Sorry the antenna did not work out. But well done with the back-up arrangements.
It was a privilege to catch you and Jake again S2S from Wild Boar Fell. I was at the Southern end and suspect my HT signal would have been stronger at the Northern edge of the plateau. But we made it.
Cold Fell seems to live up to its name. I must stop putting off the long drive, try it, and hopefully give you a complete sometime.
Incidentally I had a HF malfunction (you are not the only one) on Wild Boar Fell. The previous day my gear performed admirably but did not work on the summit, or the following day. I am still trying to pin down what the issue is, likely connectivity issues!
Good to catch you on Cross Fell. I did it the radar station route and while the walk up the road was dry, the bit from the radar station to the summit sounds no better than your route.
Regarding polarisation, I think horizontal for SSB is more of a tradition than a rule but if all your SSB chasers are at home with a white stick antenna you’ll do better with vertical.
After a few attempts at portable 2m Yagis, this is what I use at the moment. It attaches neatly to my big rucksack.
Great to catch you on Cross Fell, Tom. I hiked Cross Fell “non-radio” with my XYL as part of the Pennine Way and wild camped en route. It was very nostalgic to catch you up there.
The “Corpse Road” after Greg’s Hut is loathed by many but we had a great day spotting many grouse on the way through. Your signal was fine from the IoM on Cross Fell and I did just about hear you on Cold Fell but not well enough for a QSO. I had equipment failure this year on the Cheviot Hills with a loose socket on the antenna matching unit so the 2 Kg of the HF radio kit in my 19 Kg pack was totally dead weight.
We have a trip coming up to the Lake District soon so hope to return the favour and activate some non-GD summits!
