On Sunday I returned to Christmas Common (IO91MP) on the Chiltern Ridge for the June 5.7GHz/10GHZ UkuG 2nd Cumulative contest, and met up with fellow Drowned Rats Carl (M0ICR) and Jules (M0UGA). This also provided the opportunity to test some new paths on both bands, ahead of the June SHF UKAC.
It was a gloriously sunny day and after setting up the first contact in the log was on 3cm with Stewart G0LGS/P and Matt 2E0MDG/P on Cleeve Hill (IO81XW) and 82km. After calling CQ on the new UK Microwave Talkback frequency 144.390MHz SSB, I quickly found and was super pleased to work for the first time Keith GW3TKH/P and Pete GW4HQX/P on the Blorenge (IO82LS) at 145km on 3cm. Also I easily worked the Telford Group G3ZME/P Martyn on Brown Clee (IO82QL) for an ODX of 147km, and Pete G4CLA (IO92JL) at 95km with all stations loud. On 3cm Jules worked 3 (G0LGS/P, 2E0MDG/P and G3ZME/P) and Carl worked 2 (G0LGS/P, 2E0MDG/P) for their first 10GHz QSO's.
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| G1DFL/P (and M0ICR/P, M0UGA/P) at Christmas Common looking NW |
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| Xmas Common Visible Horizon (Source: HeyWhatsThat) |
On 5.7GHz WBFM using the 2W FPV modules, and the 60cm TP-Link grid dish, it was very rewarding to work Stewart G0LGS/P and Matt 2E0MDG/P for the first time on that band - a new personal all-time ODX of 82km. We used Channel 33 (5665MHz) and it was really clear copy with FM signals fully quietening. They also worked Carl and Jules on my gear. Finally, I also worked Carl and Jules (and they worked each other) using a mix of mine and Carl’s 6cm WBFM kit, all based on similar FPV modules.
Pleased to get out again and play GHz and for everything to actually work. Happy with 6 QSO's on 3cm (including 2 GW’s), and 2 long distance on 6cm WBFM and to double my 6cm ODX!