TX Factor launched just over a year ago, as the UK’s only amateur radio TV show. It’s covered a number of topics and activities around the country since its launch, and this month, has come to Essex.
On Saturday the 7th of March 2015, presenters Bob McCreadie G0FGX and Nick Bennett 2E0FGQ visited Chelmsford to get a feel for what’s happening with amateur radio in the Birthplace of Radio.
Essex is a very busy county for amateur radio both on and off the air, and several features were recorded in Chelmsford today, to be used in an upcoming episode of TX Factor. The TX Factor team spent the day with members of the Essex Repeater Group and the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society, to find out more about a number of activities in Essex.
Training:
The founder of the Chelmsford Amateur Radio Society training team, Chris G0IPU, explained a little about the history of the launch of the club’s training back in 2001, and how the team has gone on to run over 30 Foundation training courses, as well as Intermediate and Full courses and exams.
Clive G1EUC, CARS Training Manager, also spoke about the training team’s activities, and the club’s focus of getting new people into the hobby.
Repeaters:
Clive G1EUC, the Chairman of the Essex Repeater Group, gave an overview of the group’s four voice repeaters, and what’s involved in keeping them on-air. The interview was recorded in Danbury at Clive’s QTH, which houses the GB7ZP D-Star repeater. Those who visited Clive’s QTH can’t fail to have been impressed by the antenna system, which includes two antennas supplied by Canvey-based Justin G0KSC from Innovantennas – A 6-element antenna for 6 metres, plus a 10m Moxon
The team also filmed the Essex Repeater Group’s Secretary Murray G6JYB at the site on Danbury Hill that houses GB3DA and GB3ER.
D-Star in Essex:
Murray G6JYB spoke about the Essex Repeater Group’s D-Star 70cm repeater GB7ZP, showing the repeater hardware. Murray also mentioned his work as Chairman of the RSGB’s Spectrum Forum, as well as with the CARS training team.
Skills Night:
Keen to discuss training and development, Bob from TX Factor wanted to find out more about the Skills Nights, hosted by CARS. Pete M0PSX explained the thinking behind these popular monthly get-togethers, and how amateurs from Essex, Kent, London and beyond continue to visit to share ideas and learn something new. Pete also mentioned the Monday Night Net, which started back in 2011 with aims to encourage new operators to get on-the-air and gain confidence.
TX Factor in Essex
The features recorded in Chelmsford will feature in an upcoming TX Factor episode. If you’ve not tried the TX Factor yet, give it a watch – the shows are very well produced, and take a close look at all sorts of aspects of the hobby. The current show, released in February looks at Islands On The Air (IOTA), talks to the RSGB’s new youth representative, tests one of Innovantennas’ latest beams, and visits a veteran amateur.
Go to www.txfactor.co.uk to see the latest show, a list of previous shows, and for details of how to sign up to get the free shows.
Related Links
Credit: Thanks to Murray G6JYB for the photos
