On Sunday 24th July we held the first of 3 field days at Duloe Recreation Ground. The intention was to hold these as a workup to the Churches and Chapels on the Air (CHOTA) Special Event to be held in September, and to give all those intending to operate the CHOTA station practice in assembling club equipment, not used since lockdown, and some of the equipment furnished by the members. Initially, a portable HF antenna covering 80m and 40m was tried but was not very successful and was subsequently replaced by a tri-band antenna covering 40m, 20m and 10m and with a shorter mast. For the remaining two days on the 7th and 21st August, several stations covering 40m SSB; 20m SSB and FT8; and SSB via the QO-100 Geostationary Satellite were rendered operational. Those members with less operating experience had the opportunity to acquire the skills needed for the Special Event Station. 

The club Kenwood TS-570D HF set, driving a portable tri-band HF antenna tuned to 40m, was operated by several of the members from a small but cosy utility tent, and numerous European and inter-G contacts made. Other Members brought their own equipment and operated it from the club Event Shelter. Among the contacts made were a 5w QRP contact with a Special Event Station in Spain; a D-Star contact with Australia; and numerous QRP FT8 contacts with countries as far as Japan. Many contacts were also made via the QO-100 Geostationary Amateur Radio Satellite. In addition, some members brought along their own antennas and experimentation with different antennas and rigs carried out. At the end of the three-day session, it was felt that we had enough equipment and expertise to successfully activate the CHOTA station in September and a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all who attended.

Churches on the Air 2022

This event, scheduled for the weekend 10/11th of September was unfortunately cancelled due to the death Queen Elizabeth II on 8th September.