World Amateur Radio Day : An brief introduction

Each year on 18 April, radio amateurs celebrate World Amateur Radio Day. On that day in 1925 the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) was founded.

Amateur radio has truly entered the 21st Century. In less than 100 years amateur radio communications has evolved from crude spark-gap technology to digital signal processing and software-defined radios. The amateur's HF choice between voice and CW has been expanded to a broad range of communication choices from television to spread spectrum.

Amateur digital communications has evolved. At the end of World War II until the early 1980's, radioteletype, also known as RTTY, was the only HF digital mode available to amateurs. In the 1980's, AMTOR made its debut along with the increased popularity and availability of personal computers. AMTOR was the first amateur digital communication mode to offer error-free text transmission.

From the early 1980's, the rate of change increased dramatically. Packet Radio emerged and for a period of time was the most popular form of amateur digital communication. As microprocessor technology became more sophisticated, there was a rise in modes such as Clover, PACTOR, and G-TOR that were capable of error-free exchanges under marginal band conditions. In the late 1990's, there was an invention that harnessed personal computer technology to create PSK31.

In the VHF-UHF frequency ranges, Packet Radio had less activity at the close of the century than it did in the 1980's and 1990's. However, Packet Radio was reborn as the popular Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) and traditional packet systems still exist to support public service activities with greatly enhanced functionality.

Thanks to individual amateurs, hams now enjoy digital meteor scatter contacts and even moonbounce on VHF and UHF frequencies with modest stations. An ordinary computer sound device and software that can be downloaded free from the internet is all that is needed.

The Japan Amateur Radio League developed the D-STAR digital voice and data standard and there has been significant amateur growth as amateurs establish D-STAR repeater networks on the VHF, UHF and microwave bands.

All of these development have inspired amateurs around the world to experiment in their own HF, VHF, UHF and microwave band digital communication.

Activities on the occasion of World Amateur Radio Day  can be a great opportunity to spread the word about what the "hams" are doing in the 21st Century. 

VANDU NET announces on air VHF - CQ - CONTEST

Vandu Net (http://www.vandunet.com/) is happy to announce On Air VHF – CQ -- Contest to Amateur radio operators of Chennai, in and around Chennai and DX stations.

Welcome all VHF Operators in Chennai for the VHF CQ Contest on 25 -12 -2014. This is an activity to encourage the Ham activity in Chennai.

We are conducting the VHF CQ Contest in VHF frequency in Chennai.

• A single station can contact any number of contact stations in VHF frequency which is mention below.

• Frequency is 144-900 MHZ, 144-850 MHZ, Simplex and 145-550 MHZ negative shift Repeater mode. Any other frequency other than the mentioned frequency will not be counted.

• The Contest contact is through voice only.

• The station should exchange the following during the contact -

          The Call Sign, Handle, Signal Report with Serial Number,

• Each contact made by the participating station will be awarded one point. Replication of contacts does not get any point.

• Contacts made by the participating station with a DX station will be awarded 2 points. DX range is above 100 Km radius from Chennai on air. In case a DX Station participates in the contest, the station will be considered based on the decision of the organizers.  

• Contacts through phone patch or relay by other stations, and phone are invalid.

• Echo link stations are allowed participate through 145-550 LHS Repeater Link only.  Not in Simplex 144-900 and 144-950 frequencies.

• Echo link station will not be counted as DX Station, One point will be awarded for each contact thro EchoLink. They should also submit the log.

• The duration of the contest is 4 hours and the timing is from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

• All contestants should strictly adhere to all the amateur rules specified including the Maximum RF power. 

·  Log should be submitted by email to vu2svf@gmail.com, or by post/ courier to Vu2KBX (Anna), Address: No.1, ANMOL GARDEN, NO.66. NAIDU STREET, KOTTURPURAM, CHENNAI– 600085.

• Last date for submitting the log is 10.01.2015.

• Pl. find attachment of the log template.

• Winners will be announced later. Results at the discretion of Vandu Net Organizers.

