Snips – News For Scotland – 31st July

CLICK – For Full Scotland Schedule

NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS ) Extracts inc Additions

With Scottish Clubs returning to normal meeting details of club activities can usually be found on the individual club’s website. A summary of activities, Nets, Contacts and Links in Scotland can be found at wosars.club/radio-nets.

To have your net listed on the WoSARS website or to report any changes, contact Tony, MM0TMZ by email to rr1@rsgb.org.uk. Please also keep GB2RS updated via email to radcom@rsgb.org.uk

NETS & MEETINGS

The Online Radio Club has a virtual radio club night at 7:30pm every Thursday via Zoom. It is suitable for all radio enthusiasts regardless of individual skill level. Go to the website for the meeting link. onlineradioclub.org.

Ham Radio Network has An Evening with… online on Monday. Go to the website for the link. www.hrn.world.

Today, the 31st, Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio Club is taking part in the RSGB IOTA Contest. Bob, GM4UYZ, 01875 811 723.

The Viking Amateur Radio Net runs on Sundays from 6pm on 3.660 or 3.639MHz. Details are on their Facebook page.

Kilmarnock & Loudoun Amateur Radio Club holds a net on Sundays from 2pm around 3.720MHz SSB, later moving to around 3.540MHz at 2.30pm for a CW Net. There is a Q & A night via Zoom at 7.30pm on Monday. On Tuesday, there is a natter night at the club house and on Zoom at 7.30pm. klarcinfo@gmail.com

Dundee Amateur Radio Club holds nets on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7.30pm on GB3AG and GB3DD. Martin, 2M0KAU, 0776 370 8933.

Kingdom Amateur Radio Society has nets on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 7pm on 144.750MHz. Steve, MM0SKX, 0771 105 9343.

Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club and D&G RAYNET run an open net on GB3DG every day at from noon. All are welcome. On Thursday the net is on GB3DG from 7.30pm, then on Zoom from 8pm for a general evening. Oli, MM0YOS, info@gm4riv.org.

Edinburgh & District Amateur Radio Club has a net at 8.15pm on Monday on 433.525MHz. Norman, GM1CNH, 0774 094 6192.

Paisley Amateur Radio Club holds a net on Mondays from 8pm on 144.550MHz and on Zello. Tuesday sees a DMR net in room 4415 from 8pm. On Thursday, there is an FM net on 144.550MHz and on Zello from 7.30pm. Stuart, MM0PAZ, 0742 665 0757.

DV Scotland has a multi-mode net on Monday from 8pm to 9.30pm using GM5DVS. This is via all DV Scotland Repeaters on Talk Group 23556. Time Slot 2. And also via Allstar HUB 53937 and Echolink MM1CXE. Details of how to connect are at dvscotland.net.

The Tuesday evening Morse practice session with Glenrothes & District Radio Club has ceased for the Summer break. It will resume at 7.15pm on the 23rd of August on 145.425MHz FM. On Thursday there is a Ragchew and Morse practice from 7.15pm. The club runs Monday to Saturday nets at 10am on 3.790MHz. Eric, GM4FQE, 01333 450 753.

Livingston & District Amateur Radio Society has a club night at Crofthead on Tuesday from 7.30pm. On Thursday there is a net on 145.575MHz at 7.30pm. Cathie, 2M0DIB, 01506 433 846.

Caithness Amateur Radio Society has club nets at 2pm on Wednesday and Saturday on 3.740MHz. Club meetings happen in Skirza, near John O’Groats. Nigel, MM7BWT, Mansfield.n27@gmail.com

Inverness & District Amateur Radio Society is meeting on air on Wednesday. Adrian, MM0DHY, Invernessradiosociety@gmail.com.

On Wednesday, Mid Lanarkshire Amateur Radio Society has a ragchew on talk group 23550 from 8pm to 10pm. On Thursday there’s a net on 70.425MHz from 8pm. On Friday the club meets at Newarthill Community Education Centre, Newarthill ML1 5JU from 7pm. Simon, 2M0LSG, Secretary@mlars.co.uk.

On Wednesday, West of Scotland ARS will have their usual Solder Group meeting from 6.30pm onwards at the Sauchiehall Street premises. The club will be meeting at 8pm on Friday at their Rose Street Club Rooms. Jack, GM4COX, wosars.club

The Scottish Borders Repeater Group are hosting the weekly SBRG net on GB3BT at 7pm every Wednesday. All are welcome to join. George, MM0JNL dr16@rsgb.org.uk

On Thursday, Stirling Amateur Radio Society is having a talk by Billy McFarland, GM6DX on his recently released RSGB book Mini DXpeditions for Everyone. The talk is titled The reason, the writing, the detail. The meeting is at the Club House, 68 Bandeath Industrial Estate, Throsk FK7 7XY at 7.30pm.

Lomond Radio Club meets each Thursday in the club rooms at the John Connolly centre in Renton at 7.30pm.

Aberdeen Amateur Radio Society has a junk sale on Thursday evening. Fred, GM3ALZ, 01975 651 365.

