VERON A18 Den Haag: An Enduring Nexus for Radio Amateurs

The Hague, Netherlands — In the realm of amateur radio, where community and technical prowess converge, the VERON A18 Den Haag chapter stands as a formidable institution. As one of the founding sections of the national VERON organization, this chapter will commemorate its 80th anniversary in October of this year, a testament to its enduring legacy. With over 180 members, VERON A18 serves a broad geographical expanse encompassing Den Haag, Rijswijk, Voorburg-Leidschendam, Wassenaar, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, and Westland.

"Cathland": A Hub of Activity

The heart of VERON A18 is its dedicated club premises, affectionately known as 'Cathland', located at Catharinaland 189 in the Mariahoeve district of The Hague. This clubhouse is a hive of activity every Wednesday evening, from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM, offering a welcoming environment for both members and non-members alike.

Cathland is strategically divided into three key areas, each serving a distinct purpose:

1. The General Room: This vibrant space hosts the club's bar, offering refreshments and fostering informal camaraderie. It also serves as the local hub for the Dutch QSL Bureau (DQB), facilitating the vital exchange of QSL cards. On the last Wednesday of each month, the QSL-manager collects and dispatches submitted cards to the central DQB. A notable innovation here is the Cathland Components Bank, a treasure trove of collected electronic components organized to support members' homebrew projects, a crucial resource in an era of dwindling electronics retailers. Peppo (PA2PEP) stands ready to assist members in finding required parts.

2. The Shack: This is the operational core, housing the club station PI4GV. Here, members can actively engage in making or listening to contacts across various amateur radio bands. For those yet to obtain their personal licenses, this space provides a valuable opportunity to learn operating procedures under the guidance of experienced, licensed amateurs.

3. The Technical Room: Functioning as both a workshop and a measurement laboratory, this room is equipped for troubleshooting and experimentation. René (PA2RVS) and Peppo (PA2PEP) offer their expertise and assistance with test equipment, enabling members to diagnose and resolve technical issues with their gear.

Community and Outreach

VERON A18 also maintains a consistent on-air presence with a Haaglanden 11 AM Round every weekday on 145.450 MHz, led by Mosch (PE2MOS). This daily round fosters regional communication and a sense of community.

The chapter's commitment is underscored by recent activities and news:

• A captivating lecture on baluns, ununs, and toroids by Harold (PA0QRB) was recently held and announced, emphasizing the club's focus on fundamental radio theory.
• An upcoming fox hunt is scheduled for Tuesday evening, September 9th, promoting practical radio direction-finding skills.
• The passing of Piet Smit (PE1IMN) was noted, a solemn reminder of the community's bonds.
• The chapter also receives support from HJT Solutions B.V., highlighting external recognition of its value.

For those wishing to connect, the chapter's email is a18@veron.nl, and financial contributions can be made to NL78INGB0000716998, in the name of Penningmeester Veron Den Haag.

VERON A18 Den Haag continues to be a cornerstone of the Dutch amateur radio landscape, expertly blending historical reverence with a forward-looking approach to technical education, community support, and on-air activity.