The popular shortwave and ham magazine Practical Wireless runs a 70 MHz contest once a year. The contest attracts a number of entries from all around the country, including one keen team who climb Helvelyn in the Lake District (M0BKQ/P). The entry from M0TAZ/P didn’t include a 900m accent to the top of a mountain, we operated from the JO01 Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker near Ongar Essex. The location is over 100m ASL and affords nice views over the Essex countryside.
The Setup
Power Honda 2KW gas powered generator
Transceiver Icom 7100
Mast Racal 12m PU12
Antenna M0UKD homebrew 4E
Linear amp M0UKD 160w homebrew
The activity started at 1PM and finished at 5, activity levels were moderate with the first 2 Hrs being the most active. Many portable stations operate 10w or less so the amplifier and 160w did mean we sometime had to listen very hard to get a calling stations details. Sometimes people assume that because they can hear you loud and clear their signal must also be good.
The weather was sunny
, and this must have helped encourage people to operate portable outdoors.
We managed to work 47 stations our best DX being Scotland GM4JR at 454 km and was pleased to work into Wales GC0VPR/P, GW0EIY/P and GW4EVX/P and also the Netherlands PA4VHF.
The QSO map pins indicates the location and number of stations worked.
Many thanks to John M0UKD for the use of his beam and 70 MHz amplifier, both worked flawlessly and George M1GEO, Dave M0YOL and Chris G8OCV for assistance with the mast and words of encouragement.
Thanks to everyone who called, and hope to work you again soon 73 Dave M0TAZ
Further pictures are available online.