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www.southgatearc.org
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Page last updated on:
Thursday, October 21, 2010
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Essex radio amateurs use satellites for JOTAThe Colchester Radio Amateurs (CRA) made good use of the Amateur Radio satellites during last weekend's Jamboree On The Air (JOTA). Kevan 2E0WMG provides this report of the activities at the special event station GB2CDS: Taking part in JOTA for the forth year running we were again located at the Scout Camp in Thorrington. Set up began at 0930 on the Saturday morning with Richard G7BIV, Kevin M0JVC and Kevan 2E0WMG string-ing up an 80m dipole using a 10m roach pole to support the centre, the ends tied were off to high branches of the many trees surrounding the site. Two separate stations were set up, one using the club Yaesu FT-1000 on HF, the second station used the clubs Yaesu FT-847 which we would be using to work amateur satellites. Assisting with the set up and activities were James M0ZZO, Matt 2E0XIS and Jeff G7TAT. After setting up the satellite station several contacts were made during passes in the afternoon in readiness for a later pass of the HO-68 which had been dedicated to JOTA use for the weekend. At 11pm we had our first group session, eighteen Scouts and Guides arrived who were staying over at the camp under canvas. HO-86 was due to pass at 23.36 so the session started with Jonathan G0DVJ giving an introduction into the science behind the amateur satellites. We were using MacDoppler tracking software projected onto a large screen to show the progress of the pass. Jonathan G0DVJ displayed various slides to illustrate the physical size of the satellite we were tracking and the complexities involved including a brief explanation of the Doppler effect. We also gave an overview of what's involved in the foundation licence course and how to get started in the hobby. In order to manage expectations the experimental aspect of what we were trying to do was emphasised and unfortunately during the 23.36 pass we were not able to make a contact although the CW beacon was clearly audible. After the pass the group was split up into three smaller groups with on air contacts being made on HF and VHF, as well as an activity sending and receiving CW. The activities with the first group concluded at about 1am which did not leave a great deal of time for rest as the next group were due to arrive with us at 05.15. Here the same introductory format was repeated ahead of a AO-51 pass at 05.38 which this time was much more successful with a solid but brief contact into Lithuania. Whilst calling CQ on 80m we were pleased to be called back by Richard DK1KF in Colchester's twin town of Wetzlar who had a cracking signal and exchanged greetings messages with Becky, one of the Guides present at our end. Unfortunately we were unable to join the regular Wetzlar net later that morning at 10am as we were due to finish our activities around 8am. As the Scouts and Guides from the sessions are due to attend a World Jamboree in Sweden next year we were hoping to contact Sweden on HF but events and contest QRM conspired against us which was a shame but did not detract from the enjoyment for all concerned. Finally we were thanked by applause from Leaders Bruce and Ellie plus their troops and left them with a free offer of a couple of places on a future Foundation Course for any young person interested. Next year we are looking to repeat JOTA and already have a few ideas on how to make next years event even better, we may even see an improvement in the HF bands with luck.. Upcoming Colchester Radio Amateurs meetings: Colchester Radio Amateurs (CRA)
AMSAT-UK publishes a colour A4 newsletter, OSCAR News, which is full of Amateur Satellite information. Join online at
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