Issue 153 A publication of the Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society December 2015

www.vmars.org.uk M0VMW Affiliated to the Radio Society of Great Britain

1 December 2015

Left to right: Martin Smyth M0MGA, Ron Swinburne M0WSN, Derek Thom G3NKS

and Tony Barron G3YYH with Stuart McKinnon G0TBI behind the camera to complete the team sorting lots for the VMARS Auction on 20th February. See

page 4 for further information and the catalogue enclosed with this News Sheet

VMARS Membership Renewals 2016

VMARS Membership renewal forms for 2016 were circulated with the previous issue of the News Sheet and are enclosed with Issue 37 of Signal. The deadline for renewing your Membership is 25th January

2016

VMARS Committee Chairman:

Tony Barron G3YYH Wren Cottage Foxcote, Andoversford Gloucestershire GL54 4LP +44(0)7785 376518 chairman@vmars.org.uk tbarron@btinternet.com

Hon. Secretary:

John Keeley GW6RAV 93 Park Crescent Abergavenny Gwent NP7 5TL +44(0)1873 850164 honsec@vmars.org.uk

Hon. Treasurer & Publications Manager:

Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF 22 Farmers Way Copmanthorpe, York North Yorkshire Y023 3XX +44(0)1904 708704 treasurer@vmars.org.uk b.wedzicha@btinternet.com

Membership Secretary:

Ron Swinburne M0WSN 32 Hollywell Road Sheldon, Birmingham West Midlands B26 3BX +44(0)1217 421808 memsec@vmars.org.uk

Ordinary Member:

Peter Jones G8CDC Tudor House Stoneleigh Road Blackdown, Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 6QR +44(0)1926 883345 peter@air-commuter.co.uk

Ordinary Member:

Martin Smyth M0MGA Bay Tree House 111 Forest Road Whitehill Hampshire GU35 9BA +44(0) 1420 477071 martin-smyth@tiscali.co.uk

Public Relations Officer:

Stuart McKinnon G0TBI 145 Enville Road Kinver, Near Stourbridge West Midlands DY7 6BN +44(0)1384 872157 stuartjmckinnon@aol.com

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From our Chairman

Let me start by wishing all members and their families a happy, peaceful, healthy and radio-fun-filled New Year. We start the year amidst a continuing deluge of rain and our thoughts go out to any who are flooded out and face the prospect of refurbishing their homes and grappling with insurance companies. Let’s hope that the weather improves; as a compensation, winter brings benefits through much improved HF propagation, of which more anon.

The committee has much planned for this year. In this leader at the start of the year I want to outline some of those plans, which I shall do in chronological order. Please put these dates in your diary.

February 6th: T1154/55 net

You may remember that last year I undertook a survey of T1154/R1155 ownership and usage within VMARS. I know that in the past (as recently as last year) there have been nets organised specifically for this equipment and I’ve long wanted to organise a similar net when propagation conditions were optimal. I’m the scheduled net controller for the Saturday 80 m AM net on February 6th, so I plan that we’ll focus on this equipment on that day without excluding those with other equipment. There’s an article in this newsletter which describes this in more detail. Trevor PA3BOH and John MW3XHO have helped with these plans.

February 20th: Auction

We now need to empty the Wolverhampton store by February 28th , bringing forward the timescale we have indicated in the past. To that end, there will be an auction at Baginton Village Hall on Saturday February 20th. An initial catalogue is being circulated with this News Sheet.

The material to be auctioned currently includes 30 lots from Peter Best G8BLS that he arranged before his sad passing. The auction also includes many lots from the Wolverhampton store. In addition, we will be selling boxes of around 100 untested loose valves at £20 each (and these aren’t TV valves; there are valves of real value included) from the store. There will be a bookstall too.

Last weekend, a team including Stuart G0TBI, Ron M0WSN, Martin M0MGA, Derek G3NKS and myself had a long session sorting out the store. The auction will effectively clear 2,500 valves and the vast majority of discrete items, leaving several thousand boxed valves in NOS condition to be dealt with in the near future.

There is room in the auction for more lots. If you have items you would like to dispose of, then please let Bronek, Stuart or myself know as soon as possible. Similarly, any one of the three of us is happy to manage commission bids on your behalf.

There is some excellent gear to be acquired, so please come prepared to bid and have ready your plan to inveigle your acquisitions into your QTH without the Station Manager’s knowledge.

March 19th: Incorporation

In the News Sheet for September 2015, published on 16th October 2015, this statement was included in the leader:

“The Committee has asked Ian Underwood M0YMK and Antony Wedgwood G0TJD to collaborate to produce a document for the Society which describes in detail the implications of becoming an incorporated organisation. This matter requires careful consideration by all of us before any decision is made. I am hopeful that we will be able to circulate

the document early in the New Year and then hold an EGM as the weather improves in the Spring to discuss the matter fully.”

We are now in a position to deliver the commitment in this statement. Ian M0YMK and Antony G0TJD have been working together, have consulted the RSGB, have taken written advice from solicitors familiar with the issues and are at the late stages of producing a document for members to consider. This document, and a voting paper, will be circulated to all members before the end of this month. We will then hold an EGM on March 19th for all members to discuss the document and decide whether to proceed with incorporation. We are hoping that the EGM will be in Baginton Village Hall, but that remains to be confirmed; in any case, the EGM will be in a suitable central location.

If the vote decides on incorporation, then the work will be undertaken to prepare for enactment. This includes preparing the legal process and agreeing the relatively minor changes that would be required to our current constitution. The formal institution of incorporation would then take place at an EGM immediately prior to the AGM on September 17th.

I feel I must offer some comment given the recent posts on the Member reflector: (1) It really is not worth commenting until the document being circulated later this month is read and understood; (2) the quickest and most usual way of creating the risk that incorporation would limit is through libel.

