Security type at Gatwick was an ex- RN telegraphist. My key is ex-Danish
railways hence so much nostalgic talk I almost missed the flight LOL. Tip:
put it in hand-luggage and you can resolve it there and then.
Bryan
-----Original Message-----
From: hamilton mal <[email protected]>
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Date: 18 November 2003 20:09
Subject: LF: CT1/G3KEV
Hi All
I have just returned from CT1/Algarve and had a great time dxing from there.
CT1 is fairly rare, the radio amateur population is low compared to most
other EU countries. I did work three LF operators on the higher frequencies
OK1DTN, G0MRF and G3YMC and several hundred others world wide on various
bands from 160 to 6 metres.
The 6 metre band was interesting from the south coast of Portugal. I worked
a number of ZS6 stations, V51E, TR8CA and RW1AY/MM in the South Atlantic off
the West African coast. I did hear the UK beacon GB3MCB but no UK stations.
I took all the necessary radio equipment and antennas with me. The portable
station consisted of an ICOM 706 and a small 25A smpsu. The Antenna was an
80 metre doublet up at a height of about 18 metres and a suitable ATU to
match the antenna on all bands to the transceiver.
Everything worked well without snags. At my CT1 qth there was plenty of room
for antennas for the LF bands even 137 khz and next time I might try it. I
have arranged an even better qth next time with a villa and 20 acres of
vineyard for antennas plus the swimming pool for a good earth.
No one around my qth seemed bothered by my antenna mast and antennas. Most
of the Algarve is covered by large 1- 2 metre satellite dishes and other
large poles with TV antennas attached. Antennas of all varities are the norm
there and the odd radio amateur mast and antennas just blends in hi . A big
difference from the UK where some Councils insist on planning consent for
small dishes that you could hardly see and a pole higher than the normal
washing line is prohibited!!!!!!!
It could be time to move South West to a villa with swimming pool, vineyard
and no planning needed for masts and antennas all at affordable prices, plus
good food, good beer and brandy and GOOD SERVICE at the right price.
Airport security at LEEDS very thorough, when my equipment passed the xray
machine all the lights and buzzers went off because of one dangerous looking
item. I had to unpack one bag and the suspect item was my MORSE key. They
had not encountered one of these devices before. One the way back at FARO
airport the security xray light up just the same flashing lights etc but the
man just waved me on, he obviously knows all about amateur radio and morse
keys !!!!!!!!!!!!!
73 de Mal/G3KEV
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