Chelmsford Amateur Radio
Society
G0MWT, GX0MWT, GB5HF & M2T
International Marconi Day - 2007 at Sandford Mill
Marconi's Birthday was on the 25th April & G4IMD coordinate
International Marconi Day as the nearest Saturday to the
birthday - so this year it was the 28th April.
Additionally, Contest Manager Steve, G4ZUL organised a
Pre-Run for CARS first Contest outing for some 10 years
when it is hoping to enter the Restricted Section of NFD
on 2 & 3rd of June 2007.
As the whole of April, the day was warm (over 70
degreesF - 20+C). During the morning of IMD an
Earthquake of 4.7 on the Rickter Scale was noted near
Folkestone.
Just about every QSL in the UK noted what a lovely day it was.
CARS as a Society operate as a "team" - the Aerial Erection Team put
up the many aerials on Tuesday and Brian, G3CVI & John, G3VAM
started IMD at Midnight GMT - the photographer was in bed, so
no photos. By 10am GMT the shift had moved on to
Ron & Denis.
Ron, M3CAM logging with Denis M0FHA on the microphone
They are using the usual long-wire aerial over the water
course which surrounds the Mill. This contributes
enormously to the strong signal which radiates from
this site however this does not completely overcome
the Sun Spot low cycle still which contributes to poor
propagation conditions.
Tony reeling in his kite which had been used to rig
the Pre-NFD Test Day aerial.
A great team effort - thanks to everyone - send your
QSL cards, preferably via the RSGB Bureau - Patrick
(seen above) is the QSL Manager.
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©Copyright CARS 2007
28th
April 2007
Added the report & pictures.
Introduction
CARS provided the now traditional station in the 2MT
Marconi Hut on SSB while the "upstairs station" was
exclusively using the Key.
Photographs by John, G8DET
John, G8DET logging and Andy, M3TIU on the microphone.
Andy is a communications expert & was working up to
6 at a time!
Malcolm logging with Jeremy on the microphone.
CARS President, Harry G5HF & Ethel who provided the
NAFI facilities all day.
Here, Ethel is giving Steve, G4ZUL a cup of coffee.
Upstairs CW Station.
Harry G5HF (left) and Tony G4YTG (right)
listening to
Charles, G0GJS who had just worked a VK station.
On NFD we will use different
trees to those used today.
One technique used is to drop a spoon over a
nearby Oak Tree using the kite - another is to catapult
a brick - another is to climb (too risky).  
Why is it trees do not have ladders attached!
Checking the site for propagation.
Colin G0TRM (right), Gwyn G4FKH with Contest
Manager Steve, G4ZUL on the left.
Gwyn is very good on the key and keen on Propagation,
see his articles in RadCom.
To provide a load on the generator to prevent it "hunting",
a fan heater was used - they would not let it be used
in the tent - I wonder why?
The 1.5KWatt Fan Heater - heating Essex (not allowed in the
tent today!
The end of testing - taking the tent down.
Malcolm (left), Ken G7RFT Logging, Patrick, M0XAP on
the microphone with Jeremy M0DUT looking on.
The day was getting to a close and everyone was tired
having worked hundreds of Stations - hope the lots of QSOs
resulted in many Marconi Day Awards.