Saturday, April 18: 2M activity day at the Shack on Field Lane
DENBY DALE
AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
FOR SALE: Kenwood TS-950SDX
WELCOMING RADIO AMATEURS FOR
OVER 50 YEARS
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Communication
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Training
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Social events
An excellent presentation on the Yaesu FTX-1
Absorbing evening: Richard G3UGF, shows a schematic of the Yaesu FTX-1 during his talk.
The word was that Yaesu was to release a sophisticated version of the FT-817, beloved of the QRP community. But the expected release date came and went and eventually the replacement came in two forms, a low power FTX-1 Field with a 100W add-on, making it the FTX-1 Optima.
At our April meeting last night Richard, G3UGF, explained the reason behind the birth of the SDR radio and its twin PA, assessing their features and performance in an excellent illustrated talk, delivered with insight and humour.
Yaesu, he said, was reacting to falling market share due to the increasing volume of transceivers emanating from China. While the Chinese rigs come at an attractive price, his verdict was that the FTX-1 offers greater refinement and better performance in the key area of signal rejection.
He had previously reviewed the Field and Optima in Practical Wireless magazine and his faith in them is reflected in his decision to buy the Optima for camper van operation. While positive in his assessment, not least the perfect viewing angle of the battery-run Field model, the clear colour display and the quiet fans, there were criticisms.
These included a complex menu system, the poor power lead, the lack of a remote cable, the weight and bulkiness with an attached atu for portable operation and – big moan – the lack of a carry handle, a cost-cutting exercise too far!
Many thanks for a first class presentation to Halifax-based Richard, who was licensed in 1965 and speaks from a lifetime of amateur radio experience.
Lam Communication of Barnsley have the Yaesu FTX-1 Optima for sale at £1,899. The FTX-1 Field is £1,399 with £85 cash back.​
Fine presentation: Richard G3UGF with the Yaesu FTX-1.
We operate special event stations and field days from our shack on Field Lane, Farnley Tyas, Huddersfield, HD4 6UL. It's the narrow lane opposite the pub. The site lies at 1,000ft asl and there's ample parking. Check our calendar for events taking place here.
Training courses to get you on the air
Amateur radio allows you to contact other amateurs around the world. If you have an interest in radio or electronics, it’s worth becoming an amateur to learn more about technology and radio.​ It's a great hobby, with equal appeal to the young and old.
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Millions worldwide operate stations from homes, cars or ships. National, political, ethnic and gender barriers don't exist as we promote international friendship.
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Denby Dale Amateur Radio Club has been welcoming radio amateurs for 50 years and offers training courses to get you on the air quickly.​ Here's a video from the Radio Society of Great Britain about our hobby. And here are more details about how to make the first step along the road.
From castles to canals - some of our activities
Apart from meetings in Farnley Tyas, members like to get out and about to introduce amateur radio and its benefits to people of all ages.
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We have set up transmitting stations in all sorts of places, from a mining museum to castles, mills, lighthouses, hilltops, churches and Scout camps.
How to join our club
We're a friendly, inclusive radio club, holding regular meetings on and off the air. We used to meet in Denby Dale, but our base is now in Farnley Tyas, a small village near Huddersfield.
Meetings take place in a first-floor room at the Golden Cock pub and our shack lies a short distance away down Field Lane.​ Joining is easy: Click the button below, fill in the form and send it. Subs are £20 a year.
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Picture: Members celebrating the club's 50th anniversary in September 2024.
CLUB CALENDAR
A quick guide to events. For more details, visit our events page.