Mike et al, time for some analysis…
Facebook and social media
======================
Facebook’s biggest growth area is, and has been for some time, in older people
(> 34), so its quite likely that radio amateurs are going there. It’s losing
popularity amongst the youngsters, though.
For facebook: http://www.slideshare.net/oreillymedia/facebook-demo-20090415
<http://www.slideshare.net/oreillymedia/facebook-demo-20090415> in 2009:
The UK had 18 million active users. The majority of users were 18-34, majority
growth for Europe was in the 45 to 65 year age range, but also had a peak from
13-17, with most users being female. That is about 1 in 3 people.
Japan had 3.3 million active users. Asian user profile was similar to Europe,
except majority users male. That was about 1 in 50 people.
The US had 59.6 million active users. Americas user profile was similar to
Europe, majority of users female. That was about 1 in 5 people.
Facebook users are rapidly ‘getting older’, though, in 2014 :
http://investorplace.com/2014/02/facebook-users-demographics/#.Vjrc06IrNsM
<http://investorplace.com/2014/02/facebook-users-demographics/#.Vjrc06IrNsM> US
users are up to 180 million, threefold since 2009 report above, and now approx.
1 in 2 people in the US. The biggest growth group is 55+ so that would align
with Radio Amateur populations, with biggest active group 35-54 and the biggest
fall in 18-24 years old.
It seems just as likely that Japanese people use alternative social media, for
example. http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/social-media-fast-facts-japan
<http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/social-media-fast-facts-japan>
suggests that the Japanese far prefer Twitter, and number an astonishing 9% of
global users, but also that Facebook users have grown by 300% in the last 3
years to 17 million, rather more than the 3.3 million reported by O’Reilly,
above. Also see
https://takeme2japan.wordpress.com/2009/02/12/social-media-in-japan/
<https://takeme2japan.wordpress.com/2009/02/12/social-media-in-japan/> which
shows just how rapidly the trends move. In 2009, most Japanese were using
Mixi, but Facebook has rocketed since.
Radio Amateur numbers across the world
====================================
The numbers are interesting… according to
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio_operator
<http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=13864>, (see also IARU figures
at http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=13864
<http://www.dxzone.com/cgi-bin/dir/jump2.cgi?ID=13864>,
http://www.n0hr.com/ham_radio_population.htm) we have
1,296,059 licensed amateurs in 1999 in Japan, which is 1.012% of the population.
738,497 licensed amateurs in 2012 in the US, which is 0.239% of the population.
15% of them are said to be female.
(Thailand, Korea, Germany, Taipei, Spain, then)...
58,426 licensed amateurs in 2000 in the UK, which is 0.094% of the population.
8th largest in the world for licensed amateurs, or 11th largest by %age of
population (see the table below).
Also note 81,000 licences allocated according to this:
http://www.essexham.co.uk/news/ofcom-amateur-radio-licence-review.html
Global numbers
---------------------
According to the IARU figures, the number of licensed amateurs globally has
grown from
399,000 in 1965 to
2,789,720 in 2000
over that period, showing growth each year. I don’t know what’s happened
since, and 15 years is a long time, so perhaps it’s now going the other way.
From the %age table well below, though, you can see that the UK is actually
reasonably well placed in Europe, in fact 5th.
The undisputed world champ, though, either way, is Japan. Hence I’d be
wondering why Japan is so amazingly far ahead of anywhere else in all measures.
UK RAE pass figures, 1946 to 2003
============================
Historical view of UK RAE, 1946 to 2003:
http://www.g4dmp.co.uk/rae/raestats.pdf:
1946: 395 RAE passes (ex-military folk?)
1959: 1102 RAE passes (first year above 1000 - ex mil?)
1982: 8000 RAE passes (highest ever - post-CB boom)
1991: 3000 RAE passes (sight peak when Novice RAE introduced )
1997: 980 RAE passes (first year below 1000 since 1959)
2003: 652 RAE passes.