On Friday, Ayr Amateur Radio Group Club has an in-person meeting and Zoom. Agendas and Zoom link will be posted on the club’s web page. Derek, MM0OVD, 0742 899 4614.

 

New Cochno Shack – Latest – March 2023

July 2019 – Shack Looking SE Over Glasgow

MORE TO FOLLOW:

01-07/03/23: GM3ZDH, GM4COX, GM0EZP

Some equipment removed (and returned) to be used for the Special Event Station GB5SC.

07/01/23: GM0EZP, GM4TOQ, MM7SWM, MM7POL

First day out in 2023 at the Shack:

“……….. A few club members were at the shack on  Saturday, Paul mm7pol, Stuart mm7swm, Alan gm4toq, Ernie gm0ezp.

We had a good afternoon in fine winter sun weather. Paul had brought up his ft991a to use as he is familiar with its operation and was hoping to take advantage of the elevated site, tower and beam. Unfortunately when using the vhf beam it had a high swr making it unusable.
 
Operation turned to using the end fed wire…………………… Ernie GM0EZP” 
 
More of Ernie’s and follow-on Posts in the MEMBERS FORUM – POST#3213  .
 

11/11/22: GM0EZP

Ernie updates Members with talk at Rose Street regarding the updates that have taken place. Also, a supporting Web Post for those that were unable to attend. Checkout CALENDAR.

29/10/22: GM0EZP, MM1ESW, MM7SPT, MM7AJE, MM7SWM

Taking part in SSB – CQWW. Checkout Members POST#3140 for the latest.

01/10/22: GM0EZP, MM7STP, GM4TOQ, MM1ESW, MM1BXF

Replacement rotator installed.

Last year (31/07/21), following the installation of the main aerials on the tower, it was found that although the Rotor rotated the ‘array’, it didn’t track the direction on the Controller’s indicator panel. To repair this fault meant the raising of the array to allow the Rotator to be removed. This was done earlier this year.

See HOMEPAGE  PICTURE DIARY (Oct 22) showing some of the ‘team’ working on the re-installation.

JULY/AUGUST: VARIOUS MEMBERS

Following the major leaks in the Operating Shack, the Shack was completely stripped of contents; re-decoration and a rebuild took place of the operating bench. 

09/07/22: GM0EZP, MM7STP, MM7AJE, GM4BGS, GM4TOQ, (MM7CGB)

From previous Diary entry – following a major leak in Operating Shack – Ernie GM0EZP:

“……….We could not have asked for better weather today. Charles had organised all the kit required for the job which was great. Paul and Scott did a great job of cleaning around the aluminium edging and the giving it a Liberal coat of roof sealing paint.

Inside all flooring was removed and almost completely dried in the sun. A heater was left running g most of the afternoon to assist drying out the floor and walls.
 
Sam with a little help from Alan and me got the rotator cable removed, so it’s on its way back to Sam’s for him to work his magic on the rotator and controller
At the end of the day everything was put back into the shack for storage and will require another day of drying before being laying back down.
All in all a good amount of work was completed and hopefully that is the leak sorted. Another day to put the shack back together should do it…………………..”
 

02/07/22: MM7STP, GM0EZP, MM7CGB, MM7TXY

VHF Field Day. Unfortunately we ran into unforeseen problems. See POST#2955 .

11/06/22: MM7POL,

Paul organising a day of operating at the Shack. See POST#2896 .

07/05/22: MM7STP, MM0ZUN, GM4TOQ, MM7STP, MM7SWM, MM7TXV, MM0TTZ

A fruitful day by completing surrounding fence.

Pictures added to MEMBERS FORUM

22/01/22: GM0EZP, 2M0GUI (GM4TOQ, GM4COX)

GM4AGG taking place in RSGB 80/40 SSB AFS contest. Operators GM0EZP, 2M0GUI. see CALENDAR .

11-12/12/21: GM4TOQ, MM7STP, GM0EZP, GM4COX

Balun and balancing resistor installed; optimising Beverage . 160M dipole raised in preparation for the TransAtlantic Celebrations. Successful outcome – see POST#1832 .

Wx grim. Heavy rain throughout the day, however through the night, skies cleared and it was fairly warm. Sunday dawned wet with heavier rain in the afternoon, just in time for ‘strip-down’.

09/12/21: GM4COX

Installing earth rods at each end of the Beverage and measuring DC loop resistance and resultant Z being presented. From this, matching balun to be made – 6:1 (COX).

05/12/21: GM4CXM, MM1BXF, MM7STP (AFS), MM0ZUN, GM0EZP, GM4TOQ, GM4COX (Beverage)

Beautiful early winter’s day. Sunshine and temp high of 5C dropping to -2C when leaving Site.

GM7WOS taking part in RSGB’s AFS .

Installing 160M Beverage & dipole in preparation for TRANSATLANTIC CELBRATIONS.

