

    The idea behind theaward is to generateinterest in amateurradio and to encouragepeople to becomeinvolved for them-selves. Entrants do notneed to be licenceholders but might liketo consider the follow-ing areas of activity:d.i.y. radio, operationof radio, communityservice (helping inemnergency conmuni-cations etc.), encourag-ing others and schoolprojects.

    The prize for themost outstandingachievement betweenAugust 1 1993 and July31 1994 will be award-ed by theRadiocommunicationsAgency and presentedat the RSGB's HF

    Convention inSeptember. The winnerwill receive a £300 cashprize from the Agencyand the runner-up a£50 cash prize. Bothwill also be invited tovisit theRadiocommunicationAgency's RadioMonitoring Station atBaldock inHertfordshire. All thosethat enter will receive acopy of the RSGB'samateur radio logbook.

    The award is opento anyone resident inthe UK, ChannelIslands or the Isle ofMan who has notreached his or her 18thbirthday by the closingdate. Entrants canenter themselves orcan be nominated byan adult sponsor andall applications shouldbe received by July 311994.

    Applications andnominations should besent to YoungAmateur of the YearAward 1994, RadioSociety of GreatBritain, LambdaHouse, CranborneRoad, Potters Bar,Herts EN6 3JE. Tel:(0707) 659015.

    Send in your news, photographs and productinformation to Donna Vincent at the editorialoffices in Broadstone.

    Welsh RSGBMeetingThe first Radio Society ofGreat Britain RegionalMeeting for many yearswas held on March 27, atNewtown, Wales. PeterKirby GOTWW, RSGBGeneral Manager, togeth-er with council membersGW4YKL, GOMJY, G4EJPand G3JW met membersand non-members from allover Wales.

    Clive Trotman GW4YKL and Peter KirbyGOTWW at the Welsh meeting.

    The morning session was taken up by Council and the General Manager..After a break for socialising, the second session was a cross between ques-tions and answers and a debate, covering many topics. By the close bothsides were able to say they had gained something from the meeting.

    It is hoped that the RSGB will set up more such meetings.(Report supplied by Paul Essery GW3KFE)

    South Midlands Break -InPractical Wireless has recently received news of a late night break-in at theSouth Midlands Communications Head Quarters, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh.The break-in occurred at the end of March and the following items were stolen.

    Model No1 x MVT50001 x FT -261 x FT -761 x FT -4151 x FT -11R1 x AR15001 x 200XLT25 x RL102

    36 x FT -530

    TypeScanner144MHz H/H430MHz H/H144MHz H/H144MHz H/HAOR scannerBearcat scannerRexon 144MHz H/H

    Yaesu dual -band

    Kenwood 144MHz H/HKenwood dual -bandRX KE3000

    Serial No.

    1G064794110809841L0610363K0223040015843

    033842/033880/033858033983/033846 (5 of each stolen)3F160336/3F160309/3F160229/3F160328/3F160367/3F160307(6 of each stolen)4090004540900453

    Yaesu 144MHz H/H 9N181221Yupiteru scanner 21101622/30800958

    (2 of each stolen)Also stolen were a variety of NiCads and chargers.

    If anyone can offer any information to help recover any of the stolen goodsthey are asked to contact South Midlands Communicatons Ltd., S.M.House, School Close, Chandlers Ford Industrial Estate, Eastleigh,Hampshire S05 3BY. Tel: (0703) 255111.

    1 x TH-28E1 x TH-78E2 x Airhandy2 x Poky Toky1x FT -4114 x MVT7100

    Stations For D -Day Anniversary

    To commemorate the50 year anniversary ofthe D -Day Landings theRadio Club of Thanetwill be activatingGB50DD. The stationwill be operational con-tinuously from June 4 -12th, although therewill be some activityoutside these dates.

    The station GB5ODDwill be operated from asite close to HMSRobinson, a wartimecombined operationsbase at Richborough,Sandwich, Kent. Thechoice of site is veryappropriate as the clubhas a number of ex -ser-vice members.

    If you work GB50DDand want a QSL card

    they will be availablefrom G3OPL via thebureau or direct. If youenclose an s.a.e. youwill also receive a histo-ry sheet of the invasionwith your card.

