#icom vhf

[icom-uk]

An overview schematic of the IC-M510BB Black Box Marine VHF Radio, which, when using the HM-195GB CommandMic, can provide up to three independent stations. In addition, the IC-M510BB features an AIS Receiver function with the display on the CommandMic, a voice recording function and a dedicated DSC Remote Control function allowing connection to PC console software or an external device.

For more details about this model, visit our product pages: https://icomuk.co.uk/IC-M510BB_Black_Box_VHF-DSC_Transceiver_with_AIS_Receive_Facility/Mounted-VHF-DSC-Marine-Radio

[fowlerblogs1]

Unleash Connectivity with the Garmin VHF315 VHF Radio Black and Icom IC-SAT100 Satellite PTT Radio

Communication is essential in today's linked world, whether you're navigating the seas or out in the wilderness. This is when innovative gadgets like the Garmin VHF315 VHF Radio Black and Icom IC-SAT100 Satellite PTT Radio come into play, completely changing the way we stay connected in difficult or distant places.

The Garmin VHF315 VHF Radio Black and the Icom IC-SAT100 Satellite PTT Radio are more than simply gadgets; they're doors to smooth communication even in the most difficult environments. These state-of-the-art radios guarantee that you're never alone, whether you're an explorer venturing into uncharted territory or a sailor traversing the wide ocean.

Have you ever felt alone when exploring a new area? You may put an end to your concerns by using the Icom IC-SAT100 Satellite PTT Radio. Using satellite technology's electricity, this gadget maintains.

Phone: +1 305 560 5355

Email: info@osat.com

Address: 3250 Mary St., Suite 410, Coconut Grove, FL 33133, U.S.A

Visit URL for more information:-

[chosenaction]

Discover the World of Icom Radios at ChosenAction.com

Are you a radio enthusiast, a professional in need of reliable communication, or someone who appreciates the art of seamless connectivity? If so, you're in for a treat! Today, we're diving into the world of Icom radios, a brand synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability in the realm of radio communication. And the best part? You can explore and purchase a wide range of Icom products at our website, ChosenAction.com.

Why Icom?

Icom America has been a leading name in the radio communications industry for years. Known for their commitment to creating products that are both innovative and reliable, Icom has a range of radios that cater to various needs – from amateur radio enthusiasts to professional maritime and aviation communications.

The Icom Range at ChosenAction.com

At ChosenAction.com, we understand the importance of quality communication, and that's why we offer a diverse range of Icom radios. Whether you're looking for handheld VHF radios, mobile units for your vehicle, or sophisticated base stations, we've got you covered.

Handheld Radios

Our collection of Icom handheld radios is perfect for those who need reliable communication on the go. These radios are not only durable but also come with features like GPS, digital noise cancellation, and waterproofing, making them ideal for outdoor adventures or professional use in challenging environments.

Mobile Radios

For those who need a reliable communication setup in their vehicles, our Icom mobile radios are the perfect fit. With features like large displays, intuitive controls, and robust build quality, these radios ensure you stay connected no matter where your journey takes you.

Base Stations

For the amateur radio enthusiast or the professional who needs a central communication hub, our Icom base stations offer the perfect blend of power and performance. These units are designed for clear, consistent communication across various frequencies, ensuring you're always in touch when it matters most.

Why Choose ChosenAction.com for Your Icom Radio?

At ChosenAction.com, we're not just about selling products; we're about providing solutions. We understand the critical role that communication plays in both professional and personal settings. That's why we offer:

Expert Advice: Our team is knowledgeable about every product we sell, ensuring you get the best advice for your specific needs.

Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing on all our Icom products, ensuring you get value for your money.

Quality Customer Service: Our customer service team is here to assist you with any queries or issues, ensuring a smooth shopping experience.

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned radio enthusiast or new to the world of radio communication, Icom radios offer the quality and reliability you need. And for the best shopping experience, look no further than ChosenAction.com. Explore our range of Icom products today and step into a world where communication knows no bounds!