September 17th: AGM (and possibly EGM)

The potential EGM and the AGM will be held at Coventry Airport on Saturday September 17th. The committee has received numerous representations from members that the AGM should be in a central location and that seems particularly appropriate if the day also includes an EGM.

The day will include a museum visit, a social event and probably a bring-and-buy stall. The Len Maunders estate has given a sum of money to the Society which will be used on the day in an appropriate fashion.

More detail will be published as it becomes available.

October 6th: Joint event with the DEHS

We have agreed to run a joint event with the Defence Electronics History Society, which will take place at the Defence Academy at the Royal Military College at Shrivenham (between Swindon and Oxford) on Thursday 6th October. This is normally the autumn symposium of the DEHS and the topic is ‘Mobile Communications’. Papers already in preparation include Peter Butcher on Emergency Services Radio, Clive Kidd on Naval Communications from the Boer War onwards and Jeff Jefford on ‘Blue on Blue’, the fratricide which occurs when communications fail.

The committee will be seeking one or more speakers from the VMARS membership to contribute to the day. If you feel that you have something to contribute, please get in touch with me. All members will be welcome at the event, bearing in mind that the venue is an MoD establishment, so that photo ID will be required. There is a small charge to cover catering costs.

There are numerous VMARS members who are also members of DEHS, but for those for whom DEHS is new, the aim of DEHS is to contribute to the study and public awareness of the history of defence electronics leading to a better understanding of the complex world of technology and its impact in the global marketplace.

I for one am looking forward to this occasion. More detail will follow.

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Other matters

(1) There has been discussion within the membership about organising some field day events again. I think this is a great idea, if only to allow those members who effectively can’t operate from home because of QRM to enjoy operating again. An outline plan that is developing is to find a couple of sites, positioned north and south, clear from noise and set up tented stations and aerials on a particular weekend; members could also bring along their own equipment; camping/ caravanning could also be catered for. As this develops, we’ll keep you posted. (2) One of the venues considered for this year’s AGM was RNAS Yeovilton. We decided against going there, somewhat reluctantly, because of its location. However, we would like to organise a Saturday visit there for members: it’s a great museum and well worth a visit. This may be a bridge too far for 2016, but if we can make it work, we will. (3) As I write, approximately half of members have renewed their membership, which is what we’d expect at this stage of the year. If you’ve not yet done so, please can you submit your renewal as soon as possible. The renewal form was included with the News Sheet in December and will be circulated with the current issue of Signal to all members; it’s also available on the VMARS website or you can contact Ron M0WSN, our membership secretary. Please read also Ron’s piece on membership renewals below.

And finally: Treasurer and Publications Manager

Bronek M0DAF has informed the committee that he will not be standing for re-election at the AGM, for personal reasons. He will be a very hard act to replace and does sterling work in both roles.

The reason that I am announcing this now is that it would be good to find replacements to work with Bronek over a period of time to hand over the duties. Please get in touch if you’re interested in either role.

Tony Barron G3YYH

VMARS Membership renewals

It is that time of year when Members are invited to renew their annual VMARS Membership for 2016. The Membership renewal form was enclosed with the previous News Sheet and is still available for download and is included in the current mailing of Signal. The renewal form applies to all those Members who have not yet paid their 2016 subscriptions.

I would advise strongly that all read the form carefully with regard to subscription rates and banking information (as appropriate). The subscription rates have been revised as agreed at the AGM but we have kept postal rates for the coming year unchanged (due to be reviewed for 2017). Some members will no doubt be surprised at the numbers who either send the wrong payment (in some cases they pay twice!) or do not reference their bank-to-bank transfers properly. It is very important that those who renew by bank-to-bank transfer send in completed forms as well. Not only do these allow the database to be updated, but tell the Membership Secretary to expect payment directly into the bank so that this may be cross-referenced by our Treasurer. Bank-to-bank transfers generally are more satisfactory than standing orders; the latter cause us the greatest difficulties when not revised when required. We spend many hours and incur costs in chasing such payments; there are still individuals who have not revised their payments for several years. Please ensure that you are not one of them and please

try to understand that we process some 450 renewals in a relatively short time so the work load is very intensive, even in an ideal world, and any help to alleviate the work-load would be much appreciated.

The deadline for receipt of subscriptions is Monday 25th January 2016. Renewals will be accepted up to 21st February 2016 but will incur an additional administrative charge of £2.50 after the January deadline since the address-list for publications is normally finalised at the end of January. Anyone who has not renewed by 21st February 2016 will be dropped off the current database and will not receive any further VMARS publications.

Can I please ask all members to note the address to which payments should be sent as: Ron Swinburne M0WSN, 32 Hollywell Road, Sheldon, Birmingham, West Midlands B26 3BX. This information has, of course, changed since the AGM and is given on the renewal form and on the front of this News Sheet.

Ron Swinburne M0WSN

T1154/R1155 net, Saturday February 6th 2016

My research into ownership of T1154/55 combinations suggests that in excess of one hundred T1154s are owned by VMARS members and many more R1155s. The same survey showed that around twenty five T1154s were in a fit state to be put on-air and I am aware of more that weren’t reported during my survey. For some time I’ve been keen to run a net for this equipment when propagation conditions were optimal.

I am due to be net controller of the Saturday morning net on February 6th and that’s good timing. I am proposing that, on this occasion, the net starts at 08:00 to maximise the probable propagation window. I have asked John MW0XHO to take the role of lead net controller, for two reasons: (1) he has a remarkably strong signal that is heard well from the Channel Island to Scotland to Holland and (2) he uses a T1509, which is equipment appropriate to controlling a network of T1154s.

