CTARC Ragchew - June '26

Here is another brilliant issue from Charl ZS1ZZ.

Once again a huge thank you to all the contributors, our club's newsletter just goes from strength to strength, and thank you Charl for putting all this together for us each month.

Enjoy reading it.

You are also welcome to send Anne ham related things that you would like sent out to members, if appropriate, she will gladly do so for you.  To do so, please contact Anne at zs1ct@ctarc.org.za

Download the June 2026 Ragchew as a PDF file [here];

Read the June 2026 Ragchew in Online Flipbook [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

CTARC Forthcoming Meeting - 26 Jun '21

Due to the Coronavirus lockdown restrictions, for the safety of our club members the CTARC has decided to hold our June 2021 meeting in virtual (on-line) format.

Fortunately, a fascinating illustrated presentation has been arranged by kind courtesy of OM Alan ZS1AL. Rear Admiral (JG) Andre Rudman (Retired) has most kindly agreed to present to our members:

The Mystery of the SS Waratah

117 Years of Speculation Have Possibly Been Solved

Admiral Rudman has 40 years of esteemed Naval Experience on which, through diligent and copious investigation, he will provide us with a most plausible alternative solution to the resting place of one of history's most talked-about and elusive vessels.

The presentation will review the facts of the well-know story of the Waratah's disappearance, give and overview of some of the people who spent their lives and fortunes looking for the ship, and there might even be a sting in the tail with new information never before published!

Sadly, Covid Regulations require that this has to be an on-line presentation and the CTARC will only be able to accommodate 75 participants in the session.

The meeting takes place at 14h00 on 26 June 2021. Log in at 13h50.

So: for those members who are interested and have the ability to participate either on their computer of mobile smart phones, please let our club secretary Anne know BY EMAIL as soon as possible, that we may be able to attend to the necessary preparations.

_______________________________________________________________

This meeting has now taken place. A report on it is published in the 2021 July edition of Ragchew..

CTARC Ragchew - June '21

The June 2021 edition of the 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 June 2021 Newsletter as a PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

 

CTARC Charles Oertel ZS1CJO - Silent Key - 6 June '20

Dear CTARC Members,

It is with great regret and sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of our friend and fellow club member Charles Oertel ZS1CJO. As many of you knew Charles had been battling with cancer for a couple of years. Charles dutifully looked after our club's electronic QSLing responsibility for some time now and was always there to lend a hand at our annual Lighthouse Weekend events and functions. I think it was about two years ago that he came and gave a talk about Electronic Logging and QSLing at our club house.

Always a smiling face and a kind word for everybody. Charles will be well remembered and sorely missed by all who knew him. I would like to thank a past member of CTARC, and neighbour of Charles and Julie, Frank ZS1CM, for letting us know early today.

Rob ZS1SA
Chairman CTARC

Here is a message we received from Julie, Charles' XYL:

Our beloved Charles passed away on Saturday 6 June, at 18h10, losing his two and a half year battle to pancreatic cancer.

Due to current Lockdown restrictions, we will be postponing his Memorial until further notice.

This group is just to keep everyone informed. Thank you to everyone for your overwhelming support and love.

(You are welcome to message Julie on via her e-mail or cellphone, which information will be supplied on request by Anne, the CTARC Secretary.)


Here is another eulogy we received from Julie. It was read out on the CTARC Sunday Morning Bulletin of 08h30 on Sunday 14 June 2020, by Paul ZS1S:

Thank you for sharing your moments you had with Charles.

I am so glad he had the years he did with the club, before he became too tired and ill to participate. He really enjoyed the time spent with you all, learning new things along the way, building up his collection of ham radio equipment with the help and advice from you all, pottering around in his study and listening to the Sunday broadcast. My sons, who live with us, used to always smile when they heard all the strange bleeps coming from his study, and fondly say that Dad was communicating with his alien buddies again. He took such joy away from all the interactions he had, whether it was over the radio, at club meetings or club events, his life was enriched.