    MauriceStievenart ON5MSfrom Belgium hasinformed PWof thespecial event stationON4SOE, which hasbeen granted by theBelgian Minister incharge of Post andTelecommunications.This station is being setup to commemoratethe work done by theBelgian SpecialOperations Executive inhelping the Allied offi-

    cers who parachutedinto Belgium duringWorld War Two.

    It is hoped to renewcontacts with the for-mer SOE memberspresently living in theUK. The special eventstation will be active onthe following dates:June 5, 6th & 7th,August 26, 27th & 28thand September 3, 4th &5th 1994 using the 3.5,7 and 14MHz bands. Ifyou wish to join inplease write toMaurice StievenartON5MS, Chaussifte deRenaix, 163, B-7500Tournai, Belgium.

    Birmingham BadgerBadger Boards

    who produce the completerange of Practical Wireless & Short WaveMagazine printed circuitboards have recentlymoved. The new address for Badger

    Boards is80 Clarence Road, Erdington, Birmingham823

    6AR. Tel: 021-384 2473.The new Badger Boards

    shop is situatedclose to Spaghetti Junction (Junction 6) off theM6. From the 'Island of Spaghetti' off nctionsix take the first left, intoSlade Road and thenthird right into Hunton Hill and you will findBadger Boards 100 yards up on he right-handside. Hours of business are 9am

    t- 6pmMonday to Friday and 5.30pm on Saturdays,except for the London, Leicester andLlandudno rallies.

    Why not go along and see for yourself thecomprehensive

    range of goods in stock for theAmateur radio enthusiast

    and Hobbyist?

    Practical Wireless, June 1994 13

  • By now a number of youwill have received yourcopies of JVFAX, the popu-lar FAX and SSTV packagefor the IBM PC. I think a fewoperational tips may comein handy.

    One of the first areas ofconfusion seems to beselecting the appropriatesettings for the demodula-tor. As most people useone of the simple cornpara-tor interfaces, you need toselect the Configurationscreen and set-up as fol-lows:

    Demodulator: 8 bitscomparator addr 02F8IRQ 3

    This is the correct set-upfor a computer with theinterface connected toCOM 2. If you are using adifferent COM port you willneed to adjust the addr andIRQ as follows:

    COM: addr IRQ1 03F8 42 02F8 33 03E8 44 02E8 3The next problem which

    faces listeners is decidingon the correct tuning point.Whilst the JVFAX bargraphdisplay is very good thecorrect tuning point is notvery clear.

    The answer is to adjustyour receiver so that thesignal peak sits just overthe right hand end of thedisplay. However, beforedoing this you must checkthat the deviation is cor-rectly set for 400Hz on h.fand 150Hz on i.f.

    Out Of SpaceUnless you have a verylarge hard disk you willprobably find you start run-ning out of disk space veryquickly. This is because

    Elaine Richards G4LFM unravels JVFAX confusion, provides theanswers to her technical teaser and has advice on QSLing.

    Elaine Richards G4LFM, PO Box 1863,Ringwood, Hants BH24 3XD.

    many weather chart filescan be around 1.2Mb each.

    There are a few ways toovercome the space prob-lem. The most obvious is topractice good file manage-ment and to make sure youdelete all but the files youreally want to keep.

    You can also save a lotof space by using the Zoomfacility from the Show andSave menu. This enablesyou to save just selectedportions of images (don'tforget to delete the originalafterwards!).

    If you mainly view yourreceived images on thescreen you can save somedisk space by changing theresolution of the receivedimage. This is done byselecting the mode editorfollowed by the requiredmode.

    A look at the figure for120/576 FAX shows that theimages are normallyreceived with a line resolu-tion of 1810. This can easilybe reduced to around 800for on -screen viewing.

    Another space saver ifyou want to receive weath-er charts is to set the greysoption to two. This elimi-nates the grey scale infor-mation which has a signifi-cant effect on the size ofthe saved image.

    That about finishes thisupdate, but if you have anyquestions about JVFAXplease write and let meknow. If you would like acopy of JVFAX, then send aformatted disk, a stickyaddress label and threefirst or second class stamps

    to the address at the headof the column.