I am not suggesting that equipment other than T1154s should not be used, but would like to make this an occasion where we focus on their usage. If you have other Air Ministry equipment, you may wish to use that but, in any case, please do not feel excluded from the net. I will ask that overs are kept brief to allow the maximum number of overs while conditions are optimal. Canadian-built Lancasters were fitted with the Bendix TA12 set, so use of one would also be very appropriate to this net.

Following the net, I would like to produce a report of some sort, so I would ask that you e-mail me with a table of the signal reports that you make. If you are using a T1154 or a TA12, then you might like to e-mail a photograph and/or a description of the aerial, microphone, pre-amp, PSU set-ups that you have.

Trevor PA3BOH has provided below some commentary on the propagation conditions we might expect and some background on T1154/R1155 operational usage in aircraft:

I hope that this experience is good fun. If it works well, we may repeat it for other types of equipment.

Conditions

Propagation conditions at this time of the year should be good from shortly after sunrise until late in the morning. There is always the possibility of a disturbance coming from the Sun, such as the one a few months ago. If that happened, MW0XHO’s station is well placed to conduct the net as it is

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powerful and being some distance away will have a higher MUF than a centrally located station.

Above is a plot of the Chilton Ionosonde for a few days in early January 2016. Soon after sunrise foF2 rises (that’s the red or upper trace, which is basically MUF for vertical incidence). It reaches around 6 or 7 MHz just before midday. The best frequency to use is one just below the MUF if you are able to choose but, if you are using 80 m, then the best time is when the MUF has increased to just above the 3.6 MHz. This is usually around 0800 to 0900 LT.

Background: operational usage

The R1155/T1154 installation was used in aircraft such as the Lancaster, but hardly ever used to communicate with other R1155/T1154s in other aircraft in the air. It was also hardly ever used on the ground, except for training. Some T1154s were, however, used for beacons (etc.) on the ground. It was hardly ever used with a microphone and AM.

Most of the time, the ground station was much more powerful. Group transmitters were typically 2 kW, whereas Base or Airfield stations were around 350 W. The T1509 was such an airfield or base station transmitter. It was developed during the war, but the war ended before it could be deployed.

What we will be doing will be similar to how a T1154 was used by an aircraft returning in the early hours of the morning after a raid over Germany.

The Wireless Operator would have been listening on the R1155 over Germany on the Group frequency to the regular half hour broadcasts but would not have transmitted on the T1154. On the return journey, when over the North Sea, he would already have called up in CW on MF for a fix from the Medium Wave Direction Finding network allocated to his Group and would have been told their position. This would also get them identified and help avoid them being shot down by our own AA guns.

Around 100 miles out, the W/O would change to HF, wind in the trailing aerial and call up the airfield, in CW, on the airfield frequency which would be around 3 to 4 MHz and ask for a QDM, the direction to get them home. The airfield station would reply, in CW, with the direction to use to get home.

Then when close to the airfield, the pilot would take over and call in on the pilot’s R/T set. This was a TR9F early in the war, or a TR1196 later in the war. The pilot would then be given instructions on how to join the circuit and eventually be given permission to land. If the TR9 or TR1196 failed, the Wireless Operator could call up in CW and ask for instructions.

Tony Barron G3YYH

VMARS Auction

Baginton Village Hall Frances Road, Baginton, Coventry CV8 3AB

Saturday 20th February 2016 10.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m.

This event is for VMARS Members and guests only.

The auction will comprise the catalogue, circulated with the current (December) Issue of the VMARS News Sheet, which lists items to be sold on behalf of the Family of Peter Best G8BLS SK (lots 132), items donated to or acquired by VMARS (lots 33105), on behalf of G3TSK (lots 106114) and on behalf of G0TBI (lots 115121).

Members are invited to submit additional lots and part 2 of the catalogue with those lots listed will be published at the beginning of February. Items brought for auction unannounced will only be auctioned time-permitting.

Unless otherwise stated, all items are as seen, and have not been inspected in detail, so no warranty as to them being authentic, complete, or in working order can be implied.

Buyers are advised strongly to check that mains operated items comply with current safety standards before connecting to the mains. Unless otherwise stated, no such checks have been carried out on equipment offered at this auction. Buyers should be aware that equipment may have been stored under damp conditions, with the risk of ‘leaky’ transformers which could trip RCCB protected mains supplies, or fail-to-chassis when powered. Equipment may not be adequately earthed, or earth connections may have corroded. Critical power supply components such as electrolytic smoothing capacitors require ‘re-forming’ if stored for extended periods of time, resulting in spectacular failure if not treated accordingly! Some equipment offered in this auction operates at high voltage. Applying power to equipment which has not been dried out properly, or with accumulated dirt or corrosion, can damage the equipment whilst making it potentially hazardous.

Those intending to place bids at this auction will be issued with a bidding card before the start. All accounts must be settled by close on the day of the auction.

You are advised that some items will carry a reserve price which will be applied at the discretion of the auctioneer.

Anne McKinnon M3TBI has kindly offered to provide the refreshments and lunch at cost to attendees as follows:

Tea, coffee or squash with 2 biscuits courtesy of the Society on arrival. From then on all drinks 40p.

Bag of Crisps 35p Small pork pie 50p Sausage roll 40p Piece of cake (assorted - chocolate, carrot, Victoria sandwich etc. £1 Fruit pie (apple or mixed fruit) and custard £1 Rolls –White, granary or wholemeal Ham, turkey, corned beef, cheese or tuna mayo Jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings Just butter – £1.50 Cheese - £2 Tuna Mayo - £2 Cheese and Beans - £2.40 Chilli - £2.50 Piece of Quiche – 75p

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Slice of ham, turkey or corned beef – 75p - All served with a salad garnish - Combinations of any of above. - Please say which bread rolls you prefer.