I think the last time he was involved with radios was when he was in the Antarctic as part of the SANAE team from Dec 1988 to Feb 1990 - his job was to film the Aurora.

He was, by training, a space physicist (a genuine Rocket Scientist - a good icebreaker when asked what he studied). He did his undergrad degree at Natal University and his honors at Wits in Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics, winning a gold medal, for being the top student. He then represented Natal University, as the one of the scientists on the SANAE team.

For many years he spoke of getting back into it and I am so glad he did, and am so grateful for all the club members that made his time with the club so enjoyable.

Charles packed more into his 56 years than most people do in a few lifetimes -

‘A flame that burns twice as bright, burns half as long’  quote by Lao Tzu

We are missing him terribly, but also know, that although, physically he is gone, he is still with us in every other way.

Our sincerest condolences to Julie and her family for their sad loss. We will all miss Charles greatly.

CTARC Ragchew - June '20

The June 2020 edition of the 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 on the look-out for articles to publish in Ragchew!

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 June 2020 Newsletter PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

CTARC Gerald Meneses ZS1GRM Silent key - 27 June '19

Gerald Meneses ZS1GRM
1939 - 2019

The key of Gerald Meneses ZS1GRM went silent in the early hours of Thursday, 27 June 2019, after a brief illness. He was three months away from his 81st birthday.

Gerald will be remembered by many of us at the CTARC. He was a straightforward, honest man; gentle in his manner and forthright in his opinions. 

Like many radio amateurs, Gerald's interest started with Citizens Band, where he went by the handle of "Flat Spanner". He then obtained his amateur radio license in 1978.

Gerald was actively involved with many aspects of Amateur Radio throughout the years. He was a keen DX-er. He constructed and experimented with HF  and VHF antennas. He was involved with Hamnet rallies. He served on the Committee of the Oakdale Club, He was awarded the SARL Jack Twine Award in 2006. He was a member of the Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre for many years, and a regular participant in 2m evening skeds - with Paddy ZS1GPF /SK, Dennis ZS1DTM /SK, Dave ZS1DFR and Nick ZS1ZD - for over a decade.

He was a skilled Mechanic and Auto Electrician, working with Dennis ZS1AU [who introduced him to Ham Radio] in the General Post Office Engineering Department. His proven technical skills were such that that he built a working full-scale gyrocopter in the garage of his QTH. He was an avid motorcyclist, which he combined with his keen interest in photography to document the Peninsula around which he traveled extensively.

Gerald is survived by his wife Christina, his two daughters and son, and two grandchildren. Our sincerest condolences go to his family and his son-in-law, Daniel ZS1DEA.

So long Gerald, we will miss you. The ham bands will be far quieter in your absence.
 

Gerald ZS1GRM, Dave ZS1DFR & Dennis ZS1AU

Gerald with Dennis ZS1DTM

Gerald's badges reflected both the history of South Africa and his own
amateur radio career!

Gerald ZS1GRM, photo courtesy of ZS1AU

The ZS1OAK Committee [in approx 2008]; L to R: Dennis ZS1DTM,
Ettienne ZS1AX, Marion ZS1QRN, Gerald ZS1GRM, Dave ZS1SG,
Dennis ZS1AU and Fred ZS1FCS

CTARC Report on Meeting of Saturday 22 Jun '19

On Saturday 22 June 2019, the Cape of Storms strutted its fury across the City with high winds and lots of rain. However, this didn't deter the CTARC from going ahead with the monthly meeting! We had a very well-attended social afternoon with braai fires ablaze under an umbrella where some members chose to keep warm and dry around the fire. Simultaneously, the special Fox Hunt antenna building event took place inside the club house.

28 members and guests attended and socialised while 7 members constructed the portable tape measure fox hunt antenna and will soon join the growing ranks of club fox hunters. These antennas are very portable, being fold-able, which makes them ideal for packing into and taking out of a vehicle. These antennas are highly directional and ideal for finding hidden transmitters in the field. They also function well as transmitting antennas for portable and field operations. The cost to construct these antennas is well under R100 each.