[delvens1]

Marine Radio Market With Complete SWOT Analysis and Forecast to 2030

Marine Radio MarketGrowth Trend & Forecast with latest research study released by Delvens evaluating the market risk side analysis, highlighting opportunities, and leveraging strategic and tactical decision-making support. The report provides information on market trends and development, growth drivers, technologies, and the changing investment structure of the Global market, the global Marine Radio Market size is projected to reach a CAGR of 5.1% to 2030.

Get Free Sample Report: https://www.delvens.com/get-free-sample/marine-radio-market

Recent Developments:

Icom will be launching the IC-M510, a stylish, advanced VHF/DSC marine radio that offers smartphone control of your radio using the RS-M500 app (iOS™/Android™). Up to three smartphones can act as remote controllers via the radio's WLAN. It is even possible to have an intercom function between your smartphone and the radio itself.

Furuno has launched a new website dedicated to the digital transformation of marine electronics, presenting an ambitious vision for the future. They outline the latest technological innovations already on the market or poised for commercialization.

The prominent players in Marine Radio Market are

Icom Inc.

Uniden

Furuno

Standard Horizon (Yaesu)

Cobra

Raymarine (FLIR Systems)

SAILOR (Satcom Global)

Entel Group

Navico

Jotron

Fujian Feitong Communication Technology and More

Marine Radio Marketis segmented into various segments such as component, type, frequency band range, modulation technique, design, platform, application, and region:

On the basis of component

Transmitter

Receiver

Antenna & Adapters

Battery

Speaker-microphone

Mounting Hardware

Optional

Display

On the basis of type

Fixed Mount

Handheld                                                    

On the basis of frequency band range  

Low-band VHF (49-108 MHz)

High-band VHF (169-216 MHz)

On the basis of modulation technique

Amplitude modulation (AM)

Spread spectrum modulation.

On the basis of design

Compact VHF Radio

Modular Multi Station VHF Radio.

On the basis of platform

Commercial

Defence

On the basis of application

Commercial

Government & defence

Access Full Report: https://www.delvens.com/report/marine-radio-market

In addition to the market data for Marine Radio Market, Delvens offers client-centric report and customized according to the company’s specific demand and requirement.

Access More Related Reports:

Digitally Printed Wallpaper Market

Industrial Controls market

About Us:

Delvens is a strategic advisory and consulting company headquartered in New Delhi, India. The company holds expertise in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports and consulting services. Delvens qualitative and quantitative data is highly utilized by each level from niche to major markets, serving more than 1K prominent companies by assuring to provide the information on country, regional and global business environment. We have a database for more than 45 industries in more than 115+ major countries globally.

Delvens database assists the clients by providing in-depth information in crucial business decisions. Delvens offers significant facts and figures across various industries namely Healthcare, IT & Telecom, Chemicals & Materials, Semiconductor & Electronics, Energy, Pharmaceutical, Consumer Goods & Services, Food & Beverages. Our company provides an exhaustive and comprehensive understanding of the business environment.

Contact us:

Unit No. 01, 3rd Floor, Plot No. 56, Block B

Sector 2 Noida, Near Noida Sector 15 Metro Station 201301, IN

+44 20 3290 6466

+0120- 4903958sales@delvens.com

[yacht-skyran]

Winter Refit 2024-2025

Having had a month out during the summer, and with all the significant underwater work done at that time, we decided to keep Skyran afloat over this winter. Jobs and improvements we did were:

Serviced steering pedestal bearing bushes. Steering now much smoother. The bushes were previously too tight.

Removed, stripped, re-covered and re-fitted all headlining panels. This was a major job. The old, original vinyl was brilliantly adhered to the plywood linings, as was the remaining adhesive. Lots of hours in preparation were involved before sticking the new coverings on. We used Hawke House un-foamed vinyl off-white (EM175) with SAF111 high temperature contact adhesive. There were two areas of vinyl that we could not remove. One in the forecabin and one in the aft cabin. So we found some vinyl paint and added a splash of contrasting colour. It worked well.

