Sep 27

26th September 2021

Posted on September 27, 2021 by gdars

Some of our club members again activated the Whitrope Heritage Centre near Hawick in this year’s Railways On The Air event.

Different callsign from usual WRH, which no doubt created some confusion when the QRZ page corresponding to the WHR callsign gives details of another station.

A good weekend was had by all, despite drizzly rain most of the first day then heavier rain on the Sunday afternoon.

74 QSOs were made over the weekend.

Station operating from the carpark of the centre. Thanks to Dave H MM0HTL for use of the caravan and awning.

Equipment:
Transceiver: Kenwood TS-430S
Antenna Tuner: Yaesu FC-902
Amplifier: Yaesu FL-2100B putting out about 200w peak.

Antenna: UK Antennas End-fed multiband antenna (40/20/15/10m)

Station caravan and awning. — Operators Dave S GM0KCN, Dave H MM0HTL (with Buster on his lap) and Steven MM0ILC.

Dave H MM0HTL operating with Buster on his lap, Dave S GM0KCN logging — Operators Dave S GM0KCN, Dave H MM0HTL (with Buster on his lap) and Steven MM0ILC.

Sign saying "To The Trains". — Views around the Whitrope Heritage Centre

"Warning Limited Clearance" sign — Views around the Whitrope Heritage Centre

Dave S GM0KCN with bottle of Johnny Walker Red Label on table — “Johnny Walker was present and pleasantly enjoyed.”

Dave S GM0KCN, Dave H MM0HTL and Steven MM0ILC tucking into full English breakfast — Sunday morning breakfast.

Many thanks to the Waverley Route Heritage Association for allowing us to set up in their carpark at Whitrope again this year. Thanks also to Dave S GM0KCN, Dave H MM0HTL and Steven MM0ILC for organising, helping set up, and operating the station for the weekend, and other club members visiting during the event.

QSL cards will be on their way to stations contacted.

Location:
Whitrope Heritage Centre, Whitrope, Hawick, Roxburghshire TD9 9TY
Location: 11 miles south of Hawick on B6399 (Hawick to Newcastleton road).

Maidenhead Locator: IO85PH 00co
55.294320, -2.748944 (55°17’39.6″N 2°44’56.2″W)
NGR: NT 52540 00279
Google: 9C7V77V2+MC
W3W:///jousting.windmills.wire
https://wrha.org.uk/the-association/find-us/

Satellite image showing location of Whitrope Heritage Centre carpark

https://rota.barac.org.uk/
https://wrha.org.uk/the-association/whitrope-heritage-centre/

Sep 03

Wednesday Night Club Meetings RESTARTING 8th September 2021

Posted on September 3, 2021 by gdars

As COVID restrictions have relaxed, the operators of our venue for our weekly club meetings are reopening the halls from 6th September after a deep clean, so we are able to resume club nights.

Usual place Focus Centre, Livingstone Place Galashiels, TD1 1DQ.

Time 2000-2200 (local) on Wednesday nights (from 8th September 2021).

We look forward to seeing old members back after 18 months away, welcoming any new members to the club, or anyone just interested in seeing what we do.

New COVID-19 measures (specified by the Focus Centre):

Hand sanitiser will be provided in the room to be used regularly.
Tables to be wiped down at the end of the night.
Face coverings to be worn around the building (unless exempted).
Attendance records with contact details will be kept for Track & Trace to be carried out if needed.

Any changes to the situation of restrictions will be announced here.

Note: This is separate from the Rally and Open Day in October which is still cancelled, hopefully to return in 2022.

Jul 23

CANCELLED – 2021 Rally and Open Day 24th October 2021

Posted on July 23, 2021 by gdars

It is with much regret that the organisers of the annual Galashiels Rally have cancelled the 2021 event. This was due to be held on 24 October.

The hall is unavailable due to it being used as a vaccination centre and our caterers are ceasing trading from the end of July.

In consideration of our primary responsibilities to the health and welfare of volunteers, traders and visitors we have decided that this cancellation is the right decision.

The environment in which the event is held presents unique and very difficult challenges in protecting social distancing, preventing handling of equipment and controlling numbers in a confined area.

Arrangements are in hand for returning to the Volunteer Hall in 2022 and we look forward to seeing you there.

GDARS

Jun 08

PW 144MHz QRP Contest – Sunday 13th June 2021

Posted on June 8, 2021 by gdars

As COVID-19 restrictions have relaxed somewhat, the club took part in the Practical Wireless 144MHz QRP Contest this year.

We’ll assembled at the usual spot at the quarry off the summit of the Ettrick “Middle Swire”, between Yarrow and Kirkhope (W of Ettrickbridge).

Note: COVID-19 precautions were taken, and we were well short of the 12-person outdoor limit. All attendees were fully vaccinated.

Warm in the sunshine, but a persistent brisk wind and increasing cloud meant that we had to shelter between the vehicles for ourselves and to protect the mic from wind noise.

It stayed mostly dry with just a spot of drizzle late on, so we were able to operate outside with no interruptions.

We made almost 30 contacts over the day, reaching from Fife down to South Wales, and from the Isle of Man to Yorkshire, including one contact from the summit of Mount Snowdon.

Not quite the lift conditions we’ve experienced on some contest days, so no Irish, continental Europe or south of England.

Spot the not-so-deliberate mistake. Hint: Is that plug not meant to be connected to something? This was when the 10m mast was fully erected and guy ropes all perfectly tightened. More reconfiguration was done at the same time as fixing the error.

(“Not the first time and won’t be the last…”)

George GM1OPO doing a bit of listening on 2m…

Dave H MM0HTL and Dave S GM0KCN operating the station.

Always useful to have a reminder of your callsign and other details in case your mind goes blank when keying the mic.

Dave H’s dog Buster came along to help out.

So much for the hot sunny weather we were forecast. This is the drizzly rain coming over the hills towards us in the afternoon.

Indications of how conditions can vary. We heard the other contact a strong clear signal while he was struggling to copy our details with local noise. Also how easy it is to be distracted with getting a contact that you forget to give the required information.

Despite the slightly disappointing weather, we had a good day out and it was good to meet up with other club members again seeing as our weekly club nights have been suspended since March 2020.

Here’s hoping we have more days out, hopefully with slightly better weather.

Jul 18

CANCELLED: 2020 Rally and Open Day – Sunday 25th October 2020

Posted on July 18, 2020 by gdars

It is with much regret that the organisers of the annual Galashiels Rally have cancelled the 2020 event. This was due to be held on 25 October. In consideration of our primary responsibilities to the health and welfare of volunteers, traders and visitors we have decided that this cancellation is the right decision. The environment in which the event is held presents unique and very difficult challenges in protecting social distancing, preventing handling of equipment and controlling numbers in a confined area. Arrangements are in hand for returning to the Volunteer Hall on the 24 October 2021 and we look forward to seeing you there.

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