Members attending are advised to book their lunch order via email to pro@vmars.org.

Stuart McKinnon G0TBI

Peter Best G8BLS SK

Peter Best first became interested in radio as a teenager growing up in Colchester in the late 1950s using a variety of ex-military radios including an R109 which he kept in good working order for the rest of his life. His interest in the technical side of radio led both to the amateur callsign G8BLS and a professional career in fixed radio links with the GPO/ Post Office Telephones/BT – notably working on the first 11 GHz digital trunk microwave system with Graham Murchie G4FSG (now RSGB Chairman). In later life after retirement from BT he worked for a local mobility equipment company and became the person to ask about the care and feeding of lead-acid batteries and popularised the use of Anderson SB connectors for DC supplies locally. He was still helping them until shortly before his death – most recently as a consultant on EMC problems.

Within the vintage and military radio world, Peter was involved in the studies of radio communications at Arnhem and became something of an expert in the effects of ground conductivity (or lack thereof) on ground wave MF tactical radio, being involved in numerous practical trials on both sides of the North Sea and enjoyed pedestrian portable operation from Felixstowe beach with a range of manpack sets, most recently a Clansman UK-PRC/320 for which he developed his own version of the LSB mod using a magnet and reed switch to select LSB without having to repurpose any other controls or make a hole in the case. Peter was a major part of the VMARS presence at the Ipswich Rally (ESWR) and at Flixton every year, and also played a major part in the Radar anniversary special event station at Bawdsey earlier this year.

Peter was also a lifelong member of the Scouting movement (including a year as Chief Scout in Suffolk) and his skills with rope fixings and as an antenna rigger were much in demand among the local radio community. Peter was an active

member of the Felixstowe and District ARS being chairman for several years until shortly before his death. The club was able to make full use of the ex-USF radar station at Foxhall Heath for various activities thanks to Peter’s ingenuity enabling use of the remaining towers without climbing! Peter also played a major role in amateur radio education locally and a generation of new licensees in East Suffolk have benefited from his knowledge both as a foundation class tutor and in practical help after graduation.

Peter is survived by a wife and two sons.

Iain Moffat G0OZS

[Footnote from Iain Moffat: I have included summaries of information on posts from other non-vintage e-mail reflectors from the ex-BT and Suffolk amateur radio worlds and would like to credit G4FSG, M0MCY and G4CXT in particular.]

Nigel Boyd G0UGD SK

I first met Nigel in 2001, after answering an advertisement in Radcom for some military radio equipment and from then on we kept in touch, on the bands and also one or two visits to Eastbourne.

In recent years, Nigel worked in the USA for 15 years and sadly whilst there, he had a brush with cancer, which was successfully treated. He was the holder of an American ham radio licence, callsign K4UGD, of which I had the pleasure of working him on 20 m, whilst he was on a recent visit.

During his stay in the US, he helped Fred Osterman compile information for the publication of 'Short wave receivers past and present 1942-1997.'

He returned to the UK and started working for a firm in Towcester, called Iris; it was from there that I collected my first piece of ex-military radio equipment but, after a number of years of being in the design department, sadly he was made redundant due to lack of new products.

Luckily, he did not have to wait long before securing a position with a leading defence contractor, enabling him to cut the cost of travelling and lodging payments.

Nigel was a good negotiator as well, he had serious contacts at the disposals section in the Royal Naval Dockyards and some of the kit he came up with was state of the art, saved from the scrap man and some of which you will know is still in use today by at least three or four of his closest VMARS colleagues.

I know Nigel passed on a lot of radio equipment to HMS Collingwood after his hands-on experience of military radio repair.

Nigel had been an active contributor to VMARS being a member for a little under 9 years and he especially enjoyed ex-military (Admiralty) equipment in particular and could often be heard on 40 m and 20 m, and was quite active also on the 60 m allocation.

I am sure as many of you knew, Nigel was a very thoughtful and generous man, always ready to help his fellow Amateur. VMARS and the amateur radio community will be a sadder place without him.

Ralph Whitwell G4EBL

News from 1927

Whilst sorting out goods in the Wolverhampton store, I came across a virtually unused Wireless World pocket diary for 1927. This is a fascinating document, with all sorts of interesting snippets.

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It has a list of names and addresses all those licenced to transmit in the UK, which in itself is interesting, with names like J. Clarricoats (6CL), Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (6GN), Durham and Northumberland Collieries Rescue (6AA and 6AB). Also included is WGH Brown of Cheltenham (5BK); his callsign is still used by the Cheltenham Amateur Radio Association (as G5BK).

Then there’s a section on circuit design using valves, such as ‘Adding an amplifier to a crystal set’, ‘High Frequency Magnifiers’ and ‘A Reflex Circuit’.

The unused diary section itself has a top tip on each page; here are some examples:

“Accumulators may be charged by AC supply with the aid of a rectifier, which may be of the rotary, buzzer, valve or electrolytic types”.

“Ebonite panels are prepared with the aid of a steel square, a fine set hacksaw and a medium grade file. The easiest way of producing a matt surface is to use medium carborundum cloth”.

“The various valves of a receiver must be carefully selected according to the function performed. Valves specifically suited for HF amplification, detection and LF amplification are available and the makers’ instructions and curves should be carefully studied”. At the end of the diary is a section containing valve data to help with that careful selection.

This is only about 90 years ago, a mere blip in the context of history, and so much has changed and is better understood now. The diary will be for sale at the auction on February 20th, along with many other fascinating, useful or desirable lots.

Tony Barron G3YYH

Patrick White G6CJB

I was fortunate to be able to visit two places en route to London Heathrow, during the course of a working day.

