Monday 5 December 2022

October Meeting Report Back: Bouvet Island

At the October Meeting of the CTARC we had a very interesting talk from Adrian, KO8SCA online from the USA about the upcoming 3Y0J Bouvet Island DXpedition.

Adrian spoke to us in real time and this video was projected on the wall inside our club house. Members could also take part from their homes by logging into our Jitsi VOIP system. A question-and-answer opportunity took place at the end of the talk.

Please see pictures of our October meeting and the attachment which you may find interesting, which I am unable to put in Ragchew as it's a 2 page pdf...

You can download the the attachment [here].

Thanks to Paul ZS1S for organising this event.

A






CTARC: FoxHunt: This Saturday, 10 December

All fox hunters and interested members are invited to attend our club’s foxhunt this coming Saturday 10th December. Please be at the clubhouse at 11:45 for the briefing by Peter ZS1PC.

The fox will be switched on at 12:00.

Time limit to find the fox is 2 hours. Meet back at the club for results afterwards. Ice cold refreshments at club prices will be available at the club house after the hunt.

Could all those interested in attending let me (Peter) know. Further details will be provided once it is confirmed who will attend. We have a foxhunt  Whatsapp group which Peter can add you to.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone new to fox hunting to learn the equipment and the techniques; remember you can pair up and share a car. Or work solo, up to you.

Peter
ZS1PC 
Tel: 082 803 9909
Email: zs1pc73@gmail.com


What you will need:

• Transport, Hat, walking shoes,

• Radio: Minimum of a VHF Handy Talkie (ideally dual band, VHF and UHF, for the 3rd harmonic).

• Antenna: Minimum HT antenna, but will be easier if you also have a VHF/UHF Yagi (Amsat/Tape measure Yagi is perfect).

• Any other secret radio tracking tech in your arsenal.

Links below to Ragchew Oct 2018 with lots of Fox Hunt info and to a YouTube video for building an antenna

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PYOGtfBPaqtvKIbW1c3t-fbX-E54r1Gi/view

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktoiyKoo36A

Friday 2 December 2022

CTARC Ragchew - December '22

CTARC Ragchew - December '22
The December 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published. Grateful thanks to our editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!  Remember please, Anne always needs articles to publish in Ragchew!  Only text in 'Word' and jpeg pictures please!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the December 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [he
re
];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

Monday 21 November 2022

End of Year Function Invite: Saturday, 26th November

 Hi CTARC Members and family.

 Our last club get together of the year will be held on Saturday, 26 November,

(our Year End Function).

 

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As usual this is a social event under the shade trees on the lawn in front of the club house.

 

Members are encouraged to bring their partners to this social event and the club will be sponsoring fresh beef burgers with all the trimmings for you.


If beef burgers are not your choice you are more than welcome to bring and braai your own meat on the club’s braai fires. Please bring your chairs, (we only have 30 chairs and these get snapped up fast).

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Ice cold refreshments will be on sale and the braai fires should be ready by 13:00. The club house will be open from 12:00.

 

There will be a mini flea market / boot sale too, so bring your wares along and get selling from your own table, (please bring your table), or from the boot of your car….

 

 

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This is always a very pleasant afternoon with friends and family. It’s always well attended and one of the highlights on the CTARC calendar.


This year is doubly special as Nico van Rensburg, ZS6QT, the president of the SARL, is flying in specially to join us for the afternoon.


Nico wants to come and see how the CTARC, voted best club in 2021, has their wonderful socials and get - togethers and enjoy themselves whilst promoting the wonderful hobby in the Western Cape.

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Wednesday 5 October 2022

Conductors for HF Antennas

Received from Anne: 

A very interesting article was sent to me by Club member, Johan Sevenster, ZS1A. The article was originally published in the ARRL QEX Magazine back in November / December 2000.  It discusses the merits of various antenna metals with actual measurements such as with stainless steel, aluminum, solid versus stranded wire etc.  [Our chairman] Rob assures me our members will enjoy it.

I haven't been able to get permission to use this article in our Newsletter, so the best way for me to do this is to send you the link to it so you can have a look for yourselves. I am sure you will find it very interesting.
 
Follow this link:    

Conductors for HF Antennas

 Putting up an antenna for the low bands? What kind of wire will you use? 

This analysis may change your plans.