Fox hunting is a growing interest at the CTARC. Perhaps one day we may well do inter-club fox hunting competitions followed by a bring-and-braai. These would be fun social events for everyone, including families.

Photos of the Saturday event will be posted here in due course.

Rob ZS1ZA
CTARC Chairman

CTARC Welcome Bring 'n Braai & Antenna Building Party - 22 Jun '19

REMINDER : TOMORROW - Saturday 22 June 2019:
The RAE Welcome Bring 'n Braai & Antenna Building Party: Read on......

We are aware of the weather situation for Saturday [rain forecast]. However, we have decided to go ahead with the events as planned. We will endeavour to keep the braai fire dry, so we can all have an enjoyable afternoon.

See you all tomorrow!

THIS SATURDAY,  22 JUNE

The Monthly Meeting is a Workshop and Bring ‘n Braai

Hi Everyone

Come along this Saturday for the ‘Fox Hunt’ Antenna Building Party run by Chairman, Rob ZS1SA,

Also come along to meet and congratulate the Candidates that recently wrote the RAE course, and introduce them to our friendly Club.

Bring your own meat and all your preferred accompaniments. Certain refreshments will be available and the fire will be sponsored by the CTARC.

The Antenna Building Workshop will start at 14h00 and braai fires will be lit at 14h30, to be ready by 15h30.

Come along and enjoy an interesting afternoon.


CTARC Fox Hunt Antenna Building Day Requirements

We have stripped it down to the absolute basic requirements.



All you will need to bring:

• Two 20 mm PVC 4-way conduit boxes (about R7 each)
• One 2 0mm PVC conduit Tee (sometimes called an Inspection Tee (about R8)
• One 5 metre long tape measure. 19mm width preferred (about R35)
• Plus whatever coaxial connector which mates with your radio.

Pick up these four items at any Buco or hardware store for well under R75 and come and build your own three-element Fox Hunt Yagi antenna at CTARC this Saturday afternoon. We will supply the remaining pieces and help you to put it all together. This directional antenna is also suitable for transmitting on and ideal for field operations in addition to fox hunts.

The only other item you will need to purchase is a suitable coax connector which fits your hand held radio. Alternatively we will have a few BNC connectors available for sale at the club for R30 each or you can purchase a suitable connector at a later time and install it on the coax cable yourself at home. In order to save some time, if you already have a connector for your radio and about 1.5 metres of RG-58 cable you can fit the connector to one end of your coax cable and bring it along on the day to attach to your new Yagi.

Regards,

Rob, ZS1SA.
(CTARC Chairman)

Anne
(CTARC Secretary and Editor)
Cell: 072 268 1207

_________________________________________________________

NB: This event has now taken place. Read the report [here]

CTARC RAE Bring & Braai - 22 Jun '19

 

_________________________________________________________

NB: This event has now taken place. Read the report [here]

CTARC June Meeting - 22 Jun '19

Coming up in June, in place of our regular meeting we will be having an antenna building session for those of you wishing to build a fox hunt antenna.

We need commitments from those wishing to build the hand held tape measure antenna in order to buy the parts. Estimated cost will be under R200 for everything.

Please let myself or the Secretary know by the end of April if you wish to join in and build this small Yagi antenna.

73

Rob ZS1SA

_________________________________________________________

NB: This event has now taken place. Read the report [here]

CTARC Committee Meeting - 17 June '19

CTARC Committee members are reminded of the forthcoming meeting at 19h00 on Monday 17 June 2019 at the clubhouse.

(If you can't be there, please remember to send in your reports and apologies to Rob or Anne.).

____________________________________________________________________

Note: This event has now taken place. A report-back will be presented at the June 22 meeting by CTARC chairman, Rob ZS1SA. 

CTARC Ragchew - 1 June '19

The June 2019 edition of the Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's bi-monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published.

Grateful thanks once again to our editor, Anne, for all her excellent work in putting together this month's edition, and to all those who contributed articles.

Remember please, Anne is always on the look-out for articles to publish in Ragchew!

