NEW PARAGRAPH FOR MUSEUM & RADIO SCOUTING COLUMNS.

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NEW PARAGRAPH FOR MUSEUM & RADIO SCOUTING COLUMNS.
The problem with writing for RADIO-ZS is that sometimes the exciting bits of news happen after the dead line!!! Anyway thanks to Dennis this paragraph was included just in time.
ZS6AAW is not really famous for DX but Saturday 19-05-2007 was the occasion! Normally I operate on 40m but when ZS0AWA closes I like to scan 20m quickly for a likely station and fire up the old FT-101B to check the 80-40-20 trap dipole. This time I heard ZS1FAD/p7 Anton from SANAE busy with om Frank ZS1QRM in Parrow and decided to break-in when they ghad finished. Anton produced a 5/6 signal but gave me a 4/6 (may be a 4/7). Any way it was an enjoyable QSO.
Anton was standing-by for ZS1OAR who were manning a station at Hermanus Magnetic Observatory for a Science week/day. I understand that there were students visiting and Anton was there to chat to them about the work being done at SANAE.
There was another station ZS5HAM operated by Gary ZS5NK and I did try to contact them to let me know about ZS1FAD/p7 and ZS1OAR.
The only comment I dare make is how can we (especially myself) keep on top of all the special event stations involved with occasions such as Science weeks etc.??? This also applies to overseas special events. A central “point” is required to “advise” all special event station. Vee at SARL HQ has enough to do trying to get you wayward hams to fill in the forms correctly. Think about it and lets hear from you chaps.

MUSEUM NEWS. MARCH – MAY 2007.

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(RADIO-ZS Vol.60 No.2)

MUSEUM NEWS. MARCH – MAY 2007.

by Dave Gemmell ZS6AAW
and the Old Timers.

PAST ZS0AWA PRESIDENT VISITS ZS6MUS.
The usual Saturday get together on 7070 continues to be the highlight of the average weekend but the 12th of May was a little more notable!! Cliff ZS6BOX brought a friend John Sealy-Fisher to visit the Museum at Swartkop AFB who used to ferry military aircraft during WW2. Another friend of Cliff is John Howie is busy restoring the museum’s ANSON aircraft of the type John flew.
This ANSON is slowly taking shape but we are still looking for a 1083 transmitter and 1082 receiver (and the power supply). In fact I’d even settle for just the front panels and knobs. As a poor second would be a photograph of these as then we may be able to make dummy panels. Any info. about these items will helpful and very much appreciated.
This 1082/1083 combination was also used in Wellington bombers and all RAF reconnaissance aircraft. Hats off to the lads who operated the sets as I believe they were regen. receivers! Then, in the ANSON type aircraft the wireless operator had to maintain and use the machine guns. (Good grief, and some of us hams complain about the strangest things in peace time!!)
One of the aims in my ham life is to be able to operate from the ANSON one Saturday morning on 7070!!! It will take a wee bit of organising equipment wise as this aircraft is inside the display hall and if an outdoor antenna is used then the feedline would need to be about 40 – 50 metres long!
MORE EXCITEMENT AT ZS6MUS.
ZS6AAW is not really famous for DX but Saturday 19-05-2007 was the occasion! Normally I operate on 40m but when ZS0AWA closes I like to scan 20m quickly for a likely station and fire up the old FT-101B to check the 80-40-20 trap dipole. This time I heard ZS1FAD/p7 Anton from SANAE busy with om Frank ZS1QRM in Parrow and decided to break-in when they had finished. Anton produced a 5/6 signal but gave me a 4/6 (may be a 4/7). Any way it was an enjoyable QSO.
Anton was standing-by for ZS1OAR who were manning a station at Hermanus Magnetic Observatory for a Science week/day. I understand that there were students visiting and Anton was there to chat to them about the work being done at SANAE.
There was another station ZS5HAM operated by Gary ZS5NK and I did try to contact them to let me know about ZS1FAD/P7 and ZS1OAR but no luck.
The only comment I dare make is how can we (especially myself) keep on top of all the special event stations involved with occasions such as Science weeks etc.??? A central point is required to advise all interested about special event stations. Vee at SARL HQ has enough to do trying to get you wayward hams to fill in the forms correctly. Think about it and lets hear from you chaps.