Upgrades to cabin lighting and lighting circuits. Most of the cabling renewed with 21A 1.5mm² tinned copper stranded marine cable. Red night lighting added to saloon and galley areas, with additional white down lights in the saloon. All deckhead dome lights replaced too. And concealed LED lighting installed in the forecabin.

Repaired and refurbished the original boarding ladder, which is an excellent stainless and teak piece of kit and fits in sockets at each of the three gates.

Added a piece of art. This is a seascape on glass that we bought in Oban. We cut a hole in a locker door and placed it there. There is a light behind which makes it glow.

Also art, were the Harris Tweed cushions that Ali made for the saloon, to replace the slightly tireder ones that we inherited with the boat.

Installed a single sideband radio. This is an ICom-M801E HF/MF radio with DSC capability. It allows us to communicate over hundreds of miles, plus do basic emails and get weather forecasts when offshore and out of VHF range. And there are no subscription fees or temptations to surf the internet!

Installed a Victron CerboGX system monitoring and Touch50 screen. This lets us monitor many aspects of the boat. Electrical system, fridge and freezer temperatures, tank levels, location, etc. And it lets us do it remotely too (phone signal or wifi permitting).

Installed a wireless anchor winch control system, for easier anchoring.

Serviced engine, seacocks, and other ongoing routine maintenance.

Re-bedded mainsheet winch using butyl rubber tape and new stainless fasteners.

Installed staysail tracks on the forward coach house roof, completing the conversation to ketch-cutter rig.

[tokoelektronikmurah]

Jual Icom M25 Batam

TOKO HT BATAM

Alamat : Batam Center Komplek Simpang Raya Indah Blok H1-07

Kontak : 0813-1729-4744

Spesifikasi :

Frekuensi : VHF MARINE

Power : 5W

Baterai : 1400mAh

Kelengkapan :

1x HT

1x Baterai

1x Charger

1x Antena

1x Klip

1x Gantungan

1x Manual

#tokoht #jualht #icomicm25 

[g4ljw-amateur-radio]

Also in GB2RS this week…

Callum, M0MCX reports that DX Commander is having an open day on Saturday, 17 August 2024. The event will include operating two amateur radio stations. One will be an HF station with a Kenwood TS-990s transceiver. The other station will be an Icom IC-9700 operating on the VHF bands. The stations are located in a […] http://dlvr.it/T9W359

[rlstoreonline]

Radio Ricetrasmittente Baofeng uv-9r plus impermeabile 15 WATT BATT 8000MAH uhf vhf

🔗 https://rlstoreonline.it/prodotto/radio-ricetrasmittente-baofeng-uv-9r-plus-impermeabile-15-watt-batt-8000mah-uhf-vhf/

#️⃣ #walkietalkie #baofenguv #baofeng #twowayradio #radio #r #communication #radiocommunication #hamradio #walkietalkies #london #pmr #antentta #amateurradio #twowayradios #surecom #htmurah #jualht #mhz #ptt #ht #motorola #shop #handytalky #walkietalkiebuilding #icom #earpiece #speakermic #mainananak #baofengradio

[johnnickwilson]

Unlocking Seamless Communication: Exploring Motorola VHF Mobile Radios and Icom Two-Way Radios

From advanced encryption capabilities to integrated GPS functionality, Motorola VHF mobile radios offer a myriad of features to enhance communication efficiency and operational effectiveness. Features such as noise suppression technology and customizable channel scanning further contribute to crystal-clear audio and streamlined communication.

[icom-uk]

Product Launch: Experience Enhanced Performance with the New IC-M25 EVO Marine VHF Radio. More details here: https://icomuk.co.uk/Experience_Enhanced_Performance_with_the_New_IC-M25_EVO_Marine_VHF_Radio/2/5061/

[tuanhhaiminh]

🇵🇭 🇵🇳 🇵🇱 Bộ đàm ICOM IC-UV90

----------------

🎪- Dải tần :

+ VHF 136 - 174 Mhz , 245 - 246 Mhz.

