May meeting - Issues in amateur radio today

Marconi Centre, Poldhu, Cornwall We heard tales of trips "home" to Cornwall from Bob Morris ZL2AVM. There was a pirate mentioned... just one as it happens, but Bob ZL2AVM took us on a fascinating illustrated communications romp through parts of Cornwall over several centuries. From coast-top beacons, flag signalling, telegraph experiments and undersea cables he lured us into his world as a lad growing up. His family links with the area helped set the scene for a discussion of Marconi’s activities (with special reference to Poldhu and Porthcurno, and to the impetus the development of railways gave to electrical signalling requirements. There was even a glimpse of Goonhilly (further west) which began as a satellite telecoms tracking station, only to change its nature as reliable undersea cables and “stationary orbit” satellites became dominant. The site of Bob’s first amateur station G3KYB was disclosed, and he asserted that while he had been tempted, he never did run an antenna from the shack up the adjacent church tower.

The third in a series of "nosh n natter nights" was a cold and blustery evening. However a dozen members turned out, complete with a plate. There was plenty of food. Excerpts from branch newsletters from the last 50 years were read out stimulating conversation. There was also a tape recording or two of silent keys talking about the "good old days" of amateur radio and the second district radio club (aka Branch 50). Most people were able to contribute something nostalgic - whether it was about their first crystal set, the amateur op who introduced them to amateur radio, or commentary on some strange electrical object that mystified the experts abroad (George's dielectric constant measuring device). The night went on until 9.30pm before the Chair thought he had better call an end to the meeting (after failing to stop the nostalgic contributions 20 minutes earlier. There were no boring tales, but maybe a porky or two (from Richard?)!

VE3GSODave VE3GSO will speak at our April meeting about his experience with digital modes in Ontario, Canada. Come along to the Lutheran Church Hall, King St, Mt Cook at 7.30pm on Wednesday 15 April.