Where's the kettle lead? 50th anniversary special event station goes on the air

Vicky, Ian and Mike in the HF station — Dashing away: Ian on the key as Vickie and Mike look on.

Like the weather, HF conditions were patchy for our 50th anniversary special event station, GB5ODC, but patient operators managed to bag a decent number of contacts on phone and CW.

Brian and Gerald at the VHF station — Gerald, G3SDY, with Brian, G0BFJ, dressed as a Rabbi at our VHF station

The station was set up in what looked and felt like a sea fret. But within short order the mobile tower was winched up with colinear and dipoles, the generator yanked into life and the HF and VHF rigs switched on.

But first came the first big question of the day: Where was the kettle lead for the VHF station's IC-706? Answer: Not to be found, so batteries were connected instead.

Then another question: How to display the power meter in the ICOM's baffling menu? Ian 2E0ISD, studied the manual on his hands and knees to come up with the correct button.

From then on, all went smoothly, helped by more than a dozen club members. It was a pleasure to see our country member Robert, G8BUN, from Ossett and good to welcome Mark, who plans to become a radio amateur.

Barry and Mark on VHF — Barry, G4TML, instructs new member Mark in the mysteries of VHF operation.

Our next special event station will be GB2SLC, Churches on the Air, operated from Farnley Tyas church on September 14.

The next 50th anniversary station will be operated from Field Lane on Wednesday, September 25. Further details may be found on our events page. You are very welcome to join us for either or both of these events.

Meanwhile, thanks to all who helped in any way today: Phil, Darran, Kevin, Gerald, Ian, Robert, Bob, Mike, Brian, Barry, Vickie, Jerry, Mark, David and Roger – not forgetting the two happy hounds. Apologies if anyone has been missed.