VERON A20 Kennemerland: A Historic Hub for Amateur Radio

IJmuiden, Netherlands — The VERON Afdeling Kennemerland (A20) stands as a foundational pillar in Dutch amateur radio, tracing its origins back to July 11, 1945, when it was founded as 'afdeeling Haarlem'—predating the national VERON organization itself. In 1979, the chapter's name was changed to 'Afdeling Kennemerland' to better reflect its core region, which now encompasses both Kennemerland and Haarlemmermeer, serving approximately 150 members.

Since April 15, 2011, VERON Kennemerland has maintained a close collaboration with the independent Radioclub Kennemerland (RCK), sharing a common club facility and operating a joint contest station.

Regular Meetings and Location

VERON A20 holds its chapter evenings on the first Friday of every month at 8:00 PM at the RCK-Radioclub Kennemerland premises:

• Address: Westerduinweg 9, 1976 BV IJmuiden
• Google Maps Link: Location on Google Maps

These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for local radio amateurs to connect, exchange information, and assist each other with various aspects of the hobby. Informative presentations and lectures are regularly featured. The months of July and August observe a traditional "summer stop," meaning no regular chapter evenings are held.

QSL Card Service

Members can submit and pick up their QSL cards at the chapter evenings via QSL-manager Gert Jan PA3DVA. Information on available QSL cards can be found on the chapter's "QSL Service R20" page.

Joint Contest Station: PA6Y

The chapter, in partnership with RCK, operates a joint contest station under the call sign PA6Y from IJmuiden. This station is a project for and by all members of VERON Kennemerland and RCK, actively participating in radio contests (radiowedstrijden) on both HF and VHF. Previously, the chapter participated under its club call PI4KML, and RCK under PI4RCK.

Station Facilities:

• Two Radio Rooms: The RCK facility in IJmuiden features two separate radio rooms: a complete HF station and a VHF station.
• HF Station: Duplicated with two identically equipped workstations, each featuring an Icom IC-756 PRO III and an ACOM-1000 amplifier for enhanced power. A custom-built filtering system allows for simultaneous operation of both HF stations at full power with minimal interference.
• VHF/UHF Station: Equipped with two Kenwood TS-790 transceivers for 2 meters and 70 cm. The VHF station is continuously being optimized, including its antenna park and transmitters. Since 2024, the station is also active in Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) on 70 cm.
• ATV Station: An ATV station on 23 cm is operational, used to showcase the shack during open days.
• "Knutselruimte" (Crafting Space): Features various soldering stations and measurement equipment.
• Meeting Room with Bar: An important social hub for the chapter.

Antenna Park:

• HF Antennas: Four masts are erected around the club building, utilizing heavy-duty Yaesu rotors (with plans for even heavier types in the future). Separate antennas are custom-built for each HF band:
  • 10 meters: 5-element yagi
  • 15 meters: 4-element yagi
  • 20 meters: 3-element yagi
  • 40 meters: 2-element Moxon-yagi
  • 160 and 80 meters: Two wire dipoles and two vertical antennas with extensive ground nets.
  • For 80 and 160 meters, experimentation is ongoing with a direction-adjustable receive loop based on the K9AY design.
• VHF/UHF Antennas:
  • 6 meters: 5-element yagi at approximately 20 meters height.
  • 2 meters: Two stacked yagis and an omnidirectional antenna.
  • UHF bands: Yagis are planned.
  • A group is also working on setting up an EME station, a long-term project.

The coastal location in IJmuiden presents unique challenges, requiring antennas to withstand severe storms and combat rapid corrosion from salt in the air.

Logging and Participation:

• Logging Software: Connections during contests are logged using N1MM Logger+, a program specifically designed for radio contests on HF and VHF.
• Participation: The PA6Y group actively encourages all members, whether experienced operators or hobbyists, to join in the contest preparations and participation. This provides a rich learning experience, covering aspects like radio technology, computer skills, propagation research, antenna design, teamwork, and operating practices.

Important Announcements:

• No PA6HQ in 2025: Unfortunately, PA6HQ will not be activated in the IARU HF Championship contest on July 12 and 13, 2025. The RDI (Dutch regulatory authority) has indicated that it cannot provide special permission for the event's setup as it has in previous years, a decision deeply regretted by VERON. This means the PA6Y contest group will not be active as PA6HQ from IJmuiden for this contest. More information can be found on the VERON national website.
• RCKML Magazine Deadline: The deadline for contributions to the next issue of the RCKML Magazine, the chapter's digital publication, is July 1, 2025. Submissions can be made via webform or email to secretaris.a20@veron.nl. Previous issues of the RCKML Magazine and the former "Hot Lines" publication are available on the chapter's website.
• Hambeurs (Ham Fair) - June 15, 2025: Radio amateurs NLB invite enthusiasts to their Hambeurs in Houthalen-Helchteren, Belgium. The event offers 1300 m² of space for stands, with public access from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (stand setup from 8:00 AM). Entry is €5 (free for under 12s). An "inpraatstation" (talk-in station) ON4ANL is active on 145.775 MHz. Tables can be reserved via Jos ON5WJ (+32 11 34 73 47) or François ON5SWA (ON5SWA.OO2T@gmail.com).
• PA-Beker (PA Cup): The pennants for the November 2024 PA-Beker contest have been sent to participants. Prizes will be awarded in September at the HF-dag in Hoevelaken. The next PA-Beker is scheduled for November 8 and 9, 2025.
• History of PCH - Hans PA0Q: A presentation by Hans Remeeus PA0Q / OE3JRC (ex PA3EZQ) from May 25, 2025, detailing the history of Radio Scheveningen (PCH), is available for viewing on YouTube via RF-Seminar. Hans worked at PCH in IJmuiden from 1971 to 1989.
• New Afdelingscompetitie (Chapter Competition) Site: The user interface for the VERON Afdelingscompetitie has been updated to suit the new VERON server environment. Members are encouraged to participate and earn points for their chapter.
• Locatorcontest - May 13, 2025: A contest on 145.525 MHz, 432.525 MHz, and 50.150 MHz held on the second Tuesday of every month. Participants can join for fun and to keep the frequencies active for amateur use.
• PA6Y in Electron May 2025: The May 2025 issue of Electron's supplement features stories and results from the PACC-2025, where PA6Y secured third place in the 'MO Two TX' section. The article about PA6Y, including photos, is available as a PDF for those without the magazine.

VERON A20 Kennemerland continues its legacy as a dynamic and welcoming amateur radio community, embracing both tradition and innovation within the hobby.