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Many of you know we have a gem in a local operator who is the keeper of the amateur radio repeaters on the Isle of Man, namely Dave GD4HOZ. The society tries to support him in all things ‘repeater’ but remember the society does not own the repeaters.

Dave has also provided us with a web page to view namely www.manxrepeaters.com

Two pages listed below may well answer any questions people have been asking.

http://manxrepeaters.com/index.php/repeaters/repeater-operating-courtesy  and http://manxrepeaters.com/index.php/repeaters/repeater-keeper-status

Andy GD1MIP

I have just worked Ken, VE3VC on 20mtrs CW. He is ex – GD3IBQ, does anyone remember him? Or is it down to the font of all Knowledge, Arthur? The trouble is, he doesn’t read these forums, so I’ll have to ask him on the early morning IM net.

Stuart, GD0OUD

A course was concluded and an exam held today for three candidates.
We had two passes, and sadly one candidate who just missed out.
We hope the ‘third man’ will give it another shot ASAP.
In the meantime congratulations Mark and Neil, watch out for two new MD6 calls soon.
The society wishes to thank the Civil defence for their hospitality and the following members for giving their time to help.
GD3TNS Arthur, GD7DUZ Steve, 2D0JEA Jeanie, GD0OUD Stuart, GD6ICR Mike, 2D0YLX Dave and GD1MIP Me. And of course Peter MD6IOM, AKA the tea lad.

At the Tromode meeting this evening (09/10/2012) the society unveiled its latest equipment.

Two new Yaesu FT897D HF / VHF / UHF transceivers purchased from LAM communications. We hope to put them to good use.

Five new satellites ‘launched’ from the back of the International Space station – can be picked up with 1/4 wave whip and basic receiver – FunCube Dongle will be ideal!!!

Some images here:- http://www.uk.amsat.org/?attachment_id=10807

On October 4, 2012 five CubeSats were successfully deployed from the International Space Station (ISS). The first pod containing RAIKO and WE-WISH was deployed at 1437 UT while the second pod containing FITSAT-1, F-1 and TechEdSat deployed at 1544 UT.

Howard Long, G6LVB (designer of the satellite tracking interface I use), as well as the FunCube Dongle Pro and Pro + has a video here, picking up one of these satellites with the new version of the dongle, and a simple 1/4 wave antenna on a baking tray sat on his balcony 🙂

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4UA19W2i94

FITSAT-1 has an array of ultra bright LED’s, and under good viewing conditions will be visible to the naked eye – so can send CW as it moves in an arc across the sky!!

http://www.uk.amsat.org/?p=10701

There will soon be kepler elements listed, so we can work out pass times for these satellites, until then – if we use the position info for ISS, we shouldn’t be too far out.

Matty

MD0MAN

Having travelled to the Newark Hamfest we have a tale to tell and some goodies to show.

Tea coffee and biscuits as usual thanks to Arthur GD3TNS.  All welcome.

19:30 hours start at the Sea cadet hall Tromode.

Stuart Hill and Andy Morgan are pleased to announce that the mobile shack survived a 6 mile test run around the north of the island.

We even included it’s fist radio contact with MT0GLK. Castle Rushen High School radio club and Matty MD0MAN.

We now look forward to the final electrical installation and it can then be used for /P operating (oh and a tin of paint).

I have been secretary since 2009 and I have had to put up with much moaning from some amateurs on the island on how the club is not as good as it could be.

Based on some negative comments yet again recieved about our lack of an internet presence and treatment of some amateurs web sites I have taken the decision to write the below…..