VERON A17 Gouda: Fostering Amateur Radio in a Digital Age

Gouda, Netherlands — In an era increasingly dominated by virtual connections, the enduring appeal of amateur radio lies in its tangible technologies and vibrant community. The VERON Afdeling Gouda (VERON Section Gouda), designated as A17, serves as a vital hub for radio enthusiasts in the historic city of Gouda, offering a regular program of activities and knowledge exchange.

The chapter’s operational rhythm is distinct. Its club evenings are held on Friday evenings, typically on a bi-weekly basis, commencing at 8:00 PM. These gatherings take place at Buurthuis “De Kade” (Community Center “The Quay”), located at Jan Luykenstraat 25, 2806 PD Gouda. For attendees arriving by car, parking in the vicinity becomes free after 9:00 PM, a pragmatic convenience for evening events. A comprehensive program of activities, detailing specific topics and presentations, is published elsewhere on the chapter's website under the "activities" menu.

Beyond the regular meetings, the Gouda section maintains an active on-air presence through its club station, PI4GAZ, with weekly broadcasts providing an ongoing connection for members and listeners. The chapter also manages PI2SWK, presumably another repeater or operational asset, further extending its reach within the radio spectrum.

Recent discussions and presentations at the chapter reflect a keen interest in fundamental radio principles and cutting-edge experimentation:

• A "Techtalk" on knot-tying, suggesting a blend of practical outdoor skills relevant to antenna setup.
• Announcements for upcoming lectures on topics such as cylinder dipole antennas and VHF, UHF propagation, indicating a focus on antenna theory and radio wave behavior.
• A presentation on "Noise and Receivers," delving into crucial aspects of signal integrity and reception.
• An intriguing session on the "VDA experiment part 1," hinting at ongoing research or development projects within the club.

For administrative inquiries, the correspondence address for VERON A17 Gouda is Postbus 1166, 6801 BD Arnhem. A contact telephone number, +31 6 39668309, is available during office hours. The VERON, as a national body, is formally registered with the Chamber of Commerce in Amsterdam under number 40532139.

By consistently offering a venue for technical learning, practical experimentation, and social interaction, VERON A17 Gouda continues to reinforce the essential role of local amateur radio clubs in sustaining and evolving this intricate hobby.