You can advertise ham-related articles for sale in Ragchew, including colour photos, details and prices. To do so, contact the editor here.

Download the PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page

CTARC Work Party Cancelled - 29 June '18

Owing to inclement weather, we regret to announce that the scheduled Antenna Work Party at the CTARC clubhouse for tomorrow, Saturday, 30 June 2018 has been CANCELLED until further notice.

With apologies

CTARC Report on June Meeting - 24 Jun '18

The CTARC met on Saturday 23 June at 14h00 for the monthly meeting. Rainy winter weather didn’t discourage our members’ enthusiasm - by 13h50 seating space was already getting difficult to find as more people packed into the venue, which is great news. Danny ZS1BL was kept busy at the entrance taking in subscriptions and Morningstar payments as members dug hands into pockets to find the necessary. Thanks to all who have paid timeously. For those who intend to renew their CTARC membership, annual subs are due at the end of June...

Chairman Rob ZS1SA opened the meeting with a welcome, and gave a report back on the recent committee meeting. He reminded us of the club’s AGM next month, and the August meeting which will be the International Lighthouse/Lightship Weekend held at Green Point Light on the weekend of 18/19 July 2018. Rob announced that John ZS1EQ is going to assist increasingly with managing our club’s ILLW involvement (a big task that Rob has carried with Spartan fortitude for the past eight years). Also, we have two new bulletin readers joining our team in the persons of John ZS1EQ and Chris ZS1CDG.

Next, we were given the opportunity to see a very interesting piece of gear before the main talk. It was a Special Operations Executive spy transceiver of the type issued to SOE agents inserted into Axis-occupied France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the Balkans in the dark days of the Second World War. This compact W/T transceiver fits into a small leather suitcase. It was the smallest transceiver used in anger by the Allied forces at the time. It was manufactured by Marconi in 1943, and is referred to as a Type 21 Mark iii, or Type "A" Mk iii, or simply "A3" suitcase radio).

Solidly assembled and using just five valves – a 7Q7, three 7H7’s and a 7C5, this compact set was a vast improvement on its predecessor, the Mark ii (also called the "B2"), which had occupied three bulky boxes and would have been difficult for an agent (trying to avoid the enemy search teams) to transport discreetly. The Mark iii fits into a little suitcase just 13 x 9 x 4 inches in size. It is a CW transceiver (which can also receive A3 telephony), capable of operating between 3.2 and 9.55 MHz (sorry - Megacycles!), the transmitter frequency being controlled by a crystal and the receive frequency operating in split mode (for better security and to avoid jamming). Typically,. three crystals were issued per set – one for the daytime frequency, a night time one and one for emergencies. The receiver is a reaction-tuned super-regenerative type with an Intermediate Frequency of 1200 kc/s.

The rig pushes out just 5 watts, which is not that much considering the antenna and counterpoise were often set up just inside a single room to avoid visual detection. However, the home stations back on British soil would be copying the fugitive signal via a rhombic antenna connected to an HRO or AR88 communications receiver. Under ionospheric conditions at the time, ranges of 500 miles were possible. Also, this was surely one situation where “less is more” on account of a very diligent enemy with direction-finding equipment, highly motivated to find the clandestine transmitter soon after it came alive.

There is a vast amount of information on the Internet about the Special Operations Executive, their agents' training, missions, successes and failures through the war years. In addition to the European mainland operations, SOE was also active in the Balkans, the Middle East and the Far East as well. It makes for riveting reading.

An interesting feature of this set is a switch with a ring-pull attachment. This switches the set instantly from mains to 6V battery power (it can be powered by both). This was because it was common practise for the hunters to first DF the approximate location of the transmitter, then to switch off the mains power area by area, block by block. Should the transmitter suddenly drop out as mains power was cut, that indicated the approximate block, street or building of its location, which would then be cordoned off and searched. The ring pull switch enabled the transmitter to keep on going – not so much as to complete the message (which could always be completed on a fall-back frequency and schedule) , but to try to fool the hunters as to its location.