+ UHF 400 - 470 Mhz , 350 - 390 Mhz , 465 - 520 Mhz.

🎪- Số kênh : 2 x 128.

🎪- Nguồn : Pin Li-ion 7.4V - 1.800mAh.

🎪- Kích thước (Cao x Rộng x Dày) : 110 x 58 x 32 mm.

🎪- Công xuất phát: 8W.

-----------------

🏪🏪🏪 Mua hàng trực tiếp tại: 495/1 Nguyễn Trãi, Quận Thanh Xuân

☎️☎️☎️Hotline: 0962.097.408

[fowlerblogs1]

Stay Connected Anywhere: Unveiling the Power of Two-Way Radios

In the world of seamless communication, Two-Way Radios stand out as the lifeline for connectivity, and Orbital Satcom brings forth a diverse array of options to cater to various needs. Whether you're an adventurer, marine enthusiast, or professional, these radios redefine communication standards.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, Orbital Satcom's Two-Way Radios, including renowned brands like Furuno, Garmin, Standard Horizon, ICOM, and Uniden, provide unparalleled reliability. From rugged walkie-talkies ideal for outdoor adventures to sophisticated VHF radios designed for marine use, the collection ensures there's a perfect fit for every requirement.

Navigating the world with confidence is now possible, thanks to the advanced features embedded in these radios. Furuno VHF Radios, Garmin Radios, Standard Horizon Two-Way Radios, and others in the lineup guarantee crystal-clear communication even in the most challenging environments. Orbital Satcom understands the importance of staying connected, whether on land or at sea. With a commitment to excellence, these Two-Way Radios become the bridge that closes the gap, ensuring seamless communication and enhancing safety across diverse landscapes. Experience the power of connectivity with Orbital Satcom's range of Two-Way Radios – where every signal matters.

Read more: https://osat.com/blogs/blog/the-variability-and-power-of-two-way-radios

[adecmarine]

Marine Safety all in one shop - Your payment is 100% secure, protected by Sagepay

We wish our customers a very joyful and peaceful Christmas, and an amazing New Year.

We'd like to request anyone who needs to come to the offices of our company to pick up equipment to be used for service, please make an appointment prior to your visit. Call us first at 020 8686-9717 or 01536355791 so that we can make sure that a member of staff is on hand to assist with delivery. This is also the case for the Service Station in Barking Essex. Therefore, please first call 020 8591 2552, or 01536 355791 to make sure that a member of the staff is in attendance. Do not simply show up, but schedule an appointment in advance.

COVID19 STATEMENT ADEC Marine are committed to protecting our employees as well as our customers and suppliers secure every time we can. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our customers as well as our loyal employees and, as a result minimize the effects of COVID19.

We are working with our carrier and transport companies to ensure that the necessary marine safety products will be delivered safely to you. We will of course inform you of the how your orders are being delivered. that are placed.

We assure you it is true that ADEC Marine are operating in accordance with the advice of the Government regarding social distancing as well as sterilization of our premises. providing advice to staff on steps to follow when performing vital on-site maintenance.

Keeping yourself, your family and friends safe while at SEA is essential for anyone who is on the water. ADEC MARINE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU require to achieve this. We have highly experienced personnel with an extensive knowledge of MARINE safety equipment and waiting to assist you MAKE the right decision when it comes to staying safe in the water.

ADEC Marine ease the burden of knowing the best marine safety equipment to purchase , since our experience and expertise will ensure you're in safe in the right hands. ADEC Marine started in 1965 and has been selling, servicing and renting marine safety equipment since. Our team is full of experience and knowledge to help you purchase the appropriate equipment to protect your boat when you are at sea.

ADEC Marine are a member of the British Marine Federation.

