I worked from home using a simple home made 1/2 size g5rv squeezed into my garden as an inverted V with the legs bent near the ends.
Not the ideal setup but at least it allowed me to work the contest from home.
The classic section allows you to operate a total of 24hrs over the 2 days, I managed 13.5hrs running 100w from a ft 710 and M1MM logging software.
So even with a fairly simple set-up you can achieve a respectable result. So why not give some of these international competitions a go! You never know how you will fare.
73
Ernie
Andy MM7IFX – Report
CLICK – To View
Hi all,
The results CQ WW SSB 2024 have arrived and my first contest with the new callsign MM7IFX was a great pleasure and a new Scottish record, which I am extremely happy about. We are waiting for the results of the CW round and the first club classification for WEST OF SCOTLAND ARS.
Andy’s The Mobile ‘Shack’ – CLICK To View
And looking at CQWW ‘Standings’ for Scottish Stations:
I thought I’d put a bit of a report on here for everyone to see, a little on the late side as I’ve only just managed to sort out and fill in the gaps in the log! We had a good few hours operating GS4AGG up at the club shack, over the 3 hours we’d made nearly 70 QSOs, with some repeat call ins… although this isn’t a contest so it doesn’t really matter too much how many you make, the aim is purely about promoting activity on the 2m band (specifically FM). It’s supposed to operate like a traditional net, but in reality that doesn’t end up being the case so much, in my experience the vast majority just call in, some come back later on.
Equipment in use at the Shack
As most of you are aware the shack tower is still not reinstated, however the temporary pole setup that we’d figured out, and Archie helped put up on both our test run and the actual event worked pretty well. Not quite as well as it would’ve been on the tower when extended but by most accounts we were still putting out a very strong signal.
Ernie GM0EZP Operating
I should hope so after spending £50 getting a 15m length of fancy italian coax to use, rather than an old length of RG213 that was lying about that’s probably older than me! In theory that worked out to us putting out about 170W ERP.
Jack GM4COX Operating
Overall everything went pretty smoothly and we managed to put the station on for the full 3 hours, with only a couple of quieter periods for 5 mins or so. The station was operated by myself, Jack GM4COX and Ernie GM0EZP, with support from Archie GM4KNU and David MM7FZU.
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
MID SCOTLAND
Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society has a club night at the Crofthead Centre on Tuesday from 7pm. On Thursday, there is a net on 145.575MHz at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join in. Robin, GM0ERT, 07-880-992-377
SOLDER SMOKE
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society will have its usual Solder Group meeting from 6pm on Wednesday at the Electron Club, CCA Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. For more information – Technical Support – WoSARS – Glasgow
CATCH A SATELLITE
On Thursday, Glasgow University Wireless Society is having an evening of satellite operating in conjunction with Elderslie Amateur Radio Club. gm5aug@topple.scot
DOWN SOUTH
Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club, together with Dumfries and Galloway RAYNET group, has an open net on GB3DG every day at noon. All are welcome. There is also a net on the GB3DG repeater every Thursday from 7.15pm, then joining via Zoom from 8pm. Oli, info@gm4riv.org
WoSARS
Members will be gathering at 8pm on Friday at the Society’s Rose Street rooms for a club night. Checkout the Club Website’s Calendar – wosars.club
FURTHER NEWS
AGM
On Wednesday 14 February, Inverness and District Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM at the Green Tree Nursery from 7pm. For more information, email invernessradiosociety@gmail.com
POSSIBLE CLUB PRESENTATIONS
GB2RS 28/01/24 Extract:
“…The RSGB has released a further three presentations from its 2023 Convention. In the first, Professor Simon Watts, G3XXH gives a fascinating presentation about VHF airborne radar and the design and performance of these early systems in World War II. The other two presentations focus on the World Radiosport Team Championship which the UK will be hosting in 2026. The WRTC is held every four years and is considered to be the Olympic Games of radio contesting. At the RSGB Convention, WRTC Chair Mark Haynes, M0DXR gave an overview of what is being planned and how people can get involved either as a spectator, volunteer, competitor or referee. John Warburton, G4IRN gave his perspective on what it is like to be a WRTC referee. The full WRTC planning team also gave an update recently on an RSGB Tonight@8 live webinar. You can see all of these presentations on the RSGB YouTube channel at youtube.com/theRSGB…”
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
Details of club activities can usually be found on the individual club’s websites. A fuller summary of activities, Nets, Contacts and Links in Scotland can also be found at RSGB – GB2RS News for Scotland and the WoSARS NETS Page.
