As a response to disruption caused by the pandemic, the RSGB now offers remote invigilation for online examinations and the Exam Department is now ready to receive online bookings . Initially this will be for Foundation only However, in due course this may be extended to the other licence levels and allowing remote invigilation by club invigilators.

All exam applicants still have to apply via their local club exam secretary,
Rob G2BKZ at SADARS.
Currently, the practical requirement for both the Foundation and
Intermediate courses is waived.

The RSGB publish regular updates about changes on the website under
education. For the process and other questions see “Exam FAQs”

n.b. Remote teaching via Zoom may be available through SADARS but will prioritise current candidates

As a consequence of the developing Coronavirus epidemic, SADARS club meetings are immediately cancelled till further notice.

The meeting planned for Tuesday 17th March and future meetings will be replaced by a 2M on-air “Round Robin” commencing 19:30 UTC (145.45 MHz)

Don’t forget the club net this Friday evening and the last Friday of every Month. Also next Tuesday evening (March 3) at the club, we will be holding the construction competition.

Newer club members, perhaps those who have just passed the licence exams may not be aware that the club has a great deal of equipment that can be borrowed by members. For example, licensees may borrow our latest “Shack in a box” consisting of an FT-857 transceiver, a power supply unit and an antenna tuner. So, if you dont have your own equipment, there’s always the chance to borrow what you need whether for HF or VHF. Test equipment is available to borrow as well ranging from multimeters to network analysers and even a spectrum analyser. Contact Paul (G8WWI) for more information on the full range of equipment available to members.

In preparation for the club AGM on March 10th , members are asked to provide Rob McTait with nominations for the M0JMC shield. This is awarded annually to a club member in recognition of their personal contribution to the club in the year.

An award is also made to a club member for the most interesting DX contact. So if you have a QSO you want to put forward for consideration please let Rob know.

Its been a busy start to the year with many club members taking part in the AFS Data and SSB competitions. Conditions were not brilliant but 7 members have taken part in the most recent SSB competition and the earlier datamodes competition was also supported. The results are awaited but increasing participation suggests a good start to the competition year.