In addition to the provision for inflatable life rafts inflatable vessels, inflatable life jackets as well as tenders, immersion suits and dinghies. We also offer a wide selection of inflatable liferafts available for hire, ranging from a 4 person canopied yachting type up to 130 person commercial open reversible commercial liferafts. We also have an very own Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) accredited Liferaft along with a Life jacket Service Station in London.

We can provide SOLAS/UK MCA/EC/MED certified Marine safety devices all over the world, including lifejackets, liferafts, alarm flares to signal distress ACR EPIRB's Icom VHF radios lifebuoys and SARTS, as well as fire extinguishers, anchor chains radars, smoke alarms

Liferaft and Lifejacket Servicing

With the recent increase in insurance claims, and the subsequent increase in premiums, coupled with the growing global demand of public accountability, there has never been a better moment to make sure that your liferaft meets laws governing safety and health especially if you're planning to take a trip in the water very soon.

If you are employed in a vessel for commercial use, or have a yacht or a leisure boat, frequent maintenance and service for your equipment to protect yourself as per the recommendations of the manufacturer will be crucial to ensure your safety on your vessel. Every year the liferafts you use will be exposed to a variety of factors that can accelerate the wear and tear on the raft. Therefore, the only way to know the state of your liferaft is to inspect it.

As a UK MCA certified and authorized service station We at ADEC Marine can service all kinds of models and brands, including rafts that are used on yachts inflatable boats, dinghies, inflatable boats commercial marine liferafts, including SOLAS as well as MED, ISAF, ISO and SOLAS B-pack liferafts at our facilities at Essex as well as Surrey. For the basic cost of surveying for liferafts, lifejackets as well as suit of immersion, you will get the relevant information in the sections that apply to you below.

Yachting Liferaft Servicing

Commercial Liferaft Servicing - A pack, Open Reversibles etc..

Lifejacket Servicing

Immersion Suit Servicing

Our Department of Transport (MCA) authorized service station located in Barking, Essex, which is within a 15 minute drive of all major motorways within the South East, we are in a position to provide an delivery and collection service to vessels in need of MCA as well as SOLAS Liferafts that have been approved by the Ministry.

Marine Safety all in one shop - Your payment is 100% secure, protected by Sagepay

We'd like to request anyone who needs to come to the offices of our company to pick up equipment to be used for service, please make an appointment prior to your visit. Call us first at 020 8686-9717 or 01536355791 so that we can make sure that a member of staff is on hand to assist with delivery. This is also the case for the Service Station in Barking Essex. Therefore, please first call 020 8591 2552, or 01536 355791 to make sure that a member of the staff is in attendance. Do not simply show up, but schedule an appointment in advance.

We are working with our carrier and transport companies to ensure that the necessary marine safety products will be delivered safely to you. We will of course inform you of the how your orders are being delivered. that are placed.

We assure you it is true that ADEC Marine are operating in accordance with the advice of the Government regarding social distancing as well as sterilization of our premises. providing advice to staff on steps to follow when performing vital on-site maintenance.

Keeping yourself, your family and friends safe while at SEA is essential for anyone who is on the water. ADEC MARINE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU require to achieve this. We have highly experienced personnel with an extensive knowledge of MARINE safety equipment and waiting to assist you MAKE the right decision when it comes to staying safe in the water.

ADEC Marine ease the burden of knowing the best marine safety equipment to purchase , since our experience and expertise will ensure you're in safe in the right hands. ADEC Marine started in 1965 and has been selling, servicing and renting marine safety equipment since. Our team is full of experience and knowledge to help you purchase the appropriate equipment to protect your boat when you are at sea.

ADEC Marine are a member of the British Marine Federation.

In addition to the provision for inflatable life rafts inflatable vessels, inflatable life jackets as well as tenders, immersion suits and dinghies. We also offer a wide selection of inflatable liferafts available for hire, ranging from a 4 person canopied yachting type up to 130 person commercial open reversible commercial liferafts. We also have an very own Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) accredited Liferaft along with a Life jacket Service Station in London.