Then it was time for the main talk of the afternoon, “Keeping Track”. Rob introduced the speaker, Peter ZS1PGC. The project, intended primarily for documenting the club’s assets, also has great relevance for individual radio amateurs to apply to their own ham shacks. (Your humble reporter, having embarked on a similar mission, is given pause to wonder if he is not going into too much detail when he tallied Asset no. #8732 - not quite taking it down to individual component level, but close…)

Peter has ably taken on the enormous task of documenting all the physical assets in our club. There are a number of reasons for doing this; not just to list everything so we know what we have, but also to know where to find it, to keep records of service, maintenance and performance (very useful in terms of recording antenna SWR, for example), to know the purchase and replacement values for insurance purposes, and to have easy access to the essential manuals and documentation.

After initial technical gremlins, Peter started his presentation with a brief description of component nomenclatures through the history of electronics, looking at that for valves, semiconductor (with Mullard, Toshiba and JEDEC protocols), and even geographic location systems. The point being made that standardisation is very helpful and in the vast complexity of electronic systems and protocols, the absence of a consistent system leads to chaos.

Very practically, Peter considered the following sensible design considerations for an asset-recording system:
•    It should not be dependent on a specialist IT person;
•    It should not be internet based;
•    It should not be dependent on one person (who may not be available forever) to maintain it;
•    It should not be a database package;
•    It should be free if possible;
•    It should not be limited to a particular operating system;
•    It should require no programming skills;
•    It should use no macros;
•    It should be easy to use;
•    It should be easy to maintain by someone with basic computer skills;
•    It should be expandable.

Peter has, in fact, already set up a very effective parallel system on his iPad, complete with photos of each item. But that breaks the “particular operating system” proscription, because not all of us have iPads! So instead he decided to implement the record system using Libre Office. This freeware set of applications, which includes Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Presentation, Draw and Project Management capabilities, can also read and write Microsoft Office files, which is very useful.

Then Peter discussed the core Information elements required. These are:
•    Description;
•    Serial Number;
•    Asset Tag;
•    Location.

He showed us the above info, applied to a simple spreadsheet, which appears to work just fine.

A further advantage is that hyperlinks can be added to individual spreadsheet cells, which can provide links to - well, anything else required. In this context, those local hyperlinks point to a picture of the item, and to the manual for that piece of equipment (where applicable). But when you think of it, you could, in the fullness of time, link to all sorts of relevant information. Should internet access become available, the range could be extended even further.

Then it was time for a little wizardry. Peter showed us what he is doing with QR codes. These square “bar code” images can be generated on easily obtainable freeware such as Zint Barcode Studio (currently version 2v4). The QR code format can accommodate quite a lot of text information per item. Astonishment was expressed when people at the back of the venue discovered their smartphones could pick up and read QR codes held up (in low light) at the front of the room. So the idea is to incorporate the basic information for each item and affix a QR code for same on each item.

Peter concluded the talk by answering several questions from the audience. Then Noel closed the meeting formally (Rob had to depart shortly after introducing Peter) and we started stacking chairs and perusing the swops on display. Paul ZS1S had generously provided boxes of Stuff for folk to take as needed, and several happy hams walked off with some free earthing leads and mains power cables. Post-meeting ragchews continued for a bit before we closed up shop and headed home. A most interesting afternoon indeed.

Our following meeting will be the CTARC AGM on Saturday, 28 July 2018. We encourage all CTARC members to:
•    Attend that very important meeting;
•    Listen to the Sunday morning bulletins for further info;
•    Pay their subs and Morningstar fees (where applicable) if they have not done so already;
•    Take part in our weekly Monday evening natter at 20h00 on the 145.750 MHz repeater.

We do look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting in July.

CTARC Forthcoming June Meeting - 23 Jun '18

The June CTARC meeting will take place on Saturday 23 June 2018 at 14h00, as usual at the clubhouse.

At this meeting, committee member Peter ZS1PGC will give a talk on Asset Management of our club's various rigs and assorted bits and pieces, using the Libra Office freeware application.