By Rudi Stevens, N6NF

CTARC Ragchew - October '22

CTARC Ragchew - October '22
The October 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published. Grateful thanks to our editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!  Remember please, Anne always needs articles to publish in Ragchew!  Only text in 'Word' and jpeg pictures please!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the October 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [he
re
];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

Thursday 1 September 2022

CTARC Ragchew - September '22

CTARC Ragchew - September '22
The September 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published. Grateful thanks to our editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!  Remember please, Anne is always needs articles to publish in Ragchew!  Only text in 'Word' and jpeg pictures please!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the September 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

Monday 1 August 2022

CTARC Ragchew - August '22

CTARC Ragchew - August '22

The August 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published. Grateful thanks to our editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!  Remember please, Anne is always needs articles to publish in Ragchew!  Only text in 'Word' and jpeg pictures please!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the August 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

Tuesday 5 July 2022

CTARC Ragchew - July '22

The July 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's bi-monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published. Grateful thanks to our editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Remember please, Anne is always needs articles to publish in Ragchew!  Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the July 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

Thursday 19 May 2022

CTARC Forthcoming Meeting - 28 May '22

The Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre will hold their monthly members meeting at 14h00 on Saturday, 28th May 2022, at the clubhouse in Rondebosch.

Colin Porter ZS1RS will present a talk and demonstration on Fox Hunting and direction-finding techniques. Colin has much experience in this field and it promises to be a very interesting event.

While the Covid threat appears to be reduced, it is still a potential factor and common-sense precautions are requested from all present at the gathering.

CTARC Swops - 19 May '22

FOR SALE:
ICOM IC-260E VHF Mobile 2m Multi-mode Transceiver


R 1500-00

CONDITION:
Appears to be in good working order.
Power output registered on SWR meter connected to dummy load.
Cosmetic condition: Used but OK.
NOTE: The photo below is NOT of the actual rig, but there to help you identify the model.

ACCESSORIES:    
Icom hand microphone;
12V DC Cable > Flat Molex Plug
Operators manual included

The item is in Cape Town. For collection, or P&P for purchaser's account.

Please e-mail Nick ZS1ZD (zs1zdnick at gmail dot com) for further info.


CTARC Swops - 19 May '22

FOR SALE:
Yaesu FRG-7 HF Receiver


R 750-00 neg.

CONDITION:
From a deceased estate, this radio is working - sort of... Various issues:
1.    The radio receives
OK on one band. The other three bands are muffled or U/S. At the very least this rig needs re-alignment;
2    The lamp above the main tuning dial is dead. (The S=Meter light still works);
3.   The various functions (Modes, MHz and KHz dials, filter, ANL etc.) do appear to work but the switches could do with some switch cleaner.

Cosmetic condition - used but OK.

Therefore this rig is being sold AS IS - for restoration or parts.

ACCESSSORIES:
Power Cable 230v 3-Pin > attached to Rig
Original manual included

The item is in Cape Town. For collection, or P&P for purchaser's account.

Please e-mail Nick ZS1ZD (zs1zdnick at gmail dot com) for further info.

CTARC Swops - 19 May '22

FOR SALE:
Yaesu FT-101 HF Base Transceiver


R 2500-00 neg.

CONDITION:
From a deceased estate, the radio needs repair/restoration, or is available for parts.

When power is applied, the lights come on. No audio.

While the Jones plug at the rear of the radio makes full contact, the corresponding male socket on the rear of the radio needs attention.  and the lights come on when you switch the rig on, the Jones plug needs attention..

ACCESSSORIES:

Yaesu hand microphone
Power Cable 230v 3-Pin > Jones Plug
Original manual included

The item is in Cape Town. For collection, or P&P for purchaser's account.

Please e-mail Nick ZS1ZD (zs1zdnick at gmail dot com) for further info.



 

CTARC Swops - 19 May '22

FOR SALE:
Kenwood TS-50S HF Mobile Transceiver


R 7000-00

CONDITION:
From a deceased estate, the radio appears to be in good working order. Power output indicated when tested via SWR meter into a dummy load. Though used, the radio is in reasonable cosmetic condition.

ACCESSSORIES:

Matching Kenwood hand microphone
Power Cable 12V DC twin-lugged > 6-pin Molex Plug
Operators manual included

The item is in Cape Town. For collection, or P&P for purchaser's account.

Please e-mail Nick ZS1ZD (zs1zdnick at gmail dot com) for further info.









Monday 16 May 2022

CTARC Commiittee Meeting - 23 May '22

 Just a reminder that the CTARC  Committee will hold the monthly on-line committee meeting at 19h00 on Monday, 23rd May 2022

Friday 6 May 2022

CTARC Ragchew - May '22

The May 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's bi-monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published. Grateful thanks to the editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Remember please, Anne is always needs articles to publish in Ragchew! This is especially the case during the lock-down. Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the May 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

Friday 4 March 2022

CTARC Ragchew - Mar '22

The March 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's bi-monthly newsletter "Ragchew"is now published. Grateful thanks to the editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Remember please, Anne is always needs articles to publish in Ragchew! This is especially the case during the lock-down. Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the March 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page


Monday 7 February 2022

CTARC Forthcoming Mega Flea Market - 5 Mar 2022

Diarise the date NOW.