• LET US BE TRUE TO THE SPRIT OF COMPETITION !

All the best!

M.P.R. Narayana Rao (VU2 LSW)

Secretary

Vandu Net Amateur Radio Club

For the love of the air waves - A must read for all , meet SWL Dilip Bapat from Alibag

Hello fellow Hams & SWLs

Last week I got a LL from from Alibag, a SWL saying he heard me on 14210 Khz having QSO with OM Jayu VU2JAU from Gwalior. I asked him how come you got my LL? He replied, copied me while sharing with another fellow ham Ananda from Ahmadabad. 

SWL Dilip requested me for a visit to to my shack for an eyeball QSO

Looking at his very positive and enthusiastic approach, I could not say NO to him.

He visited my shack last Saturday along with his elder son and I could see joy and happiness in his eyes during the visit.When demonstrated a QSO, could not resist himself jumping with joy.He brought his Sony & Grudging digital Radios and proudly demonstrated me with whip as well as long wire antenna.He knows most of the popular Ham Band frequencies and monitors 40 & 20 Mtrs regularly.

Alibagh is on the bank of Arabian sea and very close to Mumbai. The noise level is very low

The world famous Magnetic Lab is located very close to his QTH. Worth trying for dxing.

SWL Dilip is retired from State Transport. He was working in Alibag Bus dept for monitoring fuel consumption of the Buses.Unfortunately he became blind due to a kind Myopia which is not curable. His retina is damaged and he is more than 95% blind.He only can make out human movements. He took up short wave listening as a hobby about 5 years back and now expert in monitoring. Hats off to Dilip's passion for short wave listening. 

Dilip is very passionate about becoming Ham. Let us help and guide him for ASOC exam.

I request all the Hams to say Hello to him during your QSOs. He will be more than happy to reciprocate. When ever you are on holidays to Alibagh, pl do visit SWL Dilip. He will be happy to Welcome you. He may be contacted on following address

Mr Dilip N Bapat (M- 9860946895 )

996- "Mayuresh" Behind Sumangal society. Near By-pass Road, Chendhare.

Alibag - Dist Raigad  PIN - 402201

Article Contributed by 

Vilas Rabde (VU2VPR)

(M)+91 98225 02078,  Radio: VU2VPR-145.5 MHz,  Skype: vilasrabde  

HAMFEST INDIA 2014 Panaroma

Radio, most think, is dead and gone. But in reality it has only gotten popular and more active. The Hyderabad Amateur Radio (HAM) recently organised a two-day Amateur Radio festival — Hamfest India, at the Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology in the city and more than 1200 participants took part.

Participants came from various parts of the country, Nepal, Singapore and Sri Lanka. In the fest some of the leading edge radio technologies were showcased and discussions ranged from making relay signals more popular to the issue of not allowing amateurs from parts of Northeast to gain licence. There was talk on small personal satellites, software defined radios, wireless control of homes, community radio, new architectures and emergency works.

Convenor for the fest, Ashhar Farhan says, “The response was overwhelming. While we thought radio was a silent revolution which we are a part of, it turned out to be not too silent. Amateurs are doing a lot of new and interesting work and it was nice to see them all in the same platform sharing and discussing ways to make it useful in times of climate induced emergency.

Hamfest India was hosted by the Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology and the college believes that this event will further its commitment to encouraging students to develop skills in innovation, entrepreneurship and personal science.”

The college hopes that students from the city and outside to use this opportunity to learn and explore the exciting field of wireless. It was very nice and encouraging to see girls taking active part in the event. Besides the talks and discussions an exhibition of latest as well as vintage radio equipments followed by demonstrations kept visitors busy. For others there was a flea-market of electronic components. Ashhar assures that amateur radio provides an alternative way to learn electronics, communications, wireless at very low cost through local radio clubs, contesting, mentoring and informal exchanges over the Internet. “It is a hobby in an innovative field.” 