After that, the RSGB began to run the RAE, and figures seem quite hard to find!
So, does anyone know what the RAE pass figures are since 2003? I cannot find
them.
RSGB membership
================
This is interesting:http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/minutes/March2014.pdf
<http://www.rsgbcc.org/hf/minutes/March2014.pdf> suggests 1993 membership at
30,000 and 2013 membership at 21,500, which does show that the RSGB is,
perhaps, in trouble, but this might be more representative of the post CB boom
that anything else.
What caused the 1980s Amateur Radio boom?
====================================
The biggest ever injection of Radio Amateur Examination passes was, it seems,
from the ex-CB fraternity in the 1980s. This rather suggests that making a
film like Convoy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd5ZLJWQmss
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd5ZLJWQmss> might be the best possible thing
you could do. A large part of the appeal of CB was its edgy, not-really-legal
feel, along with the fantasy-lifestyle which went along with the films, the
E-type Jaguar, the CB jargon, and the feel-good, go-nowhere story (I was never
a CBer, btw, I was licensed before this). So perhaps the RSGB is heading the
in the right direction in some respects! The key follow-up TV series was The
Dukes of Hazzard, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qogVHlmFcx0
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qogVHlmFcx0> which again featured a
feel-good, slightly edgy, CB and road-based series of escapades, interspersed
with Daisy Duke’s (Catherine Bach's) eyebrow-raising wardrobe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToEHObxHqI4.
If that weren’t enough, we also had Smokie and the Bandit - here is the CB
tutorial made to go with the film - see Burt Reynolds teach you US CB talk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRwiAk2wjZo
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRwiAk2wjZo>
Buford T Justice quotes from Smokie and the Bandit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN3c64j2DPE
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uN3c64j2DPE>
Analysis of the CB impact, and its cultural links
====================================
The biggest growth in amateur radio was as a direct consequence of Hollywood
lifestyle films, promoting a feel-good, slightly edgy, but ultimately morally
upright characters, taking on an establishment of well intentioned, but
ultimately corrupt figures. CB radio provides the key mechanism through which
the heroes and heroines communicate, using special language and social networks
which the establishment figures understand, but are unable to effectively
emulate.
The growth in illegal CB created a peak in demand for both better performing
radios and for more legitimacy amongst users in the UK. This directly
translated into a massive boost, around 8-fold growth, in successful RAE
candidates. The subsequent disappearance in CB-radio derived television and
film genre post 1980s, and its replacement with weak 1990s US ‘comedy’ shows
like Seinfeld, the Cosby Show providing ‘feel-good’ (if you liked them) and the
more dystopian Family Guy and South Park appealing to the more ‘edgy’ side of
things, signalled the end of this CB-driven cultural era.
The very utopian Star Trek spin-off series attracted some of the more
scientifically minded, whilst the beautifully written, cast and acted Blake’s
7, with its dystopian themes, went the way of the CB film and TV show.
In these 1990s+ televised utopian worlds, the technology generally ‘just
works’. Sub-cultures, such as the CB/Truckers world are generally frowned
upon, and rarely shown in any kind of positive light. Scientists and engineers
are typically characterised in several, generally unflattering ways, which can
include ‘sneering intellectual’, ‘troubled mad-man’, ‘amoral sociopath’,
‘socially inept figure of fun’. Or, for the mainstream characters, they simply
espouse a lot of non-sensical jargon, whilst shoving their equivalent of the
sonic screwdriver into something with lots of flashing lights, which generally
starts to work after a couple of bashes, and the day is saved. This has changed
little since the 1990s, with current television shows characterising scientific
types as ‘talking nasally’ and ‘a bit dim really’, and always characters to
laugh at.
Education
========
Our education system is deeply biased against males. Presently, 50% of females
attend university, but only 38% of males, and by 2025, 70% of undergraduates
will be female according to the OECD:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/5459854/Girls-will-take-up-70-per-cent-of-university-places-says-new-study.html
<http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/5459854/Girls-will-take-up-70-per-cent-of-university-places-says-new-study.html>.
