The Cloud SP-015

The Cloud, G/SP-015 - 343m ASL - SJ 904 637 - OS Explorer 268 - 1 SOTA point

A very happy new year to all in the SOTA fraternity. A late afternoon outing to do the first activations of this year. Lazy operating with the VHF handheld!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	Op
18:00	F5JKK	10MHz	CW	M1EYP/P
18:01	EA1AAP	10MHz	CW	M1EYP/P
18:05	2E0TXE	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:07	F5IUZ	10MHz	CW	M1EYP/P
18:07	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:08	2E0LMD	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:09	G0XBU	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:10	M0RDW	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:12	M6CLX	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:13	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:14	M0GIA	10MHz	CW	M1EYP/P
18:14	GW4BML	144MHz	FM	M0HGY/P
18:25	WX1S	10MHz	CW	M1EYP/P

Sunday 23rd January 2022

30m GP vertical on The Cloud A rather smug M1EYP! The trusty FT-817

On tonight’s activation of The Cloud G/SP-015, I worked an ATNO - Antarctica. Felix DP1POL was worked on 30m CW. Brazil was also worked, but the only other contacts came from EA7 and a narrowboat a couple of miles away!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
21:51	EA7TG	10MHz	CW
22:03	DP1POL	10MHz	CW
22:14	M0GIA	10MHz	CW
22:18	2E0BAX	10MHz	CW
22:31	PY7ZC	10MHz	FT8
22:37	M0GIA	433MHz	FM

Saturday 29th January 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Macclesfield v Skelmersdale United

The shopping, ready for post-match tea plans! Tom M1EYP close to Cloud summit

Plans were hatched to do homemade Scotch eggs for Saturday tea - a favourite of the Read household, and a speciality of mine! That meant a trip to the supermarket before The Cloud, and before the football.

FT70D handheld Action from the game

With time tight, I just took the handheld up to the summit and made four QSOs on 2m FM.

Enjoying the game Celebrating a goal with Director of Football Robbie Savage watching on from the terraces

Onto the Moss Rose, and the eagerly anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Skelmersdale United and Macclesfield - the top two sides in the North West Counties League.

Macc in front on 72 minutes Homemade Scotch eggs for tea!

A brilliant 3-1 win for the Silkmen, and then a cookery session with Jimmy M0HGY back at home. Homemade Scotch eggs, good cheese, chutney and ale - perfect!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
13:51	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
13:53	2E0FTR	144MHz	FM
13:54	MW6SHF	144MHz	FM
13:55	G0MHF	144MHz	FM

Monday 31st January 2022

An unmemorable quickfire 2m handheld Monday evening raid! Probably in-between dropping Liam off at his club and picking him up!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
20:02	M0XOC	144MHz	FM
20:03	2E0SCX	144MHz	FM
20:04	M7BUE	144MHz	FM

Tuesday 1st February 2022

Twice the wind hauled the SB5 and mast assembly off the ground for a short flight, leaving me to unbend the elements as best I could and go again. I made it to the end of the 2m FM Activity Contest with 28 QSOs in the log. That would be nowhere near competitive. I continued on for the UKAC, making seven QSOs on 2m SSB before the antenna and mast was thrown to the floor for a third time. It was at that point when sitting watching television with my wife, a bottle of Pinot Noir and an early Easter egg, become a more attractive proposition to me than continuing with a cold and uncomfortable SOTA activation…

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
19:08	M6AIF	144MHz	FM
19:09	M3MCH	144MHz	FM
19:11	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
19:12	M1EIB	144MHz	FM
19:14	GW4OKT	144MHz	FM
19:15	G7WKX	144MHz	FM
19:15	M0JYP	144MHz	FM
19:20	G0KUY/P	144MHz	FM
19:21	GW4BML/P	144MHz	FM
19:22	MW0PJE/P	144MHz	FM	GW/NW-044
19:24	G3WRA	144MHz	FM
19:25	G5ROC	144MHz	FM
19:27	GW3ATZ	144MHz	FM
19:28	M0TXE	144MHz	FM
19:33	GW8ASD	144MHz	FM
19:35	G4FZN/P	144MHz	FM
19:38	G3TDH	144MHz	FM
19:39	M0VXX/P	144MHz	FM
19:42	G8GYX	144MHz	FM
19:43	G8EVR	144MHz	FM
19:44	G0CDA	144MHz	FM
19:44	G4ILI/P	144MHz	FM
19:45	G0JCC	144MHz	FM
19:45	G8ZRE	144MHz	FM
19:46	G4ANS	144MHz	FM
19:46	G1ZAR/P	144MHz	FM
19:53	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
19:54	G0UWS/P	144MHz	FM
20:04	G3TDH	144MHz	SSB
20:04	M3UYF	144MHz	SSB
20:05	G8ZRE	144MHz	SSB
20:06	GW4ZAR	144MHz	SSB
20:06	G0MZZ	144MHz	SSB
20:07	G4EII	144MHz	SSB
20:12	G4JLG	144MHz	SSB

Wednesday 2nd February 2022

27 QSOs in the 2m FT8 event.

DX: F4BKV, EA2XR, PA5Y, F6CIS

QRAs: IN83, 94, 95, IO70, 74, 81, 82, 83, 91, 92, 93, JO01, 02, 21

DXCCs: EA, F, G, GI, PA

I know it’s FT8 so it probably doesn’t count but nonetheless a satisfying haul on VHF with 5 watts!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
19:20	G3YKI	144MHz	FT8
19:21	G4EII	144MHz	FT8
19:26	G8XYJ	144MHz	FT8
19:28	G3SAO	144MHz	FT8
19:30	G4KRN	144MHz	FT8
19:32	G4APJ	144MHz	FT8
19:34	G0XBU	144MHz	FT8
19:38	G4UJS	144MHz	FT8
19:40	G4NBS	144MHz	FT8
19:46	G7WIR	144MHz	FT8
19:50	F4BKV	144MHz	FT8
19:53	G0LGS	144MHz	FT8
19:55	G0BIX	144MHz	FT8
19:56	G7LRQ	144MHz	FT8
19:57	M0NVS	144MHz	FT8
20:03	EA2XR	144MHz	FT8
20:05	G7COU	144MHz	FT8
20:13	G0XDI	144MHz	FT8
20:22	PA5Y	144MHz	FT8
20:25	G8IXK	144MHz	FT8
20:27	G3WZK	144MHz	FT8
20:29	G0DJA	144MHz	FT8
20:36	M0BKV	144MHz	FT8
20:40	G6PAP	144MHz	FT8
20:42	F6CIS	144MHz	FT8
20:49	GI6ATZ	144MHz	FT8
20:57	G8GNI	144MHz	FT8

Thursday 2nd February 2022

Nipped up The Cloud to play on 30m with the monster vertical + GP antenna. Made just one QSO, and on FT8 at that! Never mind, better than nowt! A couple added on 2m FM.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
18:18	2E0XUP/M	144MHz	FM
18:40	DL/OE2BVG	10MHz	FT8
18:45	M3HGH	144MHz	FM

Tuesday 8th February 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Irlam v Macclesfield

In order to fulfil my new obsession of activating a SOTA on the same day as attending a football match, I needed to be out of bed early!

Cloud summit Tom M1EYP

I managed to do this and drive out to The Cloud G/SP-015, before returning to change into my suit and get to a local secondary school (All Hallows, Macclesfield) for a day's maths teaching.

Irlam FC Tom at Irlam FC

That evening I drove up to Irlam FC for the next North West Counties League fixture for Macclesfield FC.

Penalty scored by Macc Goalmouth action

A 2-2 draw was a little disappointing but still a good old traditional evening of non-league football.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
07:11	GW4BML	144MHz	FM
07:12	M0KSE	144MHz	FM

Wednesday 9th February 2022

70cm FT8AC participated in from Cloud summit. Just ten QSOs made with activity thin on the ground. Called it a night shortly after 8pm.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
19:08	G3YKI	433MHz	FT8
19:09	G0TFD	433MHz	FT8
19:11	G4APJ	433MHz	FT8
19:15	G8IPT	433MHz	FT8
19:19	G4GSB	433MHz	FT8
19:28	M0AHN	433MHz	FT8
19:35	G8SEI	433MHz	FT8
19:41	G0CER	433MHz	FT8
19:53	G4EII	433MHz	FT8
20:03	G4NBS	433MHz	FT8

Thursday 10th February 2022

And then back up the following night, this time for the 6m UKAC. This time managed to stick out the full contest period and make a better number of contacts - but still well below-par, and no DX about.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
20:12	G4FZN/P	50MHz	SSB
20:14	G3RKF	50MHz	SSB
20:15	GW4ZAR	50MHz	SSB
20:16	GW8ASD	50MHz	SSB
20:17	G4BEE	50MHz	SSB
20:17	G0MZZ	50MHz	SSB
20:21	M1MHZ	50MHz	SSB
20:23	G8ZRE	50MHz	SSB
20:24	G4TVR	50MHz	SSB
20:25	G4CLA	50MHz	SSB
20:25	G0CNN/P	50MHz	SSB
20:26	G3VCA	50MHz	SSB
20:27	G3TBK/P	50MHz	SSB
20:29	G3PYE/P	50MHz	SSB
20:31	G3RCW/P	50MHz	SSB
20:34	G6AD	50MHz	SSB
20:37	M0HWO	50MHz	SSB
20:39	G3SDY	50MHz	SSB
20:41	G0BFJ	50MHz	SSB
20:42	G0EAK/P	50MHz	SSB
20:43	GW4SHF	50MHz	SSB
20:53	GI4SNA	50MHz	SSB
20:56	G4ASR	50MHz	SSB
20:57	G1YBB/P	50MHz	SSB
20:58	G7RHF	50MHz	SSB
21:00	G6HPR	50MHz	SSB
21:01	G1HLT	50MHz	SSB
21:07	M0TBQ	50MHz	SSB
21:08	G4EII	50MHz	SSB
21:09	G0CDA	50MHz	SSB
21:09	G0CER	50MHz	SSB
21:12	M0TZM	50MHz	SSB
21:13	M7AQX	50MHz	SSB
21:18	G8REQ	50MHz	SSB
21:22	G4ANS	50MHz	SSB
21:22	G4JLG	50MHz	SSB
21:26	G3TKF	50MHz	SSB
21:29	G3TDH	50MHz	SSB
21:30	G8AOE/P	50MHz	SSB
21:32	M0TAV/P	50MHz	SSB
21:34	G8DMU/P	50MHz	SSB
21:37	G4ILI/P	50MHz	SSB
21:38	G3MEH	50MHz	SSB
21:50	G3SED	50MHz	SSB
21:55	G4DZL	50MHz	SSB
22:00	GD8EXI	50MHz	SSB
22:08	G0ODQ	50MHz	SSB
22:08	G0NZI/P	50MHz	SSB
22:22	G0UOK/P	50MHz	SSB
22:27	G4FVZ	50MHz	SSB
22:28	G0WUS	50MHz	SSB
22:29	M0SPS	50MHz	SSB
22:29	G3SQQ	50MHz	SSB

