VERON Midden- en Noord-Limburg (A31): A Long-Standing Amateur Radio Legacy

Haelen, Netherlands — The VERON Afdeling Midden- en Noord-Limburg (A31) boasts a rich history dating back to May 6, 1947, when a dozen enthusiastic radio amateurs held a founding meeting for the VERON-Afdeling Midden-Limburg. In 2001, this established chapter merged with the Noord-Limburg section, forming the current VERON-Afdeling Midden- en Noord-Limburg, known simply as A31.

Engaging Activities and Community Focus

Members of A31 gather on the third Friday of every month at the Trefcentrum Aldenghoor in Haelen. These evenings are typically filled with diverse lectures on subjects primarily related to the radio hobby. Occasionally, members can also find "overcomplete" radio equipment for sale, offering a chance to acquire new gear or clear out old items.

Beyond regular meetings, the chapter organizes various excursions, providing unique opportunities for members to explore significant radio-related sites:

• In 2022, members visited the contest station PI4CC in Hoek van Holland.
• In 2023, they explored the Astropeiler radio telescope in Stockert, Germany.
• An upcoming visit in April 2024 is scheduled for the "bunker" in Panningen.

A comprehensive overview of planned activities is available on the chapter's "Activiteitenagenda" (Activities Agenda).

Isotropic Field Strength Meter: A Key Resource for Members

VERON Midden- en Noord-Limburg (A31) takes radio safety seriously, providing its members with access to an isotropic field strength meter. This device is capable of measuring the E-field (electric field) up to 10V/m around an antenna, offering a crucial tool, especially for those operating with higher power outputs and amplifiers. The meter helps ensure that members, their families, and neighbors are not exposed to excessively high field strengths.

This valuable instrument is available for loan to chapter members. For those interested, the accompanying manual and information regarding the contents of the measuring antenna (scanned documents) can be requested from the secretary via email at A31@veron.nl.

Donation to DARC Ortsverband Nettetal

In a gesture of inter-club cooperation, VERON Midden- en Noord-Limburg acquired two analog isotropic field strength meters. After Frank DK2FL, chairman of Ortsverband Nettetal (R27) of the German amateur radio society DARC, gave a lecture in February 2020 on field strength measurements (a critical topic in Germany where amateurs must demonstrate compliance with safety limits), one of these meters was donated to his Ortsverband. As A31 did not require two meters, providing one to R27 enables them to experiment with field strength measurements and further their understanding of radio safety. Kees PA3FKH formally presented the meter to Frank DK2FL.

This initiative highlights A31's commitment not only to its own members' safety and education but also to fostering collaboration within the broader amateur radio community.