The beginning of this trend coincided exactly with the introduced of GCSEs to
replace O-levels in 1988, however, the trend towards academically favouring
females over males is representative in many countries as well as the UK. The
only area in Universities where males outnumber females currently is in hard
sciences. The recent ‘discovery’ of the links between autism and science seem
unlikely to influence policy makers overly.
This imbalance is shocking, and is something the amateur radio community could
look to address, by encouraging younger *males* in schools to consider academic
study. The remarks above regarding the very negative characterisation of
science and scientific culture in mainstream media are probably related.
‘Nerd, Geek, Anorak, …’ very appealing!
As the RAE is fundamentally exam and practical based, it offers equal
opportunity, no matter your learning style, something which could be promoted.
Ofcom, businesses and radio spectrum
==============================
Ofcom seem very interested in trying to hijack amateur radio spectrum in order
to ‘sell’ it to businesses. Once the family silver is gone, there will be no
getting it back. One argument is the falling number of licences granted,
however, there are far more now than there were 50 years ago, so this seems to
be a weak argument.
Contrarily, Ofcom appear to have zero role in, or even any recognition of, the
educational value of amateur radio.
Other interest groups
================
Radio amateurs have much in common with other amateur and professional groups,
such as Astronomers, IET, chess clubs, BCS (British Computing Society).
Politics usually gets in the way of things I know, but maybe forming
philosophical societies which include all of these people might help.
Conclusions
==========
1. A re-characterisation of scientific people in a positive light is essential
in mainstream culture. The moral and intellectual high-ground has been lost,
and needs be re-gained. Influencing mainstream media is critical, and perhaps
the RSGB’s film will address some of that, so in that sense, I’ve rather
persuaded myself that it has cultural value beyond my initial feeling.
2. A nice glossy film associating amateur radio with feel-good, slightly edgy,
but ultimately morally upstanding lifestyle, accessible to all, yet forming a
powerful and desirable sub-culture, could well result in huge growth again.
It’s interesting to note that most dystopian, post-apocalypse futures films do
not show communications as existing at all; perhaps one where radio amateurs
continue to communicate in the dystopian future would be an interesting new
take. Raynet meets Mad Max, but feeling like Convoy.
3. Spin-off television with an amateur radio focus could have almost
immeasurable advantage. The adventures of the Wizards of West Kent :-) TX
Factor will not achieve this, it’s very good indeed, but is about amateur
radio, it’s not about lifestyle at all. Hmm - here’s a thought, why not invite
the TX factor team to make a show about one, or several Raynet events? That
could show amateur radio supporting the community in a very positive way.
4. In 2003, RAE passes fell to below the 1959 level. I don’t know the figures
since, but we are 12 years on. Academically, there has been a recent
resurgence in scientific study at universities, so the time is absolutely right
to go back out to those science departments and look to recruit into amateur
radio. Be aware, though, that they are mostly male, so any material should be
made with that in mind!
5. The RSGB should work *with* Ofcom to make representation to academics
regarding amateur radio and its educational value. Ofcom should not be simply
acting as the store-keeper for spectrum.
6. Radio amateurs, clubs and the RSGB should work with other groups to create
and promote broad-interest philosophical societies, which can help encourage
males into education; noting that the RAE is highly non-discriminatory.