    Technical TeaserAnswerIf you take a look at Fig. 1,you will see a reminder ofthe circuit printed in lastmonth's 'Novice Natter'.The question I posed was

    for you to explain why thecircuit wouldn't work.

    As I hinted last month,the answer lies in the biasvoltage that's neededbetween the base and emit-ter of a transistor before itwill start to conduct. FromFig. 1, you can see that thevoltage on the base of thefirst transistor is set by thepotential divider R1 and R2.The current through thisdivider can be calculated as

    9/(2700+2701= 0.003A or 3mA.

    +9V

    ©

    Fig. 1: Technical teasercircuit.

    OV

    From this you cancalculate the voltageat the base of the firsttransistor as

    270 x 0.003 = 0.81V.

    14 Practical Wireless, June 1994

  • Now the first two transis-tors are connected togetherin a special way that'sknown as a Darlington pair.For our purposes all youneed to do is work out thevoltage required at thebase of the first transistor.

    By taking the standardallowance of 0.7V per tran-sistor, you can see that atleast 1.4V is needed on thebase of the first transistorfor the circuit to start towork. As there is only0.81V available, this is thereason for the circuit failingto work.

    Rallies AdviceTony Tuite has writtenthis month following onfrom the recentRallies Advice.He mourns thepassing of thedays when youcould buy a reallygood receiver for£3 at a rally.

    Tony's 54year old AR88Dhas been passedonto his wife,Joy, now as she's

    decided to join the hobbyby doing the Novicecourse. Let's hope Joydoes really well and is onthe air soon.

    Tony took me to task fornot mentioning theLlandudno two day rallywhen I was telling you allabout the Picketts Lock andLeicester Amateur RadioShows. The Llandudnorally has been running for

    seven years now and hasgrown somewhat over theyears.

    My apologies to thosewho support this rally, Ididn't mean to ignore it -honest! I'm sure if youkeep you eyes on the RadioDiary feature, you'll see thedate for this year's showappear before long. If mymemory serves me rightit's usually held inSeptember or October.Many thanks to Tony forthe reminder.

    Novice BureauI've also had a letter thismonth from MichaelShread GM6TAN. Heoperates the RSGB UK

    Novice QSL Bureau andpoints out that you don'tneed to be a member ofthe RSGB to collect cardsfrom the bureau.

    Michael is currentlyholding a large number ofunclaimed cards for Novicelicensees, but is sure thatthey would be welcome.He hasn't had to destroyany cards yet, but he's onlygot so much space to storethem.

    So, if you're a Novicelicensee and you think youmight have some cardsawaiting collection, send asuitably -sized pre -paidenvelope with your call -sign, name and address onthe front. You should alsostate how many cards youwant put in the envelopebefore it is posted to you.Don't forget to put the rightvalue in stamps on the

    envelope for the number ofcards or you'll have to paythe excess when they'redelivered!

    Of course, if you are amember of the RSGB thenyou can send your cardsvia the bureau. Using thebureau can save a greatdeal of money if you spenda lot of your time operatingand QSLing those stationsyou make contact with.

    Your envelope shouldgo to: Michael ShreadGM6TAN, 2a Seatown,Gardenstown, Banff,Banffshire AB45 3YQ.

    Don't forget, if youreceive a really good QSLcard, send it in and we'llshow everyone else howwell you've done. All cards

    are carefully looked afterand returned in one piece.

    Another letter I'vereceived this month aboutQSL cards is fromMargaret Christmas. Shehas recently had a batch ofQSL cards printed fromAdur Press.

    Margaret found AdurPress advertising in a CBmagazine and has beenvery pleased with the help-ful and swift way her orderwas handled.

    To see the kind of workAdur Press can do, send ans.a.e. to: Adur VillagePress, 'Alamosa', ThePaddocks, UpperBeeding, Steyning, WestSussex BN44 3JW. Andbefore you think there's aconnection betweenMargaret and Adur, don'tworry, she just thoughtshe'd pass on the informa-

    tion regarding a value formoney QSL service.

    Reference BookStill in my QSL theme, I'vegot a reference book in mycollection that I thoughtothers might find useful. Ithink K3CHP's DX QSLGuide is a very unusualbook, especially if you'vejust finished a 'rubberstamp' QSO with say aDanish amateur.