20/11/21: GM4TOQ, 2M0FYJ, MM7STP, GM4COX

Discussions with Bartek – FYJ about battery 12V feed for both Shacks.

Discussions with Alan – TOQ about aerials for first amateur TRANSATLANTIC CELEBRATIONS (Dec 1921/2021) participation (GM4AGG)

Scott – STP operating FT8 HF (GM4AGG) & 2M (GM7WOS).

13/11/21: MM1ESW, MM7STP, MM1BXF, GM4COX

Beautiful Autumn day. Tower fully up. ‘Bagging’ some SOTA’s on 2M (GM7WOS).

Stuart – ESW working on Shack computer.

Jack – COX had first 13cms from Site (2320.300MHz – FM) using GM7WOS for SOTA contact with G(M)4VFL/P on GM/SS-220 . 59/59 bothways. Operation location on Site is where a dedicated 13cms station will be located.

Scott – STP operating on 4M using homemade dipole.

Gavin – BXF operating 2M Meteor Scatter using 14el Parabeam.

PICS to be added to Cochno Folder.

07/11/21: MM1ESW, GM4COX

Too windy to raise tower. QSO’s on 2M FM and 20/80M.

Working on Shack main computer.

02/11/21: GM4COX

Taking part in the monthly RSGB 2M Activity Contest (GM7WOS) – UKAC 2M and testing out new FT-847 + DG8 headamp + Amplivox headset + new footswitch + Parabeam

01/11/21: GM4DAE, MM1ESW, GM4COX, GM4BGS

More GB4GDS contacts.

Additional ‘welfare’  equipment added to Shack#2.

30-31/10/21: GM4TOQ, MM1ESW, MM7STP, MM7POL, GM0EZP, GM4COX

Taking part in SSB CQWW .

Ongoing improvement of Shack#2 facilities.

28/10/21: GM4COX

Trying out new FT847 and link dipole in UKAC 80M CONTEST.

23/10/21: GM4TOQ, MM0ZUN, MM7STP, MM7POL, GM0EZP, MM1ESW, GM4COX

Clearout Shack#2 and paint in preparation for respite facilities. Finish installation of Linked Dipole. More GB4GDS contacts on HF & VHF.

20/10/21: GM4COX, GM4BGS

Install new FT-847 + FC-20 and checkout. Pull rotator cable into Shack via cable duct and reterminate. Start installation of 80M, 60M, 40M linked dipole. More GB4GDS contacts on HF and VHF.

16/10/21: GM4TOQ, MM1BXF, GM4DAE (MM5AIR), MM7POL (+Brodie), GM0EZP, GM4COX

Install DG8 head amplifier in Parabeam feed. Gavin BXF demonstrates a dual band handset used for satellite operation on 144/430MHz – HERE . More GB4GDS contacts.

12/10/21: GM4COX, GM4DAE (MM5AIR), GM4BGS

Repair Collinear feed within cable duct. Duct waterlogged, install new drainage hole. Install FT-221R and checkout on Parabeam (GB3VHF & NGI). More GB4GDS contacts.

06/10/21: GM4COX, GM4DAE (MM5AIR)

First activation of GB4GDS from New Shack. Some pictures – HERE . (lovely Autumn Wx)

04/10/21: GM4COX

Preparatory work in preparation for GB4GDS. Operating as GM4AGG

25/09/21: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS,  MM0ZUN and others

Replacement cable and final guide wheel fitted. Tower now raising and lowering with reduced friction.

Possible problem with Collinear? To be investigated.

18/09/21:  No work carried out. Still awaiting replacement cable and Alan GM4TOQ not too well.

11/09/21: GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, GM4BGS and others

Installing replacement cable guide wheels on tower. Two successfully installed. Lowest tower section wire snapped. No damage done.

Ernie GM0EZP “………………The tower needed to be raised about 1 inch to give Alan the clearence he needed, that is when this happened,  oops! The Main section cable snapped.  When we managed to free the cable Alan took it to try and source a replacement………………….

04/09/21 : MM7STP, MM1BXF, GM4CXM, GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, MM7CVB, MM7DCD, MM1ESW and others.

Our first ‘toe-in-water’ taster in the RSGB 144MHz TROPHY CONTEST . Looking promising!

PICTURE – HERE .

POST – HERE .

VIDEO – HERE .

Three replacement tower wire guide wheels still require to be replaced along with the on-going clean out of #2 Shack.

28/08/21: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS, MM7STP, GM4COX

A sunny one!

Cleared fault with X7 feed.

Scott MM7STP operating FM (GS4AGG) using new collinear. Working well!

Made a start on clearing Shack#2.

See: POST#2067 .

Pictures to be added to COCHNO FOLDER .

21/08/21: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS, GM4COX (GM4CXM)

A wet one!

Replacement heavier duty winch fitted and tested. Working well though problems with 3 guide wheels (too small 60mm should be 100mm x 15mm) on tower causing raising cable to jump. Replacements being sought.

Intermittent problem with X7 feed. Problem located and requires to be cleared.