============================
Tables of Amateurs around the world
============================
R.Amateurs By %age population, 15 years ago:
Country Number of amateur
radio operators % population Year of
Report Source
Japan 1,296,059 1.012 1999 [2]
Slovenia 6,500 0.317 2000 [2]
Republic of China 68,692 0.296 1999 [2]
South Korea 141,000 0.288 2000 [2]
Thailand 176,278 0.275 2006 [2]
United States 738,497 0.239 2012 [3]
Canada 69,183 0.201 2011 [3]
Denmark 8,668 0.156 2012 [5]
Spain 58,700 0.127 1999 [2]
Norway 5,302 0.106 2000 [2]
United Kingdom 58,426 0.094 2000 [2]
Germany 75,262 0.092 2007 [4]
Australia 15,328 0.067 2000 [2]
Italy 30,000 0.049 1993 [2]
Argentina 16,889 0.042 1999 [2]
Poland 16,000 0.041 2000 [2]
Ukraine 17,265 0.037 2000 [2]
Russia 38,000 0.026 1993 [2]
France 14,160 0.02 2013 [2]
Brazil 32,053 0.016 1997 [2]
South Africa 6,000 0.012 1994 [2]
Indonesia 27,815 0.011 1997 [2]
India 15,679 0.001 2000 [2]
RAs by absolute numbers 15 years ago:
Country Number of amateur
radio operators % population Year of
Report Source
Japan 1,296,059 1.012 1999 [2]
United States 738,497 0.239 2012 [3]
Thailand 176,278 0.275 2006 [2]
South Korea 141,000 0.288 2000 [2]
Germany 75,262 0.092 2007 [4]
Canada 69,183 0.201 2011 [3]
Republic of China 68,692 0.296 1999 [2]
Spain 58,700 0.127 1999 [2]
United Kingdom 58,426 0.094 2000 [2]
Russia 38,000 0.026 1993 [2]
Brazil 32,053 0.016 1997 [2]
Italy 30,000 0.049 1993 [2]
Indonesia 27,815 0.011 1997 [2]
Ukraine 17,265 0.037 2000 [2]
Argentina 16,889 0.042 1999 [2]
Poland 16,000 0.041 2000 [2]
India 15,679 0.001 2000 [2]
Australia 15,328 0.067 2000 [2]
France 14,160 0.02 2013 [2]
Denmark 8,668 0.156 2012 [5]
Slovenia 6,500 0.317 2000 [2]
South Africa 6,000 0.012 1994 [2]
Norway 5,302 0.106 2000 [2]
On 4 Nov 2015, at 23:16, MG Blueyonder <mike.granatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Mark
Why should the test of success be kids walking away from Facebook etc to go
onto 2m? There are legions of amateurs on Facebook groups. And there are
legions of gamers on social media.
Apparently the hobby is declining everywhere in the world except the US,
according to Yaesu. There, they say, the market is going up by 3% a year,
and everywhere else down by the same amount. So you are right - we have to
find ways of bringing knowledge of the hobby to all those who may be
interested.
But self-selection only occurs if the people concerned are actually made
aware of the opportunity. That means reaching them; and that means targeted
communication - because the figures make it clear that neither serendipity,
osmosis, or telepathy are working.
Of course the biggest challenge is kids. They are the engineers, the
experimenters, and the innovators of the future. Growing the hobby won't
happen otherwise. Again, the figures prove the point.
And, with respect, no-one seems to have taken on board that the film - like
every film of its type - is designed as support material for a recruitment
effort involving much more, including personal contact and hands on
experience.
Anyway, thanks for the argument, and a very goodnight.
73
Mike
.
On 4 Nov 2015, at 21:48, Mark Kent <mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Mike, okay, but how many of those shown in the film, have been interested in
watching the film (self-aggrandisement aside)?
I do not accept the statement that the challenge is to attract kids, in
fact, I think this premise is incorrect.
For me, the challenge, the proper premise, is to attract people who would be
interested in amateur radio, be they any age, sex, whatever… such people
tend to be self-selecting, they are most likely to be already engaged in or
interested in activities of a mathematical, scientific or engineering bent,
be it computing, repairing steam engines, playing chess games, studying
maths or physics, repairing electronics or machines… et cetera.
So, if I’m right, then the video is unlikely to be particularly effective,
and there will be little or no discernible impact.
If I’m wrong, then we should get a whole bunch of kids walking away from
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and switching on 2 metre rigs.
