agenda

The Sherwood Ratings: Transceiver Performance for the HF DX & Contest Operator , Rob NC0B

Rob Sherwood’s name has become something of a standard in the radio amateur equipment world as a trusted comparison guide to the technical performance of a wide range of transceivers.

This presentation will explain the process that Sherwood Engineering go through to produce detailed performance figures for a wide range of transceivers. Rob will talk about the acquisition of a true random sample of the radio, through to the technical processes of measurement and the compilation and presentation of comparative results.

The presentation will also include details of Rob’s recent findings on the long awaited new Elecraft K4D.

Rob will also talk about how modern receivers have become very good but how generally many transmitters need attention to some aspects of their performance.

The Sherwood comparison table

Assessing your station against ICNIRP EMF levels  –  John M0JAV

Ofcom is implementing changes to all transmitting licences to require licensees to comply with ICNIRP general public limits on EMF exposure. This will include previously licence exempt users who transmit at powers of more than 10W EIRP. John will introduce the work of the RSGB and ARRL experts in assessment of exposure to EM fields.

RSGB responded to the Ofcom consultation (on behalf of UK amateurs) and we are now preparing guidance on compliance with the new requirements. The talk will outline these requirements and introduce four ways to conduct and record the results of the assessment include calculating required separation, use of known compliant station configurations and potential mitigating actions.

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Introduction to Meteor Scatter communications  –  Gavin MM1BXF.

Have you ever thought about making more QSOs over a longer range on VHF? This talk will give you the background on how to achieve that through bouncing your signal off meteor trails. During the talk Gavin will show you how and why Meteor Scatter communications work: what software you should use, how you should use it, and when you should use it.

He’ll also look at what tools are available to help you to maximise your QSO count.

Repeaters: how they are built, planned, commisioned and used  –
Steve F4VTF/G8SFR

Voice repeaters have been with us in UK for almost 50 years a lot has changed in that time. We all are aware of repeaters but how many of us have considered what’s involved in getting one commissioned?

In his presentation, Steve will cover a wide variety of information about repeaters, including the following:

• What is a repeater, even in its most basic form?
• What is required to put a repeater on air?
• Are all repeaters connected to the internet?
• Is it important to support your local repeater group?
• Don’t just listen….put out a call, respond to other people’s calls even if you don’t know them!
• Is a Simplex Gateway an alternative to a voice repeater?
• What does Emerging Technology Co-ordination Committee(ETCC) do?
• Where can you find out more information

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Bitx to SBitx: The journey and development of this exciting and affordable range of transceivers by Ashhar VU2ESE.

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