Essex Skills Night March 2016 Reminder

A quick reminder that this coming Monday, the 21st of March, is the next Essex Skills Night in Danbury. The event is hosted by the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society Training Team.

The Essex 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 March 2016 Skills Night:

• Software Defined Radios: Chris M6EDF returns with a demo of the GNU radio companion running on the Hack RF, plus SDR# on the RTL dongle. If you have a dongle and are having a problem, bring your laptop along, and Chris will try to help. Chris is well-known locally for his high altitude balloon launches, so if that’s an interest, have a chat with Chris.
• Working /P: With the portable operating season on the way, Charlie M0PZT will get you warmed up and ready for some fresh air hamming by bringing his portable equipment including his FT-857 frame. Also, a selection of Ham Goodies including the new RTL dongle and a selection of aerial adapters and handy /P accessories.
• Satellites & ISS: Steve M0SHQ’s passionate about working satellites and with Tim Peake still aboard the space station, if you want to listen in to the ISS, of have a QSO via satellite, come and chat with Steve.
• 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). Charlie can also help with programming and codeplugs for the TYT MD-380 DMR handie.
• Construction: 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.
• Home Brew Test Equipment: Melvin 2E0DNS will be bringing along a selection of bit of test equipment he’s used over the years to make repairs on AM radio receivers. This may be of interest to those looking to get started in the world of construction
• 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
• Antennas (possibly): Andy G7TKK will be along with something interesting to show… but we’re not sure what yet!
• 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.

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