Steven Burnand

As a lad I would collect old radio sets from the local rubbish tip and jumble sales. Then go back and plug them in. There were a few very loud bangs and I got shocks from a live chassis or two. Some theses old set’s had voltage running through the speaker and I found this out, in very much the same way. My enthusiasm grew as I repaired a few and I became hooked by the old glowing valves and listening to the short wave. I could here stations from all over the world, however some I could not tune in. Just down the road from Portland Road Gamley’s was GWM, so often, as a lad, I gravitated there. As Less had filled the place full of, old radios. I was 13 when I asked, what are those squawking sounds, on the sort wave and Less replied, radio hams. I then inquired how to listen to them and he suggested an AR88 with its BFO. My interests are still in the old equipment, although by trade I am a computer/network technician. I will be back on air soon, running a TS780S through a PC and an old faithful FT101ZD with the FM board fitted. My thanks go’s out, to all those that have helped me, get back on air again.

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Late December update

Just another small update, before a very positive and enjoyable year for our club and its members, comes to an end. Here are a few more pictures from M6GND that were uploaded from his camera phone. There is a rare picture of myself, as I am normally behind the camera and out of camera shot. …

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Christmas update

This December has been fantastic weather wise and the activity up at our X NATO Beachy Site has been buzzing, with many new members joining in with the fun and operating from a noise free and highly elevated location. Both Richard M6EYO and Tom M6ONX got their new call signs through. Our trips down to …

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Mid December update

Roll up Roll up Stage two of our silent key sale is under-way on the Auctions page. Its another tender type sale and this one is open to non members too. Please read our terms and conditions of sale BEFORE placing any bids.

Early December update

Winter draws on and our clubs end of year meeting turned out to be a bumper turn out, being full of Christmas cheer and a good time was had by all. A BIG THANK YOU goes out to those that took the time to prepare food and those like myself that brought food along already …

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Late November update

Here is Part One of a bumper update of a very busy month within the Southdown radio club community. Our weekly meetings up at our X NATO Beachy Head Shack average around 6 to 8 club members in attendance, however some meetings well exceed this number as did this week’s Wednesday Radio Extravaganza! If there …

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Mid November update

Our silent key members only section is now over, however the remaining items will open to the public in another sale to follow shortly. Please check back regular for updates. Please see Auction Room Page for the nature of the sale and the rules on bidding and payment. Any questions on the above please use …

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Early November update

Our Satruday’s session up at the Beachy site went very well and a good time was had by all. Satruday’s meeting was more HAM than RADIO, with a massive fry up of food, that took a while to cook up and eat. Chef of the day was Barry G8DXU and the food was well cooked. …

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Late October update

Our Wednesday meetings down at the Cafe Continental and Beachy site were very well attended with the cafe owner kindly extending our table and proving more seats for his excellent and amazing low priced food. The Beachy site was packed once again and Barry G8DXU brought along and tested out some newly purchased test equipment, …

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Another Mid October update

Our Saturday trip up to the beachy shack went very well and the weather was warm enough to wear a t-shirt for best part of the day. We focused on the HF bands and a few local VHF contacts were made. More photos from last weeks beachy experience. The first being of a rather impressive …

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Mid October update

And the beat goes on with yet another busy weekend and Wednesday up on the hill. Henry 2E0IAK brought along one his of SEMI portable radios; see our BLOG for more details and we tucked into a LARGE meals ready to eat mince beef and onions, supplied by Henry, that Barry G8DXU with his cooking …

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