's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands — With a legacy spanning approximately 80 years, the VERON Afdeling A25 's-Hertogenbosch, known as the Bossche Radio Amateur Club (BRAC), stands as a vibrant and continuously evolving hub for radio enthusiasts. Born from the collective spirit of a few local radio amateurs in December 1944, the club, initially named BARC, swiftly affiliated with the newly formed VERON a year later. Despite several name changes (BARC to BRAC, then BRAK, and finally back to BRAC), the club has consistently fostered a high level of enthusiasm and expertise in the hobby.
Dynamic Activities and Community Focus
BRAC's activities are remarkably diverse, encompassing:
- Self-building and Restoration: Members engage in constructing and refurbishing a wide array of electronic devices, many of which are integral to amateur radio operations.
- Contesting: Active participation in radio competitions, honing operational skills.
- Lectures: Regular presentations on radio technology and related fields, ensuring continuous learning.
- Excursions: Occasional outings to broaden horizons and foster camaraderie.
- Digital Experimentation: A dedicated group actively explores digital voice communication, including work with computers, Raspberry Pis, and Arduinos.
A core philosophy of BRAC is "Samen de hobby beleven" (Experiencing the hobby together), emphasizing collaboration and knowledge exchange across all ages, genders, and skill levels. The club fosters an open environment for new ideas and experiments.
Regular Meetings and Facilities
BRAC holds its meetings on Wednesday evenings, starting at 8:00 PM, at the Sociaal Cultureel Centrum De Helftheuvel (Helftheuvelpassage 115, 5224 AC ’s-Hertogenbosch). The specific hall in use is indicated by signage.
- First Wednesday of the Month: These evenings are specially designated for lectures and/or demonstrations held in the large hall. The QSL bureau is also present to facilitate the exchange of contact confirmation cards.
- Other Wednesdays: These are "walk-in" evenings, offering project groups an opportunity to convene in a smaller room. While these sessions are focused on ongoing projects and discussions, there is always ample time for social interaction and refreshments.
Activities commonly found at these club evenings include:
- Experimentation and measurement.
- Self-building projects.
- Operating the club station, which features a multi-band HF vertical and a VHF/UHF vertical antenna.
- Exchanging experiences (inter-QSO).
- General socializing.
The Clubhouse Committee is managed by Sjef (PA3ESD). The club extends a warm invitation to all, members or non-members, to attend their meetings.
External Locations and Competitions
In addition to its indoor venue, BRAC recently acquired an outdoor location at a 'care farm' in Haarsteeg. This quiet setting is ideal for experiments and potentially future contest participation, offering a unique operational environment. A number of BRAC members are active "contesters" and regularly participate in the national VERON Afdelingscompetitie.
Furthermore, every Sunday morning at 11:30 AM, a radio round takes place on 145.250 MHz, providing a consistent on-air gathering for the community.
Management and Digital Innovation
The club is managed by a dedicated board and officials:
- Chairman: Klaas Eldering (PA1KE)
- Secretary: Felix Arons (PD0FLX)
- Treasurer: Jan Schutte (PE1NFT)
- Board Members: René Voortwist (PA3GPX) and Hendrik Oosterhuis (PA3GYK)
- QSL Management: Hans (PA3BZR)
- Website: Hendrik (PA3GYK)
- Round Leader: Klaas (PA1KE) / Felix (PD0FLX)
- BRACnews Editor: René Voortwist (PA3GPX)
A key area of innovation for VERON A25 is its Digital Repeater working group, which has made significant progress in establishing a 'Digital Hub' for radio amateurs in the North Brabant region. This initiative aims to provide a low-threshold entry point for digital communication by supporting all mainstream digital protocols (D-STAR, DMR, C4FM/YSF) via a hotspot connected to the XLX717 reflector (linked to BrandMeister Talkgroup 20473 "denBosch"). They also offer access through existing DMR repeaters in Brabant and Limburg, an analog repeater (PI2SHB) at specific times, and a digital hotspot (PI3SHB) on 2 meters FM. This ambitious project is currently undergoing testing with the "Brabantse Digitale Radio Ronde" on Tuesday evenings. The group is also developing "quick setup" guides for various radio devices and sharing information on topics like monitoring the XLX717 reflector and setting up Droidstar on smartphones.
Upcoming Events
The club's agenda for mid-2025 includes:
- Wednesday, May 7, 2025: A demonstration of the 70 cm repeater with analog and digital capabilities by the A25 digi voice working group.
- Wednesday, June 4, 2025: A lecture on "the cylinder dipole" by Bert PA1B.
- Wednesday, July 2, 2025: An inter-QSO session combined with an auction of donated equipment, including transceivers, with all proceeds benefiting the chapter.
BRAC also encourages its members to explore lectures offered by neighboring VERON sections in Oss, Eindhoven, Nijmegen, Tilburg, Breda, and Helmond, fostering a broader regional network.
Through its rich history, diverse activities, strong leadership, and forward-looking embrace of digital technologies, VERON A25 BRAC continues to be a driving force in the Dutch amateur radio community.
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