On Saturday, 5th March 2022, the CTARC will hold its annual Mega Radio Flea-Market and Car Boot Sale. The starting time for buyers and visitors is 12h00 SAST.

The venue, as always, will be the lawn in front of the clubhouse in Rondebosch.

This popular event has grown over the years into the biggest ham radio flea market in the Western Cape, so don't miss it! It's great opportunity to dispose of your surplus equipment, components and , accessories, and to pick up bargains galore.

Where the past two years have put a damper on the event with Covid anxieties and restrictions, we hope, as the situation appears to improve, that this year's flea market will be a good one. Even now, numerous radio amateurs are ransacking their piggy banks and assessing which rigs in their radio shacks must find a new home. And devising creative excuses for their better halves as to why they will have returned home with more items than when they left...

Further details will be announced, but certain requirements hold:

  • Sellers may set up their wares on their tables / car boots at the clubhouse lawn from 10h00;

  • A barrier tape cordon will define the selling area. Buyers are requested to wait for the official starting time of 12h00 before they plunge into the fray!...

  • The event is open to all radio amateurs and interested parties (not just CTARC members) to attend, buy and sell radio-related items;

  • Sellers must bring their own tables and chairs. The CTARC will use all its tables to display various donated club items for disposal;

  • All sellers must please pay a modest Seller's Fee to the Committee; Monies collected will go to CTARC club funds to offset expenses;

  • Parking in the market area in front of the clubhouse is limited to sellers only. There is plenty of other parking available on the tarmac off Laidlaw Lane, to the north-west of the clubhouse (see aerial photo)

  • Because of Covid precautions, food will not be on sale. Bring and braai your own food, please. Braai fires will be available. Ice-cold liquid refreshments will be on sale at the usual reasonable club prices;

  • Any and all equipment brought to the flea market and not disposed of must be taken home at the end of the meeting. The clubhouse cannot store any such equipment.

More details will be announced presently via WhatsApp, the Sunday Morning 08h30 bulletins and pn the CTARC Blogspot. We look forward to seeing you there!

Friday 4 February 2022

CTARC Fox Hunt - 26 Feb '22

Because our big Flea Market on the first week of March  takes place so soon after the usual fourth Saturday of the month in February, the CTARC will hold another Fox Hunt on Saturday, 26th February 2022. It will be held at or near the CTARC clubhouse.

Bring along your 2-metre band handies and fancy DF antennas! Even just a handie and a rubber-duck antenna will do. Ever since Rob ZS1SA revitalised interest in this fun activity last year, the foxhunts have encouraged increasing interest and have all been great fun. The recent December fox hunt organised by Peter ZS1PC was the best attended that the CTARC has ever held..

Will you be the first to find the hidden CW fox transmitter before the others do? Come along on Saturday and find out...

Further details will be announced close to the time on the Sunday morning CTARC Bulletins at 08h30.

Wednesday 2 February 2022

CTARC Ragchew - Feb '22

The February 2022 edition of Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's bi-monthly newsletter "Ragchew"is now published. Grateful thanks to the editor, Anne, for another fine edition.

Remember please, Anne is always needs articles to publish in Ragchew! This is especially the case during the lock-down. Thank you to those numerous contributors in this edition!

You can advertise ham-related items - for sale, swop or wanted-to-buy - in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, please contact the editor [here].

Download the February 2022 Newsletter as a PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

Sunday 9 January 2022

CTARC Meeting - 22 Jan '22

The first meeting of 2022 for the Cape Town Amateur Radio Society will take place on the lawn outside our clubhouse on Saturday, 22nd January at 14h00.

The meeting will be a Show and Tell format, where members are invited to bring along any ham radio-related projects you have been working on, or items of interest, (whether complete or not!) and tell the club about it. If you have an interesting ham-related workshop tool or other gadget that you think will be of general interest, bring it along and tell us about it and how it works, (or was supposed to work!). Even tools or projects that didn’t work out as anticipated are interesting and your fellow members can learn something new. Show and Tell has always been one of our most interesting meetings.

We will also have a Swop Shop where ham-related items may be traded. The CTARC will also have some donated equipment up for disposal for club funds.

Club Regalia will be on sale... we now have a Credit Card facility, so come and buy your short-sleeved golf shirts for the summer.

QSL cards may be collected from me, as mentioned on the Bulletin some cards are from 2014!

If you have ordered a Club Name Badge that will be waiting for you too.

It promises to be a scorcher this Saturday; so please bring some water or refreshments, and be there on time, to get your spot under the trees.

****All Covid protocols will be in place as usual and your mask will need to be worn at all times covering your nose and mouth.

Don't miss this 1st meeting of 2022, it promises to be very interesting.... See you all on Saturday....

Regards,

Anne Bareham
(CTARC Sec:/ Treasurer / Editor)
072 268 1207

_________________________________________________

Note: this meeting has taken place. Read the report in the February 2022 Newlsetter.