We can provide SOLAS/UK MCA/EC/MED certified Marine safety devices all over the world, including lifejackets, liferafts, alarm flares to signal distress ACR EPIRB's Icom VHF radios lifebuoys and SARTS, as well as fire extinguishers, anchor chains radars, smoke alarms

Liferaft and Lifejacket Servicing

With the recent increase in insurance claims, and the subsequent increase in premiums, coupled with the growing global demand of public accountability, there has never been a better moment to make sure that your liferaft meets laws governing safety and health especially if you're planning to take a trip in the water very soon.

If you are employed in a vessel for commercial use, or have a yacht or a leisure boat, frequent maintenance and service for your equipment to protect yourself as per the recommendations of the manufacturer will be crucial to ensure your safety on your vessel. Every year the liferafts you use will be exposed to a variety of factors that can accelerate the wear and tear on the raft. Therefore, the only way to know the state of your liferaft is to inspect it.

As a UK MCA certified and authorized service station We at ADEC Marine can service all kinds of models and brands, including rafts that are used on yachts inflatable boats, dinghies, inflatable boats commercial marine liferafts, including SOLAS as well as MED, ISAF, ISO and SOLAS B-pack liferafts at our facilities at Essex as well as Surrey. For the basic cost of surveying for liferafts, lifejackets as well as suit of immersion, you will get the relevant information in the sections that apply to you below.

Yachting Liferaft Servicing

Commercial Liferaft Servicing - A pack, Open Reversibles etc..

Lifejacket Servicing

Immersion Suit Servicing

Our Department of Transport (MCA) authorized service station located in Barking, Essex, which is within a 15 minute drive of all major motorways within the South East, we are in a position to provide an delivery and collection service to vessels in need of MCA as well as SOLAS Liferafts that have been approved by the Ministry.

[imlg0pdz]

May 2023 144MHz contest

RSGB May 144MHz Contest.

Once again the nomadic Invicta Contest group was very kindly hosted by the Bredhurst Amateur Radio Transmitting Society (BRATS). The BRATS are very fortunate to have a compact but very well-appointed clubhouse & shack with a large field at the rear of a pub high above Medway just off the M2. Thank you, BRATS.

The Invicta Contest Group (ICG) is a loose affiliation of Kent (& out of county amateurs) who wish to participate in VHF & up contesting. We tend to participate in the larger weekend contests. Ian Hope, M5IJH provides high power, legal limit, kit along with various arrays & the means of putting them high in the air. Stuff which most of us could not install or use in our average gardens surrounded by neighbours.

The ICG is a group in addition to & not instead of local clubs, many of whom do not or cannot support VHF contesting. ICG works with local clubs (like BRATS), has supported them with kit at their events or to demo the QRO kit. Whilst we are a contest group & want to do as well as we can in each contest we are not ‘rabid’ in our approach. We are very content to introduce the novice into operating & don’t mind sacrificing the contact rate to give a newcomer of the returning ham the experience of working a contest. Obviously, we have to work within with licencing conditions as well as contest rules, but they are our only hard limits on who operates.

The May 144MHz contest is one of the first ‘big’ weekend contests & with the weather starting to warm up is usually well supported. This year the ICG decided to run a ‘proper’ weekend event. That means the trailer tent to provide the shack, kitchen & sleeping accommodation along with two arrays.

The arrays chosen this time were as below to give us best coverage but manageable with the limited manpower to build & hoist them.

The first array is a pair of 9ele LFA Yagi vertically stacked, put up on a SCAM pump up 12m mast. This array is used as the DX hunter & is fitted above a rotator. This array allows us to focus in on weak signal stations not resolved by or covered the parts of the compass by array two.

The second array is four 3ele LFA Yagi, also vertically stacked, again on a SCAM 12m mast. This array is the ‘UK workhorse’ fixed roughly NW to point up the spine of the country with enough beamwidth to reach out to as low as South Wales across to Essex & with enough gain to hear most of the stations in the southern part of Scotland. The Isle of Man & Ireland are often worked on this array & most stations in the Southeast can usually be worked ‘off the back of the beam’.

