As you probably know, Tom, it’s difficult to find somewhere out of the way to operate, as Guernsey is so densely populated. However I’ve managed to find a lane (unsurfaced public road) about half a mile from the airport that’s quiet and there’s a bit of space to set up at the entrance to a field.
Indeed, it was why I asked the question! Also I understand there are areas beyond the airport perimeter but in the vicinity of the airport from which operation is forbidden, but it’s hard to get definitive information about exactly where. The ARM mentions “To the east of the runway”.
There is some open ground to the north of the runway I have used in the past, but if you’ve found a really good quiet spot in the AZ, perhaps you could share the coordinates on here or via PM?
I’ve done a quick test this evening to check if I might be able to reach Guernsey. The problem is I can’t use my main mast as there is a large house on the other side of the road which is blocking the path. So I erected a pole at the back of the house with a 5 element Yagi about 4m up looking in the right direction.
Using FT8 on 2m I managed a QSO with F0EYI who is in line with Guernsey on the French mainland. However, it was a bit of a struggle and each FT8 message was repeated 2 or 3 times before we could complete the QSO. From his QRZ page F0EYI has a long multi-element Yagi for 2m so assuming it was turned towards me suggests it wasn’t any weakness at his end. In the map below they are the station nearest Rennes.
I have a 10 element Yagi and will try that tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Bad news, I’m afraid. Condor changed their schedule again last night to an earlier time, but sadly the message didn’t get to me (we have to book through an agent with work). Therefore I turned up late and missed the ferry I’m now going out tomorrow afternoon, but won’t be there until late evening, and then I’ll be returning at 5.20pm on Friday. Therefore, sadly, I’ll have to cancel the planned activation.
Many thanks for the interest and help offered on here. If I get the chance to try again on another visit, I’ll post on the reflector again.
Bob G0KYS
This is the spot - 49.43652325188319, -2.5733708218993585
As I’m sure you’ve seen on the map at the end of the ARM, the activation zone covers half the island! However it’s surprisingly hard to find a good spot. This spot (coordinates above) has an old large concrete gate post that I managed to cable tie the pole to. It’s a good 300m x 300m thick, so you need a few long cable ties!
John - many thanks for your efforts, and apologies again that I won’t be able to go through with the activation (see below). If I get the chance again, I’ll drop you an email.
Bob
That’s disappointing for you, I guess /MM from the ferry is out of the question!
But on the positive side I’ve sorted out a possible approach to working the Channel Islands on VHF