Club Committee » H.A.D.A.R.S.

I started my interest in Amateur radio when I first discovered an article covering software defined radio. In it, a description of turning a USB TV tuner into a wideband SDR had me immediately intrigued, from there I discovered a whole hidden world and have been nothing but fascinated and enthralled since.

I became a member of H.A.D.A.R.S. and quickly found the world of Amateur Radio to be incredibly enjoyable indeed. I started with delving into HF with a Kenwood TS50 and resonant antenna systems, constantly outside experimenting with designs and ideas I had read. Later moving into VHF and UHF mobile and from there into digital and more capable SDR receivers.

I still enjoy many activities on HF and find myself regularly going mobile or portable with my operating. My current area of interest is portable operating, time and weather dependent.

I’m a senior electronics technician by profession and cover both Electrical and Electronic engineering disciplines as well as mechanical and mechatronics. Recently completing my 12th year in the field and my 6th year as a licenced amateur as well as my third as a full licence holder. I am currently the Chair of H.A.D.A.R.S. and run an informal revision and technical group weekly.

Treasurer – Max Townend G4SDX

I’ve had a fascination with radio since I could reach the tuning knob on my parent’s radiogram! I also watched with great interest when the TV repair man came to fix our set (which was often) and he usually rewarded me by drawing a huge arc from the EHT multiplier on the tip of his screwdriver – it was like witchcraft and I knew where my carer would go from that point on!

I became interested in Amateur radio while still at secondary school, through my best friend’s father, who was the civilian station manager at the RAF ‘Gee’ beacon station at Cockhill, Oxenhope, where I used to visit from time to time. I built my first receiver at the age of 14, and haven’t stopped since.

I’m a professionally trained instrument and electronics engineer, who has worked mainly in R&D all my life, with a ten year career in education teaching and supporting Design Technology in a private Grammar School, up until retirement in 2017. I was licensed in 1983 and use mainly CW as my preferred mode. I’ve always been a builder and experimenter, which is where my main interest and passion lies. I have a fully equipped home machine shop and electronics workshop, where I spend most of my time. Portable operation is also one of my favourite aspects of the hobby, and I enjoy VHF and QRP contesting.

Secretary – Dean Baker G4DBI

I suppose like a lot of people at the time my interest in radio started in the 1980s at the beginning of the CB era in the UK. Unfortunately at that time the RAE course was out of financial reach with having young children to bring up and it was many years later when the interest was restarted in fact about 2017. My passion is to learn CW and to be able to head copy the stations on air. Thanks to Max Townend G4SDX I can now comfortably send and recieve at about 20wpm. I would like to push this limit further.

I am based near Luddendenfoot which is approx 3 miles west of Halifax in West Yorkshire. My QTH is in the Calder Valley, The house is quite low down in the valley about 100 feet above the Calder and Hebble canal which restricts my UK contacts on HF bands but have had some success contacting stations in parts of Europe.

Web Manager – James Currie-Cathey 2E1JCC

My journey in radio began with the film Convoy (1978) – inspired by the movie, I got my first taste of radio through CB, thanks to an “illegal” CB my parents brought back from the USA. Once CB became legal (1981) in the UK, I went legit, though, later, I drifted away from the hobby.

In 2023, I decided to get back into radio, earning my license, and I’ve been involved ever since. Currently, I hold an Intermediate licence and am working towards my full licence.

I’m particularly interested in low-power operations (QRP), portable (/P) and plan to start learning CW once I’ve achieved my full licence. I’m also keen to develop the skills to build my own equipment. The club has been invaluable in supporting me on this journey, providing a fantastic environment to learn and grow my skills in amateur radio.

Safeguarding Officer – Colin Sherwood 2E0HQJ

I became interested in radio during the 1980s using the family CB. One of my friends went for his amateur radio licence and passed the RAE but I felt that was a step too far given my educational achievements up until till then.

It was whilst visiting a gentleman in the Bristol Royal Infirmary that I was informed of the new licensing structure. I joined the local Radio Club and went on to gain my foundation and intermediate licences back in 2006. Thus far the full licence has evaded me, but there will come a day when I get there. In spare moments I enjoy speaking on the local repeater and often use Fusion, in those moments when I am supposed to be working in my study, I enjoy FT8 and I will often put out a call for Special Event Stations on the HF bands.I share the frustration with many others that, despite my best efforts, many don’t choose to acknowledge our QSO.

I carry the safeguarding role on the HADARS committee and will often host our meetings.

Member – Deborah Sykes 2E0UZE

II was introduced to amateur radio by a friend Ronnie (M6HXI). Sadly a silent key now. I have been a member of HADARS for (10) years having first gained my foundation licence in Feb 2015, then went on to pass the intermediate August 2019. I am also a member of a club at Keighley and enjoy the company at both venues.

I was invited to join the HADARS committee last year and feel I am quite an active member. I am currently working on merchandise for HADARS to help promote the clubs name in our local area.

The radio I use is an Icom ic7300, the antenna is a G5RV. I mostly use ft8 and have had a great deal of success with it.