If you’re looking to learn something new, pick up some ideas or get some advice on amateur radio, we’d encourage you to come along to this Monday’s Essex Skills Night in Danbury. The event takes place from 7pm on Monday the 20th of June 2016, and 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. It’s great for those new to the hobby keen to get some advice or ideas on the next steps. The events are informal, free to all, and everyone’s welcome – no need to be a member of any club to attend.
| Where: | Danbury Village Hall, 2 Main Road, Danbury, Chelmsford Essex CM3 4NQ See: Danbury Village Hall Map & Directions |
| When: | Monday 20th June 2016 – 7pm to 9pm |
Here’s what’s planned for the June 2016 Skills Night :
- Kits and SMD: For the first time, Dave G4HUP will bring along a selection of his kits (www.hupRF.com), plus tools for working with SMD (Surface Mount Devices). Dave will be happy to offer advice on a range of topics NEW
- Working Satellites – Steve M0SHQ returns after a short break to offer advice on getting started with space contacts. Although Tim Peake’s now back on terra firma, there’s plenty up in orbit to work!
- Spectrum Analyser – Mike G4NVT will be bringing along his test kit and offering practical advice on how to use it – Plus advice on VSWR testing, filter testing and set up. Please bring along your 2m handhelds, as Mike would like to do some tests looking at harmonics and check your antennas for a match.
- Test equipment – Steve G4GHO will be bringing along his antenna analyser, VNWA and S-parameter test set
- Wind Speed and Direction Project – Alan M0IWZ will be bringing along a homebrew solution made from Arduino and cheap eBay parts – handy for those with masts and large antennas
- Data Modes: A demo of one of the many data modes, and help on how to get started using data, courtesy of Essex Ham
- Tim Peake ISS: A screening of the latest RSGB video with an overview of the Tim Peake ARISS contacts in 2016
Skills Night Regulars
- 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 Raspberry Pi Zero, details on the popular online training course, plus the event’s wi-fi
- Chelmsford ARS: Ray 2E0GVE will be manning the CARS membership and merchandise table
- 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
- 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, Essex RAYNET and Ham Goodies will be on hand to help with questions you may have.
The above list is subject to last-minute change.
More about Skills Night
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 have a licence, or 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
