VERON Afdeling West-Friesland: Keeping Tradition Alive on the Dutch Coast

HOORN - In the historic heart of West-Friesland, where golden-age merchant houses meet modern technology, VERON Afdeling A45 has been the steady pulse of amateur radio since 1970. Based in Wijkcentrum De Zaagtand, this 54-year-old club of 73 members preserves both technical know-how and regional heritage through the airwaves.

A Calendar Steeped in Tradition

The club maintains a rhythmic schedule:
🗓 3rd Tuesday monthly (Sept-May): Meetings at De Zaagtand (20:00)
📻 Weekly Tuesday nets on PI2WFL repeater (430.3125MHz)
🌾 28 June 2025: "Dag in het Veld" field day (details forthcoming)

"Our PI4WFL callsign has traveled from local contests to maritime events," notes a longtime member. "It even appeared on QRZ.com's featured stations last year."

Technical Pursuits with Local Flavor

Recent activities showcase their unique blend:
🔧 May 2025: Surplus radio equipment workshop (Condor/Motorola conversions)
📡 Ongoing: VarAC digital mode experiments
🔍 Jesper PA5JK's interference troubleshooting lectures

The club's PI4WFL station serves as:
✅ Contest powerhouse (multiple regional wins)
✅ Training ground for new operators
✅ Technical museum with working vintage gear

Join the West-Friesland Wave

Visitors are welcome to:
1️⃣ Attend third Tuesday meetings in Hoorn
2️⃣ Join the Tuesday night net (430.3125MHz +1.6MHz offset)
3️⃣ Explore maritime radio history projects

Contact:
📞 +31 6 39668309 (office hours)
📍 Wijkcentrum De Zaagtand, Lionestraat entrance, Hoorn

In a region shaped by seafaring innovation, VERON A45 proves that the most enduring connections often come through the oldest wireless traditions.

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[Did You Know?]
The club's Eloystraat location was strategically chosen - its elevation provides clear lines to repeater sites across the IJsselmeer. Their PI2WFL repeater has unexpectedly reached stations in Kent during unusual propagation events.