DARTMOOR Radio Club will be holding its 29th Spring Bank Holiday Rally on Monday at Tavistock College.

There will be many traders and exhibitors to tempt the amateur radio enthusiasts and computer developers alike. 

Practical Wireless, the publishers of two nationwide magazines, Practical Wireless and RadioUser, will be represented by local 'boy' Rob Mannion. There is a huge diversity of activities in amateur radio and the rally offers visitors a huge range of electronic, computing and technical equipment for purchase.

Prices are keen and because it is a rally, traders offer good discounts. There is always a Bring and Buy section, where bargains are to be had.

As well as the traders, clubs will be well represented. There will be displays from repeater groups in Mid Cornwall, West Devon, Hingston Down and Caradon. The repeaters are used by amateurs using VHF and UHF frequencies. Also the national co-ordinator for amateurs, the Radio Society of Great Britain will be represented, as well as seven local clubs.

The rally is a good chance for amateurs to meet up and put a face to a name, as many do not get to see their air wave friends.  

To become a Licensed Amateur, you need to study first for a Foundation licence. Plymouth Radio Club runs these courses, and can tell visitors all about it at the rally.

Over the past year, the club has helped again with communications for the Dartmoor Ultra Marathon, the Abbots Way Walk and Tavistock Half Marathon. 

Dartmoor Radio Club meets on the first Thursday of the month at Yelverton Memorial Hall, Yelverton at 7.30pm.

The club also holds regular transmission days throughout the year at Lamerton Village Hall and Yelverton Memorial Hall in the winter and on Cox Tor in the summer. Visitors are welcome to meetings.

The club also holds regular 'chats' on air on Mondays at 7pm on 3.620Mhz and on Thursday evenings on 145.7875 Mhz using the JL repeater. Many people start as short wave listeners and then progress to take their licence exam.

Entry to the rally is £2 and free for youngsters, and opens at 10.30am. People with disabilities can enter at 10.15am.

For more information contact Viv Watson on 01752 823427.