PUBLIC RELATIONS/”ATTENTION GRABBERS”.
(This paragraph was actually included after an extremely interesting “debate” with Alan ZS6BIK regarding ham radio demos.!! It must also be read together with The Radio Scouting Column)
The main reason for the “existence” of the wireless room is PR and many occasions a welcome group of visitors arrive. Apart from viewing the exhibits a “quick” demo. is always well received (pun??) Believe me even though technology has advanced there is still a small place for the old and ancient in education. In this case you should actually call education general knowledge! (Remember the term!!!) Both words are really synonymous.
With these thoughts surely this is the time to start thinking about a Radio Amateur Digital Museum. I would really enjoy a visit to one of these. “Computer controlled” rigs really started making there impact on the hobby about 1980. (?? Any comments??)

MORSE CODE.
There’s still a lot of life left in CW and it remains a good attention grabber!!!!
Two members of the Friends of the SAAF Museum, who wish to remain anonymous were amazed that morse is still used and quite popular. Signals from the Non-Directional Beacons (NDB) are modulated according to the morse code for identification purposes. I believe it is still a requirement for the learner pilot’s licence.
The amateur yachtsman, have to learn a few letters of the morse alphabet as well!
I repeat that CW is still a good starter for an interested student in ham radio! Any such “demonstration” should be done with a straight key and should definitely NOT be “seen” as an “instructional lesson” when all 26 letters are given. Unless asked for more such an intro. shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes!
This may be a good time to point out that when reducing the number of letters sent is similar to “writing” an SMS. The same applies to the use of the Q-code!
Once again I “publish an apology paragraph” in this Column!
Many Readers may think too much is said about CW and AM in this Column. They may be correct! If so, please send me material on other subjects!!

JUST A THOUGHT.
Instead of complaining about what you think the SARL & councilors should be doing, try thinking up your own PR stunt and try it out. This can be, and is, a lot of fun!!
Let me know about your success!
The address is (as usual!!!); davegemmell@bmknet.co.za and
P.O.BOX 77, IRENE, 0062 and TEL: 012 – 667 2153

RADIO SCOUTING. MARCH/APRIL 2007

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(RADIO-ZS Vol.60 No.2)

RADIO SCOUTING. MARCH/APRIL 2007

by Dave Gemmell
and the Broomstick Warriors.

JOTA 20/21-10-2007. AN UPDATE
Many thanks to Evan Davies ZS6EVD and LARK for the hard work that they are putting in to the preparations for JOTA and Sunrise Ceremony (1st August). Their efforts are concentrated at Mafikeng.
Applications for the callsigns ZS50MAF and ZS100MAF have been submitted. The applications for ZS100MAF AND ZS50MAF have been sent in to ICASA. Many thanks to Vee as well for checking the forms and getting through to the authorities.
Bear in mind that 1st August 2007 is the 100th anniversary of the first Scout Camp at Brownsea Island, UK so try to contact the special event station GB100BI which be operating at this time. Another special event station in the UK is GB100J which will be on the air at the 21st. World Scout Jamboree, to be held in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, from the 24th July to the 9th August 2007. This will be the largest camp held in the UK since the 1957 Jamboree.

ANOTHER CALL/REMINDER FOR DEMO. STATIONS.
Interested hams need only be on the air at times which suit themselves and for as long as they please but a continuous coverage of most of Saturday 20th October 2007 is really required.
Any non-JOTA station is welcome to contact JOTA stations. You are even more than welcome to demonstrate your favorite mode. We hope that both stations have the same equipment but don’t let this stop you as a few modes can be tried without much extra equipment. (Sometimes just a pair of ears will do!)
An important “thing” to remember is that the girls and boys like a bit of action so keep the chat to a minimum and let them try for themselves.

SPUTNIK???
Remember October 3rd, 1957 anyone or just the name?? The first artificial earth orbiting satellite and the first one that could be “heard” using relatively simple hams rigs. There were very few “established” hams at the time who didn’t tune in to the signals at least once. I’m not sure of every detail but I do know that the early Russian satellites transmitted data signals on 20 and 40 MHz.
The late Geoff Perry was a school teacher in the UK and visited SA as a guest of SARL about ten years ago. Geoff was interested in teaching his science students about the Doppler effect. He realized that the signals from the satellites seemed to have a higher frequency as they approach, a very noticeable change as it passed the point of closest approach then the frequency decrease to its “correct” value as it receeded. All the measurements were made with simple receivers and dipoles stretched between the school buildings. Now this what I call an excellent demo. for us.
Bacar (balloon carrying amateur radio equipment) was really used by hams to sharpen their skill in DF to track the satellites. Just a pity that once again expense takes its toll. Balloons move a little slower than satellites which makes things a little easier!!!

