VERON Walcheren (A44) and PI4WAL: Connecting Amateurs in Zeeland

Walcheren, Netherlands — VERON Afdeling Walcheren (A44), with its club station PI4WAL, serves as a vibrant hub for amateur radio enthusiasts in the Zeeland region. The chapter is dedicated to fostering the hobby through various activities, regular meetings, and a strong online presence.

Upcoming Events and Activities

PI4WAL has a full agenda of events for its members and interested individuals:

Velddag Weekend (Field Day) 2025: June 6-9, 2025
- This joint event with VRZA Zuid-West Nederland will take place at the familiar location: Camping Buitenhof, Dekkersweg 5, Lewedorp.
- Falling on the Pentecost weekend, this year's field day offers an extra day for radio activities.
- Concept: Three reserved spots on the campsite will host well-known camping facilities, welcoming daily visitors to engage in field radio. Smaller tents might be accommodated upon request.
- Contests: This year, both an HF mixed-mode field day contest and a 2-meter VHF field day contest will be held. This is an excellent opportunity to test portable setups and learn from experienced members.
- Visitor Guidelines:
  - Bring a chair and a mug.
  - The WAT team (likely an expert group) will be present; their "WAT-tariff" (payment) is beer and nuts in exchange for extensive antenna knowledge.
  - Inform the organizers in advance for specific requests or assistance.
  - Talk-in frequency: 145.225 MHz, and the 70cm Vlissingen repeater will also be monitored.
  - Visitors are requested to park vehicles at the shed to protect the grass and antennas.
  - Antenna analyzers, SWR meters (up to 450 MHz), and standard coax cables will be available.
  - Equipment for 160 meters to 70 cm (including 4 meters) will be present.
  - Equipment for 23 and 13 cm is available upon request for experimentation.
- VERON Walcheren and VRZA Zuid-West Nederland will cover costs for non-overnight visitors.
- Contact for more info: Wijnand PA3HFJ.
Afdelingsbijeenkomst (Chapter Meeting): Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- Location: Het Palet (Brede School) in Middelburg-Zuid (opposite the shopping center).
- The QSL Manager Karin Mijnders-Menheere PA2KM and/or (sub) QSL Manager Wijnand Mijnders PA3HFJ will be present for QSL card issuance and collection.
Afsluiting PA80SODS: June 11, 2025
- This event marks the conclusion of the PA80SODS activation, celebrating 80 years since the liberation of the Netherlands. Special event stations have been active from various locations in Zeeland, including IJzendijke, Nieuwdorp, Baarland, Borssele, Vlissingen, and Dishoek, as well as from home stations.
Lighthouse Weekend: August 16-17, 2025
Antennemeetdag - Luisterdag (Antenna Measurement Day - Listening Day): August 31, 2025

Regular Activities

Sunday SSB Round: Every Sunday at 9:30 AM on 144.285 MHz.
Sunday CW Round: Every Sunday at 8:45 PM on 144.060 MHz.
Sunday Technoronde (Technical Round): Every Sunday at 9:00 PM on 145.225 MHz.
Oranjeplaatdagen: Throughout the summer.

Latest News and Features

New Website: Regio 44 Special Events: Both VRZA Zuid West Nederland and VERON Afdeling Walcheren have a new joint website dedicated to their shared special events, a testament to their strong collaboration.
SAQ Reception on December 1, 2024: The chapter organized a group listening session for the SAQ signal from a low-noise location, continuing a long-standing tradition.
Readers Write: PA3GEO and PA1FZH Active via QO-100: A report on Robert PA3GEO's new portable QO-100 satellite station, consisting of a compact transverter, backend, and dish.
Compendium Version 7.0 Update: The December 2024 version of the Compendium (V7.0) is available for download, with calls for additions and improvements for future versions.
EMC Introduction: Frank PE1EWR and Dan PA1FZH attended an "EMC for dummies" training by André Canrinus PA3FIS, focusing on electromagnetic compatibility. They gained insights into legal requirements, essential data for complaints to Agentschap Telecom, approaching neighbors, recognizing interference, using troubleshooting tools, and minimizing interference reception. The chapter emphasizes that while they can't directly fix all issues, they can provide guidance on identifying sources, approaching perpetrators, and collecting necessary data.

About VERON

The Vereniging voor Experimenteel Radio Onderzoek in Nederland (VERON) was founded on October 21, 1945, to promote radio communication and experimental radio research by amateur radio operators.

Dutch QSL Bureau – Regio 44

The Dutch QSL Bureau (DQB), a collaboration between VERON and VRZA, handles QSL card services for members of both associations. Region 44, which includes the Walcheren chapters, has its own Regional QSL Manager (RQM) and sometimes sub-RQMs who act as the link between the DQB and local amateurs.

Newsletter and Contact

If you are not automatically receiving the "Deltaloep" newsletter, check your spam filter and add email info.deltaloep@zeelandnet.nl to your safe sender list. The Deltaloep is also always available online at http://www.pi4vli.nl/.