Gorinchemse Amateur Club: A Bastion of Radio Knowledge and Community

Gorinchem, Netherlands — In an era increasingly defined by ephemeral digital connections, the tangible and technical allure of amateur radio continues to draw a dedicated following. The Gorinchemse Amateur Club (VERON A16), an enduring chapter of the Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek Nederland, stands as a testament to this persistent appeal. Established on March 2, 1946, this organization serves as a focal point for licensed and aspiring radio amateurs in Gorinchem and its environs, providing a vital nexus for technical development, social interaction, and historical continuity.

Governance and Engagement

VERON A16 operates under the guidance of a dedicated board, which independently, or in conjunction with an activities committee, orchestrates a diverse array of events. An annual general meeting allows members to directly influence policy and future activities, ensuring democratic oversight. The club maintains a welcoming stance, extending invitations to non-members for its regular gatherings, though voting rights are reserved for registered members. A pragmatic approach to data privacy is also noted: attendees at club events should be cognizant that photographs and videos may be taken and utilized for publications without explicit consent, a common practice in public-facing community organizations.

The club's regular meetings convene on the first Tuesday of each month, excluding July and August, at the Scouting APV Club building (Sportlaan 4, 4205 HV Gorinchem). These evenings, commencing at 8:00 PM, are often structured around specific activities—ranging from lectures and construction projects to informal "QSO" (radio contact) sessions. This inclusive environment welcomes all interested individuals, regardless of their VERON affiliation or membership status, fostering an open-door policy for knowledge exchange.

For those who find a regular home at the Gorinchemse Amateur Club but are not VERON members, a voluntary donation of €15.00 annually is requested. This modest contribution helps offset operational costs, particularly the rent for the club premises and expenses associated with guest lectures. Donations are facilitated via bank transfer to the "Stichting ondersteuning radioamateurisme A16" (Foundation for the Support of Radio Amateurism A16) account: NL21 RABO 0376 9671 88.

Educational Endeavors and Technical Depth

A cornerstone of the club's mission is the propagation of amateur radio knowledge. The Radio Amateur Course, an essential pathway for newcomers, is currently pending sufficient enrollment. Prospective students are encouraged to express their interest via email to A16@veron.nl, allowing the secretary to gauge demand and organize future sessions. For immediate access to study materials, an online course for the F-examination is available through the VRZA, which participants can pursue independently. The club explicitly advises aspiring amateurs to consider starting with the F-examination directly, as it is deemed "very doable" and encompasses the N-examination material.

The N-lessons are conducted verbally via Teamspeak on Mondays at 8:00 PM, while F-lessons are offered on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 PM, also via Teamspeak. These courses, spanning approximately 4 months for N and 9 months for F, demand a significant commitment, with a recommended study load of 1-2 hours per day in addition to class time. Course materials are freely accessible via www.iwab.nu. The club also specifically recommends the CASIO fx-82NL calculator, as it is the only device permitted during the official examination. This structured approach, combined with the availability of experienced members for Q&A during regular club evenings, ensures a robust learning environment.

The club's website offers a wealth of technical resources, including detailed multi-part series on the Raspberry Pi and comprehensive assembly and user manuals for Morserino projects. These initiatives underscore the club's commitment to self-building and digital integration within amateur radio.

Operational Footprint and Public Presence

The Gorinchemse Amateur Club maintains an active on-air presence through its club callsign PI4GAC and supports the PI2GOR repeater (430.0125 MHz / Shift 1.6 MHz with CTCSS 88.5 Hz), which also serves as an "inpraat station" for visitors during club evenings. The "Ronde van Gorkum" signifies a regular on-air round, further connecting local amateurs.

Past activities include lectures on diverse technical subjects, such as antenna design, mobile satellite communication, EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) communication, and discussions on projects like the X-Phase 2 noise canceller. The club also organizes fox hunts and annual field weekends, which are crucial for honing practical skills and fostering camaraderie in outdoor settings. QSL cards can be exchanged at meetings between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Through its multifaceted engagement—from formal education and self-build initiatives to historical commemoration and routine operations—the Gorinchemse Amateur Club remains a pivotal force in the regional amateur radio landscape, ensuring the hobby's vitality for current and future generations.