Please me news of your Guiding or Scouting activities of a radio nature to:- davegemmell@bmknet.co.za or P.O.BOX 77, IRENE, 0062 and TEL: 012 – 667 2153

MUSEUM NEWS. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007.

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(RADIO-ZS Vol.60 No.1)

MUSEUM NEWS. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007.

by Dave Gemmell ZS6AAW
and the Old Timers.

IONOSPHERIC PROPAGATION.
Some of you my think this Column is not Museum News but delving into the history a bit makes interesting reading!
MNI TNX to Hannes ZS6BZP for comments.
Some points have arisen over the past year. As most hams know, the SA Antique Wireless Association, ZS0AWA net on Saturday mornings 08H30 to about 10H00 on 7070 kHz. I join in from the “Wireless Room” at the SAAF Museum, using my 30 year old FT-101B and three band Trap Dipole. Like any Ham worthy of this title, I keep a log ………..
The following signal report analysis makes interesting reading. The values are very subjective because I “estimate” these values by ear and not the set’s S-meter. {The explanation will be in the next issue of RADIO-ZS.
There are not really many readings to go on but very interesting all the same!!!! As you see I have taken an “average” of several stations of each Region. Unfortunately my R/S at the other stations wasn’t given to me very often.

R/S No. of Stations
ZS6 (mainly Wits area) = 3/3 to 5/6 5
ZS6 (Magaliesburg area) = 5/8 1 or 2
ZS5 (Dbn & Pmb) = 5/9 5
ZS5 (Estcourt area) = 5/7 to 5/8 2
ZS4 (ZS4SM Sasolburg) = 3/3 to 4/4 1
ZS3 No Stations = 0
ZS2 (PE area) = 5/6 to 5/7 2
ZS2 (Occasionally Knysna) = 5/5 to 5/7 1
ZS1 (mainly Cape Town) = 4/4 to 5/5 1
Z22 (Z22JE Dudley) = 5/9 1

Is it due to; a) due to poor ionospheric conditions, b) equipment and/or antenna or c) Type of antenna d) All three!
The fact that the above summary has stayed more-or-less the same of at least 18 months, if not two years, makes the subject more interesting!
One last point, I’ve been dealing with JOTA Reports for 10 years now, that’s almost one whole sunspot cycle. Invariably these stations complained about poor conditions. I’d accept this reason for two or three years but for 10 ????
The main question is …….. “Are we trying hard enough or just given up before we start???”
Can listening to some of the overseas BC stations give an idea of how ionospheric propagation conditions are behaving. I have listened to BBC transmissions on 6195 kHz from Swaziland and noticed that the signal fades away, completely at times, but does come back again. I know that the signal of this BC station has got a wollop, quite a few kilowatts but it does give you an idea!!!

The address is (as usual!!!); davegemmell@bmknet.co.za and
P.O.BOX 77, IRENE, 0062 and TEL: 012 – 667 2153

RADIO SCOUTING. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

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(RADIO-ZS Vol.60 No.1)

RADIO SCOUTING. JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2007

by Dave Gemmell ZS6AAW
and the Broomstick Warriors.

100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCOUTING.
This year marks the date on which held the famous camp of Baden Powell at Brownsea Island which is taken as the start of the Scout Movement. The first day of the original camp was 1st August 1907 so a “Sunrise Ceremony” has been arranged for the same date in 2007.
The 21st World Scout Jamboree will be held at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex, just NE London from the 27th July until 8th August 2007. They are hoping for 32,000 Scouts and 8,000 Adults including the International Service Team. The Jamboree will feature a Amateur station GB100J. Another station GB100BI will be established at Brownsea Island, near Portsmouth, on the south coast of England.
Both stations will probably use the same frequencies and modes, that is, 20m, 15/10m, 17m, 40/80m, VHF and Echolink, plus PSK 31and a possibility of Slowscan TV.
South African hams who are interested in helping with operating these stations, are welcome but there a few conditions, such as, being over 18 and having to be a member of your SA National Scout or Guide Association. Dare say, you will have to pay your own airfare and “chip-in” accommodation costs, and so on. Successful applicants must be available from the 24th July to the 9th August to include set up and dismantling of the station. If authorised you may extend your period of help on site from 21st July to 14th August 2007. This could be an interesting experience!!