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
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
SUNDAY ‘MEETS’
Lomond Radio Club meets each Thursday evening in the club rooms at the John Connolly Centre in Renton at 7.30pm. The Club is now also open on Sunday afternoons for general activities and operating. Simon, MM0XME, mm0xme@outlook.com
AGM
On Wednesday, Inverness and District Amateur Radio Society is holding its AGM. For more information, email invernessradiosociety@gmail.com
SOLDER SMOKE
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society will have its usual Solder Group meeting from 6pm on Wednesday at the Electron Club, CCA Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow. For more information – Technical Support – WoSARS – Glasgow
SOTA QRP
On Wednesday, Lothians Radio Society will be enjoying a presentation by Andy, MM0FMF entitled ‘SOTA and the QRP Labs QCX HF Transceiver’. secretary@lothiansradiosociety.com
WoSARS
Members will be gathering at 8pm on Friday at the Society’s Rose Street rooms for a club night. Checkout the Club Website’s Calendar – wosars.club
145 ALIVE
This coming Saturday (27th) members of WoSARS are intending to take part in the 2 Metre (145MHz) RSGB’s activity period (1300-1500Z) from the Club’s Shack (GM7WOS). Checkout the Club’s CALENDAR entry for further details.
FURTHER NEWS
MARCONI 150 YEARS YOUNG
This year marks 150 years since the birth of Guglielmo Marconi in 1874. The Cornish Radio Amateur Club will be organising International Marconi Day this year on the 27th of April. For more information and updates, visit the GB4IMD Facebook page.
Also:
The World Wide Award 2024 has been running since the 1st of January and will finish on the 31st of January. The event is being held in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Guglielmo Marconi. The World Wide Award combines CW, SSB and digital mode activity from special event stations around the world. Real-time award tracking for chasers is available at hamaward.cloud/wwa
Also:
“Discovering Marconi” is an international amateur radio diploma organised by the ARI Radio Club of Fidenza in Italy. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great Italian scientist in 1874, this award aims to delve deeper into the thought, vision, capacity and character of Guglielmo Marconi. More details of special callsigns and award rules can be found at arifidenza.it
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
Details of club activities can usually be found on the individual club’s websites. A fuller summary of activities, Nets, Contacts and Links in Scotland can also be found at RSGB – GB2RS News for Scotland and the WoSARS NETS Page.
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
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
SUNDAY MEETS
Lomond Radio Club meets each Thursday evening in the club rooms at the John Connolly Centre in Renton at 7.30pm. The Club is now also open on Sunday afternoons for general activities and operating. Simon, MM0XME, mm0xme@outlook.com
SUNDAY NETS
On Sunday afternoons, Kilmarnock and Loudon Amateur Radio Club has a net on 3720kHz from 2pm. This is followed by a quiz on 145.475MHz from 7.45pm on Sunday evenings. Monday sees a question-and-answer night on Zoom from 7.30pm. On Tuesday, members will be meeting at the clubhouse and via Zoom from 7.30pm. klarcinfo@gmail.com
SOLDER SMOKE
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society will have its usual Solder Group meeting from 6pm on Wednesday. This Friday the Club will be meeting at 8pm at its Rose Street club rooms for a follow-on from last Friday’s ‘Hands-On’ evening. For more information check out the club’s website – wosars.club & Pat, 2M1CKE
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
Details of club activities can usually be found on the individual club’s websites. A fuller summary of activities, Nets, Contacts and Links in Scotland can also be found at RSGB – GB2RS News for Scotland and the WoSARS NETS Page.
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
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
AN EVENING WITH?
Ham Radio Network has a talk on the theme of An Evening with… on Monday. See hrn.world
WAY UP NORTH
Caithness Amateur Radio Society has club nets at 2pm on Wednesday and Saturday on 3.740MHz. There are club meetings on Thursdays in the Skirza Clubhouse, near John O’Groats. Nigel, MM7BWT, Mansfield.n27@gmail.com
SOLDER SMOKE
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society will have its usual Solder Group meeting from 6pm on Wednesday. The club will be meeting at 8pm on Friday at its Rose Street club rooms. For more information check out the club’s website via wosars.club & Pat, 2M1CKE Secretary
FURTHER NEWS
STILL IN SUMMER RECESS
Kilmarnock and Loudon Amateur Radio Club is in summer recess and now meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in its clubhouse at 34a Main Street, Crookedholm. During the recess, informal meetings will continue on Tuesdays and formal meetings will return on the 12th of September. There are currently no other on-air meetings or nets
A DATE CHANGE WITH THE FOX
Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club’s second DF night of the year has been moved from Friday 15th of September to Friday 8th of September, due to holiday arrangements. The club usually meets on the first Friday of the month for a club night in the lounge bar of the Thorntree Inn. The next meeting will be held on Friday the 1st of September. Bob, GM4UYZ, 01875 811723, www.cpsarc.com
AGM via ZOOM
Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club will hold its Annual General Meeting, on Thursday the 5th of October 2023 at 8pm via Zoom. Oli, info@gm4riv.org
SCOTTISH MICROWAVE ROUND TABLE (GMRT 2023)
The annual Scottish Microwave Round Table is being held between 1030 & 1700 Saturday 11th November at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife, Scotland. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged, microwave test facilities will be provided and an opportunity to purchase components and microwave related items. The cost is £12 including a buffet lunch. A Dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Full information and online registration is available at https://gmroundtable.org.uk/ or contact me for further info. Andy, MM0FMF GMRT, Organising Committee
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
Details of club activities can usually be found on the individual club’s website. A fuller summary of activities, Nets, Contacts and Links in Scotland can also be found at RSGB – GB2RS News for Scotland
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
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
2M SLOW CW
Michael, GM5AUG, who is RSGB District Representative for Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, provides GB2CW Slow Morse for Glasgow and the surrounding area on 144.600MHz FM every Monday and Thursday at 8pm.