See: POST#2007 .

Pictures added to COCHNO FOLDER .

14/08/21: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS, GM0WRR, GM4COX

Problems with electric winch. Too light for the job. Investigating a heavier winch. Also problems with some guide wheels – too small. Replacements being sought.

Terminate HF Beam, VHF Beam and Collinear feeds in Operating Shack.

Pully and halyard added to tower.

See: POST#1930 .

Pictures added to COCHNO FOLDER .

07/08/21: GM4TOQ, MM0ZUN, GM8XGI, GM4COX

Successfully installing tower raising electric winch and checking rotation of all aerials and feeders.

See: POST#1864 .

Pictures added to COCHNO FOLDER .

03/08/21: GM4COX

Testing out VHF Horizontal Yagi & Rotator by taking part in the monthly 2M Activity Contest (UKAC).  A very successful outcome.

See: POST#1849 .

Pictures added to COCHNO FOLDER .

31/07/21: GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, GM4BGS, GM8XGI, MM0ZUN, MM7STP, MM7POL, MM7CGB, MM1ESW, GM4COX

A significant milestone has now been reached. The successful installation on the Shack’s Tower of our HF and VHF aerials.

See: POST#1842 .

And pictures have been added to COCHNO FOLDER .

24/07/21: GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, GM8XGI, GM4COX

 Pushing on with the aerial installations on the tower.

Sam had been successful in reconditioning the Club’s main rotator and delivered it to Alan.

In preparation for the main feeders into Shack#1, the feeder duct had to be completed.

Likewise, facia fabricated with cable glands and ‘N’/SO239 ‘feed-thrus’ to be mounted on side of #1.

See COCHNO FOLDER .

17/07/21: GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, MM0ZUN, MM7CGB

“………..The shack moves on. Arrived about 1pm Alan and Kenny were working away with the 360 digger . Charles had popped over with some digging tools which were put to good use. Trench dug, slabs laid , and a gate to lean on. I left about 5 leaving Alan and Kenny to soldier on .

A good afternoon glad the trees have some shade.
 
Cheers Ernie………………………”
 
 

10/07/21: GM4TOQ, GM4COX

More slabs laid in front of Shack#1 in preparation of aerial installations on tower.

See COCHNO FOLDER .

Late June – Early July: GM4BGS

Sam GM4BGS Refurbishes Club’s main rotator in preparation for the installation of HF, Parabeam and high gain Collinear on tower.

See COCHNO FOLDER for ‘Before & After’.

03/07/21: GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, MM7CGB

Bricks relocated to alongside bunker base in preparation for start of build.

19/06/21: GM4TOQ, MM0UXD (+Laura), MM7CGB, GM0EZP, GM4COX (Charlie GM8XGI)

Two pallets of bricks loaded (by hand) and transported from Clydebank to farm; then one pallet transported up to Site in preparation of the new bunker build. Additional slabs laid. Pictures added to COCHNO FOLDER .

05/06/21: GM4TOQ, MM0ZUN, GM0EZP, MM0UXD (+Laura), GM4COX

A good day’s work was put in by Kenny MM0ZUN, Alan GM4TOQ, Ernie GM0EZP, Cris MM0UXD (and Cris’s YL Laura – a snip with the shears attacking the Rhode’s (;>) and yours truly.  We were successful in laying the base in preparation for the ‘bunker’ build. See additional Pics added to COCHNO FOLDER .

17/05/21: GM4COX

Visit to Shack#1. Check internal ‘dryness’ after being closed for the winter, and ‘Lockdown’. Dry and in good condition.

Refit air vent grill to stop insect ingress.

Pictures taken and added to COCHNO FOLDER .

01/05/21: GM4TOQ (and Garry)

Work resumes.

100′ Mast mounted on groundpost.

Post added to MEMBERS FORUM #1497 .

26/12/20: DEC ONWARDS WORK SUSPENDED – CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS

12/12/20: MM7STP, 2M0FYJ, GM4COX

A new course of slabs laid between #1 & #2 Shacks to the rear of #1 to accommodate generators.

Picture added to MEMBERS FORUM .

05/12/20: MM7STP, 2M0FYJ, GM4COX, GM4TOQ

A foundation built and a course of 2 x 2′ slabs laid in front of Old Shack (#2).

Pictures added to MEMBERS FORUM .

28/11/20: GM4TOQ, GM4COX

Access slabs laid (3 x 2’s). Using small JCB digger, more stumps removed and soil in front of shack levelled. 

Pictures added to MEMBERS FORUM .

21/11/20: GM4TOQ, MM7DCD, MM7STP, GM4COX + Scotty & Gregor

A further 4 Cubic Metres of concrete added to complete job. (Approx 10 Tonnes + 2 CuSq on the 14th – total of 15 Tonnes) And small quantity of extra concrete used to build ‘step-down’ from #1 to #2 Shack. 

Pictures added to MEMBERS FORUM .