Both arrays have a mast head box that contains a relay that switches between the RX & TX feeders. A low noise preamp along with a chosen attenuator to control the amount of gain & bandpass filter are in the RX line.

The station this time consisted of an Icom 7400 on 14MHz driving a Q5 transverter with split RX TX outputs. The TX output is then amplified by a valve amplifier that is adjusted to deliver up to legal limit power at each array via a splitter. Both arrays are driven at the same time. The RX side is chosen via a switch at the operating position. Logging is on a laptop using Minos with a combined database of previous contest contacts to provide an immediate lookup table when data is entered into the log. An entered callsign immediately shows previous locators & bearings from our position, greatly assisting in pointing the beams. If a locator is entered, it shows previous callsigns logged from that square helpfully assisting identifying a potential contact this time. Obviously, these are only an aid & should not be relied on as confirmation of required exchange information. ICG is a prime example, we operate from different sites & so don’t use the same locator each contest, also depending upon the contest we may use a different callsign from a previous contest at the same site.

Saturday morning was thankfully warm & dry which allowed for a quick deployment of the trailer tent, the shelter which permits everything else to happen. Whilst I left Ian & the BRATS members to place out & put up the very heavy SCAM masts, I concentrated on building the 9ele array aided by Paul, G0ILO, running out the two feeders & control cable ready for checking then putting it the mast. This is where we hit our first problem of the weekend. Once all was assembled on the SCAM we attempted to pump up the mast, the mast hardly budged & checks revealed an air leak in the top section. This is often caused by a dry seal, so a very light smear of silicon grease was applied & the section manually lifted & dropped to lubricate the section. Sadly, all to no avail, so the mast sections were manually pushed up & locked off. Hard & slow work for Ian.

This time-consuming process absorbed nearly all the time left before the start of the contest at 1400UTC, so I left the rest to complete the build of the second array whilst I prepared the operating position & started the contest.

The start of the contest was a steady affair calling CQ getting a trickle of contacts rarely getting a run of more than two at a time, that said many of those were very satisfying working a good number of Scottish stations & more Irish stations than usual. As the first hour concluded a very brief interlude was taken as Ian plumbed in the second array & we were fully operational. I hogged the mic for the best part of the next hour to allow the labourers to rest, make a brew & gratefully cook the first bacon bap of the weekend. Fortified I passed the mic on to Paul, G0ILO & later Ian, M5IJH. The three of us then taking about an hour or so in the chair in rotation.

Fairly quickly I noticed that the usual roar of European stations wasn’t present & even when pointing East, we weren’t picking off the usual string of German stations along with the ever-present Dutch & Belgians. When I commented, Ian reminded me that the European contest was no longer coordinated with this one but with the VHF & UHF one earlier in the month. This certainly had an impact upon my operating tactics, spending more time with the 2x9 array pointing SW or N rather than sweeping across Europe. The lack of EU Stations certainly affected our contact rate & it will be interesting to see how well supported the contest was by UK Stations compared to past years. The lack of runs of contacts responding to our CQ calls led to more sessions of ‘search & pounce’ but again in these sessions most stations heard were already in the log. It was certainly one of the hardest contests I can recall gaining contacts for the efforts made.

Saturday petered out at about midnight local time after getting only a couple of contacts over the last hour. All the BRATS members had retreated home hours before & Paul who had pitched his own tent to camp overnight had decided to return home for a warmer bed. The benefit of a nice settled high pressure zone giving a clear, bright, dry & warm day led to a noticeable drop in temperature once the sun had set, resulting in a chilly evening & night. I had packed a buffalo shirt as a just in case but was pleased I did as it kept me operating in comfort. I was also pleased I had grabbed my four-season sleeping bag rather than the summer job, so had a warm comfortable night’s sleep, well until 5am local. My alarm clock was my little Jack Russel dog, Maddie who was in her portable kennel under my sleep pod in the trailer tent. I thought it was the call of nature causing her whine, but I soon realised as I released her it had been the local rabbit population who had started to graze adjacent to the tent. A flurry of cotton tails exploded in all directions towards the hedges as we emerged.