SEEING THE LIGHT WITH GB0CSL
On Tuesday, Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society will be meeting, from 7.15pm, at the Reserve Centre, Elgin to prepare for International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend at Covesea Lighthouse. Helpers will be required for setting up on Friday afternoon, the 18th of August. Details will be confirmed at the meeting. On the 19th and 20thof August the Society will take part in International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend from Covesea Lighthouse Lossiemouth, with the kind permission of the trustees. Operation will be on the HF and VHF bands using SSB, CW and FM from 10am to 4pm on Saturday the 19th, and Sunday the 20th of August, using the special event callsign GB0CSL. Visitors are welcome. The lighthouse is open for booked tours and the RAF and Fleet Air Arm Heritage Centre is open from 11am to 4pm. Please see the Society’s website for details. If you can’t visit, make sure you give them a call! GM8HWZ/MM0TQH, www.mfars.club mfars.secretary@gmail.com
SEE THE LIGHT FROM ‘THE MULL’
Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club, together with Dumfries and Galloway RAYNET group, has an open net on GB3DG every day at noon. All are welcome. There is also a net on the GB3DG repeater every Thursday from 7.15pm, then joining via Zoom from 8pm. The Club will be operating from the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse on the 19th and 20th of August for International Lighthouses and Lightships Weekend. Oli, MM0YOS, info@gm4riv.org
SOLDER SMOKE
West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society will have its usual Solder Group meeting from 6pm on Wednesday. The club will be meeting at 8pm on Friday at its Rose Street club rooms. For more information check out the club’s website via wosars.club & Pat, 2M1CKE Secretary
FURTHER NEWS ITEMS
DF ON THE MOVE
Cockenzie and Port Seton Amateur Radio Club’s Second DF night of the year has been moved from the 15th of September to the 8th September due to holiday arrangements. The club usually meets on the first Friday of the month for a club night in the lounge bar of the Thorntree Inn. Bob, GM4UYZ, 01875 811723, www.cpsarc.com
uW GETOGETHER
The date has been confirmed for the 2023 Scottish Microwave Round Table, or GMRT. It will be held between 10.30am and 5pm on Saturday the 11th of November at the Museum of Communication, Burntisland, Fife in Scotland. An interesting programme of speakers has been arranged. Microwave test facilities will be provided, and the event will be an opportunity to purchase components and microwave-related items. The cost is £12 and this includes a buffet lunch. A dinner will be held in the evening at a local hotel. Full information and online registration are available at gmroundtable.org.uk/about Please email Colin, GM4HWO via gm4hwo@gmail.com for more information.