    How can you make yourQSL card stand out? Howabout writing your reportin Danish. This is all verywell assuming you aremulti-lingual (and I'm not -just a bit of 0 level Frenchmore years ago than I careto remember!). This iswhere the QSL guidecomes into play.

    The guide contains 12standard phrases, such as'Thank you very much forthe Q50', 'my age isyears', 'I hope to meet youagain soon', 'I would bevery grateful for your QSLcard', etc., in 54 differentlanguages! These rangefrom Africaans, throughCambodial, Hindi,Malagache and Sinhala toZulu.

    The K3CHP's DX QSLGuide costs $12 postpaidsurface mail to the UK. Ifyou're interested, send to:Joseph MikuckisK3CHP, 6913 FurmanParkway, Riverdale, MD20737-3016, USA.

    Now, if you can tell mein which language TerimaKaseh untok QSO says,Thank you for your QSL,you'll go into the biscuit tinfor the prize draw thismonth. The first two out ofthe biscuit tin will win anamateur radio world clockkindly donated by EasternCommunications,Cavendish House,Happisburgh, Norfolk.

    Space has caught upwith me again, so cheeriofor now and I'll give youthe answer to the languagequestion next month.

    Fectieq4101

    Practical Wireless, June 1994 15

  • AvonCity Of Bristol Group. Last Tuesdays, 7pm.New Friends Hall, Purdown, Bell Hill,Stapleton, Bristol BS16 1BG. May 31 - HalfYearly Meeting. Dave Bailey G4NKT onffi272) 672124.

    North Bristol ARC. Fridays, 7pm. Self HelpEnterprise, 7 Braemar Crescent,Northville, Bristol. RAE & Morse tuitionavailable for members. May 13 - A DisplayOf Radios For All, 20th - Open Forum, 27th- How To Use A Dip Oscillator, June 3 -Committee Meeting, 10th - The Latest InKits. Tony G4ROX on (0272) 513573.

    Shirehampton ARC. Fridays. May 13 - HFNFD Planning, 20th - Use Of E15DISoftware For NHL 27th - Final HF NFDPreparations, June 4/5 - HF NFD 50MHzContest. Ran Ford on (0272) 770504.

    South Bristol ARC. Wednesdays.Whitchurch Folkhouse Association,Bridge Farm House, East Dundry Road,Whitchurch, Avon BS14 OLN. May 18 -Simple Computer Programming by G4RZY,25th - Working Lundy Island Station byG7PKJ, June 1 - 80 Metres ActivityEvening, 8th - Bulls Eye Darts Evening.(0275) 834282.

    BedfordshireShefford & OARS. Thursdays, 8pm.Church Hall, Ampthill Road, Shefford,Bedfordshire.May 26. Mobile DF Hunt,June 2 - Mainline Electronics Talk by ZoeWhysall, Retail Sales Manager. PaulG1GSN on (0462) 700618.

    BerkshireMaidenhead & DARC. The Red Cross Hall,The Crescent Maidenhead, 7.45pm. May17 - Preparations For HF & VHF Field Days,June 4th/5th HF Field Day at Cliveden.Neil GBXYN on (0628) 25952.

    Newbury & OARS. 4th Wednesdays,7.30pm. Bucklebury Memorial Hall. May25 - HF Radio Contesting by G3SJJ.Norman on (0635) 863310.

    CheshireStockport RS. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays,7.45pm. Room 14, Dialstone Centre,Lisburne Lane, Offerton, Stockport,Cheshire. May 13 - How To ApplyApplications by GONKM, 20th - EasyHome -Brew by G3URW, 25th - HMSBronnington by G3XGE, June 10 - ABeginners View of TCP/IP by GOUDC. JimFrance G3KAF on 061-439 4952.

    ClwydWrexham ARS. Maesgwyn CommunityCentre, Maesgwyn Road, Wrexham. May17 - HF Activity Night, June 7 - Junk Sale.Ian Wright GW1MVL on (0978) 845858.

    DerbyshireBuxton Radio Amateurs. Lee Wood Hotel,Buxton, Bpm. May 24 - New MembersNight. Derek Carson G41H0 on (0298)25506.

