# AMATEUR RADIO

## The Amateur Radio Clubs and Rallies

Most populated parts of the UK, will have a reasonably local amateur radio club. All the clubs are keen and welcoming to potential new members, whether licensed or not. Many have some sort of radio shack, which will likely be well equipped with shared equipment, and antennas. Cost of membership is very low, and there will usually be no immediate pressure to join the club, until you are fully satisfied it is the right club for you. The local clubs tend to organize a whole variety of things to keep their members interested and occupied. T hey often arrange technical lectures by guest speakers o n a variety of aspects of the hobby, to having BBQ evenings in the summer for the whole family. Most will be involved in several special and field events, throughout the year. These take the form of setting up antennas and equipment perhaps at some sort of 'do' such as a steam rally, a museum, or even a windmill for the weekend. A few will also be able to offer the courses required to become a radio amateur. Often they will organize equipment sales, (so called Junk Sales) where their members can dispose of their unwanted bits and bobs. From test gear ,surplus r adios, surplus c o-ax c ables, project boxes, in fact anything goes. Often it will be an auction, and a percentage of the proceeds will go towards club funds. Amateur Radio Rallies Some clubs also combine their efforts to organize annual radio rallies. These vary in size from tiny school hall local events, to major international rallies taking over exhibition centers throughout the world. The rallies can be an invaluable source for obtaining a whole variety of electronic equipment, from computers, to brand new transceiver's, and ex-military test equipment. Whatever you can think of which is electronics related, you will likely be able find it at a radio rally, and much more besides. Many radio amateurs travel miles to these rallies, with no intention of buying, but just simply to meet up with, and say hello to the face-less voices they have been speaking to all year.

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