Reflectorless Yagi Radio Antennas Designs

Chris Moulding, G4HYG has added a new webpage to the Cross Country Wireless website detailing some of the reflectorless yagi designs he has been experimenting with.

Included in the article are  designs for VHF antennas for portable operation and a home station HF version.

Chris’s designs are optimized using the freeware antenna modeling software 4NEC2, and were recently tested during a RSGB UKAC contest.

Antenna Article - http://www.crosscountrywireless.net/reflectorless_yagi_design.html

4NEC2 - http://www.qsl.net/4nec2/

Councillors Vote in Favour of Ham Radio Mast

At a meeting of the Bury planning committee councillors voted overwhelmingly to support the retention of an amateur radio mast 

Planning agent Greg Dixon pointed out that Amateur Radio Operator, Julian Niman (G8GAJ) previous operating mast had been in place since 1987, and when the new one is extended during use, it appears transparent and blends in with TV aerials and other street furniture. 

The council's development control manager Dave Marno noted that the structure was sound and it was up to the regulator Ofcom to monitor it. 

Local news story -  
http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/13650149.
Mast_narrowly_misses_boy_s_head_after_smashing_through_roof
_but_councillors_allow_replacement_to_stay/

BBC Nano Computer's Final Design Confirmed

The BBC has revealed the final design of the Micro Bit, a pocket-sized computer set to be given to about one million UK-based children in October 2015.

The device - which features a programmable array of red LED lights - includes two buttons and a built-in motion sensor that were not included in a prototype shown off in March. Another design change means the product no longer has a slot for a thin battery, which maybe compromise is appeal for wearable device application.

An add-on power pack, fitted with AA batteries, will be needed if required to be used as a standalone product.

"We all know there's a critical and growing digital skills gap in this country and that's why it's so important that we come together and do something about it," BBC's director general Tony Hall a launch event in London.

BBC Story - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33409311