Ham radio goes road racing in Waterford

On the 27th of August last, amateur radio experimenters from Waterford and Cork provided communications for a major road race in Waterford city.

This was the first time in eight years that such an event had taken place in the city. The host club Comeragh Cycling Club were anxious to show that they could pull it off and so as to get to host the event annually and hopefully improve the
fortunes of the club.

Richie, EI9HR a keen cyclist himself, was asked initially to get involved in the stewarding side of things and it became apparent that the most dangerous section of the course a fast down-hill section with a very sharp S bend was also a
radio black spot.

Experiments were conducted by Richie and John EI8JA
initially on UHF and also on VHF simplex channels.
Experiments were then conducted via the East Cork Repeater on Helvick Head and this proved very successful.

Comreg when consulted and then Neil EI3JE the repeater
keeper for the Helvick Head East Cork Repeater was
consulted and he was most supportive and enthusiastic
about the idea and even donated some equipment, which
was put to good use on the day.

With 4 mobiles and 4 major roundabouts and also a command point to be manned organisers required a minimum of 12 operators 9 local radio amateurs had pledged support then into the breech stepped 3 radio amateurs from Cork, John EI2GN, Declan EI9FVB and Conor EI4JN all experienced AREN operators. A series of meetings were then held leading up to the event.

Overall, all the operators performed brilliantly and were a credit to the hobby. APRS will probably play a greater role next time. In addition to those already mentioned, the following people also helped out on the day; John EI8FRB, Brian EI8JS, Nicky EI3JB, Garreth EI7FZB and Mick EI3IQ.

Everyone enjoyed the event and the organisers were very
satisfied with a job well done. Richie would like to thank all who helped on the day.

Source: IRTS

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