Portable ex-military HF at Reading Rugby Club

A few quick snaps taken of our members Michael M0MPM, Harry G3NGX and Jim G0LHZ enjoying a play with some man-portable vintage ex-military gear. With one of the radios dating back to WWII, and with the split frequency operating figured out, at least one legitimate QSO was had, with good reports both ways. With the solar cycle in full swing a new DX record was set, with a mighty 0.2km achieved across the front of the rugby club.

With thanks to our members for supplying the pictures.

Michael M0MPM/P

Harry G3NGX/P

Jim G0LHZ/P

“ACE HIGH” Tropo Scatter system

While researching for club talks, I ran across the following link regarding the tropo scatter system used in the 1970s/1980s with eye watering ERPs. A few members will know about this system, however many new to the club may not:

https://www.subbrit.org.uk/features/ace-high-nato-communications-system

Like Graham, G3XYX I have visited the Stenigot site in Lincolnshire wolds (in itself an incredibly beautiful place) – sadly only one dish remains now. Possible club talk if anyone knows a speaker…?

Club antenna at the RRFC

Thanks to kind assistance from John G4RDC, Graham M7GRA and Mike M0DYD on Saturday we now have a Diamond V2000 (2m, 70cms and 6m) on the Rugby Club building which we can use at practical evenings. Thanks to the Rugby club as well for kindly allowing this.