Saturday 12th February 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Macclesfield v Lower Breck

Today’s summit and football combo - Bosley Cloud G/SP-015 and Macclesfield v Lower Breck. Preceded by a trip into town to get a new walking coat and a Spearing’s pie!

Spearing's butchers, Macclesfield A traditional Macclesfield breakfast...! Tom in Park Green

By the time I'd done my stuff in town, I'd not left much time for radio on The Cloud. Just two contacts made with the handheld accordingly.

On The Cloud A damp Cloud summit!

Onto the Moss Rose, and couldn't resist availing myself of a two-pint (plastic) glass of beer.

Enjoying a 2-pinter! Macclesfield v Lower Breck

Convincing win for the Silkmen, by four goals to nil.

On the attack Homemade paella for tea

Got home, made paella for tea, and drank more beer...

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
13:55	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
13:57	M7TRS	144MHz	FM

Monday 14th February 2022

Another "blink and you'll miss it" activation in-between running Dad's Taxis for the evening!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
20:32	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
20:34	2E0LMD	144MHz	FM

Tuesday 1st March 2022

Another 2m activity and contest night, though not the best. Plenty of activity in the FM event from 7pm, but the main UKAC (SSB) contest failed to catch fire or take my mind off the cold and damp weather. As such, I chucked in the towel halfway through the SSB session at 9.15pm! A total of 73 QSOs in the log.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
19:08	M6AIF	144MHz	FM
19:09	M3MCH	144MHz	FM
19:09	G8TZJ	144MHz	FM
19:10	M0GIA	144MHz	FM
19:13	GW8ASD	144MHz	FM
19:13	2E0BAX	144MHz	FM
19:15	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
19:16	G8ZRE	144MHz	FM
19:17	MW0PJE/P	144MHz	FM
19:18	M7SDO	144MHz	FM
19:19	M7USB	144MHz	FM
19:22	GW3ATZ	144MHz	FM
19:23	G0UXC	144MHz	FM
19:24	M0TXE	144MHz	FM
19:24	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
19:25	M6OXO	144MHz	FM
19:25	G1YBB/P	144MHz	FM
19:26	GW4OKT	144MHz	FM
19:27	G0KUY/P	144MHz	FM
19:28	M0VXX/P	144MHz	FM
19:31	G4BJD/P	144MHz	FM
19:32	G0PLA/P	144MHz	FM
19:40	G5ROC	144MHz	FM
19:41	MW1DDD/P	144MHz	FM
19:42	G4ASR	144MHz	FM
19:43	G0XBU	144MHz	FM
19:46	G0JCC	144MHz	FM
19:48	2E0JWA	144MHz	FM
19:50	M3ISJ	144MHz	FM
19:53	2E0PKS	144MHz	FM
20:00	M0GIA	144MHz	SSB
20:02	M0ICK	144MHz	SSB
20:03	GW4ZAR	144MHz	SSB
20:04	M0KYB/P	144MHz	SSB
20:04	G8REQ	144MHz	SSB
20:05	2W0JYN	144MHz	SSB
20:06	G4ILI/P	144MHz	SSB
20:07	2E0BAX	144MHz	SSB
20:08	G4IJD	144MHz	SSB
20:10	G3SMT	144MHz	SSB
20:11	M0WBG	144MHz	SSB
20:12	G8DIR	144MHz	SSB
20:12	G6XHF	144MHz	SSB
20:13	M0TBQ	144MHz	SSB
20:14	G0JSB	144MHz	SSB
20:14	G3YKI	144MHz	SSB
20:16	GW8ASD	144MHz	SSB
20:17	G8ZRE	144MHz	SSB
20:17	M0HWO	144MHz	SSB
20:18	G8TZJ	144MHz	SSB
20:20	M0XJA	144MHz	SSB
20:22	M1MHZ	144MHz	SSB
20:23	GD0AMD/P	144MHz	SSB
20:24	GD8EXI	144MHz	SSB
20:25	G1YBB/P	144MHz	SSB
20:26	G0NZI/P	144MHz	SSB
20:27	G4JLG	144MHz	SSB
20:31	M0VXX/P	144MHz	SSB
20:32	G0JCC	144MHz	SSB
20:35	M0UGA/P	144MHz	SSB
20:36	M7ALE/P	144MHz	SSB
20:37	G7RHF	144MHz	SSB
20:41	GM3SEK	144MHz	SSB
20:44	G3TDH	144MHz	SSB
20:46	M7AQX	144MHz	SSB
20:49	M7SHZ/P	144MHz	SSB
20:50	GM4DIJ/P	144MHz	SSB
21:01	G4FZN/P	144MHz	SSB
21:04	G3TBK/P	144MHz	SSB
21:07	M7EGD/P	144MHz	SSB
21:08	M5AFG	144MHz	SSB
21:09	M0TXE	144MHz	SSB
21:10	M5LMG	144MHz	SSB

Wednesday 2nd March 2022

Never to be disheartened, I was back up again the following evening for the 2m FT8AC. This time, the weather - and activity - was much more agreeable and I stuck out the full two hour contest session period. 35 QSOs made, all 2m FT8.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
19:05	G0XBU	144MHz	FT8
19:09	M1MNG	144MHz	FT8
19:11	G8AOE/P	144MHz	FT8
19:14	MI0IHH	144MHz	FT8
19:17	GM8MJV	144MHz	FT8
19:25	G4EII	144MHz	FT8
19:28	GI6ATZ	144MHz	FT8
19:30	G0FVI	144MHz	FT8
19:34	M0RTQ	144MHz	FT8
19:36	G0HDV	144MHz	FT8
19:39	G8SEI	144MHz	FT8
19:40	G0XDI	144MHz	FT8
19:44	G4OED	144MHz	FT8
19:49	G3WZK	144MHz	FT8
19:52	G0BIX	144MHz	FT8
19:54	G3YKI	144MHz	FT8
19:55	G3VPD	144MHz	FT8
19:56	M1CFK	144MHz	FT8
20:03	M7REV	144MHz	FT8
20:05	EI8KN	144MHz	FT8
20:07	G3WAG/P	144MHz	FT8
20:10	GD0TEP	144MHz	FT8
20:12	M7REV	144MHz	FT8
20:20	G8YPE	144MHz	FT8
20:21	G4BLH	144MHz	FT8
20:23	G0GFC	144MHz	FT8
20:31	G3XBY	144MHz	FT8
20:36	G4HGI	144MHz	FT8
20:39	G0LGS	144MHz	FT8
20:42	M0BKV	144MHz	FT8
20:43	G4RRA	144MHz	FT8
20:49	G0FEH	144MHz	FT8
20:51	M7SPS	144MHz	FT8
20:52	M0FFX	144MHz	FT8
20:57	MM0ABM	144MHz	FT8

Thursday 10th March 2022

The next SOTA activation of The Cloud was for the 6m UK Activity Contest. With just 43 QSOs in the log, I bailed out just after 10pm. Way off the pace!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
20:02	G4EII	50MHz	SSB
20:03	G0CER	50MHz	SSB
20:07	2E0VCC/P	50MHz	SSB
20:10	GI4SNA	50MHz	SSB
20:13	G0CDA	50MHz	SSB
20:14	G4FZN/P	50MHz	SSB
20:15	G8ZRE	50MHz	SSB
20:15	G0CNN/P	50MHz	SSB
20:17	G3TDH	50MHz	SSB
20:18	G3VCA	50MHz	SSB
20:19	G1YBB/P	50MHz	SSB
20:24	G8DMU/P	50MHz	SSB
20:26	G0UOK/P	50MHz	SSB
20:28	M5TKA	50MHz	SSB
20:29	G3RCW/P	50MHz	SSB
20:29	G4CLA	50MHz	SSB
20:30	G3SDY	50MHz	SSB
20:33	M1MHZ	50MHz	SSB
20:34	G8AOE/P	50MHz	SSB
20:35	G3RKF	50MHz	SSB
20:36	G4BEE	50MHz	SSB
20:37	M7AQX	50MHz	SSB
20:41	M0CGL	50MHz	SSB
20:43	G3TBK/P	50MHz	SSB
20:49	G6AAQ	50MHz	SSB
20:52	G0DJA	50MHz	CW
20:54	G3SED	50MHz	SSB
20:56	G0NZI/P	50MHz	SSB
20:59	G4ASR	50MHz	SSB
21:05	GD8EXI	50MHz	SSB
21:11	GW0RHC	50MHz	SSB
21:13	G4NTY	50MHz	SSB
21:13	GW0MDQ	50MHz	SSB
21:14	GW8ASD	50MHz	SSB
21:16	G4OAR	50MHz	SSB
21:21	G0WUS	50MHz	SSB
21:23	G0MZZ	50MHz	SSB
21:28	G3TKF	50MHz	SSB
21:32	G3SQQ	50MHz	SSB
21:39	G4FVZ	50MHz	SSB
21:44	G8REQ	50MHz	SSB
21:48	GD0AMD/P	50MHz	SSB
22:03	GW4MBS	50MHz	SSB

Saturday 12th March 2022 - Freeholds Top G/SP-011, Hail Storm Hill G/SP-009, The Cloud G/SP-015 & Macclesfield v Ashton Athletic

After the two Lancashire summits, I was still in plenty of time to get back to Macclesfield for the big match.

