Yesterday fellow radio enthusiast Martin M6YFT and I went hill topping on St.Agnes Beacon. It was slightly cold and mist was hanging around us. Visibility was poor, which was a shame as on a good day you can easily see the North Cornish coastline from St.Ives to Trevose Head. The Beacon is the highest point in our area being just over 600 ft asl.
Equiped with a Uniden 2830, Yaesu FT817, Kenwood TH-F7e, Thunderpole mk5 11/10m antenna, and a "pixie" made 2 element yagi 2m beam. The beam was made with bits and pieces: a boom from a TV antenna, elements are structs from a portable massage couch, and a connection box from a CB "wotpole" antenna.
Managed to make a few contacts on the 27MHz CB and 145MHz (2m) amateur bands, but the best was talking to Phil GW0IRT portable in Abergevelly on 433MHz (70cm) amateur band with 50mW and a bulk standard rubber duck antenna. We calculated that it was 143 mile trip. It was a lift condition and soon afterwards signal strength dropped. Must mention that Phil was using a 9 element yagi, so part of this contact was due to his set up.
It was only 2 weeks ago I was having a conversation with a local radio ham where he was saying that life was too short for QRP (low power). But Martin and myself were over the moon in making a contact on what can be only described as "flea power". QRO (high power) is all great and dandy, but working QRP has it challanges, taking patience, and a having a sense of propagation (radio and atmospheric conditions). Getting the antenna system right is always a bonus, as you cannot afford losses at lower power levels. Regardless though of the type of equipment and the power levels used, you can only make contacts when conditions are right.
73s from Dave G7OPC
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