    Derby & OARS. Wednesdays, 7.30pm. 119Green Lane, Derby. May 11 - AORIllustrated Talk by Richard Hillier G4NAD,18th - The CAIRO System by Peter BestG8COH, June 1 - Surplus Sale. HayleyWinfield G7PXA on (11773) 856904.

    DevonAppledore & DARC (Devon). 3rd Mondays,7.30pm. Appledore Football Clubroom.May 16 Radio Operating by GODLC,GOFCL & GOKKG. Reg Lyddon G4ETJ,QTHR on (0237) 477301.

    Plymouth RC. Tuesdays, 6.30pm RAEclass, 7.30pm Morse class, 8pm clubactivities. (As from June for the summer,

    meetings will be fortnightly). TheBasement, The Royal Fleet Club,Devonport. May 17 - BusinessMeeting/Natter Night 22nd - ProposedCoach Trip To Goonhilly Downs, 24th -Rally Job Selection Night, 29th - PRCRally, 31st - Field Day Briefing, June 5 -Field Day, 7th - Natter Night. F. P. RussellG7LUL, 63 Fleet Street, Keyham, PlymouthPL2 2BU on (0752) 563222.

    Torbay ARS. Fridays, 7.30pm. ECC SocialClub, Highweek, Newton Abbot. May 20 -Second Hand Sale. W. Hipwell G3HTX on(0803) 526762.

    DorsetDorset Police ARS. The Dorset PoliceARS will now be holding regular monthlymeetings, at Force HQ on the first andthird Thursdays of every month, at 7.30pm.Membership is open to Police Officers,serving and retired, civilian employees,Special Constables and their immediatefamily. The club welcomes contact fromother local clubs. June 19 - Visit To TheClub By The Staff of Practical Wireless,June 2 - Direction Finding by Ted Bain &Clive Hardy. Further info from PC915Richard Newton at Ferndown PoliceStation on (0202) 229351 or (0202) 229342.

    DfyedAberystwyth & DARS. 2nd Thursdays,Bpm. Scout Hut, Plascrug Avenue,Aberystwyth. May 12 - DF Hunt by RayGW3LNM, 26th - GWOARA On The Air.Kathy GWOSFO on (0545) 580675.

    EssexBraintree & DARS. 1st & 3rd Mondays,8pm. The Clubhouse, Braintree HockeyClub, Church Street, Booking. May 16 -AGM, 23rd Club Net, June 6 - DiscussionOn Carnival Entry. J. F. Button G1WQQ c/oG4JXG, 88 Coldnailhurst Avenue,Braintree, Essex CM7 5PY or PublicitySecretary on (0376) 327431.

    Colchester RA. Colchester Institute,Sheepen Road, Colchester. May 19 -Electronics And The Bomber Offensive byJ Stanley Wood, June 6 - ConstructionCompetition. Trevor Bradbeer GOURJ on(0206) 764034.

    FifeDunfermline & DARC. Thursdays, 7.30pm.Former RAF Station, Outh Muir located bythe A823 Dunfermline to Crief Road. May12 - HF Operating Evening, 19th - ContestLogging by Computer by WallaceGMOGNT, 26th - Junk Sale. WallaceShackleton GMOGNT, QTHR.

    Grampian RegionAberdeen ARS. Fridays, 8pm. QueenMother House, Aberdeen. May 13 -Unlucky For Some, 20th - Building TheYearling Part 3, 27th - Mock FCC Exam,June 3 NFD Briefing, 10th - Junk Sale.Gordon Stuart GM7PXW on (0224) 780591.

    Greater LondonCray Valley RS. 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 8pm.Progress Hall, Admiral Seymour Road,Eltham SE9. May 19 - RadioCommunication by The Editor MikeDennison G3XDV, June 2 - Surplus Sale.

    Bob Treacher on 081-8501386.

    Crystal Palace & ORC. 3rd Saturdays,7.30pm. All Saints Parish Rooms, BeulahHill, London SEIB (opposite junction withGrange Road). May 21 - Fibre Optics by A.Ogden G6JZN. Wilf Taylor G3DSC on 081-699 5732 or Bob Burns G300U on (0737)552170.

    Edgware & DRS. Watling CommunityCentre, 145 Orange Hill Road, Burnt Oak,Bpm. May 12 - F. J. Comm - The Man AndHis 'Comic' by Steve Slater GOPDB, 26th -Constructors Cup/NFD Briefing. RodBishop GOSOL on 081- 204 1868.

