Jota/Joti 2012 Feedback

The Scouts had an enjoyable day talking to some HamSphere operators located around the world.

Girl Scouts from 1st Edenvale Girl Scout Troop joined our activity. They also used the HamSphere software program. They also chatted to other Scouts using Skype software.

Our Scouts were also able to complete the pioneering structure in preparation for their camp-out on the 27th September.

The structure was also built to show parents of members of our Scout Group (who will be attending the Scout Group AGM of the 27th) what Scouts are capable of building.

The Jota/Joti activity was however interrupted in the afternoon by a very big rain storm during which there was also a very large "hail-storm". The hail stones were between the size of a golf ball and a cricket ball. This caused a lot of damage to houses and cars in the suburb/town which included the damage to the cars of our Scouters and visitors.

2012 JOTA/JOTI

Scout Patrols in our Group will be participating in the 55th World Scout JOTA event and 16th JOTI event. This event takes place on 20th / 21st October 2012.

The patrols will try keeping contact with other Scouts using a JOTI station and will also be testing a software package "HamSphere" as JOTA stations. The HamSphere software provides the same functionality and look of a real Ham Radio.

The main difference is the communication is done via Internet and via a number of servers throughout the World.

Below is a picture of the software graphics. The Scout Patrols are looking forward to hearing from you. Look for the following call signs 44HS250 and 44HS277 in the LOG/QSL screen of the HamSphere software.

Scouts visit Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory

Saturday 25th August was a day of excitement for Harmelia Air Scouts going to the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory as located near Hartebeespoort Dam.

Scouts and parents met at the Scout Hall and departed by car at 15:30 On arrival Scouts were facinated by the size of the Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) radio telescope.


Credit: M Gaylard / HartRAO


The evening started off with an introduction by HartRAO staff on how a Analemmatic Sundial works and also how the Scouts can make their own one. Detail on how to make one is also available using the following website link 
http://www.hartrao.ac.za/other/sundial/sundial.html

Scouts and parents were then introduced to why we have day, night and the seasons; the position of Earth in Space ; how a satellite dish communication works (see left Scouts whisper at one dish and it was received clearly at the opposite dish) and then given a presentation on a range of astronomy and space-related subjects. Interesting to note was the amount of "space junk" left is space (nuts, bolts, pieces of old rockets, etc) that can cause serious damaged to working satellites currently in operation in space. To see for yourself visit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7766894/Space-so-full-of-junk-that-a-satellite-collision-could-destroy-communications-on-Earth.html

The 15 metre diameter radio telescope that was built in 2007, the 26 meter diameter radio telescope and their satellite "laser ranger" that shoots a laser beam into the sky towards passing satellites to gather information was then shown to all. Amazing was the laser beam shooting into the sky. If the satellite is able lock onto the beam then a signal is returned.The returned signal (together with satellite data information) is then detected by the radio telescope. The captured data is then stored for processing.

Credit: M Gaylard / HartRAO

The evening closed with some viewing of the moon using optical telescopes (one optical refractive and the other an optical reflective mirror).

New in our "Interesting Articles" page

Mignet Flying Flea (an aircraft from the 1930's)

Focke Achgelis FA330 (an autogyro kite built in 1940's)

Google Doodle Honors Amelia Earhart

Google’s home page is marking what would have been the 115th birthday of a remarkable woman who fascinated the world with her bravery, pluck, intelligence and skill. The new doodle shows Amelia Earhart, the first great female aviator, climbing into her Lockheed Vega monoplane, which now sits in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

The homage is timely, not only because of Earhart’s birthday, but also because of two coinciding events

More information is available at http://www.pcworld.com/article/259751/google_doodle_honors_amelia_earhart.html

Harmelia Gardens Group updates Scarf Colours

Just before the close of the Cub meeting on 8th June 2012, all Cubs and Scouters in attendance were issued with our "updated" Scarf Colours.

Over the past years it became problematic in obtaining the "burnt-orange" colour from material suppliers. It was finally agreed to change this colour to one that is more readilly available (according to our material supplier).

Scouts received their scarves at start of their meeting.

Below is a digital picture taken of our Cubs with their new scarves.

Below is a digital picture taken of our Scouts with their new scarves. Included in our Scout picture are Cubs that are soon to be invested as Scouts.

Scouts assist with scoring at National Model Aircraft Aerobatics event

Scouts in our Scout Group were invited to assist at the National Model Aircraft Aerobatics held in Gauteng Province in April 2012. The event took place over the long weekend of 27th /28th and 29th April.

Scouts were able to see model aircraft in action and also be able to learn from seeing these aircraft in action.

Below are some pictures taken at the event.

...... and now the smallest model at the event.