VERON A29 Nieuwegein: A Broadly Connected Amateur Radio Community

Nieuwegein, Netherlands — The VERON Afdeling Nieuwegein (A29) serves as a key local contact point for radio amateurs spread across a significant geographical area that extends beyond Nieuwegein itself. Established in 1983, this chapter of the Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek Nederland (VERON) boasts approximately 80 members hailing from numerous towns and municipalities across three provinces, including Beusichem, Buren, Culemborg, Houten, IJsselstein, Vianen, and many others.

A Diverse and Inclusive Community

VERON A29 embodies the diverse nature of the amateur radio hobby. While many members are licensed and actively involved in electronics self-building, the chapter explicitly welcomes listeners, individuals without a transmitting license, and those not engaged in self-construction. Even people with a mere interest in radio, without owning any equipment, are encouraged to join. The chapter emphasizes an inclusive environment where gender, belief, age, political preference, and social background are irrelevant. Their shared interest lies in experimenting with wireless communication in its broadest sense.

Monthly Gatherings and Activities

The chapter holds its monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at "De Partner," Nedereindseweg 401/A, 3437 PL, Nieuwegein. The hall opens at 7:30 PM, with activities commencing at 8:00 PM. These meetings are crucial for exchanging the latest news, engaging in discussions, and fostering mutual learning among members.

VERON A29's activities cover a wide spectrum of the hobby:

• Monthly Meetings: For exchanging news and engaging in discussions.
• Department Broadcasts: On-air sessions for members to connect.
• Self-building Projects: Many members are active in electronics construction, offering assistance and knowledge transfer.
• Excursions, Courses, and Lectures: Organized events to expand knowledge and experience.
• Contests: Individual or collective participation in radio competitions.

Recent news and activities highlighted on their website include:

• The passing of PD2WTD (Silent Key).
• Updates on meetings and the PI4NWG radio round.
• A lecture on Baluns and Ununs by Harold Plooijer PA0QRB held on September 10.
• QSL card announcements.
• Availability of new HAMNews editions.

Connections to the National and International Amateur Radio Community

As one of VERON's 65 chapters, VERON A29 benefits from the national organization's efforts to represent the interests of its approximately 9,000 members. VERON is the Dutch section (in "Region I") of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU), a global organization connecting radio amateurs from nearly every country. This international character fosters lifelong cross-border friendships. All VERON members receive "Electron," the monthly magazine for Dutch radio amateurs, keeping them updated on developments and activities.

Featured Member: Willem van Gaalen (PA0WJG)

The website also features Willem van Gaalen (PA0WJG), a prominent member born in 1944. Willem has been an active radio amateur since 1965 (VHF/UHF, and since 2005 also HF on 80m-6m bands). He worked as a radiation hygienist from 1973 to 2008 and continues to consult on non-ionizing radiation and as an auditor.

Willem maintains a personal website featuring presentations and insights on diverse topics, including:

• "Het Elektrisch Universum" (The Electric Universe)
• Societal Critique
• Electrosmog and Radiation Hygiene
• Radio Amateurism
• Self-building Experiences: Including Baluns, a simple coax cable loop antenna, measured mains voltage pollution, modifications for Diamond D-130NJ and V-2000 antennas (6m, 2m, 70cm), and interference from RF radiation sources (e.g., PLC and network chargers). He even details a vertical E-field or micro-vert antenna for 160 meters, only 1.55m long.
• "Zo als het voor mij begon" (How it started for me), offering a personal reflection on his journey into the hobby.

Willem can be contacted via email at pa0wjg@veron.nl and is known for engaging in thoughtful conversations on topics beyond typical hobbies, such as life, knowledge acquisition, and societal stability.

Through its accessible meetings, diverse activities, and connection to a broader national and international network, VERON A29 Nieuwegein provides a welcoming and stimulating environment for anyone interested in wireless communication.