#bigdecision, #QSO
I’d love to be wrong,
73 G8PHM Mark.
PS. A psychologist is reported today, in the ‘I’, as having ‘discovered’
that scientists tend to be more ‘spectrum', and that more males are
‘spectrum’ than females. I thought this was well-known, but apparently it
wasn’t until today. That would be the target group, though, in my view.
You’ll find them playing computer games, rather than on Facebook or twitter.
On 4 Nov 2015, at 21:30, MG Blueyonder <mike.granatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:mike.granatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Well, I'll stick with the evidence of the testing. It apparently works
pretty well with the people who are there to be attracted - and there were
plenty of youngsters in the film handling projects and construction that
belied the accusation/assumption of short attention spans.
It isn't any good bemoaning the grammar of modern media any more than
bemoaning the passing of vacuum state technology, silver oxide photography,
or starting handles,
Our challenge is to attract kids as they are, in the world they inhabit,
with the grammar they expect. To coin a phrase, the past is another place.
We're not there any more. And the kids never were..
73 Mike
On 4 Nov 2015, at 20:20, Mark Kent <mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Are the kind of people who are likely to be interested in amateur radio
those who would find such a video interesting? I have very strong doubts
about that. Even if they were to, as per Phil’s point, it’s clearly not
representative.
Focus on people who are interested in science, technology, maths,
engineering… if you can find people who already understand electronics,
so much the better, but it’s not essential.
Further, I’m all for foundation licensees, and see no reason why they
should progress beyond that point unless they want to, and again, I doubt
a video like this would make a lot of difference.
Personally, I think the video insults the intelligence of anyone likely to
be interested in the subject… but there we go.
Maybe I’m just a cynical old nit-picking git...
On 4 Nov 2015, at 20:12, Chris Pegrum <chris@xxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:chris@xxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Evening all, second time writing this after my damn phone deleted it so
this is the very short version.
I agree with Mike and Kevin. The videos good to encourage the younger
generations.
Luckily I could route out the ones that look down or don't help. I
managed to get from foundation to full licence in less than a year (just).
We need elmers to help and ensure that every one plays a part in that.
Maybe like national service after you've got your full licence.
Aka the ARRL method.
Regards
Chris Pegrum
chris@xxxxxxxxxx <mailto:chris@xxxxxxxxxx>
73 de M0NAY
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On 4 Nov 2015, at 19:38, gladius650@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:gladius650@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> (Redacted sender "gladius650" for
DMARC) <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>>
wrote:
If some full license holders were less arrogant towards foundation
license holders , we would have more confidence to go on the air also to
progress through the ranks. Also a fair amount of insulting our
intelligence because of us not obtaining our license via taking the R A
E. Because I can understand current flow, resistance and loading ect
through past work, apparently I am a cocky bastard. People need
educating.
M6LVK
Sent from my HTC
----- Reply message -----
From: "MG Blueyonder" <mike.granatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:mike.granatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>>
To: <wkars-members@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:wkars-members@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>>
Subject: [wkars-members] Re: RSGB DRM UPDATE
Date: Wed, Nov 4, 2015 7:01 PM
Oh come on you lot. The objective is to intrigue youngsters and
teenagers, not satisfy cynical old nit-pickers like us. While I don't
give the RSGB credit for much, they found a professional production
company to make the right video, at the right pace and length for the
target audience, and tested it with typical target groups to make sure
it worked. Of course, if you've got a better idea for attracting
youngsters to the hobby....
73. Mike M0RYK / F4VRD
On 4 Nov 2015, at 17:53, Phil B <phil_m0ima@xxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:phil_m0ima@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
A friend of mine has described it as "a production by The Children's
Television Workshop and was bought to you by the letters T, I and T and
the number 1!"
Glad it's not just me that felt it was completely off target....but
then I am old......
73. Phil. M0IMA.
On 4 Nov 2015, at 17:47, Mark Kent <mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Yeah, you’re right I’m sure. It does rather suggest, though, that
it’s a waste of effort. Anyone with an attention span of around 2
seconds[1] is unlikely to even manage a foundation licence, let alone
progress any further.
