The Pune Hams VU2RCP Eyeball QSO Meet began with introductions of new members, followed by networking over high tea sponsored by VU34DG Dattatray Ghadge (Shikrapur), a new entrant to the ham radio community.
More than 20 Hams and SWLs participated in this monthly meet. Student members could not attend due to the long holidays and visits to their native places.
Tribute
A one‑minute silence was observed in memory of VU3UEL, whom we sadly lost last week.
Technical Presentations & Demonstrations
- VU3IZK OM Ranga showcased the latest sBitx all‑band 20W SDR transceiver from HF Signals, Hyderabad. He explained its features and conducted a live demo.
- OM Indrajeet VU32GO shared his recent experiments with an end‑fed HF antenna (49:1 balun) and discussed propagation results. The session sparked lively interactions.
- SWL Sougata Ganguli from the Radio Physics Lab, NCRA spoke on ionospheric radio propagation conditions.
- VU2VPR OM Vilas Rabde explained the Echolink node on UHF repeater VU2DYQ‑R, with thanks to VU3FML OM Aniruddha for making it operational.
👉 Join the UHF Net every evening at 9:15 PM via Echolink from anywhere in the world and enjoy QSOs using your mobile phone.
Reference: sBitx v3 – HF Signals
Upcoming Activities
- ARSI Field Day (24–25 January 2026) – Pune Hams VU2RCP will operate from Rule village (45 km from Pune). Ten Hams and SWLs have already enrolled.
- VU3YEK OM Prateek will lead a group of four Hams and SWLs operating from another location near Pune.
- Prateek also updated members on the Sinhagad voice repeater and APRS activity.
- Mr. Ujwal Gulhane, DDG Technology, DoT MH LSA Pune, assured full support for proposed repeaters using abandoned BSNL towers in Maharashtra. Coordination will be handled by Prateek & Sooraj.
- DoT has invited Pune Hams for another introductory session on ham radio.
- OM Prateek is also part of the team working on the restoration of the Matheran repeater VU2BBB.
Closing
The meeting concluded with a Q&A session, closing remarks by Vilas Rabde, and next steps.
📅 The next Eyeball QSO is scheduled for Sunday, 8th February 2026 at 10:30 AM, featuring exciting technical presentations.