    GreaterManchesterRochdale & OARS. Mondays, Bpm. TheCemetery Hotel, 470 Bury Road, Rochdale,Lancs. May 16 - PMR Gear by GOGNR.Brian on 061-653 8316 or John on (0706)376204.

    GwentNewport ARS. Mondays, 7pm. BrynglasHouse, Brynglas Road, Newport. June 4 -Talk by John Case GW4HWR. Pat PearlGW7MVQ on (0633)250017.

    GwyneddDragon ARC. 1st & 3rd Mondays, 7.30pm.Four Crosses Hotel, Menai Bridge. June 6- The Art Of QRP by George Dobbs. TonyRees GWOFMQ on (0248) 600963.

    Porthmadog & DARS. 3rd Thursdays, 8pm.Harbour Cafe, Ffestiniog Railway,Porthmadog. May 19 - History Of Radio byPat GW3KJW. Pat Vemalls (0766) 770546.

    HampshireAndover RAC. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm.Wildern Village Hall. June 7 - NatterNight. G8A1.11 (0264) 773547.

    Basingstoke ARC. 1st Mondays, 7.30pm.Forest Ring Community Centre, SycamoreWay, Winklebury, Basingstoke. May 22 -144MHz Direction Finding Competition:0S174 - Fox Eddie G4SQZ, June 4/5 -144MHz Direction Finding Weekend, NewForest, 6th - Planning For VHF Field Day/Visit From Local RSGB Liaison Officer.(0256) 25517.

    Famborough & DRS. 2nd & 4thWednesdays, 8pm. FarnboroughCommunity Centre, Meudon Avenue,Farnborough, Hants. May 25 - HF FieldDay Preview & Mini Lecture. GBATK on(0252) 715765.

    Horndean & DARC. 1st Thursdays, 7.30pm.Horndean Community School, BartonCross (off Catherington Lane), Horndean,Hants. June 2 - Radio Bygones by GeoffArnold G3GSR. Stuart Swain GOFYX on(0705) 472846.

    lichen Valley RC. 2nd & 4th Fridays,7.30pm. Scout Hut, Brickfield Lane,Chandlers Ford. May 27 - How AntennasAnd Feeders Work by Nigel GerdesG7CAW, June 10 - Amateur RadioAstronomy by John Smith. Les KennardG3ABA on (0703) 732997.

    The Three Counties ARC. Every otherWednesday, 8pm. Railway Hotel, Liphook,

    Hampshire. May 25 - The History OfElectronic Warfare by Harry Spiller ExChief Engineer Of Racal Electronics. TornMilne on 10428) 606298.

    Hereford &WorcesterBromsgrove ARS. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays,8pm. Lickey End Social Club, AlcesterRoad, Burcot, Bromsgrove. May 24 - NightOn The Air. Mr B. Taylor GOTPG on 10527)542266.

    HertfordshireDecorum AR & TS. 1st (informal) & 3rd(formal) Tuesdays, 8pm. The Heath Park,Cotterells, Hemel Hempstead. May 17 -BBQ & Radio Junk Sale. Nicholas CampG7KFQ, 48 Northfield Road, Harpenden,Herts AL5 5HZ.

    Hoddesdon RC. Alternate Thursdays, 8pm.Conservative Club, Rye Road, Hoddesdon,Herts. May 12 - Junk Sale/Natter Night,26th - Photography Is My Profession byRod, Grafton ARC, June 9 -First Visit ToStanstead Air Traffic Control Centre. JohnG70C1 on (0920) 466639.

    Stevenage & DARS. Tuesdays, 7.30pm.Stevenage Day Centre, Chells Way,Stevenage. May 17 - How To Make TheBest Out Of A Difficult Job by RalphG7HFD, 24th - Arrangements For VHF FieldDay, 31st - Video Evening by Ralph G7HFD,Neil Ravilious 2E1ASZ on (0438) 350882.

    HumbersideGoole R & ES. Fridays, 7.30pm. West ParkPavilion, West Park, Goole, last Fridays atthe 'Old George Inn', Market Place, Goole.May 13 - Contests, 20th - DF Practice, 27th- Social Evening, June 3 - On Air, 5th - DFEvent. Steve Price G8VHL on (0405)769130.