My first port of call was to visit Harris Corporation in Winnersh. They allowed me to visit their product support department and look and touch some of their current and upcoming RF devices. I am lucky enough to own several Harris pieces, so I was like a boy in a sweet shop. Sadly there were no photographs for obvious reasons, none the less, a very nice visit enabling a few more names to go into the networking black book.

Following lunch, I drove over to visit Patrick White, G6CJB. Patrick, during his working life and even today is a professional photographer, but has many a varied interest surrounding his family life. Not only is Patrick back into ham radio but he also has an interest in all things automotive. I

spotted a rather delicious looking Ducati on a workshop or was it a trailer stand, another bike was also receiving attention, coupled with a classic Jag, and other bits and pieces. Model aircraft are another feature of Patrick's interest and one item I spotted and liked is his Jukebox. So we had a chat about that, me mentioning my Wurlitzer Lyric, a 160 selection that plays the 45s in the vertical mode and what a sound, you can’t beat it!, If only I could stop Anne bopping around in the hall. Patrick certainly has not got a lot of time to spare.

Like many of us, you might expect the size of his shack. Shall we say, without being unkind, Patrick's was akin to Philip Schofield's broom cupboard at the BBC (you remember the days of Gordon the Gofer). Compact and bijou but packed form floor to ceiling with all manner of kit including test, radio and Clansman equipment. We chatted about 60 m and I asked Patrick to give me a demo, but we had a little unexplained difficulty with the rather nice example of his RT-321 which can be seen nestled in the photograph. He discovered latterly that the output coax had developed a fault. Now fixed I gather. So you may well catch Patrick on the air. He tends to favour 40 m and above but I gather he likes 60 m and now that more and more countries are adopting the band, there's a lot of choice out there. I have still yet to work the Dutch Hams, but been too busy with work.

I enjoyed my visit to you Patrick and thank you for the hospitality, So, at this time of year, I would like to take this opportunity of wishing yourself, your family and all VMARS members and families, a Happy New Year for 2016. May all your Vintage and Military Wishes come true!

Stuart Mckinnon G0TBI

Double Reunion - Friends Reunited

Two friends were reunited recently; apprentices from over fifty years ago and a radio with a missing part. The friends were Angus MM1CCR and Mervyn, and the radio was an RMH24, manufactured by Marconi. This radio is a four valve superhet for medium and short waves of the type supplied during WW11 for use in ward rooms for entertainment and weather reports. It covered 18.2 to 0.5 MHz in three bands and included an internal flat coil frame aerial. At some point it had been gentrified by a previous owner with the addition of a Formica front panel and an internal mains power supply using a metal rectifier and a large tapped dropper resistor. Originally it would have been used with a vibrator power supply type RM14/785 described in the manual as associated with the “Seamew Equipment” and running off a 24 volt accumulator or ships DC supply. This power unit could switch from operating the receiver to recharging a 24 V accumulator. The valve line up was TH233, frequency changer, VP133 VM

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pentode IF amplifier, HL133DD double diode triode, detector cum first AF amplifier, with a 12A6 output amplifier. In the original format the filament of the TH233 was connected across the 24 V DC supply and the HL133/VP133 filaments were connected in series while the 12A6 filament worked through a dropper.

Angus had purchased this receiver from the SWM small adds in about 1960 as his first receiver and then sold it to Mervyn a few years later, when he got an R1155. For reasons that are not clear now, he had removed the flat coil frame aerial and fitted a socket for an external aerial. However, this part was still in his junk box and was reunited with the radio when the two met up again after fifty three years. See the attached photograph of the radio and the long lost flat coil aerial, also the Laskys advert from WW May 1953. The radio is still operational and has only had one change of a valve in all those years. Does anybody have an RMH24 or a power supply type 14/785 down the back of the garage? If so we can provide a copy of the handbook.

Angus Annan MM1CCR

VMARS Reflectors (Groups) on the Web

The Society hosts two official Yahoo Groups (VMARS-Member and VMARS-Collector) exclusively for VMARS Members. These are closed groups and the discussions cannot be viewed by non-subscribers. Members can join both groups by invitation only. Invitations to join VMARS-Member are issued automatically to new Members or by application to Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF. Invitations to VMARS-Collector are issued by application to Ian Underwood M0YMK. Both Groups are moderated by the Committee and their purpose is as follows:

The VMARS-Member Group is a forum where Members can share technical and other specialised information about all aspects of VMARS Members' interests and within the scope of the Society. It is not to be used for the posting of advertisements for trade.

The VMARS-Collector Group is a trading platform for VMARS Members. Its purpose is to enable Members to buy, sell, exchange or request items which relate directly to vintage and military radio, radar and associated items.

Members are advised that another Yahoo Group calling itself VMARS is not an official VMARS site and correctly identifies itself as having nothing to do with the Society except in name.

Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF

My Christmas present radio

Sending in articles, news items, letters and advertisements for VMARS Publications

Please send copy to Colin Guy G4DDI by post or e-mail, 7 Herrick Court, Clinton Park, Tattershall, Lincs. LN4 4QU Tel 01526 344715 g4ddi@vmars.org.uk The copy deadline for the next issue of the News Sheet is 15th December. For articles for the next issue of Signal the deadline is 9th February 2016, but copy would be appreciated as far in advance as possible.

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Sound is a bit tinny but works OK on the Shortbread Band. On opening I was able to glean a few crumbs of information as to how it works. The ‘chips’ are contained in an unusual 360-degree packaging.

Richard Powell M1CFW

[Readers viewing the picture in grey-scale are advised that the colour of the radio in question is bright red! Ed]

Lorenz tape recording

Those who have read the article by Joe Bell G4PMY in Signal on “The Schaub Lorenz Music Centre 5001 model” [Signal 2015, 37 (November), 1314] may be interested to hear an extract from the tape referred to in the text, to appreciate the audio quality, by following the link: http://www.vmars.org.uk/Film_Recordings. Scroll down to the heading “SIGNAL & News Sheet related film and audio”.

Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF

Saturday AM Net-Controller’s Rota

Date 1st op 2nd op 3rd op

16th Jan G4GEN G4BQF GW8TBG

23rd Jan G4BQF GW8TBG G3YYH

30th Jan GW8TBG G3YYH G8AQN

6th Feb G3YYH G8AQN M1PVC

13th Feb G8AQN M1PVC G0TBI

20th Feb M1PVC G0TBI G3XGW

27th Feb G0TBI G3XGW M0TCM

Letters to the Editor Meeting the requirements of the Radio

Regulations and CEPT

I felt it might be worth gently reminding members that much ex-military and quite a bit (probably most) older commercial amateur equipment has problems in meeting the requirements of Radio Regulations and the CEPT with regard to spurious emissions, probably mainly harmonics. Admittedly, the level of enforcement is very low and the authorities are currently turning a blind eye, but it does behove us to be seen to be good guys.

Unlike the USA, where equipment built pre-1975 has no limits (strange idea), all amateur transmitters since January 1st 2012 are supposed to meet the limits of all spurious emissions being attenuated by 43+ 10logP dB but not more than 50 dB down for transmitters below 30 MHz and 70 dB for those operating above 30 MHz.

In most cases, a pi-network or even more so, the simple antenna coupling networks in older surplus, are unable to meet these requirements. However, an ATU will generally do much to help and a 'half wave' filter which represents at its input terminals the load impedance it sees at its output terminals is another simple approach which can be used

between transmitter and ATU to really keep the harmonics down.

Peter E Chadwick G3RZP

Helplines queries 153/1 Wartime canvas cover

The picture below is of a canvas cover given to VMARS by Denis Derdos F1AHX with the question “what is it?” It has part number BC 90674491 stencilled on it and appears to be of wartime manufacture. It would cover a space about 54"x16"x16". If you can identify it and provide evidence of your identification, then it's yours.

Denis tells us that a friend of his has more of these covers.

If you think you know what it is, then please get in touch with Tony G3YYH.

The VMARS News Sheet Issue 153

9 December 2015

As an aside, Denis Derdos sends, along with Season’s Greetings to all Members, this photograph of his SCR506 wondering what wildlife had made it their home.

Manuals offered to Members

The following manuals from the John Coggins G3TFC collection have been recovered while clearing the VMARS store. These are being offered to Members as a single lot (about two thirds of a standard removal company box) for a donation to cover costs (suggested £20 + carriage). Please contact Tony Barron G3YYH if you are interested.

LET L13 glider spare parts catalogue LET L13 glider overhaul manual G-APAU flight log Viscount 700 series flight planning tables SIAI Marchetti F260B maintenance manual RAF Flight Info handbook Jan 75 Super Constellation M1049 Crew Operating Manual Hobson injection carburetor maintenance manual (x2) Dragonair heaters service and instruction manual Dowty Rotol overhaul manual for controller units G-APJB flight log Beechcraft Super King Air 200 flotation main landing gear manual Aircraft Supplies catalogue 1962 Book of forms: Autair Calibration captain's technical reports Piper Comanche PA-24 parts catalogue Piper Twin Comanche PA-30 parts catalogue Piper Apache PA-23 parts catalogue Hughes 500 series M369H maintenance manual USN flight manual C117D aircraft Beechcraft maintenance manual Cessna 401/402 service manual DC-6 air conditioning manual DC-6 operations manual RFD Civil Aviation lifejacket manual Beechcraft Musketeer shop manual G-APIU Percival Prentice flight manual Agusta AB206 maintenance manual

Tony Barron G3YYH

Committee Notices Committee Meeting 21st November 2015

Committee Meeting No. 2 of 2015/16 was held on the 21st November 2015 at Tudor House, Leamington Spa. The following were in attendance. Tony Barron G3YYH (Chairman), Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF (Hon. Treasurer), John Keeley GW6RAV (Hon. Secretary), Ron Swinburne M0WSN (Membership Secretary), Peter Jones G8CDC and Martyn Smyth M0MGA (Ordinary Members).

The principal decisions taken and topics discussed were as follows:

1. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the Previous Meeting (No. 1 of 2015/16)

Item 2.2: Noted that no Risk Assessments had been received neither for the Society display at the Newark Hamfest nor the Auction at Baginton on 24th October.

Item 2.3.2: Tony Barron reported that the letter to Neatishead had not yet been completed.

Item 2.3.4: Recorded that the proposal for the setting up of a Society Storage Facility had been dropped in favour of a suggestion from Stuart McKinnon.

2. Email Decisions

A decision was taken by email not to proceed with the proposal to set up a Society Storage Facility. Thanks are due to Peter Jones for developing the proposal.

3. Health & Safety

Noted that Society Auctions often involve the lifting of heavy equipment. This is an identifiable risk and measures must be in place at auctions to ensure that correct lifting techniques are used and that suitable assistance is available where two-men lifts are needed.

4. Society Membership

Ron Swinburne M0WSN (Membership Secretary) provided the following report prior to the meeting:

I am pleased to report that the changeover from Pete to myself went very well. Pete did a good job of explaining the procedures involved.

No real screamers just a couple of slight hiccups caused by some members initially still contacting Pete first mainly with change of details etc. Soon sorted though and settling down nicely into the role.

Pleased to report also that we now have 475 paid-up Members. Since taking over I have processed 24 applications made up of 20 new Members and 4 re-joins.

One thing I do ensure is to send an acknowledgement welcoming email within 48 hours of receiving an application and to ensure that their names are in the very next available NS. I am now well sorted in time for the rush (hopefully) of renewals come the end of the year.

