PLUG AND PLAY IN WYTHALL PARK 2025
Neil, a great supporter of these events reports as follows:
“In 2023 the weather for the plug and play event was backing hot, last year it was rained off, so we all hoped that the weather would be kind to us this year. Everyone arrived at the park for set up at around 9.30am (08.30UTC).
The idea was to run multiple stations on HF and a satellite station on QO-100. In about an hour we had three shelters up and station running.
THE THREE WISE MEN CONTEMPLATE THE CHALLENGE OF PHIL’S LOOP
MARTIN ASSEMBLES THE ANTENNA .. JOHN LOOKS ON IN ADMIRATION
IAN SETS OPERATES THE DIGITAL STATION- THE ANTENNA ? AND END FED LONG WIRE SLUNG OVER A HANDY TREE
The day was not about how many contacts could be listed but more about experimenting and making sure that we could offer emergency communication if needed. The satellite station was operating under the club call of GX4WAC/P from IO92bj square. Several longer and enjoyable conversations were had during the activation. From a total of 19 contacts, 16 countries were contacted. These included Brazil and India showing the size of the footprint for QO-100.
One thing I did realise was that I have worked from this location enough to not even need to align the dish, as it was unpacked and pointed. On checking the signal and without any trimming a 5/9 signal was received back from the satellite.
In total nine licensed amateurs and one new club member, who is currently training for his foundation, were on site during the day. The planned finish time was 3pm (14.00UTC) but this over ran by about an hour. Proof that the day was enjoyed by all concerned. “
Neil’s impressive log sheet for the satellite operation.
Stations were also operated by Ian M0LQY, Phil 2E0WTH, Martin M0XFI and Warwick G4WMH.
Many many thanks to Gary G5RGS and Derek G1INC who were there from the start to help set up and to new member Ross for his sterling work to help us break camp at 4.00 p.m.
THE NEXT EVENT? THE BIG ONE
THE STOKE PRIOR STEAM FESTIVAL.
SETTING UP FRIDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
OPERATION SATURDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER AND SUNDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER.
ALSO ONE WEEK LEFT FOR THE AUGUST QRPP CONTEST WITH KEV G4XLO AND CHRIS G3YHF LEADING THE WAY WITH SOME REMARKABLE LOW POWER QSO’S