    Isle Of WightIsle of Wight RS. Unity Hall, Mill Square,Wootton, Isle of Wight P033 4HS. May21/22 - Kite Festival Puckpoole SpecialEvent. (0983) 872620.

    KentDover RC. Wednesdays. Duke Of York'sSchool, Guston, Nr. Dover. May 18 -Natter & Operating Night, 25th - Locators,June 1 - Novice Evening, 8th - RF Q&ASession. Mike Bowers G7NOR on (0304)825030.

    Medway AR & TS. Fridays. Tunbury Hall,Catkin Close, Tunbury Avenue,Walderslade, Chatham, Kent. Visitors &new members welcome. May 20 - AnIntroductory Chat On Air Traffic Control byDave Lawrence G6HXR, June 10 -RAYNET Video by Alan Stanley G1OMH.Mrs Gloria Ackerley G3VUN, 40 LinwoodAvenue, Strood, Rochester, Kent ME23TR. Tel: (0634) 710023.

    Sevenoaks & DARS. May 16 - ElectronicRepairs by John Turnbull G1TVJ. TheSecretary, c/a Sevenoaks DistrictCouncil, Council Offices, Argyle Road.Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1HG.

    LancashireFylde ARS. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7.45pm.Blackpool South Shore Lawn Tennis Club,Midgeland Road, South Shore, Blackpool.May 24th - NFD Preparations. EricFielding G4IHF on (0253) 726685.

    LincolnshireGrantham RC. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 8pm.Kontak Sports & Social Club, BarrowbyRoad, Grantham. May 17 - Prison ServiceDog Display, June 7 - Disscussion Night.John Kirton G8WWJ on (0476) 6570.

    Lincoln Short Wave Club. Wednesdays,

    16 Practical Wireless, June 1994

  • 7.30pm. City Engineers Club, CentralDepot, Waterside South, Lincoln. May 18 -Japanese Morse by Norman KendrickG3CSG. Pam G4STO on (0427) 788356.

    Spalding & DARS. Fridays, 7.30pm. OldFire Station, Albion Street, Spalding. May30 - Life Of An Auctioneer by A. Porter.G400, QTHR on (0775) 750382.

    MerseysideLiverpool & OARS. Tuesdays, 8pm.Churchill Club, Church Road, Wavertree,Liverpool. May 17 - Quiz, 24th - OF Hunt,31st - Surplus Sale, June 7 - Special EventPreparations. Ian Meet G4WWX on 051-7221178.

    Sefton ARC. 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, LiverpoolPrison Officers Social Club, Walton. PhilTaylor G4KIN on 051.531 0991.

    NorfolkDereham ARC. 2nd Thursdays, 8pm. St.Johns Ambulance Hall, Yaxham Road,Dereham. May 12 Trip To EasternCommunications, June 9 - Informal. MarkTaylor GOLGJ on (0362) 691099.

    Fakenham ARC. 1st Tuesdays, 7.30pm.Trinity Church Room, Hempton. June? -AGM. Dave G4DCJ on (0485) 528633.

    Norfolk ARC. Wednesdays, 7.30pm.University Arms, South Park Avenue,Norwich. May 18 - Night On TheAir/Construction/Morse Practice, 25th -Final HF NFD Briefing. Dale Simkin on10603137393.

    NorthantsKettering & DARS. Tuesdays, 7.30pm.Electricity Sports & Social Club, EksdaleStreet, Kettering. May 17 - A Talk ByRadio Investigation Service, 28th/29th -Castles On The Air GB8RC. Chris BoumeG4RPG at Eskdale Street address.

    NottinghamshireNottingham ARC. Thursdays, 7.30pm.Sherwood Community Centre, MansfieldRoad, Nottingham. May 12 - The SecretWar by Henry G4MHB, 19th - Fox HuntNo. 2, 26th - Construction/Activity Night,June 2 - Forum/Night On The Air, 9th

    Visit To Nottinghamshire Ambulance HQ.Simon GOIEG on (0602) 501733,

    ShropshireSalop ARS. Thursdays, 8pm. Oak Hotel,Shrewsbury. May 12 - Junk Sale, 19th -Foxhunt Chase 2, 26th - Discussion ByRSGB Representative Dave GourleyGOMJY, June 2 - Natter Night.. SheilaBlumfield GOSST on (0743) 361935.