Note 1: 2 seconds is the duration of a typical shot ( id est, between
cuts) in yoof music videos… so for a 2 minute song, you need an
astonishing sequence of 60 shots!
Maybe you could explain a band plan in 2 second bites :-)
73 Mark G8PHM.
On 4 Nov 2015, at 17:41, Gordon Bubb <gordonbubb@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:gordonbubb@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
They left off the age warning bit. Mark, you shouldn't have been
watching it at all as you are over 20 years old and have an attention
span of more than 2 seconds.
Given that the unstated target audience is obviously modern yoof I
though it was good but for anyone else it was a complete turn-off.
I could comment on the poor audio production with the radio station
pick-up in the background but I'm told it is meant to be like that.
CF modern "yoof" I guess.
gmb
On 4 November 2015 at 17:26, Mark Kent <mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx
<mailto:mark.antony.kent@xxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Personally, I found it loathsome, well produced, but essentially
dreadful.
Still, it’s better than watching a fixed raffle.
On 4 Nov 2015, at 17:15, Phil B <phil_m0ima@xxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:phil_m0ima@xxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Hi Keith,
the balance of the RSGB video is awful. It gives the impression of a
hobby populated by children and young to middle aged women. Please
don't misunderstand me as there'd be nothing wrong with that if it
were true, but it's not! I was also somewhat taken aback by the
probably unlicensed children using radios at what I think was a
JOTA event. It's great to see such enthusiasm, but where was the
supervision? Or, for that matter, an explanation that this was a
special exercise and that for normal operating a licence is required?
I know and agree that it's important to attract more people into
amateur radio. I just don't think that distributing a false image
like this is going to help achieve that objective.
OGMS
73. Phil. M0IMA.
On 4 Nov 2015, at 16:20, keithlbird@xxxxxxx
<mailto:keithlbird@xxxxxxx> <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>> wrote:
Dear club colleagues, some items of news and information that I
hope will be of interest.
Amateur Radio - a 21st Century Hobby
A new video has been produced by the RSGB to introduce amateur
radio to young people.
This video has been made to show many facets of the hobby,
involving young people making contacts, building projects and
talking about what interests and excites them with the hobby.
It was first released at the recent RSGB convention and was
available for use by clubs during JOTA a few weeks ago. If you have
still not seen this video it can be viewed through YouTube at;
https://youtu.be/8x6x_6mDVlQ <https://youtu.be/8x6x_6mDVlQ>
World Radio Conference 2015
The latest WRC has begun in Geneva and runs until the 27th of
November. Working with Ofcom in the preparation and during the
conference is a critical part of the RSGB activity portfolio, along
with the other national societies in this ITU region to safeguard
the amateur band allocations, and expand on these where possible.
The demand for radio spectrum from commercial business and the
communications industry at large continues to grow, with further
interest being shown in our 70cms allocations. As we often hear,
use it or loose it.
Background to the WRC-15 and regular updates from the conference
can be found on the RSGB website
http://rsgb.org/main/news/special-focus/wrc-15/
<http://rsgb.org/main/news/special-focus/wrc-15/>
Ofcom Guidance Notes
This week, Ofcom released some guidance notes that they have
produced to help radio amateurs to understand, and ensure that they
comply with the terms and conditions of the amateur radio licence
that was revised earlier this year.
The guidance notes should be read in conjunction with your licence,
which is paramount. While the guidance has tried to clarify the
licence, it appears that in some respects it may have added
confusion that will need to be addressed in a later version of the
notes.
If you are looking for a copy of the current guidance notes, these
can be found at;
http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/amateur-radio/licensing-updates/guidance-oct2015/
<http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/amateur-radio/licensing-updates/guidance-oct2015/>
2m FM Activity Period
Members of the Thurrock Acorns Amateur Radio Club (G4HKO/GX4HKO)
have instigated a 2m FM activity periods, and the next one is
scheduled for Saturday the 28th of November starting at 13.00hrs.