14/11/20:  GM4TOQ, MM7DCD, MM0ZUN, MM7STP, GM7OAW, GM0EZP, GM4COX + Garry

Groundpost postioned and initial concrete mixed and poured, along with ‘rubble’ to stabilise and secure. 

Pictures added to MEMBERS FORUM .

07/11/20:  GM4TOQ, MM0ZUN, MM7STP + Garry

Hole dug for tower base.

26/09/20: MM0ZU, GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, MM7POL, GM4COX

To accommodate the 100′ tower base; rhododendrons cut back. Knowing the position of the tower; slabs laid outside Shack#1, to connect to access gate and base of tower.

Photos added to COCHNO Folder. (COX) 

19/09/20: MM0ZUN, GM4TOQ

  • Unloaded a pile of slabs next to the shack taken up by the tractor

  • Spent a few hours on making fence posts out of what we can reuse of the old fence ones.  Ground and cut then welded the remaining fence posts into a usable state, the bottom ends that had previously been in the ground had rusted away

  • Stock take of fencing bits that can be reused and worked out we need to buy approx 80m of bar for the rungs in the fence. Alan will check up on supplier

  • A lot of the fence along the top in place, still missing some of the bar for it though but have the posts and top rail in
    *
  • Cut down some bushes in the fence line and where the base of the tower will go. Need to remove roots from there, this can be done when we have the digger up for doing the hole for the tower base. Once the branches have dried a bit they can be burnt

19/07/20: GM4COX

Photos of progress added to MEMBERS FORUM .

18/07/20: MM7MCN, MM7POL, MM7AJI, GM4TOQ, GM0EZP, GM4COX

Continue to re-install wrought iron fence.

Continue rebuild/repair of Shack#1 frontage

Paint exterior of Shack#2

12/07/20: 2M0WWC, GM4COX

Paint exterior of Shack#1

01/06/20: GM4COX, GM4TOQ

Work resumes.

Burn rhododendron foliage & branches that had been cut the previous year.  

Paint Shack#1 access frontage

19/03/21 ONWARDS – CORONAVIRUS STOPS PLAY

05/03/20: GM4COX

Shack#1 visit after winter ‘hibernation’. Shack dry. Photos taken and loaded into Cochno folder – MEMBERS FORUM .

17/11/19: GM4TOQ, GM8XGI, MM7AJE

Install new access door to Shack#1.

Drop height of Shack#2 for easier access.

26-27/10/19: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS, GM0EZP, MM1ESW, MM7AJI, MM7AJE………

CQWW SSB – GM4AGG taking part. See POST#160 (Members Forum) .

21/10/19: GM4COX

More update pictures added to Members Forum.

21/09/19: GM4COX

New padlocks fitted. Floor mats fitted. Lefthand door frame repaired. Vent fitted.

13/09/19: GM4COX

Operating Desk secured. Operating chair floor boarding fitted. On-going work on door frames (right & left).

08/09/19: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS, MM7AJI, MM7AJJ

HF Beam relocated from Alan’s QTH to farmyard. Lefthand door protection door padlock cut. On-going work on surrounding fence.

07/09/19: GM4COX

Shack floor tiles cleaned. Operating Desk – equipment shelf modified and both sanded down and painted. Front door (right hand side) frame repaired.

02/08/19: GM4COX

Comprehensive CHECKLIST of outstanding items Posted on Members Forum.

20/07/19: MM1ESW, GM4COX

Stuart – MM1ESW & myself were up at the Shack on Saturday (20th) specifically to carryout some more sealing on #1 and checkout #2. This I did and took the opportunity to take a few pictures and add to the relevant Folders in Photos.

16/07/19: MM0ZUN

“Hi

I was out at the shack this afternoon……………… started sorting out the contents of the old shack. I divided stuff up into components and equipment. The components are now packed up and labeled ready to go to the Electron Club for use by the SoLDER group and others. Just need to get them down from the shack at some point

I have photographed all the equipment (there may be some hiding that I couldn’t get at due to all the cable making things a bit crushed inside) All the smaller stuff is now in 2 crates while the larger stuff remains under the bench and next to the cooker

Kenny”

11/07/19: 2M1CKE, MM0ZUN, GM4TOQ, GM4COX

Floor tiles relayed in #1 and operating desk re-assembled.

#1 Roof some areas sealed. Other areas outstanding.

Tower ground post modified and aligned to swivel point. More modifications required.

A fuller Member’s Post (inc photos) – HERE .

24/06/19 – 05/07/19 : 2M1CKE, MM0ZUN, GM4COX

Painting of the inside of #1 completed (just some small touch-ups required)

Pat has made a start on painting the inside of #1.

( JUNE – OCT: GM4TOQ )

On-going modifications to tower & groundpost. (Pictures added to Members Forum)

22/06/19: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS, GM4COX, MM7MCM

A long but successful day yesterday. New ‘BIG’ tower (and ground-post)  uplifted from south of Inverness and delivered to Cochno. To be located to new Shack. Ground-post to be slightly modified. Hole dug for ground-post, positioned and concreted into place.