5. RSGB Spectrum Forum

Ron Swinburne M0WSN (Society Representative at the RSGB Spectrum Forum) provided the following report prior to the meeting:

Breaking news from the WRC-15 Convention:

During the (November 18th) afternoon plenary session of WRC-15 in Geneva a new amateur service allocation at 5 MHz was approved. Although only a small allocation of 15 kHz between 5351.55366.5 kHz was eventually agreed, it is the first new allocation at HF since the WARC of 1979. After intense pressure from the fixed service primary user, power limits have been set at 15 W eirp in Regions 1 and 3, 20 W eirp in Mexico and 25 W eirp in Central America, South America and most of the Caribbean area.

As far as UK amateurs are concerned, it is pretty much steady as we are but I do believe that OFCOM are already discussing the implications with the MoD.

Not much movement on the HF front I’m afraid; discussions are still ongoing on this and in other bands, however, updates on all aspects at WRC-15 are available here >>

http://rsgb.org/main/news/special-focus/wrc-15/

During discussion of Ron’s Report and noting the new 5 MHz allocation ‘bandlet’, a view was expressed that the existing AM allocation on 5317 kHz was perhaps not as widely used as it might be. One way to make better use of the allocation might be to set up an informal AM net (along the lines of the 618T Net on 7073 kHz LSB) on a midweek afternoon possibly timed to start at 1600 hours local. Further consideration is to be given to this idea.

Issue 153 The VMARS News Sheet

December 2015 10

6. Controlled Document List

John Keeley GW6RAV (Hon. Secretary) had circulated a draft copy of the proposed Controlled Document List prior to the meeting. The Society’s controlled documents consist of policy and guideline documents that are circulated to Committee Members and those within the Society who undertake nominated tasks on behalf of the Committee. Each document has an ‘owner’ who is responsible for keeping the document up to date and providing updated copies to those on the circulation list. Uncontrolled Copies of Documents (these are not automatically updated) are available to any member of the Society on request from the Hon. Secretary.

The list (which itself is a Controlled Document) includes existing Society Policy Documents (such as the Constitution) along with three new documents, the SK Bequest Form; a draft policy document titled, Assistance with the Disposal of Silent Key Equipment including the organisation of Managed Sales (providing guidelines and setting out the assistance the Society is able to provide to the family or Executor of an SK Member in the disposal of their radio equipment) and Guidelines for completing Health & Safety Risk Assessments.

It was also proposed that the Society Website also should effectively become a Controlled Document and in this respect Tony Barron G3YYH (Chairman) is to discuss the rules for the website with Ian Underwood.

In discussion it was suggested the Bequest Form and the Assistance with the Disposal of SK guidelines be combined into one document and John Keeley will produce the draft combined document.

7. AGM 2016

Some possible venues for AGM 2016 were discussed and it was felt the most suitable was Coventry Airport coupled with a hosted visit to the Coventry Airport Aircraft Museum. As to a likely date it was considered best to leave the AGM to September. Assuming the Society proceeded to incorporation with the necessary EGMs being held in February/March 2016, an Autumn AGM would give time for the Society to settle in as an LLC with the existing Committee initially taking on the governance. The various governance roles and requirements could then be defined in preparation for elections in the Autumn.

8. Website Upgrade

Ian Underwood had prepared a discussion paper for Committee on how the Society Website be taken forward. Principal issues identified were:

(a) Web Space. The site is beginning to run out of space and there was a need to purchase further space.

(b) Security. Work will be required in readiness for the Society becoming an LLC, in particular security will need to be upgraded.

(c) Removal of Old Material. There was a need to provide arrangements for the removal/archiving of old material. Currently such material can be removed but there are no arrangements for archiving.

Tony Barron is to liaise with Ian Underwood on the work needed to take the website forward.

9. Finances

Bronek Wedzicha gave a short report on the Society’s finances.

As of 12th November, the balance at bank was £13,856 – 94. Liabilities were approximately £1,500.

Commission and donations due to the Society from the auction held on 24th October was £940 – 25 after expenses.

Noted that the examined and approved Society end-of-year accounts to December 31st would need to be available February/March next year in preparation for incorporation.

10. Incorporation

Tony Barron provided an update on Incorporation. Ian Underwood and Antony Wedgwood are to prepare a paper setting out costs and other implications for the Society proceeding to Incorporation. It is expected that this paper will be available for publication and circulation to the Membership in early January. Ian Underwood is also going to approach the RSGB for recommendations in respect of sources of legal advice should this be needed.

There has been some adverse reaction to incorporation but Tony emphasised that the final decision will be made by the Membership on the basis of full information as to what is involved including full details of costs that will be incurred if the Society becomes an LLC.

11. Archives & Publications

(a) Ex G3TFC Manuals for Archiving. A quantity of technical manuals mainly dealing with the Collins 618T equipment had been retrieved on a temporary basis from G3TFC’s Technical Library at the time of its clearance by members of the Society team. One tranche of these manuals has already been catalogued by Colin Guy in preparation for scanning and the remaining two further tranches are in the process of being transferred to Colin.

Bronek had been asked to check the ownership of a number of manuals removed at the time of the clearance with Jan Coggins and report back. He reported that he had contacted Jan Coggins; Jan’s position was that he had no interest in the manuals and was happy for them to be donated to the archive.

(b) VMARS Handbook. Bronek Wedzicha gave an update on progress and publication was expected in time for AGM 2016,

(c) Society Archive. Martyn Smyth reported that he will be meeting with Colin Guy to discuss progress with the Archive

12. Working Parties

a) Progress with listing Society ‘Stock’ and clearance of Wolverhampton Store.