    SomersetYeovil ARC. Thursdays. Red Cross HQ,Grove Avenue, Yeovil, Somerset. May 12 -Post Mortem on QRPConvention/Enrolment For RAE Classes,19th - Negative Resistance Oscillators byG3MYM, 26th - Club Station On Air, June 2- RSGB Videos, 9th - A QRP Booster byG3PCJ. Cedric White G4JBL on (0258)473845.

    StaffordshireBloxwich RS. 2nd & 4th Mondays,7.30pm. All meetings are non-smoking.May 23 - Contest Preparation. Rob BriggsGOTDF on (0902)722830.

    StrathclydePaisley ARC. Alternate Wednesdays,7.30pm. 5 New Street, Paisley. RAE/Morseclasses on Tuesdays. May 25 - AGM.Stuart GMOUKD on (0505) 335195.

    SuffolkIpswich RC. May 18 - ESWR RallyPlanning Meeting, 25th - CW Evening.Mrs S. Elden G8HYE, 124 Larchcroft Road,Ipswich IP1 6PQ.

    Sudbury & DRA. 1st Tuesdays, 8pm. WellsHall Old School, Great Conrad, Sudbury,Suffolk. 3rd Tuesdays, 8pm. Five BellsPublic House, Bures Road, Great Conrad,Sudbury. May 15 - Special Event Station,17th - Natter & Noggin, June 7 -Integrated Circuits by Tony G8LTY. TonyHarman G8LTY on (0787) 313212 or G8LTY

    GB7NNA.

    SurreyDorking & DRS. The Friends MeetingHouse, South Street, Dorking, 7.45pm.

    Please send in all of your 'Club News'items to Donna Vincent at the editorial

    offices in Broadstone.

    May 24 - Workshop Practices by JohnGreenwell G3AEZ. John GreenwellG3AEZ on (0306) 631236.

    Surrey RCC. 'Terra Nova' The Waldrons,Waddon, Croyden, Surrey. May 23 -Natter Night, June 6 - Early Days Of BairdTV by Ray Herbert G2KU. Berni MB on081-660 7517.

    Sutton & Cheam RS. 3rd Thursdays,7.30pm. Sutton United Football Club, TheBorough Sports Ground, Gander GreenLane, Sutton, Surrey. Natter Nights - 1stThursdays. May 19 - AGM, June 2 - NatterNight. John Puttock GOB WV, 53Alexandra Avenue, Sutton SM1 2PA.

    The Kingston & DARS. 3rd Wednesdays,8pm. Alfriston, 3 Berrylands Road, SurreyKT5 8RB. May 18 - Siberian Adventures byPaul Hughes GOBXC. Ray Fuller on 081-398 1128.

    Wimbledon & OARS. 2nd & last Fridays.St. Andrews Church Hall, Herbert Road,Wimbledon SW19. May 27 - SurplusEquipment Sale. George Cripps G3DWWon 081-540 2120.

    TaysideDundee ARC. Tuesdays, 7pm. College ofFurther Education, Graham Street,Dundee. May 17 - Club Awards Evening,24th - Construction Night. George MillarGM4FSB, 30 Albert Crescent, Newport -on -Tay, Fife DOG 8DT.

    WarwickshireCoventry ARS. Fridays, 8pm. BadenPowell House, 121 St Nicholas Street,Radford, Coventry. May 13 - Night On TheAir, 20th - Portable Night On The Air, 27th- Night On The Air/Morse Code Tuition.David G1ORG on (0203) 311468.

    Stratford -Upon -Avon & DRS. 2nd & 4thMondays, 7.30pm. Home Guard Club,Main Road, Tiddington, Stratford -Upon -Avon, Warwickshire. May 23 144MHz OFHunt. Alan Beasley GOCXJ on (0608)82495.

    West SussexWorthing & DARC. Wednesdays 7.30pm.Parish Hall, South Street, Lancing,Worthing, West Sussex. May 15 - SpecialEvent Station