Wallabies halfway up The Cloud NT sign

Enough time to nip up The Cloud to make it a three-summit day - even before the football!

Tom M1EYP Cloud summit - typically busy

The wallabies were out to greet me on a lovely sunny afternoon. The summit was busy as expected. There's normally folk up there in winter, in inclement weather, and in the middle of the night, so a warm Spring Saturday afternoon would always attract the crowds.

Star Lane End Tom M1EYP

As indeed did the Moss Rose stadium where an expectant crowd turned up to watch Macclesfield lift the North West Counties Premier Division title after a 2-0 victory over Ashton Athletic. (From Ashton-in-Makerfield, not Ashton-under-Lyne).

Solidarity with Ukraine Final score

On the radio, it was six contacts made on 2m FM.

League title secured! Celebratory pitch invasion

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
13:40	M0SGB	144MHz	FM
13:43	G4BLH/M	144MHz	FM
13:44	M7TRS	144MHz	FM
13:45	M7PMK/P	144MHz	FM
13:46	2E1HQQ/M	144MHz	FM
13:46	G0MHF	144MHz	FM

Wednesday 16th March 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Northwich Victoria v Macclesfield

Wallabies on The Cloud Emus and alpaca

It was a challenge to squeeze in an activation between a day's teaching and the evening's Macron Cup tie away at Northwich Victoria (weirdly played at the home of Vic's bitter rivals Witton Albion!)

Cloud summit Tom M1EYP

It absolutely had to be a handheld-rubber duck smash-and-grab on 2m FM. Four contacts made, and back down to the car for a drive over to Northwich.

In the clubhouse with John & Mary-Ann At Wincham Park

Macclesfield won the fixture 2-1, Edy Maceio with both goals.

Goalmouth action Attacking in the Vics' penalty area My mate Chris and I watching from the far side!

Nice to see our star player James Berry watching his teammates from the terraces despite not being in the squad for the evening.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
17:53	M0VWT	144MHz	FM
17:54	GW4BML	144MHz	FM
17:55	2E0NRL	144MHz	FM
17:57	2E0TXE	144MHz	FM

Saturday 19th March 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015, Gun G/SP-013 & Macclesfield v Avro

Another matchday preceded by some SOTA - Summits On The Air.

The stairway to heaven... The Cloud's emus National Trust sign

It was a beautiful sunny Spring morning as I ascended to Cloud summit. No sign of the wallabies or alpacas on the way up, but the gang of unfriendly emus were out in force!

Final approach Tom M1EYP 20m antenna

Operated mainly on 20m CW and SSB, making 18 QSOs. No exciting DX to report. Just one S2S - with Fabio IK2LEY/P on I/LO-318. Time then to nip over to Gun G/SP-013 before the match.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
08:24	SA4BLM	14MHz	CW
08:24	SP9NLI	14MHz	CW
08:29	SV2RUJ	14MHz	CW
08:30	F8DGF	14MHz	CW
08:31	DJ5AV	14MHz	CW
08:32	IX1IHR	14MHz	CW
08:33	S52CU	14MHz	CW
08:35	YO6CFB	14MHz	CW
08:37	EA2DT	14MHz	CW
08:38	DL8DXL	14MHz	CW
08:38	SM0NSJ	14MHz	CW
08:39	OK1FMJ	14MHz	CW
08:43	OK1SDE	14MHz	SSB
08:43	OH3GZ	14MHz	SSB
08:47	IK2LEY/P	14MHz	SSB	I/LO-318
08:50	CT2HOV	14MHz	SSB
08:51	EA3EVL	14MHz	SSB
09:10	M3ISJ	144MHz	FM

Sunday 20th March 2022

A Sunday morning out playing with the Alexloop antenna, affording multiband convenience.

Five different bands used, 14 contacts made, and the clear headline being a 17m CW contact with John ZL1BQD in New Zealand.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
07:41	9H1US	18MHz	FT8
07:45	EA7UW	18MHz	FT8
08:12	EA3AVV	14MHz	CW
08:13	EA7GV	14MHz	CW
08:14	OH1CK	14MHz	CW
08:20	UA3AIU	18MHz	CW
08:21	ZL1BQD	18MHz	CW
08:46	R3FO	21MHz	FT8
08:59	2E0AGB	7MHz	SSB
09:04	2E0FEH	7MHz	SSB
09:04	G0RQL	7MHz	SSB
09:17	2E0JWA	144MHz	FM
09:20	2E0IXM/M	144MHz	FM
09:29	M0RWX/P	144MHz	FM	G/NP-006

Saturday 26th March 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Congleton Town v Macclesfield

Another pre-match outing to The Cloud. Of course - because this fixture was away to Congleton Town! However, due to the anticipated large crowd, Congleton switched this game to be played at the Mornflake Stadium in Crewe - formerly known as Gresty Road, and the usual home of Crewe Alexandra FC.

Tom M1EYP Cloud summit

I made the most of the lovely weather to bask in the sunshine for just under an hour, and play some radio. 15 contacts made on 30m FT8, and 7 made on 2m FM, inclduing four summit-to-summit QSOs.

Chatting to a bloke with an interesting shirt! Arrival at the ground

Then drove over to Crewe, found a parking space, then found a pub for a pre-match pint.

Action at the Mornflake Stadium Good turnout

A crowd of around 1500 was perhaps a little less than what Congleton Town FC had hoped for, though it was still a relatively huge attendance for this level of non-league football.

Mornflake Stadium, Crewe

Macclesfield recorded a comfortable 3-1 win and moved further ahead at the top of the table, the league title already secured two weeks earlier.

Another 3 points Macc players acknowledging the crowd

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
11:50	SP1MGM	10MHz	FT8
11:52	DL1NEM	10MHz	FT8
11:55	LZ4NY	10MHz	FT8
11:57	DL7APJ	10MHz	FT8
12:02	DM8MH	10MHz	FT8
12:04	DD6UVO	10MHz	FT8
12:07	OK1AW	10MHz	FT8
12:11	DK2AJ	10MHz	FT8
12:12	G6WBS/P	144MHz	FM	G/SP-014
12:18	DK4RH	10MHz	FT8
12:20	DB2QM	10MHz	FT8
12:23	GW4BML/P	144MHz	FM	GW/NW-027
12:27	M0VKC	10MHz	FT8
12:28	EA1AHY	10MHz	FT8
12:33	M7BIA/P	144MHz	FM	G/SP-004
12:34	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
12:36	M1DYU	144MHz	FM
12:36	MW6AQT/M	144MHz	FM
12:37	G4TCU/P	144MHz	FM	G/WB-003
12:38	HA7LJ	10MHz	FT8
12:40	DD9WG	10MHz	FT8
12:41	DG5LP	10MHz	FT8

Monday 28th March 2022

A quick half-hour activation on the 30m band, between dropping Liam off and picking up again at S4A in Macclesfield, where he was having his regular Monday social evening.

Permanent resident on The Cloud More Cloud residents

Set up the monster 30m vertical-with-groundplane antenna hoping for greyline DX. No DX! 6 contacts - 5 FT8 and 1 CW.

30m GP antenna Tom M1EYP

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
19:04	IK0NGL	10MHz	FT8
19:06	9A3JB	10MHz	FT8
19:09	F5JKK	10MHz	FT8
19:11	RQ2Q	10MHz	FT8
19:17	M1BAT	10MHz	FT8
19:29	IK5OWC	10MHz	CW

Tuesday 29th March 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Macclesfield v Sandbach United

Sunset from Cloud summit Tom M1EYP

Tonight’s SOTA-football combo: The Cloud G/SP-015 - just one VHF contact made - with a Wrexham fan! Macclesfield FC v Sandbach United (Macron Cup)

At the Leasing.com Stadium Macclesfield v Sandbach United Goal!

Final score - 2-1 to Macclesfield.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
17:50	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM

Saturday 2nd April 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Macclesfield v AFC Liverpool

Today’s SOTA-Silkmen combo was followed by the presentation of the league championship trophy.

Sunrise A frosty final approach!

Macc won 4-2. Nice to bump into loads of friends, old and new.

Sunrise from Cloud summit Tom M1EYP

On Cloud summit earlier, operated mainly on 30m CW making contacts all across Europe.

The 30m groundplane antenna View from Cloud summit Special commemorative programme

Using special event callsign GB20SOTA, celebrating two decades of the (Sota) Summits On The Air. programme.