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
Details of club activities can usually be found on the individual club’s website. A fuller summary of activities, Nets, Contacts and Links in Scotland can also be found at RSGB – GB2RS News for Scotland
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
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
SUMMER RECESS
Kilmarnock and Loudon Amateur Radio Club is in summer recess and now meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month in its clubhouse at 34a Main Street, Crookedholm. During the recess, informal meetings will continue on Tuesdays and formal meetings will return on the 12th of September. The on-air quiz will return on Sunday the 3rd of September. There are currently no other on-air meetings or nets. klarcinfo@gmail.com
AERIAL WORK
Moray Firth Amateur Radio Society will be meeting on Tuesday the 4th of July to check out its HF Tri-bander for the International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend. The meeting will start at 7.15pm at The Edgar Road Reserve Centre, Elgin. GM8HWZ/MM0TQH, www.mfars.club mfars.secretary@gmail.com
VIRTUAL NET
On Wednesday, Lothians Radio Society has its Viral Net on 144.350MHz USB at 8pm. Andy Sinclair, MM0FMF, secretary@lothiansradiosociety.com
FURTHER NEWS ITEMS
TONIGHT@8
The next RSGB live Tonight@8 webinar will take place at tomorrow night – 8pm on Monday the 3rd of July, with Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. Eric, who has written numerous amateur radio and electronics articles over the past 30 years, says that almost every ham radio station can benefit from a separate receiving antenna. Effective receiving antennas are optimised for best signal-to-noise ratio, not necessarily the greatest gain. Tune in to the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel to hear Eric discuss the countless interesting means of building high signal-to-noise ratio receiving antennas. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars
MEET-UP
Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club, together with Dumfries and Galloway RAYNET group, has an open net on GB3DG every day at noon. All are welcome. There is also a net on the GB3DG repeater every Thursday from 7.15pm, then joining via Zoom from 8pm. On Tuesday the 11th of July there will be a Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club special event in-person meeting at The Mull of Galloway Gallie Craig Café. This will be a lunchtime and afternoon meet-up. Oli, MM0YOS, info@gm4riv.org
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
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 also 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
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
GB0SSB
Glenrothes and District Radio Club’s Tuesday and Thursday multi-speed CW practice sessions and natter nets continue at 7.30pm on 145.425MHz FM. The Club station located at Scotland’s Secret Bunker near Crail will be operating using the callsign GB0SSB today (Sunday), the 25th of June. Eric, GM4FQE, 01333 450 75
GB3AG NETS
Dundee Amateur Radio Club holds open nets on Sundays and Wednesdays from 7.30pm via the GB3AG repeater. Further details are available on the events page of the club’s website. The club welcomes visitors. Martin, 2M0KAU, 07763 708 933
SCOTTISH BORDERS TECH SUPPORT
On Wednesday, from 8pm to 9pm, George, MM0JNL will be hosting his DR16 Support Net via the GB3BT repeater. The net is open to anyone, within range, who has any radio-related issues and needs assistance or guidance, and as an open session with the local RSGB representative for Members and non-Members alike. dr16@rsgb.org.uk
POTA
On Wednesday, Inverness and District Amateur Radio Society will be taking part in a Parks on the Air event. Invernessradiosociety@gmail.com
BAR-B-QUE
On Wednesday, Lothians Radio Society will be enjoying its Summer Barbecue event at Bates Motel. Andy Sinclair, MM0FMF, secretary@lothiansradiosociety.com
FURTHER NEWS ITEMS
TONIGHT@8
The next RSGB live Tonight@8 webinar will take place at 8pm on Monday the 3rd of July, with Eric P. Nichols, KL7AJ presenting “Receiving antennas are different”. Eric, who has written numerous amateur radio and electronics articles over the past 30 years, says that almost every ham radio station can benefit from a separate receiving antenna. Effective receiving antennas are optimised for best signal-to-noise ratio, not necessarily the greatest gain. Tune in to the RSGB YouTube channel or special BATC channel to hear Eric discuss the countless interesting means of building high signal-to-noise ratio receiving antennas. You can find out more at rsgb.org/webinars
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
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 also 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
NEWS FOR SCOTLAND & CLUB NEWS (GB2RS) Extracts inc Additions
6M PORTABLE
Today, (Sunday) the 18th, members of Edinburgh and District Amateur Radio Society are working portable on the 6m band. On Monday, the Society has a net on 433.525MHz from 8pm. Norman, GM1CNH, 0774 094 6192
GB0SSB
The Glenrothes and District Radio Club’s is located at Scotland’s Secret Bunker near Crail will be operating under the callsign GB0SSB today (Sunday) and next weekend the 24th and 25th of June. Eric, GM4FQE, 01333 450 753
MULTISPEED CW PRACTICE
The Online Amateur Radio Community runs a 40m slow-to-medium speed CW net every Monday evening at 7pm. All are welcome to join in. For more information see morse.oarc.uk On the first and third Saturdays of the month, the group holds a virtual social night called ‘The Rubber Duck’ on Zoom. For more information, see oarc.uk
AND
Glenrothes and District Radio Club’s Tuesday and Thursday multi-speed CW practice sessions and natter nets continue at 7.30pm on 145.425MHz FM. Listen out for the club’s military-style radio station located at Scotland’s Secret Bunker. Eric, GM4FQE, 01333 450 753
FURTHER NEWS ITEMS
AFTERNOON MEET-UP
Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club, together with Dumfries and Galloway RAYNET group, has an open net on GB3DG every day at noon. All are welcome. There is also a net on the GB3DG repeater every Thursday from 7.15pm, then joining via Zoom from 8pm. On Tuesday the 11th of July there will be a Wigtownshire Amateur Radio Club special event in-person meeting at The Mull of Galloway Gallie Craig Café. This will be a lunchtime and afternoon meet-up. Oli, MM0YOS, info@gm4riv.org
OTHER CLUB NETS AND MEETINGS
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 also 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
