Club Lectures and Activities in 2015
December
In a break with recent tradition, the Annual Quiz was not held in December 2015, instead Harry EI2KL, gave a very interesting talk on the history and operation of the Irish Aviation Authority, Ballygirreen Aviation Communications facility. Harry has recently retired from the position of General Manager, Ballygirreen.
Simon EI7ALB updated the club on the failure of the 2 metre repeater mast failure on Tountinna. The club is very grateful to Liam EI4GB and Patricia EI9GY, who braved the elements in order to assess the situation on the late evening of 6th December. Even though the mast had fallen, it was possible to switch off the repeater, through various means, remotely. John EI5HDB, Harry EI2KL. John EI1694 and Simon EI7ALB secured the mast and cabling on the 11th December and on the 31st December John EI6IW, Liam EI4GB, Liam EI7DSB, John EI5HDB and Simon EI7ALB completed restoration of the 2 metre repeater.
November
Ger Gervin EI8CC and IRTS President gave a fascinating talk on his time as Ireland's ambassador to Lesotho. From the economy to applying for an amateur licence to operating from the ambassador's residence, Ger had no difficulty in holding the attention of those in attendance.
Thanks to Martin EI2FJB, Chairman Simon EI7ALB presented a selection of photos of three generations of the Radio Eireann Medium Wave transmitters, located in Moydrum, Athlone. A lot of effort is being expended, locally in Athlone, in a campaign to preserve the station. It was suggested that LRC organise a trip to the station in early 2016.
August
The IL&LW http://illw.net/ at Loop Head on the 15th and 16th August was again a great success. As in previous years, two stations were operated. Set up began at 14:00 on Friday 14th August.
The two club rigs, the Kenwood 870 and Icom 756 PRO were used along with the SCAM Mast, Cushcraft A4S HF antenna, and inverted V.
Thee newly licensed club members; Harry EI2KL, Albert EI5HXB and Joe EI6HHB had their first participation in a club activity. All three spent several hours operating. It was every encouraging to have 14 club members participate over the weekend.
June
There was good news in June when the result of the HAREC exam were announced. The club welcomes four new licensees: Harry EI2KL, Albert EI5HXB, Joe EI6HHB and Conor EI6HAB. We wish them many years of good DX and may they derive satisfaction from the hobby.
May
Ro EI7CXB gave a very informative club talk in May on the VHF and UHF bands which included coverage in the UHF bands and the threats to the parts of the spectrum allocated to the Amateur Radio. Low power short range emissions are already evident on the Amateur bands. The message is loud and clear; use your spectrum allocation or loose it. The Chairman outlined activities over the summer months which will include the IL&LW at Loop Head. He also updated the meeting on the HAREC course.
April
Due to unforeseen circumstances the April meeting was cancelled. Apologies to all.
March
Tom, EI3ER gave a presentation on Marconi's radio station in Clifden and Frank gave a presentation on Radio History; Maxwell, Hertz, Callan, Marconi etc. Both presentations were very well received. Tom's presentation gave a fascinating insight into the Marconi Clifden station.
February
The LRC AGM took place on February 11th in LIT. It was very well attended with a turnout of 20 members. Apologies were received from several members who, through work and/or other commitments, could not attend.
Chairman, Simon EI7ALB, opened the meeting and called for a 1 minute silence in honour of deceased members of the club.
He outlined the activities undertaken by the club in what was an exceptionally busy year. The main activities undertaken during the year were highlighted which included a very big effort to match the Canadian attempt to bridge the Atlantic on 2 metres. Two club members constructed 2 metre linears in preparation for the attempt.
A number of club members activated SOTA in the Tipperary and Limerick areas.
The provision of a focal point for the club where licensed members and SWLs could operate from and operating skills honed, should be a key objective for 2015.
The Chairman drew attention to the decline of attendances at Rallies and reminded the members present that a lot of the projects, undertaken by the club, would not be possible were it not for the income generated from the annual rally.
Treasurer, Tony EI2AW presented the financial report. The LRC Rally 2014 held it's own with a slight increase in attendance over 2013.
Although membership fees and fee structure were changed for 2014, as a result of motions passed at the AGM 2013, the issue was raised again under agenda item Membership Fees. A lively discussion ensued. Members were reminded that the fixed costs on the club e.g. insurance alone would result in a minimum of almost €15 being levied on each member. The current fee structure was revisited and a motion was passed which would see a slight change in the fee structure for 2016.
The following were elected to the various club Committee positions:
- Chairman: Simon Kenny EI7ALB
- Hon. Secretary: Ger McNamara EI4GXB
- Hon. Treasurer: Tony Condon E12AW
- Committee Members:
- Dermot Gleeson EI2GT
- Alan Cronin EI8EM
- John Edgeworth EI6IW
- Liam Rainford EI7DSB
- Trustees:
- Tom O'Sullivan EI3AL
- Michael Kingston EI2IX
- Dermot Gleeson EI2GT
January
Despite the wind and rain, January's meeting was very well attended. There were three new attendees who plan to go on to sit the HAREC exam this coming year. In response to club members request for some practical projects, Club Sec Ger EI4GXB is arranging accommodation for same. A number of projects have been suggested which are currently being reviewed.
Simon, EI7ALB gave a practical demonstration of using the miniVNA and AIM antenna analysers. A recently constructed 2 metre J Pole was used in the practical demo. The results of miniVNA analysis of Tom EI5CA's four band Hustler antenna with ground radials was shown - the results were very very impressive.
