After meeting Gerald (G4OIG) on Aberedw Hill the other week, I was inspired to try 2m SSB using an old FT290 and a newly bought MML LNA/PA that Gerald had also very kindly told me was on sale on ebay.
I set off to Gwaunceste (which is local to me) complete with lightweight tent as I reckoned that 1) it’s not a busy part of the world and 2) with the weather as it was, there would be even fewer people around who might get disturbed by the tent which has a very low profile in any case. The tent was so I could operate despite the heavy showers and drizzle of yesterday.
The 2m SSB worked fine, as it should with the SOTA beam and 30W. Contacts were Richard G8JVM and a s2s with Carolyn G6WRW on an (I would guess)almost moated Clee Hill.
I had my SG2020 on 80m too and QSOd with Ian M0RGI and John and Mike GX0SCR/p with whom I also had a QSO on 2m SSB. Finally, with a large black cloud overhead showing lots of ominous vertical development, I packed up the tent, FT290 and HF gear before doing some quick 2m fm QSOs with Neil and John, M3NFL, G4OJS both from Bromsgrove.
As the weather looked a lot better this morning I set off for Cadair Idris with FT290, 2 handies, and the SG2020 together with all the other bits. I can guess what you’re thinking and you’re correct - too much caggage. Note to self - there’s no need to take all my toys with me next time. I thought the climb up the Minffordd path was harder work than usual and the reason was confirmed at a rucsac weigh-in on return - 19kg is not huge but it could be lighter. Still it’s all good exercise.
The backpacker’s contest was going and this gave me QSOs with GW8ZRE/P, GW4RWR/P, G0HIK/P on 2m SSB together with Frank on hols in Wexford EI/G3RMD/P. I’m afraid I was unable to give the post code for Cadair which was needed for the comp - but I did have a brief surreal vision of a postman delivering a package to the shelter hut there.
I also had fm QSOs with Patrick, Dave, Steve and Martin -GW1SXN, GW3XRM, 2W0BIX/M, GD3YUM. Thanks to Martin for pointing out the FT290 is off frequency -this explains why all the beacons weren’t quite where I expected (DUHH!)
I then opened with 80m but conditions were not good and it started to drizzle - my small brolly came in handy then. I tried without success to call GB4TCM and then I became hungry and keen to rejoin my flask of tea in the car; so I packed up with no 80m contacts and the 2020 could have stayed at home. Packing up at this point was a lucky call, as the rain became heavy just as I left the summit and stayed that way until I got back to the car.
I did see the view from Cadair briefly (honest) and even felt some sun on my face at times.
Many thanks to all those with whom I had QSOs.
73s Neil (MW0ECX)