VERON A26: A Hub for Radio Amateurs in Slagharen and Beyond

Slagharen, Netherlands — In the northeast of the Netherlands, VERON Afdeling A26 serves as a lively and informative chapter for radio amateurs. This section of the Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek in Nederland (VERON) is dedicated to fostering the amateur radio hobby through engaging lectures, practical workshops, and a strong sense of community.

Club Meetings and Activities

VERON A26 holds its primary club evenings on the second Tuesday of every month at 8:00 PM at Café Haverkort, Geert Migchelsweg 5, 7776 RZ Slagharen. These gatherings are opportunities for members to engage in "QSO" (radio contact), pick up QSL cards, and socialize.

In addition to these main evenings, the chapter offers a "knutselavond" (crafting/tinkering evening) on the third Tuesday of each month at 8:00 PM, particularly during months with an 'R' in their name. This provides a more hands-on environment for projects and technical discussions.

Recent highlights and upcoming events include:

• June 10, 2025: A "HF Contest Quiz" lecture by PA8AD, promising an interactive and entertaining session on DXpeditions and contests. Attendees are encouraged to bring a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for participation.
• May 26, 2025: An update on Janneke de Jong, PA3BFA, indicating her discharge from the hospital and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Pinksterkamp 2025! (Pentecost Camp 2025) was announced on May 21, 2025, a key event for outdoor operations.
• The passing of PD2EZ, a former QSL manager, was noted on April 29, 2025.

Educational Initiatives and Technical Resources

VERON A26 places a strong emphasis on education and providing valuable resources:

• Zendcursus.nl: The chapter announced on April 7, 2025, that the "Digitale Leeromgeving Zend Amateurs (DLZA)" online learning platform has transitioned to Zendcursus.nl. This continuation of an online learning environment underscores the commitment to training new radio amateurs. The official handover took place at the Gerbrandytoren in IJsselstein.
• Online Security Advisories: The club actively disseminates warnings regarding cybersecurity, such as providing links to a password strength calculator and a tool to check if an email password has been compromised in a data breach.
• Hoogeveen R-26 Award: The chapter promotes participation in the Hoogeveen R-26 award, which requires working multiple stations from the region 26 area.
• DQB (Dutch QSL-Bureau) Information: Essential information regarding QSL card services is available for download.
• "Wetenswaardigheden" (Facts/Insights) Section: This part of the website offers a range of fascinating articles, including:
  • A guide to the Web SDR Dwingeloo.
  • Information on VarAC (HF/FM/SAT Digital Chat).
  • An article on JS8Call.
  • News about NASA receiving data via laser at a record distance.
  • Details on the Worldwide List of HF Beacons.
  • Updates on Virgin Orbit's rocket launch attempts from Western Europe.
  • Discussions on the future of nuclear fusion reactors.
  • Links to "Zendamateurs Tweedehands" (Amateur Radio Second-hand) Facebook groups for equipment sales.
  • Detailed insights into Antennas on board a Boeing 737 and the VHF radio in the cockpit, providing a unique perspective on professional radio systems and modulation types (AM vs. FM in aviation). Authored by Egbert Theune (PH7KLM), these articles demystify complex aircraft communication systems and their relevance to amateur radio.
  • An article on DiskSat, a potential compact disc-shaped successor to the CubeSat, highlighting cutting-edge satellite technology.

Community and Contact

The chapter is easily reachable via email at pi4hgv@veron.nl or through a contact form on their website. The club also encourages potential new members to "just drop by!" on club evenings.

Through its blend of social gatherings, educational content, and practical application of radio science, VERON A26 continues to foster a dynamic and informed amateur radio community in its region.