Tony Barron reported that there had been no progress to date. He planned, however, to visit the Store and make a ‘high level’ inventory of the contents. This will need to be documented. There was also a need to develop a strategy for the disposal of the large quantity of valves that had been donated to the Society.

13. Public Relations & Publicity

Bronek Wedzicha reported that a sum of money had been received from Len Maunder’s family to fund a suitable token for the Membership in Len’s memory.

14. Rallies & Events

(a) Auction 24th October. Unanimous view was the auction was a great success and in response to requests a means had been established to publish a comprehensive list of lots and prices achieved after the event. The result of the auction is recorded in item 9 above.

(b) Forthcoming Rallies. Proposed that the following rallies would be attended by the Society:

Blackpool (NARSA)

The VMARS News Sheet Issue 153

11 December 2015

NVCF Harwell Newark Hamfest

Other rallies / events under consideration are:

Wartime in the Vale Thorpe Camp Princethorpe Luton Flixton Bletchley Park Canvey Island Eastbourne

(c) DEHS Mobile Communications Symposium. It is understood that this is to take place at Shrivenham on 6th October next year. Tony Barron is to liaise with Phil Judkins in respect of Society participation.

16. Committee Meetings

Dates for future Committee Meetings for 2015/16 were proposed as follows:

Meeting No 3: 20th February 2016

Meeting No 4: 28th May 2016

There being no further business, Tony Barron thanked members for coming and declared the meeting closed at 1500 hours.

Applications for Membership

We wish to welcome the following new applicants for VMARS Membership:

Name, Callsign (Region) Interests C Meadows G4KWH Bedford Military radio/transmitters.

J Stevenson G1AVQ Stoke-on-Trent

Old radios 1920 to 1970 RX & TX.

CL Turner G3VTT Rainham

Home brew valve equipment for CW some military QRP.

PEJ Hundy G7OPD Birmingham

Amateur radio electronics TV broadcast cameras etc. Have AR88, HRO, Racal, Eddystone, DST100MkII, and WS19s.

J Mann G7KYH Banbury

[Membership rules require names of applicants for Membership to be published, before they are formally accepted as Members. This allows existing Members to object, if they wish. If you want to object to any of the above, please write to our Hon Sec, John Keeley – Ed.]

Advertisements FOR SALE: HRO-MX WW receiver, VGC, no mods, 5x coils. £250 Homebrew PSU plus 10 coils and handbook for above. £150 KW107 with 160 m mod. £100 Kenwood AT230 ATU. £90 Grundig TK-20 reel – reel tape recorder, working but no mic. £40. Kent straight Morse key, nice patina. Half new price. £50 Army key W.W. 8 amp No.2 Mk II £20 Advance Belling Lee coax switch C.S.11 1x in 6x out £20 Peter Norris G4VUN (North Yorks.) 01677 460302

FOR SALE: I have a R107 receiver which has been in storage for the last 40 years at my sister's house in Aberdeen and I would like to find it a good home. It was working before storage but after all this time, there will need to be some restoration work done. Because of its weight, it would have to be collected from Aberdeen.

I also have a few things in my loft here in Chelmsford which have been up there over 30 years and it's probably a good time to have a clear out. An Eddystone EC10 receiver bought in 1970, complete with box, instructions and even the receipt. A box of old radio/TV books and old Practical Wireless magazines and remnants of old crystal sets

There is also an Ekco AD75 set which I bought about 50 years ago and was still working when I put it away. I always wanted to have it restored and to give it to my son but could never find anyone who did this when I checked some years ago. Is there anyone today who does such restoration work?

Advertisement placed by Les Milne (NM)

Offers for the R107, EC10 and books via Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF (contact information on the front of this News Sheet). All items for collection by purchaser.

FOR SALE: Two Telephones F Mk II in excellent condition, one transit case. £40, all proceeds to SK's widow. Carriage extra. Tony Barron G3YYH (contact information on the front of this News Sheet)

WANTED. ZC1 MkII swap for either an R1224A, WS62 or HRO7. These three items are all good looking, complete and in very nice working condition. Please no junk. Geoff 01634 891017 gw.woo@btinternet.com

WANTED: Transmitter WS No76. Will also pay for postage. Ray Robinson VK2NO robinson@tuberadio.com

WANTED: Switchboard AC No. 1 Generator AC/DC No. 1 And any associated plugs and cables. Bob Edgeley g8kzo@talktalk.net 01329 834032

Copyright Notice The VMARS News Sheet is a publication of the Vintage and Military Amateur Radio Society. Copyright remains vested in the authors, thus no material in this News Sheet may be copied and published elsewhere, in part or in full, by any means, without the express permission of the author. This may be sought either from the author direct, or from the News Sheet Editor, Bronek Wedzicha M0DAF.

Issue 153 The VMARS News Sheet

December 2015 12

VMARS Membership Renewals 2016 VMARS Membership renewal forms for 2016 were circulated with the previous

issue of the News Sheet and are enclosed with Issue 37 of Signal. The

deadline for renewing your Membership is 25th January 2016

VMARS Auction Baginton Village Hall

Frances Road, Baginton, Coventry CV8 3AB Saturday 20th February 2016

10.00 a.m.–4.00 p.m. This event is for VMARS Members and guests only. The auction will comprise the catalogue, circulated

with the current (December) Issue of the VMARS News Sheet, which lists items to be sold on behalf

of the Family of Peter Best G8BLS SK (lots 132),items donated to or acquired by VMARS

(lots 33105), on behalf of G3TSK (lots 106114) and on behalf of G0TBI (lots 115121).

Members are invited to submit additional lots and part 2 of the catalogue with those lots listed will be

published at the beginning of February. Items brought for auction unannounced will only be

auctioned time-permitting.