Talks
How the FUNcube satellite can help with the Science Curriculum
The FUNcube satellite, launched by AMSAT UK in 2013, has become more relevant to science teaching with the introduction of Black Body Radiation into the GCSE Science Curriculum. The black body radiation from the Sun determines the equilibrium temperature of the Moon and the Earth, as well as orbiting satellites, with the Moon’s surface reaching […]
Tour of the Margate Lifeboat Station with Paul Hodson G1DRX
Paul and mechanic Chris Andrews treated club members to an excellent tour of the Margate Lifeboat station. We split into two groups with mechanic Chris explaining about the controls inside the lifeboat. He explained how the coxswain keeps an overall eye on all the proceedings rather than drive the boat. He pointed out the important […]
Air Traffic Control
PJ Wellspring of Whitstable, ex RAF pilot, then RAF and civil Air Traffic Controller gave us a talk entitled ‘Radar & Radio in support of Air Traffic Control’ To illustrate the problems faced by the controller he showed us a map of Heathrow with the incoming and outgoing flights, then gradually zoomed out showing the […]
ARPOC
Amateur Radio Portable Operators Club Matt M0LMK’s talk at the Club meeting was about his latest project: 'Amateur Radio enthusiasts do it anywhere!' Matt M0MLK explained how his new initiative is to encourage members to operate in the great wide out-doors. Anywhere. On the beach, in a park wherever. If people ask what you are […]
DIY Antenna
The club enjoyed an interesting and useful talk by Erwin David G4LQI on how to build your own antenna to pick up radio signals from around the world. Erwin is a very experienced radio operator and he was pleased to pass on his knowledge to the new recruits in the club.
Quantum Physics and Amateur Radio
Chairman John Hislop G7OHO gave a fascinating talk on Quantum Physics and Amateur Radio to the Hilderstone Radio Club. He demonstrated how the concept of photons can explain the photoelectric effect and light emitting diodes. Reception of radio waves can depend on diffraction which John showed using a slit and a laser. He managed to […]
QRP
The members were treated to a fascinating talk on QRP, amateur radio transmission using very low power, by Bob MacDonald. Bob explained how he first got into the hobby, gaining his novice licence and hearing an inspiring talk on QRP by the renowned Rev George Dobbs. Bob showed us his various transceivers including a tiny […]
Antennas
Erwin David gave the club the benefit of his many years experience as an amateur radio operator with a fascinating talk about the different antennas he has experimented with. Erwin worked for Philips in Holland and then emigrated to Canada to join RCA electronics. He keeps in regular touch with his friends there, of the […]
Public address systems
Alan Smith gave an interesting talk on how he designed the alarm and public address systems on the gas and oil rigs in the North Sea. Alan also designed the first amplifiers used by the Beatles which were one kilowatt of power to overcome the screaming of the fans!
Circumnavigation
The club's president Don Turner opened Thursday's meeting with news of the club's involvement in the Olympic torch parade. Also the club is organising a special event in June for 'museums on the air' in conjunction with the Spitfire Memorial Museum. He then introduced the evening's speaker David Townsend on his voyage around the world. […]