Thanks all: Alan – TOQ, Sam – BGS, Jack – COX and Archie – SWL (and of course a big thanks to the tractor driver who uplifted both the tower and ground-post and placed on pick-up. Saved us a lot of time).

A fuller Post to be made in our MEMBERS Forum along with pictures.

16/06/19: 

ABW 22/06/19 a team are heading north to uplift.

19/05/19:

Arrangements underway to uplift tower.

13/05/19:

Pictures added to Members Forum.

11/05/19:

Both Shacks Levelled.

Shack#1, inside and outside washed and cleaned.

Start made on surrounding fence.

And?

Wash outside Shack#2 (Old Shack) in preparation for painting #1 & #2. Paint colour to be decided. (This may depend on what is available – hi?)

Paint interior of #1. (emulsion)

Organise uplift of new tower.

09/05/19:

Members Forum Post updated and pictures added.

08/05/19:

Cleared old Shack#2 for preparation to be re-located on new site. Moved and sited into position. Items that had been removed most are returned for the moment.

Shack#1 emptied in preparation for refurbishment. Most items transferred to Shack#2 for the moment.

Ground around both shacks re-instated after tractor & dumper action. Looking good!

05/05/19:

New tower gifted to the Club. Decision to ‘scrap’ old one but re-use certain items. New tower has to be collected. To be organised.

05/05/19:

Posted by Kenny – MM0ZUN on our MEMBERS FORUM:

“I’ve added some photos from today of getting the shack roughly into its final location.

This wouldn’t have been possible to get done without Gary and some of his friends work.

Kenny”

MAY: GM4TOQ, GM4COX, MM0ZUN, GM4BGS (Peter), MM6WWS

Move Shack#1 (Newest Shack) and Tower for ease of access and refurbishment.

APRIL: GM4TOQ, GM4BGS

Cleared the rhododendrons and cut the dead tree. (see new photos added to PHOTOS/COCHNO_Shack (Club Members only))

Dropped the Tower, removed the HF beam & VHF collinear.

Refurbished the HF beam (The VHF collinear appears to be in good shape)

Access has now been made to the Tower and Shack.

30/04/19 : And the ‘lads’ HAVE:

Well this Project is well underway thanks to the efforts of Alan – GM4TOQ, Alan’s son Garry & Mate, Sam – GM4BGS and Sam’s son Peter.

So where are we at?

Well as you know (or may not – see my thoughts in this POST#25 (Members only)) there is a pile of work to be done.

March 2019 – View From Shack Looking SE Over Glasgow

24/03/19 : GM4TOQ, GM4BGS, GM4COX, MM6BWS

Site visit with follow-on proposals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snips – News For Scotland – 25th July

The news headlines:

  • RadCom Basics latest issue
  • NRC Net to close
  • DARC reports survey results

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

In this constantly changing pandemic situation, details of club activities can be found on the individual club’s website. A summary of activities in Scotland compiled by RSGB Regional Representative Tony, MM0TMZ can be found at www.wosars.club/radio-nets

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

logging and eLog; survey, as well as opinions on FT8 and licensing; the first 50MHz and 70MHz Machine Generated Modes-only contests; G4PLZ; Bletchley Park has relaxed their requirement for mask wearing and social distancing; we wish to take a more cautious approach at the National Radio Centre; GB3RS; GB2RS continues to expand; M5GWH has joined the existing team in the Stoke-on-Trent area; from MM0JNL is now additionally covering Northumbria; QSL Bureau sub-manager for the G4T-Z group is retiring; Finningley ARS Car Boot Rally; The Wiltshire Radio Rally; 1st Cornwall Antenna Build Off; The King’s Lynn ARC radio rally; Dartmoor Radio Rally; J88PI from Palm Island in the St Vincent; TF/HB9HKE; CT8/W6PQL; Islands On The Air Contest (IOTA); UK Microwave Group Contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC today; Worked-All-Britain 144MHz Low Power Contest;Fourth 144MHz Backpackers Contest; 144MHz Low Power contest; Thursday the solar flux index was up to 94; HF propagation remains dominated by Sporadic-E; some very good days of Tropo recently; Southern delta Aquarids meteor shower is under way;

Snips – News For Scotland – 18th July

  • RSGB Survey results published
  • Build Off in Cornwall
  • New Full course from Distance Learning Team

GB2RS Script – HERE .

