(The heading should be “Collapse of tall thin party” but it ran out of characters - I’ve been caught that way before, should know better.)
Today I thought I’d check out the HF gear on the chance that I might need to use it tomorrow to try to contact the Ailsa Craig activators (I’m intending to try 2m first).
Just as well I did - the “SOTA pole” collapsed in the high wind, so will need to be taped up a bit before tomorrow. It has received a lot of maltreatment by being loaded with yagis and feeder much too heavy for it - though I now have a much better attachment to the pole which causes much less stress. Basically, the plumbing pipe fitting as used on the SOTAbeams SB270 (and copied by me for my heavier yagis) has sharp inner corners that dig into the pole tubing if you push the beam too far down the pole, weakening the structure and (ultimately) allowing the collapse I observed! My own fault entirely, and already the cause is fixed. I must look out for more of these poles though when they next appear cheap at LIDL …
I got the notice of variation for “GA” yesterday (see the “Scottish Homecoming” reflector posting) so had fun using it - it caused quite a bit of interest both outwith and in the UK.
Many thanks to all providing contacts today, and to PA3FYG and HA7UG for the spots. A fair haul - 35 on 40m ssb and 11 on 20m ssb. “Where have all the 2m folk gone?” by MM3ZYS on the reflector reinforced again - though admittedly I was not trying on 2m. I gave a shout on 2m FM and was answered after a few calls by GM3UCI, but I only had GMnUCI until I got home and was able to check in the callbook (so no, that one didn’t get entered!). Sorry I lost GM3UCI in trying to QSY up - I was only using the “rubber duck” antenna.
I’ve added a couple of notes on access / route in the “Summits” data. Prior to today most of the activations were on 60m! It’s a nice little hill with quick access - less than 40 minutes up, less than 25 minutes down. Lots more around in that area for me to do.
(These backslashes it adds are a bit of a pain …)
73
John
GM8OTI