So being up & awake it was back to the operating chair, an initial tune high to low & back again resulted in only hearing one QSO in progress, both stations previously worked. So, with the amplifier fully powered after being left on idle to keep the damp off the tubes the keyer was again fired up. It took nearly an hour before the first contacts started to trickle in. But fortified by first, second (Third?) breakfast bacon baps & my two-pint insulated tea mug the log was steadily filled with contacts, but not at the rate we would really like! The mix of contesters & the Sunday morning casuals who had fired up the rig to find the band full (!) of signals & joining in to give a point away is always enjoyable. We even got a few more EU stations coming on to liven the mix.

We were looking forward to the Backpackers coming on air at 1100UTC to add a fresh source of contacts. Either the hills were sparsely occupied this time or we were unlucky in attracting responses as the contact rate remained fairly slow when calling & it was hard to find new ‘stroke P’ stations when we went search & pounce.

At the contest end we agreed we had enjoyed ourselves; the kit had worked (well the defects hadn’t stopped us!), the lack of EU station was disappointing & something to be considered in our planning for next time & the weather had been kind. A good contest. Now to dismantle.

The beams were rotated to the right direction to lower them & then power cut to the station. The first array to be dismantled was the 2x9, the mast lowered with ease. But then came a realisation that we were short of help, we were just the three (two able & me semi-capable) & lacked the BRATS who had helped with muscle to lift the heavy SCAM with the array from its rest to vertical. A quick brainstorm between the three of us formed a plan of action. Ian& Paul successfully removed the stub mast out of the top of the SCAM & lowered the array to the ground without dropping it or spearing me below in the process. It was then that we noticed what had been a potentially serious problem. The lower rotator clamp to the stub mast had cracked, surely if the wind had blown any harder over the past 24 hours it would have toppled. Luck had been with us this time.

The same process was successfully applied to the second array without incident. It was then just a steady process of dismantling & packing all the kit down under Ian’s supervision into & on the trailer tent as well as his car which does a fantastic impression of ‘the Tardis’ as it swallows kit that it couldn’t possibly fit.

I quick walk of the area of the field to check for litter or other small dropped items was the final task after locking up the BRATS shack & driving home.

Later in the evening Ian messaged the map of our submitted log as well as a photo of the fault on the SCAM, a spacer collar had cracked & as a result of its failure it had shredded the seal. Annoying but readily repairable. The cracked rotator clamp will be replaced, but discussion on merits of this lightweight but vulnerable solution over a safer but heavier rotator cage will be rehashed. We are already discussing nested arrays on the same mast to have fixed but switchable coverage over our main target directions & possibly a lighter rotatable array. All stuff to keep the conversation going between contests.

Again, thanks to BRATS for being such good hosts, to the amateurs who visited the station. Especial thanks to Ian, M5IJH who provides & builds the kit, operates, as well as cooks the necessary bacon baps which fuel this operator. Finally, Paul, G0ILO who provided great company, conversation & most importantly a share of the operating.

ICG                 https://invictacg.weebly.com/

BRATS            https://brats-qth.org

MINOS           https://minos.sourceforge.net

73,

Ian, G0PDZ – AG5XD

G5H at BRATS 

Maddie (the DX Dog)

Ian, M5IJH operating whilst being supervised by Paul, G0ILO & Maddie the DX Dog.

The failed PTFE collar which destroyed the seal.

The cracked lower rotator clamp that held on long enough!

Map of G5H contacts in the May 144MHz contest.

[geektechsailor]

Packing for a small sailboat adventure. GPS/SatComm Unit. VHF Marine AIS, hand bearing compass and monocular in a chest holster. Made be a hidden blade here and there.