GB2RS Extract:

“……………………The Bath Based Distance Learning team is now planning another course for the Full level exam syllabus. The course will run from the end of August to December this year. Students will receive weekly work packages via a virtual classroom and will have access to weekly online tutorials. Students will also have access to one of the remote tutors who will provide feedback and additional guidance where required. There will be no charge for the training but applicants must work through a pre-course classroom and quiz to be eligible for a place. The deadline for course applications is the 4th of August. For full details, and an application form, email g0fuw@tiscali.co.uk…………………”

CLUB NEWS & NETS

The GB2RS News Service is seeking a volunteer in the Caithness and Orkney area. The successful candidate should have a good 2m FM signal into the GB3OC repeater. They would be joining the existing team that reads the news each Sunday morning at 0930 UK time. If you would like to find out more, without obligation, please contact the GB2RS News Manager, via email to gb2rs.manager@rsgb.org.uk

To celebrate the first one-way amateur radio QSO across the Atlantic that took place on the 12th of December 1921, there is a plan to re-create the event in December this year. Those involved are still looking for volunteers and anyone with vintage 1920s equipment that they might consider loaning for the accompanying exhibition. See GM0DEQ on QRZ.com for email details. (More info within POSTBAG – HERE )

The GB3FE repeater serving the Stirling area is now back in service, operating on reduced power.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

IARU workshop; Antenna Build Off; Bath Based Distance Learning; Full level exam syllabus; QSL Bureau sub-manager for the G4T to Z group; GB4RS; GB2RS continues to expand; Finningley ARS Car Boot; The Wiltshire Radio Rally, Electronics Fair & Car Boot Sale ; Dartmoor Radio Rally; GM7V during next weekend’s IOTA contest; C6AHA; GM3RCV; MM8C; 18th, the International Low Power contest; 24-hour Islands On The Air contest; UK Microwave Group contest runs from 0600 to 1800UTC; solar flux index remained in the 70s last week; a large solar coronal hole impacted the Earth; University of Massachusetts Lowell Observatory has now been fixed; Sporadic-E remains; Tropo ducting;

Snips – News For Scotland – 11th July

The news headlines:

  • RSGB Convention goes online for 2021
  • YOTA contest second leg
  • National Radio Centre reopens

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

The GB2RS service is seeking a newsreader to cover the Western Isles of Scotland. You would be joining an existing team as a reserve reader and there are opportunities for more than one applicant to broadcast the News on Sunday using HF, VHF or UHF. You should be an RSGB Member and have good coverage of the region. If you want to find out more without obligation, please contact the GB2RS Manager at gb2rs.manager@rsgb.org.uk.

Now the listing of all known nets in Scotland, which is collated by RSGB Regional Rep Tony, MM0TMZ in association with Jack, GM4COX and the West of Scotland ARS and published at www.wosars.club/radio-nets.

The GB3FE repeater serving the Stirling area is now running on reduced power and this will affect the Stirling and Falkirk nets.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

RSGB National Radio Centre; G-QRP Club Convention; EMC help desk; Ofcom; AM QSO Party; Dragon Amateur Radio Club; East Suffolk Wireless Revival and McMichael rally & boot sale; Finningley ARS Car Boot; C6AHA; RI0FM; GB1COC & GB8CCC; IARU HF Championship; solar flux index declined this week ending at 76; Sporadic E season also continues to delight UK amateurs;

Snips – News For Scotland – 4th July

The news headlines:

  • Join Monday’s Tonight @ 8
  • NRC closure for tree felling
  • GM0GMN to lead IPA Amateur Radio Section

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

The GB3FE repeater serving the Stirling area is still out of service and this will affect the Stirling and Falkirk nets.

Cockenzie & Port Seton Amateur Radio is participating in VHF Field Day today. Bob, GM4UYZ, 01875 811 723.

Edinburgh & District Amateur Radio Club will be operating portable for VHF NFD portable operations today Its regular FM net on Monday takes place at 8pm on 433.525MHz.. Norman, GM1CNH, 0774 094 6192.

The West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society is working on the new shack today and may operate for VHF Field Day It has a regular Sunday net from 11am on 145.425MHz. Wednesday sees a net from 8pm on 433.425MHz and on Friday there is an open net on 145.425MHz from 8pm. www.wosars.club.

Dundee Amateur Radio Club is taking part In VHF NFD today as well as the Backpackers contest. The Club holds nets on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7.30pm on GB3AG and GB3DD. The. Martin, 2M0KAU, 0776 370 8933.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

Tonight @ 8 webinar; National Radio Centre at Bletchley Park will be closed; International Police Association has appointed Jim, GM0GMN; update from Ofcom to their guidance What you need to know as an Amateur Radio user; RSGB awards are open to everyone; The GB2RS service is seeking a newsreader to cover the Western Isles of Scotland; Churches and Chapels on the Air; Finningley ARS Car Boot bring & buy is scheduled to go ahead on Sunday the 25th of July; Wiltshire Radio Rally, Electronics Fair & Car Boot Sale is planned to go ahead on Sunday the 1st of August; ES2TT/0 from Saaremaa Island; VP2V/K3TRM from Tortola; ZD7GB; Coventry being the UK City of Culture GB1COC & GB8CCC; IARU HF Championship; the SFI ended up way higher than this, peaking at 94 on Thursday; Sporadic-E has started to tail off a little as we enter July;  solar flux index will decline from around 92 to perhaps 85 next week; We had a super North-South duct up the East Coast on Wednesday evening allowing a close-to 700km 10GHz Tropo QSO;

Snips – News For Scotland – 27th June

The news headlines:

  • Covid-19 affects VHF NFD
  • Tree-felling to interrupt National Radio Centre
  • Durham is 13 Colonies bonus station

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

It has been reported that the repeater GB3FE serving the Stirling area is still out of service which will impact all users, especially the Stirling nets today, and Monday and Thursday and Falkirk net on Wednesday. At present it is unknown when service will be restored.

