VERON A23 Den Helder: A Dedicated Hub for Amateur Radio Enthusiasts

Den Helder, Netherlands — In the northern reaches of North Holland, the VERON Afdeling A23 Den Helder serves as a vital community hub for radio amateurs. Located in the "De Schooten" district, at Statenhoff 22, this chapter provides a dedicated space for its members to engage with the multifaceted world of amateur radio, from technical experimentation to informal social interaction.

Club Facilities and Operations

The club building, home to the club station PI4DHV, is regularly open on Thursday evenings from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. These sessions are primarily for direct "QSO" (radio contact) among members, as well as for the convenient exchange of QSL cards. Access to the building adheres to current prevailing regulations.

A key feature of the Den Helder club is its well-appointed club station, PI4DHV. Housed in a separate room, it ensures that operations do not interfere with activities in the general common area. The station is comprehensively equipped, featuring both a VHF/UHF/SHF desk and an HF desk. It is actively utilized by various licensed amateurs during Thursday evening sessions. The club encourages all licensed members to operate the equipment, and experienced operators are readily available to provide instruction or assistance as needed. For contest events, the station can be strategically relocated to the general room, providing ample space for multiple operators to work collaboratively.

Advanced Antenna Systems

The club's commitment to robust radio operations is evident in its impressive antenna infrastructure:

• VHF/UHF/SHF Station: This setup includes an all-mode transceiver covering the 144 MHz (VHF), 430 MHz (UHF), and 23cm (UHF) bands, along with an ATV (Amateur Television) receiver for 23 cm. The antennas for this station are mounted on a 20-meter freestanding mast located behind the building. This array features horizontal beam antennas for the 2-meter, 70-cm, and 23-cm bands, providing directional capability for enhanced communication.

• HF Station: The High Frequency station is equipped with an all-mode HF transceiver featuring a built-in automatic tuner. An additional tuner is available specifically for the half-Zepp antenna, which is over 80 meters in length. This substantial antenna is particularly beneficial for the 160-meter and 80-meter bands, frequencies for which many individual amateurs lack the necessary space at their home locations.

Information and Communication

The VERON A23 website serves as a primary resource, offering background and current information about the chapter, along with links to various relevant topics. Members are encouraged to report any inaccurate or missing information via the contact page to the Secretary or the website editorial team. Important announcements from the board are published under the "Nieuws" (News) tab, and the club also maintains a presence on Facebook under PI4DHV.

Through its well-equipped facilities, active operational schedule, and commitment to member support and training, VERON A23 Den Helder continues to serve as a cornerstone for amateur radio in the region.