Earlier this year they arranged a 2m activity afternoon which
proved to be a huge success with all those that took part. This is
not a competition and there is no prize, the afternoon is their to
encourage amateurs to operate/return to the 2m FM band.
Over the years the once very active 2m band has been over looked by
many and the idea of the event is to encourage people to operate on
2m for that afternoon at least.
They are suggesting that stations remain active on the band until
at least 17.00hrs, though their is no reason to stop if you're
having good contacts on-air.
While the Thurrock Acorns ARC is in Essex the signals will no doubt
reach into Kent, and their is no reason why amateurs in Kent
shouldn't use the event to get more activity into our corner of the
South East.
More information from www.taarc.co.uk <http://www.taarc.co.uk/>
RSGB Events Listing
May I remind you of the RSGB Events listing on the Societies
website, which is open to view by the wider amateur community, and
is available to help promote your club activities.
The listing may be of your regular club meetings or other special
events that may be of interest to others, and can be seen via the
RSGB website; https://thersgb.org/services/eventsplanner/
<https://thersgb.org/services/eventsplanner/>
If any clubs have questions or face difficulties in listing their
events on this website do let me know..
Reduced Bandwidth TV.
I attended the RSGB Convention a few weeks ago, and was very
pleased to make the event this year, being my first time of
attending this annual event.
One of the presentations I attended was on the Reduced Bandwidth TV
mode, which appears to be making an impact on the additional
bandwidths amateurs have been granted in the UK.
While some may not be able to use the new frequencies for
transmitting, you might still be interested to know that RB-TV has
attained a level of interest, and you could at least investigate
receiving this new mode.
Their is more information on RB-TV in the latest ATV column of the
November edition of RadCom, along with some background on the
Titiioune software that is used by many for RB-TV.
Electronic Learning Bricks
A range of electronic learning bricks have been produced to
encourage and inspire young people, or anyone generally starting
out in electronics.
These are an exciting range of rugged electronic bricks that may be
used to build a vast range of circuits and projects, from simple
passive and active, to more advanced digital and Arduino based,
right through to higher level radio communications and RF.
Quantity discounts for the kits are available for UK radio and
electronics clubs. Further details from Dave Williams G8PUO Tel:
07870 074538 or email admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:admin@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
See the website for further details of the learning bricks at
www.ditronix.com <http://www.ditronix.com/>
Club of the year
As a reminder, your club entry to the 'Club of the Year'
competition will need to be submitted early in the New Year, so now
is the time to look at the events and activities your club has
undertaken in the last year, and prepare to submit your entry.
The theme of this year’s RSGB Club of the Year competition is
Promoting Amateur Radio.
Details of the competition can be found at
<http://www.rsgb.org/coty>www.rsgb.org/coty
<http://www.rsgb.org/coty> <>.
Local Rallies
Kempton Rally - 8th Nov
This Sunday is the autumn Kempton rally, being held at the Kempton
Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex
TW16 5AQ.
I plan to attend so I expect I might see many of you there. Doors
open at 10am and we will observe the two minutes silence at 11am.
Rainham Radio Rally - 28th Feb 2016
Mark this date in your diaries to attend if you can. I shall be
along at the RSGB table, selling books to support our national
society and sign up new members where we can. Do come over and say
hello and to support the RSGB by purchasing some merchandise or
joining up.
Dover Rally - 13th Mar 2016
This is another of our established local rallies in Kent, and I
hope that many of you will be able to support this rally.
The rally is held at the Whitfield Village Hall, Sandwich Rd,
Whitfield, Dover, CT16 3LY. Doors open at 10am and their is an
auction at 12.30pm before the doors then close at 1pm, when we pack
up and begin our journeys home.
The contact for any questions or book a table is Peter G0KOK, Tel:
07850 464026 or email peterjlove@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:peterjlove@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
I hope the above if useful to you and your members, if you have
anything for me to share with other amateurs across Kent please get
in touch.
73 Keith - G4JED
RSGB DRM - Kent
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