Copies of the Team Member ‘Invitation’, which states the all the conditions, and ‘Application Form’ are obtained from the e-mail address below.
Full information about the Jamboree can be found on the Scout Association Official UK Website . www.wsj.scouting2007.org
And www.scouts.org.uk/ukcontingent

SOUTH AFRICA’S ROLE.
Evan ZS6EVD in Mafikeng and Eddy ZS6BNE have expressed great interest in operating from at Mafikeng on 1st August and 50th JOTA. This station will probably have an very “desirable” important More details will follow in the next issue of RADIO-ZS once more definite plans have been arranged.

THE CENTENARY OF SCOUTING RADIO AWARD.
An Radio Amateur award has been organised by an English Scout Group for 2007.
The main objectives are to help celebrate and publicise the centenary of Scouting through the medium of radio. Although not intended for profit, any surplus made will go to support Radio Scouting in developing countries.
Duration. The Award will begin at 00:00:01 on 1 January 2007 and finish at 23:59:59 on 31 December 2007.
Stations are required to contact Scout and Guide stations especially at The World Jamboree, Gilwell Park and Brownsea Island stations.
More details can be found at www.scouting100award.org.

The address is (as usual!!!); davegemmell@bmknet.co.za and
P.O.BOX 77, IRENE, 0062 and TEL: 012 – 667 2153

SA ANTIQUE WIRELESS ASSOCIATION

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Every Saturday the members of the SA Anitique wireless association meet on 7070 kHz LSB at 08H30 sast for the weekly net.
Membership of this association is free. Any licenced radio amateur with an interest in restoring old radio and electronic equipment may join.
A CW morse code) net is run on Saturday afternoons at 14H00 sast on 7020 kHz.
There is also an AM net (amplitude modulation) i.e. double side band full carrier, on 3615 kHz most mornings at 05H00 sast
New members and/or reports are welcome.

The ZS0AWA Net will resume operating once more at the times and frequency 7070kHz on Saturday 05-01-2008. Monitor 3615 kHz as well.

SA Model Jet Nationals

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17/02/2007 – 09:00
18/02/2007 – 17:00

SA Model Jet Nationals, with two hours of SAAFM Aircraft displays.
(All possible assistance is necessary if we are to make a success of this, our first event of the Year).

Flying of Museum aircraft viz Harvard, Kudu, Bosbok and the two Alouettes (II & III) will commence at 09h00 until 11h00. Thereafter it is the Model Jets competition with 22 aircraft participating until 17h00 on Saturday and from 10h00 – 17h00 on Sunday. A flyby at 11h00 of a REAL Spitfire Mk24 is also a strong possibility.

 

 

AIMS OF THE WIRELESS SECTION

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THE FRIENDS OF THE SAAF MUSEUM.
WIRELESS SECTION.

AIMS.

  1. TO SUPPORT AN INTEREST IN THE HISTORY OF RADIO IN
    MILITARY EMPLOYMENT, INCLUDING RADIO IN ALL
    ARMED FORCES, PARA-MILITARY AND CLANDESTINE
    (RESISTANCE) GROUPS, AND EXTENDING TO RADIO
    EQUIPMENT OF OTHER COUNTRIES FOR COMPARISION.
  2. TO SUPPORT AN INTEREST IN, AND ASSIST IN THE
    PROVISION OF, AN EXHIBITION OF RADIO (AND OTHER
    ELECTRONIC) EQUIPMENT IN ACCOMMODATION
    PROVIDED BY THE SAAF MUSEUM.
  3. THE OPERATION OF AN AMATEUR RADIO STATION WITH
    THE CALL-SIGN ZS6MUS, USING BOTH MODERN
    HISTORIC EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
    THE PROVISIONS OF THE AMATEUR LICENCE.
  4. TO ADVANCE TO AIMS OF THE FRIENDS OF THE SAAF
    MUSEUM BY USING THE CHANNELS/MEANS PROVIDED BY
    AMATEUR RADIO. (THAT IS, PUBLIC RELATIONS.)