Pre-match warm-up Ready for the big game

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
06:30	SM3UZU	10MHz	CW
06:38	SM5CJW/3	10MHz	CW
06:41	HB9CGA	10MHz	CW
06:42	OM1AX	10MHz	CW
06:43	EA4MZ	10MHz	CW
06:45	OK2PDT	10MHz	CW
06:45	YO6CFB	10MHz	CW
06:48	HA5AZC	10MHz	CW
06:48	F5JKK	10MHz	CW
06:49	SM5LNE	10MHz	CW
06:52	S52AU	10MHz	CW
06:53	HA6NF	10MHz	CW
06:54	SP5PDA	10MHz	CW
06:56	OH3GZ	10MHz	CW
06:57	DF1BN	10MHz	CW
06:57	EA6BB	10MHz	CW
07:01	G3RKF	10MHz	FT8
07:02	OE5TXF	10MHz	FT8
07:04	F5RRS	10MHz	FT8
07:06	SP6RCK	10MHz	FT8
07:09	S51TA	10MHz	FT8
07:10	2E0OTG	144MHz	FM
07:11	DL8RBL	10MHz	FT8
07:13	G4IOQ	144MHz	FM
07:14	F4HTV	10MHz	FT8
07:16	2E0PWJ	144MHz	FM
07:17	HB9FAB	10MHz	FT8
07:18	9A2TE	10MHz	FT8
07:20	M0TCL	144MHz	FM
07:23	SP9MRP	10MHz	FT8
07:26	S57ILF	10MHz	FT8
07:26	G4VXW	144MHz	FM
07:27	SA4BLM	10MHz	FT8
07:29	S57DD	10MHz	FT8
07:30	G6HPL	144MHz	FM
07:31	RX3VF	10MHz	FT8
07:31	M0NAR	144MHz	FM
07:33	DG0EK	10MHz	FT8
07:34	EC3A	10MHz	FT8
07:37	EB3JT	10MHz	FT8
07:38	DM4ZPJ	10MHz	FT8
07:40	9A4ZM	10MHz	FT8
07:41	EA1AHY	10MHz	FT8
07:43	OM1MJ	10MHz	FT8
07:45	HA7LJ	10MHz	FT8
07:47	EA3IGQ	10MHz	FT8
07:49	SQ9LFQ	10MHz	FT8
07:51	IZ5UFM	10MHz	FT8
07:52	S52D	10MHz	FT8
07:55	SP9DLA	10MHz	FT8
07:56	DC7RF	10MHz	FT8
07:58	DL1NEO	10MHz	FT8
07:59	IK1XPK	10MHz	FT8
08:03	DC6MT	10MHz	FT8
08:05	F6APU	10MHz	FT8
08:10	DL4TL	10MHz	FT8
08:12	DL5DQZ	10MHz	FT8
08:13	OZ1LD	10MHz	FT8

Robbie Savage and Danny Whitaker - two legendary midfielders Watching from the Town End

Macclesfield FC v AFC Liverpool Macc celebrate a goal

Lifiting the league title trophy With Macc manager and club legend Danny Whitaker

Sunday 3rd April 2022

Took the Alexloop and flicked between bands. Did 10m, 40m, 30m and 20m. FT8, FT4, SSB, CW. Then a bit of 2m FM. Using special callsign GB20SOTA.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
13:58	M0TXK	28MHz	FT8
14:00	G4UJS	28MHz	FT8
14:29	ON3UA	7MHz	CW
14:31	G3CWI	7MHz	CW
14:32	G4OBK	7MHz	CW
14:33	M0BKV	7MHz	CW
14:34	F6CEL	7MHz	CW
14:35	M6MPC	7MHz	CW
14:35	EA2DT	7MHz	CW
14:35	GM4ZMK	7MHz	CW
14:36	G4WTF	7MHz	CW
14:37	MW0IDX	7MHz	CW
14:38	M0TCL	7MHz	CW
14:41	M0MZB	7MHz	SSB
14:42	G3CWI	7MHz	SSB
14:46	G0RQL	7MHz	SSB
14:48	G5LKB	7MHz	SSB
14:49	MI0JST	7MHz	SSB
14:50	G4IPB	7MHz	SSB
15:00	G0RAH	7MHz	FT8
15:02	MW6PNW	7MHz	FT8
15:12	G4PDF	7MHz	FT8
15:16	M6DRS	7MHz	FT8
15:23	DJ5AV	14MHz	SSB
15:24	EA1DHB	14MHz	SSB
15:25	SA4BLM	14MHz	SSB
15:25	IU3GKJ	14MHz	SSB
15:26	SQ9MDF	14MHz	SSB
15:26	HA7WA	14MHz	SSB
15:28	DD0VE	14MHz	SSB
15:33	CT2JLS/P	14MHz	SSB	CT/BB-017
15:34	SP9JKL	14MHz	SSB
15:35	OK1CZ	14MHz	SSB
15:35	OE6TTF	14MHz	SSB
15:36	EA2BD	14MHz	SSB
15:37	EA2LU	14MHz	SSB
15:38	S57ILF	14MHz	SSB
15:41	HA7TM	14MHz	FT8
15:42	DL5DQZ	14MHz	FT8
15:42	RK4FF	14MHz	FT8
15:47	EA1AAP	14MHz	FT8
15:49	R1AI	14MHz	FT8
15:50	DL7VAR	14MHz	FT8
15:52	DM3RCK	14MHz	FT8
15:54	DL7BO	14MHz	FT8
16:03	HB9BHW	14MHz	CW
16:05	F5SSI	14MHz	CW
16:07	SP6TGI	14MHz	CW
16:07	OM6AN	14MHz	CW
16:09	S52CU	14MHz	CW
16:10	G3CWI	144MHz	CW
16:26	G3CWI	144MHz	FM
16:27	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
16:28	2E0LMD	144MHz	FM
16:29	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
16:32	DJ2MX	14MHz	CW
16:34	EA7GV	14MHz	CW
16:35	SP2YO	14MHz	CW
16:48	M7XDH/M	144MHz	FM
16:50	MW6SHJ	144MHz	FM

Monday 4th April 2022

Windy and drizzly so dropped to the ledge. Not as much shelter as I’d hoped, but still tried to erect the 40m dipole. Mistake! As a snapped SOTA Pole and snapped dipole testifies. Ended up making two contacts on 2m FM, and two more on 2m C4FM (using special call GB20SOTA), with the handheld, before retreating. I still had a pole and other antennas in working condition, so hoped/intended to resume further special eventing the following day. Repairs would commence once I’d assessed what I need and ordered it from the local supplier! Probably at least one SOTA Pole and another reel of mil-spec green antenna wire.

Marianne's brithday cards Yummy present from Liam

Of course, the most important thing about 4th April - is that it is my wife Marianne's birthday. So treats, cards, presents, cakes etc dominated the rest of the day!

A new kitchen radio! A double tortoise ornament!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
08:19	G1JPV	144MHz	FM
08:55	G3CWI	144MHz	FM
08:58	G3CWI	144MHz	C4FM
09:04	G1JPV	144MHz	C4FM

Tuesday 5th April 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Gun G/SP-013

Another underwhelming activation unfortunately. I repaired the 40m dipole and and sorted a functional pole out - “Trigger’s Broom” style. The dipole repair failed - somewhat to my surprise - but SWR was mediocre - but usable on 40m, and marginally better on 10m and 20m! I tried calling on CW and FT8 on all three bands but managed just one QSO - with SM5LNE on 20m CW. 2m FM was also rubbish with two stations worked, but both reporting low audio and intermittent signal. This was (hopefully) another preparation fail - insufficient charge in the battery. I say “hopefully” as the feasible alternative is an issue with the antenna connector on the handheld. I’d be back out as boring old M1EYP/P later for the activity contest night. GB20SOTA would resume operation in the morning with hopefully a better effort than the poor form of the previous two!

The activation of Gun G/SP-013 was for the 2m FMAC and UKAC contests that evening.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
12:03	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
12:05	G0DNY	144MHz	FM
12:17	SM5LNE	14MHz	CW

Tuesday 6th April 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Gun G/SP-013

A better one this morning. At the last moment, I decided to go with the Alexloop. I operated mainly on 20 and 40, with a little bit on 30 and 2. Main HF mode was CW with some SSB and FT8. 25 contacts in total using the GB20SOTA special event call.

It would be back to Gun G/SP-013 and the home call that night for the 2m FT8 contest session.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
07:40	IW2DNI	14MHz	FT8
07:41	M1ROK	14MHz	FT8
07:42	IU3NQZ	14MHz	FT8
07:45	S57X	14MHz	FT8
07:46	G3RKF	14MHz	FT8
07:46	IU3NQZ	14MHz	FT8
07:48	F6BNX	14MHz	FT8
07:49	EA4HKF	14MHz	FT8
07:50	RX1AG	14MHz	FT8
08:00	SP8ARY	14MHz	CW
08:04	I1YRL	14MHz	CW
08:07	S57X	14MHz	CW
08:08	YL2AG	14MHz	CW
08:09	UW8SM	14MHz	CW
08:10	EA4BOC	14MHz	CW
08:11	IK1OOG	14MHz	CW
08:12	IQ1FS	14MHz	CW
08:12	SA4BLM	14MHz	CW
08:14	IK2LEY/P	14MHz	CW	I/LO-291
08:17	S56RPJ	14MHz	CW
08:20	HA0MO	14MHz	CW
08:22	SM4CJM	14MHz	CW
08:23	SP9NLI	14MHz	CW
08:32	OH3GZ	14MHz	SSB
08:39	DG1NPM	7MHz	SSB
08:39	EA2DT	7MHz	SSB
08:40	GM4ZMK	7MHz	SSB
08:41	ON5SWA	7MHz	SSB
08:42	G0LWU	7MHz	SSB
08:43	ON3UA	7MHz	SSB
08:44	2E0FEH	7MHz	SSB
08:45	GB100BBC	7MHz	SSB
08:47	EA3EBJ	7MHz	SSB
08:47	ON7DQ	7MHz	SSB
09:07	HB9AFI/P	7MHz	CW	HB/BE-158
09:15	PA0RBA	7MHz	CW
09:17	HB9DDZ	7MHz	CW
09:17	PA0B	7MHz	CW
09:18	EI5HJ	7MHz	CW
09:19	G4ZIB	7MHz	CW
09:31	EA3HMM	10MHz	FT8
09:34	DL6FBK	10MHz	FT8
09:34	2E0FMH	144MHz	FM
09:40	DL20SOTA/P	14MHz	CW	DL/MF-082

