The many friends of Albert EI6AS will be sorry to hear of his death on Wednesday last 1 December. He had been ill for some little time and died in Our Lady's Hospice, Harolds Cross, Dublin. Albert has had a long time involvement in amateur radio in EI. He served on the IRTS Committee for many years and acted as the Society's VHF Manager for a lengthy period.
Up to his recent illness he read the two metre SSB Radio News each Sunday from his QTH in Clondalkin. Albert was what could be described as a true experimenter. He was constantly expanding his knowledge in new and exciting aspects of the hobby and he was always seeking to do things just that little bit better. New aspects of the hobby were regarded by him as challenges. He was technically very competent and he was always to the fore in coming to terms with new technologies and in assisting others to explore new modes and methods. His main interest was in the bands of 28 MHz and upwards but particularly in 50MHz and 144MHz. He constantly monitored these bands and acted as an alert for openings on them by ringing round a group of friends in the Dublin area whenever they occurred.
He will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. To his family Sally, his son, daughters and grandchildren we extend our deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
The closing date for entries to the 2nd Annual SDR Photo Competition is the 11th of January 2005. Presentation of prizes will take place on the 25th of January 2005. This Photo Competition should be as every bit as successful as last years. More information can be had from the clubs web site at www.qsl.net/ei2sdr
The Phoenix Amateur Radio Club Rally will take place on Sunday the 6th of Feburary 2005 in Coolmine Community School, Blanchardstown. Doors open at 11.00 a.m. and admission is 3 euro.
Doors open for traders at 9.30 a.m. For enquiries regarding tables, phone Tony on 01-8252074.
The ARRL 10 metre contest will be take place on December the 11th and 12th.
The club's first "Portable Ops" day was held on Saturday, the 27th of November adjacent to the Cromwell Point Lighthouse (IRE-077) in grid squares V37/V47 (Valentia Island, Co. Kerry).
Ron, EI2JP/P commenced operations at approximately 11 a.m. on the WAI net, and, over the next three hours, in excess of forty contacts were made with stations in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. Reports were generally favourable but it was noted that stations inside a 200 km radius of the site were giving generally poor reports. Stations further afield where giving much better reports.
Following the closing of the net, operations moved up to 20 and 17 metres, where a number of contacts were made onto the continent. John, operating EI9ESB/P, with just 5 watts SSB and an ATX Walkabout aerial, managed several contacts including Italy, Norway, and Sweden. EI2JP/P managed to snag Estonia and Hungary with 50 watts into a vertical on 17 SSB before going QRT for the day.
A good day was had by all and plans are at an advanced stage for the January Field Day, which will be held on Saturday the 15th of January, at a location in North Kerry. Stations interested in particular grid squares in Kerry are asked to email their needs to clubinfo at kerry dot com, where it is hoped that more squares can be activated over the coming months.
Up-to-date information on the club and its activities can be found on the web at www.kerry.com
This years South Dublin Radio Club Christmas party will take place on Tuesday 14th of December. After last years success it will be held again at the Morgue Public House in Templogue from 8pm until late. Members of other clubs and visitors are very welcome to this social event and there is always a great turnout. Limited free food will be available for paid up members, while visitors can choose from the bar menu up to 9pm.
Please note that there is no general meeting for the month of December.
The next committee meeting of the group will take place on Wednesday the 5th of January.
Items for inclusion in next weeks Radio News should be forwarded to Mark EI7IS. News should be submitted via e-mail to news@irts.ie for automatic forwarding to both the radio and printed news services. Please note that items for the radio news should reach the editor no later than midday on Fridays.
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