Kingdom Amateur Radio Society is having to vacate its premises but is continuing to have a net on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 7pm on 144.750MHz. Contact Steve, MM0SKX, 07711 059 343 for further information.

Today Stirling and District Amateur Radio Society is open for outdoor activities and operating from 11am this Sunday. The Club is also open on Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm for further details, email secretary@gm6nx.com

And finally, The Loch Lomond net in the Vale of Leven has stopped for its summer break and will return first Sunday in October.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

VHF NFD and Covid Restrictions; 13 Colonies Special Event; GB13COL; Youngsters On The Air Contests; Ham Radio World event; vintage Alexanderson alternator transmitter  SAQ; HB0/HB9HBY; J20EE; AK4AM/P; St Helena; City of Culture. GB1COC & GB8CCC; Boy Scouts of America Radio K2BSA/8; GB1HA; Museums on the Air GB0HMG; GB0UTA and GB5UTA; 3rd 2m Backpackers contest; there is no ionosonde data on the Propquest.co.uk; best chance of Tropo is over Scotland and Ireland.

Snips – News For Scotland – 20th June

The news headlines:

  • Latest rally news
  • Ofcom updates guidance
  • ARISS SSTV from ISS

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

The Sunday Loch Lomond net in the Vale of Leven which was temporarily suspended returns tonight. See the Facebook pages or contact mm3ddq@yahoo.co.uk

Falkirk Amateur Radio Club’s net on Wednesday is unable to operate until further notice owing to repeater GB3FE being down. Peter, gm8gax@tiscali.co.uk

For the same reason the Stirling Club Net today and the ones on Monday and Thursday are also not taking place on GB3FE

A listing of all known nets in Scotland, collated by RSGB Regional Rep Tony, MM0TMZ in association with Jack, GM4COX and the West of Scotland ARS and published at www.wosars.club/radio-nets.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

Dartmoor Radio Rally; McMichael Rally; East Suffolk Wireless Revival; What you need to know as an amateur radio user and the Ofcom EMF calculator; Bletchley Park; G0NSY SK; virtual Ham Radio World Weekend; FMH Portable Operations Challenge; Slovenian Amateur Radio Union will celebrate the country’s 30 years of independence; TO11A; GM4PVM; 7D9BA; UK Microwave Group 122 to 248GHz contest; UK Microwave Group 5.7 and 10GHz contest; SFI at around 80 and quiet geomagnetic conditions with a Kp index of two; We are in peak season for Sporadic-E;

Snips – News For Scotland – 13th June

The news headlines:

  • National Hamfest postponed to 2022
  • Kyrgyzstan amateurs get 5MHz band allocation
  • Volunteers sought for 100th anniversary station

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

Stirling Club – GB3FE Off-air.

CSFMG – GB3FF NOV Issued. Hope to have on from new site shortly.

A listing of all known nets in Scotland, collated by RSGB Regional Rep Tony, MM0TMZ in association with Jack, GM4COX and the West of Scotland ARS and published at www.wosars.club/radio-nets.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

National Hamfest (2021) postponed; Kyrgyzstan WRC-15 Amateur Secondary Allocation of 5351.5 – 5366.5kHz; first one-way amateur radio QSO across the Atlantic celebrations; RSGB’s Friendship on the Air Award; Gateways On The Air; XV9RH; XT2AW; Argentinian CW Group’s contest; Practical Wireless 2m QRP Contest;

Snips – News For Scotland – 6th June

The news headlines:

  • National Radio Centre re-opens
  • Dartmoor Rally should run in June
  • HF radio performance on Tonight@8

GB2RS Script – HERE .

CLUB NEWS & NETS

Lomond Radio Club is now open for normal meetings in the clubhouse from 7pm on Thursday evenings . Covid safety measures are being observed.

A listing of all known nets in Scotland, collated by RSGB Regional Rep Tony, MM0TMZ in association with Jack, GM4COX and the West of Scotland ARS and published at www.wosars.club/radio-nets.

TAGS: (Within GB2RS Script)

Bletchley Park; National Radio Centre;NRC;Dartmoor Radio Rally;Transceiver Performance for the HF DX & Contest Operator;Elecraft K4D;preparations by CEPT 23;HamSCI;Arctic Circle;solar eclipse;GB3CM;OX3LX;Greenland;SA6G/7 from Ven Island;VP2V/NC3Z from Tortola, British Virgin Islands;GB0VHF;GB0UTA promoting the University of the Third Age;GB95QB Queen’s 95th Birthday;5P2UEFA European Football Championship;K6K King Kamehameha Celebrations;CW National Field Day NFD

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