Saturday 9th April 2022

Another outing with the special event call GB20SOTA celebrating 20 glorious years of the Summits On The Air programme. This activation mainly focused on 30m FT8 and 30m CW, but with a little bit of 2m FM thrown in. 117 QSOs made including 4 S2S.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
07:42	DK7ZT	10MHz	FT8
07:46	DF3MC	10MHz	FT8
07:48	SP6SOZ	10MHz	FT8
07:49	HB9BIN	10MHz	FT8
07:50	OZ1KJG	10MHz	FT8
07:51	R1BEO	10MHz	FT8
07:52	EA1AAP	10MHz	FT8
07:54	DF9ML	10MHz	FT8
07:55	N7IVV	10MHz	FT8
07:55	S57X	10MHz	FT8
07:59	OM7OM	10MHz	FT8
08:00	SP5PDA	10MHz	FT8
08:03	DH1NGL	10MHz	FT8
08:05	DD9WG	10MHz	FT8
08:06	2E0JWA	144MHz	FM
08:07	DK0RPO	10MHz	FT8
08:09	G5SHO/P	144MHz	FM
08:11	2E0NRL	144MHz	FM
08:11	DG0OCZ	10MHz	FT8
08:11	S58X	10MHz	FT8
08:13	IN3TJO	10MHz	FT8
08:14	DB3VU	10MHz	FT8
08:16	DL1JEZ	10MHz	FT8
08:17	EB1ESK	10MHz	FT8
08:19	OK5CW	10MHz	FT8
08:20	HF5A	10MHz	FT8
08:27	S57ILF	10MHz	FT8
08:30	DG0JMB	10MHz	FT8
08:34	HB9MKV	10MHz	FT8
08:38	DM2PR	10MHz	FT8
08:44	DQ5R	10MHz	FT8
08:46	DL6YEK	10MHz	FT8
08:50	DL2BMH	10MHz	FT8
08:51	IW3AGO	10MHz	FT8
08:52	SP7EOY	10MHz	FT8
08:54	DJ1TU	10MHz	FT8
08:55	AN5OKW	10MHz	FT8
08:57	EA7AH	10MHz	FT8
08:59	DK3JW	10MHz	FT8
09:00	DD2MON	10MHz	FT8
09:11	EA4HKF	10MHz	CW
09:12	CT1DRB	10MHz	CW
09:13	DK1WI	10MHz	CW
09:13	HB9CBR	10MHz	CW
09:14	DL1USB	10MHz	CW
09:14	F5MOG	10MHz	CW
09:15	EA2EFI	10MHz	CW
09:16	M0TCL	10MHz	CW
09:17	DD2TC	10MHz	CW
09:18	F8DGF	10MHz	CW
09:19	DL1ASA	10MHz	CW
09:20	DK8LG	10MHz	CW
09:20	DL1SVI	10MHz	CW
09:21	DM3F	10MHz	CW
09:21	G3CWI	10MHz	CW
09:22	HB9FAI	10MHz	CW
09:23	CT7AEZ	10MHz	CW
09:23	OH3GZ	10MHz	CW
09:25	SP5DFG	10MHz	CW
09:26	EA4BOC	10MHz	CW
09:28	EA4MZ	10MHz	CW
09:29	EA3Y	10MHz	CW
09:29	F5UKL	10MHz	CW
09:30	SM7DVF	10MHz	CW
09:31	DL2JQT	10MHz	CW
09:31	IK2ILH	10MHz	CW
09:32	F8FKK	10MHz	CW
09:33	LA6FTA	10MHz	CW
09:35	EA2DT	10MHz	CW
09:36	HB9CKV	10MHz	CW
09:37	DL6AP	10MHz	CW
09:39	DL1FU	10MHz	CW
09:40	M6BLV	10MHz	CW
09:43	F/DD6DO	10MHz	CW
09:54	EA2WX/P	10MHz	CW	EA2/BI-055
09:56	DL6NAC	10MHz	FT8
09:58	DF4WQ	10MHz	FT8
09:59	DB8LD	10MHz	FT8
10:00	IK4LZH	10MHz	FT8
10:01	DL8UFO	10MHz	FT8
10:02	SA7PGN	10MHz	FT8
10:06	SP1DOZ	10MHz	FT8
10:12	YL3AKH	10MHz	FT8
10:16	DL7DJ	10MHz	FT8
10:19	SP9NH	10MHz	FT8
10:22	IZ0MEA	10MHz	FT8
10:26	EC2ATM	10MHz	FT8
10:28	HB9CNU	10MHz	FT8
10:29	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
10:35	DL1VVQ	10MHz	FT8
10:35	G6GGP/P	144MHz	FM	G/CE-002
10:36	F4HRR	10MHz	FT8
10:37	G3CWI	144MHz	FM
10:38	DH7WW	10MHz	FT8
10:39	PE1DAB	10MHz	FT8
10:39	2E0CNJ	144MHz	FM
10:40	M7BIA/P	144MHz	FM	G/SP-004
10:41	SQ1FYX	10MHz	FT8
10:42	HA7AU	10MHz	FT8
10:45	OH3NSF	10MHz	FT8
10:46	DJ6ZC	10MHz	FT8
10:48	DL9GCG	10MHz	FT8
10:49	DK8IZ	10MHz	FT8
10:51	DL7XU	10MHz	FT8
10:52	ON5GF	10MHz	FT8
10:54	GW4BML/P	144MHz	FM	GW/NW-016
10:56	DK8QH	10MHz	FT8
10:58	SP5MXY	10MHz	FT8
11:03	DL1BZB	10MHz	FT8
11:09	DK4RW	10MHz	CW
11:10	HB9AGH	10MHz	CW
11:11	DL8DXL	10MHz	CW
11:12	HB9DGV	10MHz	CW
11:14	PA7RA	10MHz	CW
11:37	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
11:38	2E0LMD	144MHz	FM
11:39	G3CWI/A	144MHz	FM

Monday 11th April 2022

An evening outing with the GB20SOTA callsign, focusing entirely on 17m FT8. 16 contacts made.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
18:50	HA7TM	18MHz	FT8
18:52	CT1EHX	18MHz	FT8
18:54	YO6PNM	18MHz	FT8
18:57	K3UA	18MHz	FT8
18:58	N1EN	18MHz	FT8
19:00	EA8DIB	18MHz	FT8
19:02	OH6LM	18MHz	FT8
19:03	UA3DHR	18MHz	FT8
19:06	SV2AOB	18MHz	FT8
19:07	2E0JDD	18MHz	FT8
19:09	YO6FPW	18MHz	FT8
19:11	RL3AM	18MHz	FT8
19:14	RM3DA	18MHz	FT8
19:15	RU6MO	18MHz	FT8
19:17	KN4GB	18MHz	FT8
19:18	EC3A	18MHz	FT8

Good Friday 15th April 2022

This Friday morning activation was en route to a gig - right over on the East coast - Chapel St Leonards, near Skegness.

Tom M1EYP Emu!

Reverting back from the SOTA-Football combos to the original SOTA-gig combo routine this Easter weekend. A quick visit to The Cloud G/SP-015 in the morning for some fun on 20m CW - including a summit-to-summit contact between me using GB20SOTA and French special call TM15SOTA.

Alexloop A busy Bosley Cloud!

Then onto Skeg Vegas for an Unlimited 90s gig. Our 70 minute set didn’t go stage until 10.40pm, so it was going to be a late return home! Fish & chips at the seaside for tea - of course!

Club Tropicana stage Beach at Chapel St Leonards

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
10:23	TM15SOTA	10MHz	CW	F/AM-396
10:29	YO6CFB	14MHz	CW
10:31	OK1FMJ	14MHz	CW
10:31	DJ5AV	14MHz	CW
10:32	DL3NM	14MHz	CW
10:33	HB9DST/P	14MHz	CW	HB/TI-158
10:33	EA2DT	14MHz	CW
10:34	SM5LNE	14MHz	CW
10:34	HB9AGH	14MHz	CW
10:35	DL2DXA	14MHz	CW
10:35	M0TCL	14MHz	CW
10:36	IX1IHR	14MHz	CW
10:36	HB9ETR	14MHz	CW
10:39	MW0PLA/P	144MHz	FM	GW/MW-013
10:41	M7BIA/P	144MHz	FM	G/SP-004
10:44	G1PUV/M	144MHz	FM
10:45	M1DYU	144MHz	FM
10:46	M0XGS	144MHz	FM
10:51	OK1CZ	14MHz	CW
10:52	OE6GND	14MHz	CW
10:53	DL8DXL	14MHz	CW
10:54	OE5ARN/P	14MHz	CW
10:55	ES1QD	14MHz	CW

Easter Sunday 17th April 2022

Easter Sunday SOTA-gig combo: The Cloud G/SP-015 operating as GB20SOTA.

You looking at my eggs? Tom M1EYP

Contacts around UK and Europe on 12m, 20m and 2m - FT8, CW, SSB and FM modes.

Blackpool North Pier Tom - at work, not on holiday...!

Then… P J Proby at North Pier, Blackpool. 11 piece backing band in the Joe Longthorne MBE Theatre! Great to work with my old pals again!

Tonight's gig Tonight's venue

View of the tower from the pier The stage

PJ Proby live show PJ Proby greatest hits album

The view from the horn section The tower at night

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
09:29	R7IW	24MHz	FT8
09:43	TM15SOTA	14MHz	SSB	F/AM-385
09:46	2E0AGB	14MHz	SSB
09:47	SM5LNE	14MHz	SSB
09:48	DL/IN3ADF/P	14MHz	SSB	DL/MF-061
09:49	EA5ITW/P	14MHz	SSB	EA5/AT-008
09:50	M7BIA/P	14MHz	SSB	G/SP-004
09:51	EA7GV	14MHz	SSB
09:51	OK1SDE	14MHz	SSB
09:55	MW0BLF/P	14MHz	CW	GW/MW-013
09:58	MW0PJE/P	144MHz	FM	GW/NW-025

Tuesday 19th April 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015, Long Mountain-Beacon Ring GW/MW-026 & Beacon Hill GW/MW-009

This was day one of a planned road trip to Mid Wales for a few days with Liam. I was awake at the crack of dawn, and knowing that there was no realistic opportunity of setting off much before lunchtime, I decided to nip down to The Cloud for an early extra activation.

