A quick reminder that this coming Monday, the 15th of February, is the next Essex Skills Night in Danbury. The event is hosted by the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Training Team.
The Skills Nights continue to be one of the most popular gatherings of radio enthusiasts in the area. The events are free to all, and everyone’s welcome – no need to be a member of any club to attend. Skills Nights are informal get-togethers where you can discover something new, mingle, share ideas and talk about the hobby.
Here’s what’s in store for the February 2016 Skills Night:
- Construction: Members of the CARS Training Team will be on hand to help with patch leads, antenna construction or your latest project. If you need some advice on construction or soldering, or you need access to tools, go and see the team in the dedicated construction room.
- Satellites & ISS: Following on from Steve M0SHQ’s talk at CARS earlier this month, Steve will be on hand to help with satellite questions, help you get started with working satellites, and pass on information on the recent Tim Peake ISS schools contacts.
- Digital Voice: A demonstration of the DV4 Mini dongle (DMR and D-Star) running on a Raspberry Pi, by Dean 2E0DSX
- Radio Programming: Charlie M0PZT will be available to programme Baofeng and Yaesu handhelds with local repeaters and any extra frequencies needed, for free of course. Mobile Yaesu rigs can also be done if you bring the DC cable (No need to bring a 12V PSU)
- DMR: Updated codeplugs for the TYT MD-380, plus help with understanding the recent changes to TalkGroups, and general advice on Time-Slots and all things DMR
- Ham Essentials: Charlie M0PZT will have a small selection of his Ham Goodies including Coax adapters, ferrites and some free handouts for DMR and portable operating.
- Morse and More: Meet the team from the Essex CW Club, and learn more about their mode of choice.
- Essex Ham: Getting Started advice and leaflets, the new Raspberry Pi Zero, other items of show-and-tell, plus a video of the 2016 Canvey Rally. We’re also providing the event’s wi-fi
- Callsign Badges: Got a new callsign recently? Tell everyone who you are with a callsign badge engraved while-you-wait by Jim 2E0JTW and Glynis 2E0CUQ
- Data modes: Advice on Ham Radio Deluxe, JT65, SSTV and getting started with data.
- Chelmsford ARS: Visit the CARS table where you can join the society, find out about upcoming training and events, or pick up some CARS merchandise and leaflets
- Quiz: Chris G0IPU challenges you to answer some ham radio questions, just for fun
As usual, representatives from Essex Ham, CARS, the Essex Repeater Group, the Essex CW Club and Essex RAYNET will be on hand to help with questions you may have.
The above list is subject to last-minute change.
If you’ve been along to a Skills Night before, you’ll know what to expect – the usual mix of demonstrations, show-and-tell, construction, plus the chance to chat, ask questions and swap ideas. If you’ve not visited a Skills Night before… why not? Come along! It’s a friendly event with free tea and coffee where you can come along and learn more about the hobby. All are welcome, there’s no charge, and you don’t need to be a member of any club to come along.
| Where: | Danbury Village Hall, 2 Main Road, Danbury, Chelmsford Essex CM3 4NQ See: Danbury Village Hall Map & Directions |
| When: | Monday 15th February 2016 – 7pm to 9pm |
The Essex Skills Night is hosted by the CARS Training Team, and is supported by Essex Ham. The Essex Skills Nights are free to attend, with refreshments provided. The event is open to all regardless of licence level and club affiliation – If you know someone interested in coming along – please let them know and bring them along.
Skills Night Links:
- Chelmsford ARS Skill Night page
- Essex Ham’s Skills Night Page – Videos, photos and interactive map
- Amateur Radio at Danbury Village Hall
- Essex Ham’s Summary of previous Skills Nights
