Also in this week’s GB2RS…

Last year, the RSGB was approached by the BBC to find experts to contribute to its planned series The Secret Genius of Modern Life. For episode one, which takes a look at the bank card, Neil Smith, G4DBN re-created the Great Seal Bug—a wooden seal, gifted to the US embassy in Moscow in 1945—which contained a covert listening device. The technology developed for the bug was an early example of RFID, which is what allows contactless card payments to work. Neil has now released a series of fascinating videos on his YouTube channel which explain the history of the Bug as well as the mechanical design and machining needed to recreate it. You can find the videos in Neil’s YouTube playlist on Machining and Microwaves and you can watch the original BBC Two programme on BBC iPlayer —this episode is available for a further seven months.

The RSGB National Radio Centre (NRC) welcomes thousands of people through its doors each month and needs to expand its team of volunteers. If you are interested in becoming an NRC volunteer, you should enjoy meeting people and be prepared to work a minimum of one—preferably two—days per month. The team is particularly interested in recruiting new volunteers who are able to work at the weekend. The National Radio Centre has a fabulous set-up, and full training on using the GB3RS radio station will be given. You will be joining a friendly and dedicated team. NRC volunteers also enjoy numerous benefits associated with volunteering at Bletchley Park. For more information about volunteering, please email NRC Coordinator Martyn Baker, G0GMB on nrc.support@rsgb.org.uk.

Interest in QRP activity is as strong as ever in the worldwide amateur radio community. QRP activity showcases the ability of radio amateurs to communicate using low power and helps to reduce QRM on the amateur bands. This year, QRP Day will be held on the 17 June. More information is available via the IARU website.

Category: GB2RS Headlines