Cloud summit Tom M1EYP

Operating mainly on 30m FT8, with some 30m CW, and using the special call GB20SOTA, it was mainly European stations worked. However, WV8DX (West Virginia, USA), V31MA (Belize) and VK2IO (Australia) were exciting contacts.

The portable station The 30m vertical antenna

After returning home, Liam and I loaded the car and we set off for Mid Wales. Our first summit target was Long Mountain-Beacon Ring GW/MW-026 near Welshpool.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
05:55	IW4AOT	10MHz	FT8
05:57	E76C	10MHz	FT8
05:59	G6TAI	10MHz	FT8
06:00	RU3GF	10MHz	FT8
06:02	SP6EFY	10MHz	FT8
06:07	YO3GOD	10MHz	FT8
06:09	GW0HUS	144MHz	FM
06:13	IK2UCK	10MHz	FT8
06:19	K0RS	10MHz	FT8
06:24	IU8BPS	10MHz	FT8
06:27	DL8RBL	10MHz	FT8
06:28	SP9MOC	10MHz	FT8
06:31	RA3ABG	10MHz	FT8
06:32	EA7KBX	10MHz	FT8
06:34	SP9UPH	10MHz	FT8
06:35	SQ9MDF	10MHz	FT8
06:39	G1HMO	10MHz	FT8
06:39	G4DEE	144MHz	FM
06:41	WV8DX	10MHz	FT8
06:42	OH6GMD	10MHz	FT8
06:44	IT9RZR	10MHz	FT8
06:45	DK8MT	10MHz	FT8
06:48	IN3ADG	10MHz	FT8
06:52	V31MA	10MHz	FT8
06:53	IW1DQS	10MHz	FT8
06:54	VK2IO	10MHz	FT8
06:57	OE1RGC	10MHz	FT8
07:07	EA1AEC	10MHz	FT8
07:08	OE3DXA	10MHz	FT8
07:09	OK2BZ	10MHz	FT8
07:12	S56P	10MHz	FT8
07:27	IK2ILH	10MHz	CW
07:29	F5UKL	10MHz	CW
07:32	S56RPJ	10MHz	CW
07:33	SP9MA	10MHz	CW
07:37	EA2DT	10MHz	CW
07:38	DL5CL	10MHz	CW
07:42	F8CRS	10MHz	CW
07:44	DJ3GS	10MHz	CW
07:45	ES1QD	10MHz	CW
07:46	DJ5AV	10MHz	CW

Saturday 24th April 2022 - Trans-Atlantic S2S Event

I had a clear day available to participate in the SOTA Trans-Atlantic S2S (Summit-to-Sumit) Event. My plan was to focus on the 20m band for HF, and use a single-band resonant vertical antenna to maximise chances of working DX. I would also have the handheld for any VHF S2S opportunities as well of course. Only two North American S2S were worked in the end, but a total of 145 contacts were made, including 21 summit-to-summit.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
07:05	9A4ZM	14MHz	FT8
07:09	RW1CW	14MHz	FT8
07:11	OM8KT	14MHz	FT8
07:12	SP7TF	14MHz	FT8
07:14	9A2NA	14MHz	FT8
07:15	LY2KM	14MHz	FT8
07:16	SP4TKA	14MHz	FT8
07:20	S57ILF	14MHz	FT8
07:22	9A2AA	14MHz	FT8
07:23	HF7X	14MHz	FT8
07:29	SP9HVX	14MHz	SSB
07:30	SP9JKL	14MHz	SSB
07:32	SV1RVJ	14MHz	SSB
07:35	SQ9JTR/P	14MHz	SSB	SP/BZ-046
07:38	SQ9ITA/P	14MHz	SSB	SP/BZ-034
07:39	IU3GKJ	14MHz	SSB
07:59	EA4BOC	14MHz	CW
08:02	OH5RP	14MHz	CW
08:03	M0UNN	14MHz	CW
08:04	EA4R	14MHz	CW
08:05	UA6GO	14MHz	CW
08:06	SQ9MZ	14MHz	CW
08:07	SP5AHY	14MHz	CW
08:08	IK2HMU	14MHz	CW
08:09	OE5HIL	14MHz	CW
08:12	S52CU	14MHz	CW
08:13	OH3GZ	14MHz	CW
08:14	9A2VX	14MHz	CW
08:15	SV2NCH	14MHz	CW
08:16	OH7Z	14MHz	CW
08:17	SV2OXS	14MHz	CW
08:23	CT2GSN/P	14MHz	SSB	CT/MN-049
08:28	G4UDG	14MHz	CW
08:38	SQ2RBY/P	14MHz	SSB
08:40	SP2SJ/P	14MHz	SSB
08:44	OE/DK7MG/P	14MHz	CW	OE/OO-135
08:50	IN3ADF	14MHz	SSB
08:50	OE6RCD	14MHz	SSB
08:51	EA3EVL	14MHz	SSB
08:57	EA3ZD	14MHz	FT8
08:59	OK1TGN	14MHz	FT8
09:00	SP6FME	14MHz	FT8
09:00	M0KSE	144MHz	FM
09:02	G3CWI	144MHz	FM
09:02	SM4CJM	14MHz	FT8
09:03	G0YCE	14MHz	FT8
09:04	DL1MGU	14MHz	FT8
09:05	2E0SAE	144MHz	FM
09:07	SP7DE	14MHz	FT8
09:13	OK1JXU	14MHz	FT8
09:22	RL3K	14MHz	FT8
09:29	EA2DT	14MHz	CW
09:29	R1LB	14MHz	CW
09:30	DM3FAM/P	14MHz	CW
09:31	SM5LNE	14MHz	CW
09:33	SV2HJW	14MHz	CW
09:34	EA2BO	14MHz	CW
09:36	LZ1WF	14MHz	CW
09:37	OM6TC	14MHz	CW
09:38	F/DD6DO	14MHz	CW
09:40	OM6AN	14MHz	CW
14:26	G6PJZ/P	14MHz	SSB	G/NP-005
14:29	N1AIA	14MHz	CW	W1/NL-024
14:31	M1BUU/P	14MHz	CW	G/NP-004
14:34	HB9BIN/P	14MHz	CW	HB/BE-151
14:37	SM0OGQ	14MHz	CW
14:38	OH5RP	14MHz	CW
14:40	CT1BQH	14MHz	CW
14:42	F5SEP	14MHz	CW
14:44	SP9MA/P	14MHz	CW	SP/BZ-072
14:46	DL3NM	14MHz	CW
14:48	HA7WA	14MHz	CW
14:49	OE7PHI	14MHz	CW
14:54	IN3NJB	14MHz	CW
14:55	S57S	14MHz	CW
14:59	S57MS/P	14MHz	SSB	S5/BI-031
15:05	EA1DHB	14MHz	SSB
15:05	EA2EVM	14MHz	SSB
15:06	DL8MF	14MHz	SSB
15:06	M1BUU/P	14MHz	SSB	G/NP-004
15:07	OE5JFE/P	14MHz	SSB	OE/OO-129
15:11	EA2BD/P	14MHz	CW	EA2/NV-151
15:17	OE6GND	14MHz	CW
15:19	DL2DXA	14MHz	CW
15:20	EA1AER	14MHz	CW
15:23	EC8ADS	14MHz	CW
15:30	MW0PJE/P	14MHz	SSB	GW/NW-043
15:35	EA2DDG	14MHz	SSB
15:35	S56RPJ	14MHz	SSB
15:36	LZ2HT	14MHz	SSB
15:37	EA3HYJ	14MHz	SSB
15:38	M7AQX	14MHz	SSB
15:39	OE3TBU/P	14MHz	SSB	OE/NO-324
15:40	SQ9MDF/P	14MHz	SSB	SP/BZ-057
15:42	SQ9NOT/P	14MHz	SSB	SP/BZ-057
15:43	EA1AAP	14MHz	SSB
15:53	EA5WO	14MHz	FT8
15:55	R2DLS	14MHz	FT8
15:58	OE5MZO	14MHz	FT8
15:58	SQ3KNL	14MHz	FT8
16:00	DG2MCM	14MHz	FT8
16:01	CT1DIZ	14MHz	FT8
16:02	F5DBT	14MHz	FT8
16:02	SA4BLM	14MHz	FT8
16:06	IK3ZBG	14MHz	FT8
16:09	M0HGY	144MHz	FM
16:12	UT3IJ	14MHz	FT8
16:15	SP6AXW	14MHz	FT8
16:21	SQ1REX	14MHz	FT8
16:28	MW0PJE/P	14MHz	FT8	GW/NW-043
16:31	HA7TM	14MHz	FT8
16:33	DL1BZ	14MHz	FT8
16:38	M0NOM/P	14MHz	SSB
16:47	VE1PVH	14MHz	CW
16:48	EA2GM/P	14MHz	CW	EA1/AT-208
16:49	9A3YT	14MHz	CW
17:00	VA2EO	14MHz	CW	VE2/ES-034
17:03	SA3IEI	14MHz	CW
17:04	SQ9S	14MHz	CW
17:06	S58AL	14MHz	CW
17:06	OK1FMJ	14MHz	CW
17:08	EA7GVR	14MHz	CW
17:19	DL1BZ	14MHz	FT8
17:20	OK1FKY	14MHz	FT8
17:22	SP3SFS	14MHz	FT8
17:23	YU2LSD	14MHz	FT8
17:24	DC1RSS	14MHz	FT8
17:26	UA3GX	14MHz	FT8
17:30	DK1MCS	14MHz	FT8
17:32	R5AV	14MHz	FT8
17:33	RO3D	14MHz	FT8
17:35	F5LCM	14MHz	FT8
17:37	S56KFG	14MHz	FT8
17:39	DB2HBV	14MHz	FT8
17:40	SQ3DQ	14MHz	FT8
17:58	W4KRN	14MHz	CW
18:00	G0HIO	14MHz	CW
18:03	S58MU	14MHz	CW
18:07	M6MPC	14MHz	CW
18:09	S57NJM	14MHz	CW
18:22	G0MHF	144MHz	FM
18:23	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
18:26	M7PMK	144MHz	FM
18:29	MW0PJE/P	144MHz	FM	GW/NW-043
18:30	2E0XLG/P	144MHz	FM