(An excerpt from "The Hindu" Paper published on  11th November, 2014)

CLICK HERE COMPLETE ALBUM OF 400+ PHOTOS

Chennai HAM's Eyeball held on 10/10/2014 Friday @ Semmozhi Poonga / Old Woodlands drive inn near Gemini Flyover

MOM Chennai HAM's Eyeball had on  10/10^/2014 @ Semmozhi Poonga / Old Woodlands drive inn (Park)

18 HAMS attended the meeting which started at 1730 Hrs Ended 1830 hrs.

Following points were discussed.

Purpose of this informal meeting was basically to have eyeball and improve HAM activity in our city.

1. Refresh database of HAMs in Chennai for effective communication of info regarding activities. VU3USI volunteered to create a database . Meanwhile VU2GMN, VU3MOA, and few others assured to send database they have in this regard.
2. To promote HAM activities like Field day, Fox Hunt, JOTA, etc.
3. Frequency of such meeting is fixed as bi-monthly – Every Second Saturday. Accordingly next meeting date is fixed for 13^th December 2014, by which time we will be able to communicate to almost all hams. Venue is also fixed which will be communicated a week before the meeting by email , VHF net and WhatsApp / SMS.
4. Net/Timings, On the air quiz, Sunday special, and better activity on AIR to be looked at. 
5. Introduce support for New/existing hams to come on air by providing assistance like making cable, antenna, etc. VU2PTR, VU2GMN & VU2ABS, VU2DPN, VU2DH came forward to provide such technical assistance to promote HAM activity in our city.
6. SIARS, Pallikaranai by VU2GHB OM Hari & Sinosh – to intimate them about our efforts to improve activities and to join hands with us.
7. Assistance and support for renewal of License from WPC or any such supports – VU2DH came forward to extend support.
8. Repeater at Madhuranthakam – VU2SDU want support in installing the repeater, which will be done soon and will be a main agenda for next meeting. Meanwhile, this will be discussed separately and extend support.
9. Support to ARSI – Request all hams to be a member of ARSI and send article and photos for publishing it in their e-bulletin/news letter.
10. HFI 2014 – Almost 15 HAMS from chennai is attending HFI Hyderabad.
11. SWL – Vipin Shankar who is maintaining HAM BLOG, continued to extend support by inserting article and happening among us.

With next 2 meetings, it is presumed that HAMs will be more active with usual programs and activities. Floor was opened for free discussion thereafter for fellowship and disbursed.

Following are the hams attended the meeting:

VU2PTR, VU3MOA, VU2GMN, VU2CDV, VU2INA, VU3USI, VU2SVF, VU2SDU, VU2OLA, VU2DH , VU2LSW VU2ABS , VU2HBI , VU2ASB , SWL Vipin , SWL Neelakandan.

The GAREC-2014 program will be finalised soon

The Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications (GAREC) will be held this year on August the 14th and 15th in conjunction with Alabama's Huntsville Hamfest. GAREC-2014 invites all those involved with emergency communication to hear presentations on the use of advanced technologies, IARU Region reports and displays.

Among the reports will be a powerpoint on Super Typhoon that struck the central part of the Philippines, and how 100 radio amateurs provided vital emergency communications. Presentations are expected also from the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN), and the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS).
The annual GAREC Banquet Dinner is another opportunity to socialise and learn more about emergency communications and preparedness training. Participating in GAREC-2014 also offers the opportunity to attend the big Huntsville Hamfest, an ARRL Centennial Event, on the weekend of August 16-17 2014. (Details at www.hamfest.org/).

If you want to know more about GAREC check out the website www.w4ozk.com/GAREC14.htm

ChennaiHamsBlogspot visitor stats : Exciting story so far

Very happy to share below visitor statistics till date from startup in 2009 of ChennaiHamsBlogspot which is really encouraging for us to continue to put efforts to improve this free forum further so that this wonderful hobby keeps growing to greater heights . Total visitor count has crossed 1 lac+ visitors and continues to grow day by day and more exciting is that fact that amatuer radio lovers from around 169 countries across the world have visited the blog so far and enjoyed the knowledge/info shared . From a humble beginning in 2009 , we thank everyone who visited and continued to visit the blog

The famous World War II Marconi R1155 Communications Receiver!!!!