If your ham shack is anything like that of most of ours (!), it probably holds a variety of equipment (some quite expensive), discrete components, tools, hardware, cables, antennas, books, software, notes and a myriad of smaller items. It is a very good idea to keep track of everything (of at very least the major items such as rigs, power supplies and amplifiers) so that you can know just what you own, how much to insure it for, what the serial numbers are should (heaven forbid) anything get stolen, and (ahem) just where to find that packet of transistors or PL-259's you could have sworn you had left on top of the linear a week ago. But which may have been magically teleported into the refrigerator...

With his engineering background, Peter is a very organised man. He is systematically itemising everything the CTARC possesses and has already demonstrated to the CTARC committee his thorough and creative approach to completing this gargantuan task. Those fortunate enough to have attended his fascinating talk in 2016 on his RigExpert Antenna Analyser will know that he delivers his presentations with infectious enthusiasm. So the June meeting promises to be a good one, full of useful information on how to organise your own radio ham (and other kinds of) possessions. Come early to ensure your seat.

Note: This meeting has now taken place. Read the report here.

CTARC Mysterious Project "X" - 17 Jun '18

Now, at last, it can be told. At great cost to life and limb our trusty operatives have smuggled the following image (see right) out of the workshops of a Foreign (unspecified) Power. Behold Project "X"...

This unique and truly ingenious device exhibits the characteristically flawless metalwork signature of Rob ZS1SA and (when opened) the deftly intricate hand-wiring skills of Chris ZS1CDG within.

It is, in fact, a Fox. Observe it closely, for ere long it shall be, suitably camouflaged, secreted at a hidden location known only to a very select inner circle, and then activated to emit a tantalisingly fugitive signal periodically.

At this point, teams of trained operatives, bearing a variety of directional antennae that bear resemblance to vandalised tape-measures, egg-beaters and ray guns, will endeavor to discover its secret location by way of the dark arts of radiolocation and direction finding.

Should you wish to participate in this activity, further instructions will be posted here in due course.

CTARC Forthcoming Committee Meeting - 18 June '18

CTARC Committee embers are reminded of the forthcoming meeting at 19h00 on Monday 18 June 2018 at the clubhouse.

Please make an effort to attend as there are important matters to discuss regarding the July Meeting.

(If you can't be there, please remember to send in your reports and apologies to Rob or Anne.)

Please note this meeting has now taken place. CTARC chairman Rob ZS1SA will report back at the June meeting.

CTARC Employment Opportunity - 14 Jun '18

An employment opportunity has become available recently.

An Installer Technician is needed by two-way radio company based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.

The position requires somebody with the following experience and abilities:

• Perform installations, de-installations of two-way radio units into various vehicle types, including trucks and plant machinery;
   
• Perform the installations as per the set standard operating procedures at our workshop as well as at sites located throughout the Western Cape;
   
• Do repairs to all types of electronic devices, locate and resolve faults in them, and do maintenance work on them;
   
• The ability to safely climb radio masts and towers;
   
• Solid experience in handling various tools and machinery;
   
• Hands-on maintenance experience in both mechanical and electrical components;
   
• A team player, with excellent communications skills;
   
• A valid driver's license.

If you have the above proficiencies/experience and are interested in joining the team, please e-mail your CV to jobs@itecape.com.

CTARC Further Club History - 2 Jun '18

Here's another photo, kindly provided by Dennis ZS1AU.

At a JOTA-type outreach activity are, L to R. Ted Baker ZS1RA (former Cape Town Branch chairman) and Sydney Smith ZS1PF at the microphone, along with two avid Lakeside Sea Scouts.

CTARC Ragchew - 1 Jun '18

The June 2018 edition of the Cape Town Amateur Radio Centre's bi-monthly newsletter "Ragchew" is now published.

Grateful thanks once again to our editor, Anne, for all her excellent work in putting together this month's edition, and to all those who contributed articles.

Remember please, Anne is always on the look-out for articles to publish in Ragchew!

Download the PDF file [here];

Ragchew is also on our Newsletters Page