Sunday 24th April 2022 - NARSA (Norbreck, Blackpool) Rally

The annual Norbreck radio rally is the main "meet & greet" event for SOTA in the UK. I thoroughly enjoyed the rally. I was on the exhibitor side of the table, but had some great chats with visitors to the stand. This was a good variety too - long-time SOTA friends/seasoned activators, people thinking about trying SOTA for the first time, people who dabble occasionally, people who wanted to understand the rules - but best of all, lots of people who have become licensed and/or started SOTA since the last rally in 2019. Most of them I’d become familiar with on the air, but actually met for the first time yesterday - that was very pleasant.

Tom M1EYP, Andy MM0FMF & Colin M1BUU Tom M1EYP & Edward 2E0NSR

Best of all, may I say, was spending all day with two people who have become extremely good friends of mine over the last two decades - Colin M1BUU and Andy MM0FMF - thanks fellas.

The SOTA stand Promising conditions! Lovely sunset on The Cloud

I took the long route home via a summit. I would normally do Billinge Hill G/SP-017 - but I couldn’t use GB20SOTA from there - so it had to be The Cloud G/SP-015. DX Heat Map indicated life up on 10m and 12m, so I took my homemade 10-12 GP antenna up with me. First CQ call and back came ZD7 (St Helena)! Followed by a couple of PYs (Brazil) plus 5B4 (Cyprus) and TA (Turkey). Lovely stuff.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
17:35	ZD7MY	28MHz	FT8
17:37	5B4AOZ	28MHz	FT8
17:37	PY5XT	28MHz	FT8
17:50	M7MVF	28MHz	SSB
17:51	G4RYI	28MHz	SSB
18:04	GW4BML	144MHz	FM
18:07	M7BWP/M	144MHz	FM
18:08	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
18:27	RW4HB	24MHz	FT8
18:29	PY4EV	24MHz	FT8
18:32	TA2AFA	24MHz	FT8
18:34	UD6AMI	24MHz	FT8
18:36	RX6AM	24MHz	FT8

Monday 25th April 2022

Another quick Monday evening activation between taxiing Liam in and out of town. Ten contacts made on 15m FT8, including a little bit of North American DX.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
18:56	R6FFB	21MHz	FT8
18:58	IU8BWU	21MHz	FT8
18:59	RU1QQ	21MHz	FT8
19:04	YO6PQE	21MHz	FT8
19:06	G0YCE	21MHz	FT8
19:11	VE6WQ	21MHz	FT8
19:17	K7WOF	21MHz	FT8
19:19	KI8AF	21MHz	FT8
19:21	IT9SSI	21MHz	FT8
19:22	G4UJS	21MHz	FT8

Wednesday 27th April 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & "A Night To Remember" gig at Hull New Theatre

As usual, I tried to sneak in a SOTA activation on a gig day. There was nothing feasible on or close to my route to Hull that would score me any points, so good old Bosley Cloud it was!

10m GP antenna Tom M1EYP FT-817 etc

Operating on 10m/12m FT8/FT4 I was pleased to work South Africa, Indonesia and Japan amongst others. I added a few locals on 2m FM before descending.

Set up in Glasgow Andy Morley, drummer

Great to meet up with all the guys in Hull for the show in tribute to Joe Longthorne.

Rose-Marie with musical director Andy Mudd Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow Tom, Andy and Kev with Rose-Marie

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
09:13	ZS1PT	28MHz	FT8
09:14	RV6F	28MHz	FT8
09:17	SV1CEI	28MHz	FT8
09:21	YD1FRU	28MHz	FT8
09:22	RA6HN	28MHz	FT8
09:26	SV1MO	28MHz	FT8
09:34	RJ6B	28MHz	FT8
09:36	YC2WXV	28MHz	FT8
09:37	RJ6B	28MHz	FT4
09:40	TA2BZ	28MHz	FT4
09:41	G7WKX	28MHz	FT4
09:43	RK6J	28MHz	FT4
09:49	JA5JQH	24MHz	FT4
09:53	IT9RZR	24MHz	FT8
09:56	JH3UWS	24MHz	FT8
09:58	GW4BML	144MHz	FM
09:59	GW4TQE/P	144MHz	FM	GW/NW-043
10:00	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
10:01	2E0LMD	144MHz	FM
10:01	R6LKV	24MHz	FT8

Friday 29th April 2022

Inspired by the results two days ago on 10m and 12m, I headed up Cloud again for a Friday afternoon activating session after a day's teaching at All Hallows School in Macclesfield.

Plenty of contacts, mostly into Europe - but Indonesia was in the log a few times again.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
15:57	IZ5RIE	28MHz	FT4
15:58	IW3SIP	28MHz	FT4
15:59	IZ3XNJ	28MHz	FT4
16:05	2E0SMX	28MHz	FT4
16:06	IZ3XNJ	28MHz	FT4
16:14	G0EML	28MHz	CW
16:24	M3VJZ	28MHz	FT8
16:32	M7ELO	28MHz	FT8
16:43	SV3CIX	24MHz	FT8
16:46	G4NXG/M	24MHz	FT8
16:48	EA8AQV	24MHz	FT8
16:50	YB2HND	24MHz	FT8
16:54	IU8MOA	24MHz	FT8
16:55	IK1WGX	24MHz	FT8
16:56	YB3EDD	24MHz	FT8
16:59	SV2AJX	24MHz	FT8
17:05	9A4ZM	24MHz	FT8
17:07	F5JKK	24MHz	FT8
17:30	YB7SKM	24MHz	FT8
17:42	M0BEW	28MHz	FT8
17:49	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
17:50	IU0AFP	28MHz	FT8
17:50	2E0LMD	144MHz	FM
17:52	MW0TTK	144MHz	FM

Saturday 30th April 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Rag Dolls gig at Winter Gardens, Eastbourne

So how do you get a SOTA in when the gig is in Eastbourne, and you have to drive over to Worksop to meet the transport? The Cloud - again!!!

Final approach to Cloud summit Tom M1EYP

Nice morning to walk up to the summit. Just one contact solicited on the handheld - Roy G0SLR in Warrington.

Heading south on the M1 Promo poster for the gig

Another fun gig with the Ragdolls lads - but a very late arrival back in Macclesfield

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
08:55	G0SLR	144MHz	FM

Monday 2nd May 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Macclesfield v Skelmersdale United

Happy May Day Bank Holiday Monday everyone! After dislodging the corner shelves and doing a big tip run (traditional bank holiday activities I guess) it was time to switch to preferred BH traditions of hillwalking and football:

15m GP antenna Tom M1EYP

The Cloud G/SP-015 followed by Macclesfield v Skelmersdale United in the Macron Cup quarter-final. Around 20 contacts made, mainly on 15m around Eastern Europe, plus a handful of local QSOs on VHF.

Macclesfield v Skelmersdale United Tom in the Leasing.com Stadium

Unfortunately, Skelmersdale won the quarter final tie meaning that it would not be a league-cup double season for the Silkmen.

Macc penalty Trailing...

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
12:33	R4GR	21MHz	FT4
12:35	R3KAB	21MHz	FT4
12:36	M7TKL/P	21MHz	FT4
12:38	UT3IJ	21MHz	FT4
12:43	SV8NAJ	21MHz	FT4
12:44	SV3IEG	21MHz	FT4
12:45	CT1DIZ	21MHz	FT4
12:51	LZ2VQ	21MHz	FT8
12:57	SY2APF	21MHz	FT8
12:58	SV5SKD	21MHz	FT8
13:01	LZ3BS	21MHz	FT8
13:09	SV1KWA	21MHz	CW
13:24	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
13:25	MW6BWA/P	144MHz	FM	GW/MW-017
13:26	MW0PJE	144MHz	FM
13:29	2E0JWA	144MHz	FM
13:31	M7TRS	144MHz	FM

Tuesday 3rd May 2022

Back to Tuesday night VHF contest operating from The Cloud. 99 contacts made on 2m.

