North Norfolk Amateur Radio Group

The Radio Group has been associated with the Muckleburgh Collection since 1990 when it operated an amateur radio station in a 1950’s Commer radio truck, and exhibited a limited display of vintage radio equipment in a second truck.
In 2001, the Group moved to the “Radio Hut” at the museum, where it now maintains and exhibits a unique collection of vintage communications equipment. This includes transmitters and receivers used by all three armed services as well as sets used by intelligence and clandestine organisations during WW2 and later. Members of the Group, who are all volunteers, explain and demonstrate the exhibits to visitors in an entertaining and interesting way.

A corner of the Radio Hut today  

A computer presentation simulates some of the radio messages sent to and from the ill-fated ‘Titanic’ in 1912 up to the time she sank. Another computer display demonstrates how enemy plain language radio messages were enciphered in WW2 by Enigma machines, intercepted by Allied monitoring stations and deciphered at Bletchley Park.
			Visitors to the Radio Hut watching the “Titanic” messages presentation
		Other displays or demonstrations include the Australian Overland  telegraph of 1872, light signalling, field telegraphs, the early days of broadcasting, and short wave listening. Children receive a certificate for tapping out their names in Morse code. They can listen to a self-powered crystal radio, and to another set powered by a potato!
Morse code for children
There are two modern amateur stations, one low power and one high power, operating with the special callsign GB2MC. A vintage 1950’s style amateur station features a rare “Tiger” TR200 transmitter with associated receiving and other equipment from the same period.
			“Tiger” radio station
		Pride of place in the radio hut is taken by an impressive looking home-constructed amateur radio station built by Wing Commander Ieuan Edward Hill, callsign G6HL, in the 1950’s. Used by him until he died in 1997 it was donated by his family in 2000 and put back on-air by the Group during the winter of 2007/8.
Historic G6HL amateur radio station
The Radio Hut is open to visitors on Wednesdays and Thursdays, also on Sunday afternoons depending on member availability. The hut is situated across the field outside the museum’s main entrance. Look for the sign on the fence and the flag at the gate. If in doubt, please enquire at the museum reception desk. The Radio Hut For contact details and further information visit the Radio Group’s own Web site Click Here © Burnt Offerings Design 2001-08