The Marconi R1155 is a World War II era receiver produced for the British Royal Air Force. It was used in Lancaster and Halifax bombers and includes special circuitry for direction finding.

The R1155 tunes longwave down to 75KHz and shortwave up to 18MHz, with a couple of gaps along the way. Fortunately the broadcast band is covered from 600KHz to 1500KHz, so there is still something to tune in today. Aside from the DF circuitry it's a fairly standard multi-band super-het with one RF stage, mixer-oscillator, two IF stages, detector, one audio stage, and a magic-eye tuning indicator.

An audio power output stage was not included as the receiver was only used with headphones originally. There is no internal power supply as B+ and filament power were supplied from an external source when installed in an aircraft. The unit below the receiver in the photo is a home-made power supply and audio amplifier, described further below.

Many of these receivers were sold as surplus after the war. In Canada they were sold by the War Assets Corporation (see advertisement: XTAL, Jan 1947). They were commonly purchased by hams. Many of them were then extensively modified, typically by removing the DF circuitry and/or installing a power supply or audio amplifier inside. 

Titanic's Marconi Wireless Room (set) video Tour

This is the main set for our upcoming film "The Last Signals". The film is an entirely factual depiction of the sinking from Harold Bride's point of view and the film will play out exactly how the real disaster did.

This set took many months of research and labor to make, and nearly $2,000. It will be flooded and destroyed on camera

The Titanic radio department - a brief background!!!!

The Titanic radio department in 1912- a brief background

The Titanic's "wireless" equipment was the most powerful in use at the time in 1912 . The main transmitter was a rotary spark design, powered by a 5 kW motor alternator, fed from the ship's lighting circuit.

The equipment operated into a 4 wire antenna suspended between the ship's 2 masts, some 250 feet above the sea.  There was also a battery powered emergency transmitter.

The main transmitter was housed in a special room, known as the "Silent Room". This room was located next door to the operating room, and specially insulated to reduce interference to the main receiver.

The equipment's guaranteed working range was 250 miles, but communications could be maintained for up to 400 miles during daylight and up to 2000 miles at night.

In charge was 25 year old John (Jack) G. Phillips (left), with 21 year old Harold Bride (right) as the deputy or second R/O. The R/O's remained at their posts until about 3 minutes before the vessel foundered... even after being released from their duties by the Captain.

Harold Bride remarked that water could be heard flooding into the wheelhouse as he and Jack Phillips abandoned the radio room. Jack Phillips was still sending as the power supply to the radio room failed...

The Titanic Radio Officers did great honour to their profession.

Jack Phillips died of hypothermia on or near Collapsible lifeboat B - his body was never recovered......

Harold Bride left the sea after WW1, and faded into obscurity. He died in Scotland in 1956.

The left hand photo actually shows the Marconi wireless Room of the Titanic's sister ship Olympic, with Radio Officer Brent receiving a message.

In the right hand picture Phillips and another R/O (NOT Harold Bride) are shown on the White Star vessel "Adriatic" (both photos from the Father Browne collection).

Olympic's Marconi Room - taken on her maiden voyage.  Note the external porthole in the centre of picture.  

Titanic's Marconi Room was located inboard (more detail later).

The Titanic Marconi room set from the James Cameron movie.

This set quite accurately portrays Titanic's sister ship Olympic's Marconi Room.

The Titanic set was based on archival pictures of Olympic, with the window omitted (see the Olympic photo below). 

Another view of the Titanic radio room set from the James Cameron movie.

Clearly, no expense has been spared...note the Marconi uniform cap on the operating desk.

A Marconi wireless telegram from the RMS Olympic, Titanic’s sister ship, reports the Carpathia’s rush to the site where the Titanic went down. 

"Found boats and wreckage only," it says in part. "About 675 souls saved crew and passengers.