Tom M1EYP Tuesday evening operating

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
18:00	2W0JYN	144MHz	FM
18:01	M7CLI	144MHz	FM
18:02	MW0PJE/P	144MHz	FM	GW/NW-043
18:02	G3TNN	144MHz	FM
18:03	G4JNN	144MHz	FM
18:06	G1YBB/P	144MHz	FM
18:07	GW8ASD	144MHz	FM
18:07	G0KUY/P	144MHz	FM
18:08	M5RMF	144MHz	FM
18:08	M1RKY	144MHz	FM
18:09	GW3ATZ	144MHz	FM
18:11	2E0PKS	144MHz	FM
18:14	G8ZRE	144MHz	FM
18:15	G0PLA/P	144MHz	FM
18:18	G3WRA	144MHz	FM
18:23	G4ASR	144MHz	FM
18:24	G0UXC/P	144MHz	FM
18:24	GW4OKT	144MHz	FM
18:25	M0TBQ	144MHz	FM
18:28	G4ILI/P	144MHz	FM
18:32	MW1LCR/P	144MHz	FM
18:33	G4RRA	144MHz	FM
18:34	G0CDA	144MHz	FM
18:35	G7WKX	144MHz	FM
18:42	2E0LKC	144MHz	FM
18:44	G4XJC/M	144MHz	FM
18:45	G4XTF	144MHz	FM
18:47	M5AFG	144MHz	FM
18:50	M0KYB/P	144MHz	FM
19:00	2W0JYN	144MHz	SSB
19:00	GW4ZAR	144MHz	SSB
19:01	G8ZRE	144MHz	SSB
19:01	2E0MDJ/P	144MHz	SSB
19:02	M7TXR	144MHz	SSB
19:04	G4JLG	144MHz	SSB
19:05	G3SMT	144MHz	SSB
19:05	G0CDA	144MHz	SSB
19:06	G0CER	144MHz	SSB
19:06	M7EGD/P	144MHz	SSB
19:07	GW8ASD	144MHz	SSB
19:10	G8PNN/P	144MHz	SSB
19:12	G4FZN/P	144MHz	SSB
19:13	G1VNB	144MHz	SSB
19:14	G3NFC/P	144MHz	SSB
19:15	G0HEL/P	144MHz	SSB
19:16	GD8EXI	144MHz	SSB
19:17	G8XYJ	144MHz	SSB
19:25	GW4FRX	144MHz	SSB
19:26	G3YKI	144MHz	SSB
19:30	G4RRA	144MHz	SSB
19:31	G4NTY	144MHz	SSB
19:35	GI4SNA	144MHz	SSB
19:36	GW4SHF	144MHz	SSB
19:37	G8XVJ/P	144MHz	SSB
19:39	G6XHF	144MHz	SSB
19:40	M0WBG	144MHz	SSB
19:41	G8REQ	144MHz	SSB
19:42	G3LX	144MHz	SSB
19:43	M7AQX	144MHz	SSB
19:47	M0BUL/P	144MHz	SSB
19:53	F1BHL/P	144MHz	SSB
19:55	GD0AMD/P	144MHz	SSB
19:56	GM3SEK	144MHz	SSB
19:57	G4RUL/P	144MHz	SSB
19:58	G4KQH	144MHz	SSB
19:59	G4CLA	144MHz	SSB
20:08	G1YBB/P	144MHz	SSB
20:10	GM4JTJ	144MHz	SSB
20:12	G6HPR/P	144MHz	SSB
20:13	M1MHZ	144MHz	SSB
20:16	G4ASR	144MHz	SSB
20:17	G3VCA	144MHz	SSB
20:20	G3UKV	144MHz	SSB
20:23	G0CNN/P	144MHz	SSB
20:26	G4EII	144MHz	SSB
20:27	M0XJA	144MHz	SSB
20:28	M0TXE	144MHz	SSB
20:29	G3YDY	144MHz	SSB
20:31	G5MAT	144MHz	SSB
20:32	G4TVR	144MHz	SSB
20:33	M0WDK	144MHz	SSB
20:38	EI2GLB	144MHz	SSB
20:39	G0JSB	144MHz	SSB
20:40	GW0WZL	144MHz	SSB
20:43	G4NBS	144MHz	SSB
20:46	G8SEI	144MHz	SSB
20:48	G3RIR	144MHz	SSB
20:55	G0NZI/P	144MHz	SSB
20:56	G0ODQ	144MHz	SSB
20:58	G3SQQ	144MHz	SSB
21:00	GW0RHC	144MHz	SSB
21:01	G8KPD	144MHz	SSB
21:04	G4OAR	144MHz	SSB
21:06	EI8KN	144MHz	SSB
21:08	G4FRK	144MHz	SSB
21:11	G8DMU/P	144MHz	SSB
21:19	GS3PYE/P	144MHz	SSB
21:25	GM4PPT	144MHz	SSB
21:27	GD6ICR	144MHz	SSB

Thursday 12th May 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Kikosi gig

A late dep gig came in to play a wedding gig with the excellent Kikosi band in Knutsford. Therefore sneaking out to do a SOTA activation was required!

Tom M1EYP Vocalists Hayli & Tony, and drummer Danny on the Kikosi gig

Ten contacts made using 20m SSB & 40m CW. Three summit-to-summit contacts.

Time

Callsign

Band

Mode

S2S

13:45

F4JCF/P

14MHz

SSB

F/AM-461

13:45

OH3GZ

14MHz

SSB

13:46

SA4BLM/P

14MHz

SSB

SM/DA-050

13:47

EA3EVL

14MHz

SSB

14:02

G0KPE/P

7MHz

CW

G/SE-003

14:08

2E0FTD

7MHz

CW

14:09

OM1AX

7MHz

CW

14:10

GI0AZA

7MHz

CW

14:11

M0BKV

7MHz

CW

14:13

GI0AZB

7MHz

CW

Friday 13th May 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & Queen Ultimate Revival gig @ Shanklin Conservative Club, IOW

I was being picked up for the journey down to the Portsmouth IOW ferry terminal, so any pre-gig SOTA here needed to be very early - and very local!

Tom M1EYP Sailing across the Solent

I set my alarm early and was QRV on The Cloud just after 8.30am local time. Limited time, so just used the handheld, making three QSOs on 2m FM.

Stage set at Shanklin Conservative Club Tom on stage - oh dear!

The journey south was uneventful, and we sailed over to the Isle of Wight on schedule. Then a further drive down to Shanklin where we met the rest of the band for setting up and soundchecking. Great gig with the lads playing a Queen set, before driving across to the North West of the island for accommodation - at the venue of the following evening's gig.

I aimed to be up early the following morning for a most unusual and ambitious day of SOTA activating - starting with St Boniface Down G/SE-008.

Time

Callsign

Band

Mode

07:38

GW0HUS

144MHz

FM

07:40

G6TDJ/M

144MHz

FM

07:44

2E0TXE

144MHz

FM

Monday 16th May 2022

I was doing a day's supply teaching at Alsager School. It was convenient to nip up The Cloud on the way home, so I took my boots and a change of clothes to facilitate. Operated on 40m and 20m SSB, making seven contacts.

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
15:42	MW0SAW	7MHz	SSB
15:44	G4IPB	7MHz	SSB
15:57	HA7WA	14MHz	SSB
15:58	OH3GZ	14MHz	SSB
15:58	EA2DT	14MHz	SSB
16:00	LA9DSA	14MHz	SSB
16:02	OE3NRC	14MHz	SSB

Saturday 21st May 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & gig: The Ragdolls UK @ King Arthur Hotel, Gower

Normally there would be a plentiful selection of South Wales, Mid Wales and Welsh Borders summits to activate en route to the Gower Peninsula, but I was getting a lift from Matt, the drummer. As such, I nipped up The Cloud and got back home in time for him to pick me up.

Tom M1EYP Alexloop

Six contacts made on HF using the Alexloop, four of which were summit-to-summit.

With The Ragdolls King Arthur Hotel, Gower

I'd never visited the Gower before - what a beautiful place! Fun gig as ever with The Ragdolls UK - but a surprise when it transpired that the band had TWO bass players in it! We made it work!

Two bass players? Backstage nonsense

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode	S2S
09:02	EA3BV/P	14MHz	CW	EA1/AT-263
09:11	DL3NM	14MHz	CW
09:16	S51RU/P	14MHz	CW	S5/KS-025
09:20	EC2AG	14MHz	SSB	EA1/CT-102
09:28	2E0AGB	7MHz	SSB
09:29	M7BIA/P	7MHz	SSB	G/SP-004

Sunday 22nd May 2022 - The Cloud G/SP-015 & gig: A Night To Remember @ Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow

I was resigned to skipping the summit walk out of the gig day today, but woke up naturally well before my alarm.

Tom M1EYP Cloud summit

The Cloud G/SP-015 was the only feasible option again though, and I made a quick three VHF contacts up there.

Tomasz M7TKL Tom M1EYP & Tom M7TKL

It was a nice surprise to meet a fellow Tom (Tomasz) M7TKL up there who was also activating.

Glasgow Pavilion Theatre Setting up at the Pavilion

Then up to Nelson to meet Kev (guitarist), and then onto Glasgow for that night’s show.

Show poster Side of the theatre Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow

Great as ever to play with the lads in the band, and to back the artistes, including the delightful and funny Rose-Marie.

Tonight's office All set...

It was Sunday Night At The Glasgow Palladium rather than Sunday Night At The London Palladium - but the backdrop was a nod to Joe's exceptional career.

Backstage photo Showtime!

Time	Callsign	Band	Mode
09:00	G4XQB	144MHz	FM
09:01	G7RYN	144MHz	FM
09:08	2E0XLG/P	144MHz	FM

Sunday 29th May 2022

Conscious that I hadn’t been taking full advantage of the current decent conditions from a SOTA activating perspective, I had a wander out this evening to The Cloud G/SP-015. The DX Heat Map indicated that 15m was the place to be, so I left the Alexloop in the car and took up a SOTA Pole and my homemade 15m quarterwave vertical with GP antenna. The wallabies were very sociable tonight, all three of them right up against the fence next to the path halfway up The Cloud, and seemingly enjoying the attention! They all hopped over and socialised again on my descent later!

Anyway, the activation was good fun with five continents worked (OC and AN the ones missed) and a log dominated by DX. Out of the 28 QSOs, only 2 were “non-DX” - LZ and G. All contacts were on 15m CW as I gave the FT8 tablet a rest and did some proper radio!

4L Georgia

CT3 Madeira (2)

D4 Cape Verde

G England

LZ Bulgaria

P3 Cyprus (2)

P4 Aruba

PU Brazil (5)

TA Turkey

VE Canada (2)

W USA (9)

ZF Cayman Islands (2)

Satisfying stuff with 5 watts and a homemade antenna!