An enjoyable day of radio 28-05-2023

[Razz229]

I went out with the idea of spending a couple of hours on the radio, incorporating the South East Sunday morning net and doing some DXing and lost a day!!



From my location of Radio Corner in Ashdown 🌳 Forest I set and joined the net, see my report here


https://allradio.co.uk/index.php?topic=33.msg547;topicseen#new




I then flicked round the CB band and heard "those people" who have 1 channel radio's stuck on the 19, a couple of locals having a rag chew about everything and faint noises on the pirate (freeband) frequencies.



I got to thinking that after the previous days FM lift



https://allradio.co.uk/index.php?topic=235.0



I might get some PMR tropo, so set up the PMR radio. I scanned the 16 analogue channels and found that the first 8 was mainly children from the festival across the valley.
What a noise of parents giving orders and children just press the PTT to activate the many roger beeps available, and yelling into the mic causing over modulation and distortion. 

Could these be the future 19 dwellers?



On the 2nd or top 8 channels, all was pretty much clear, just the odd faint voice fading in and out (maybe a convoy on the road or green laning?)

I called out on channel 14 hoping/knowing that it is sometimes monitored by some of those who come on to the Monday Night PMR net.



I was greeted by Peter in Tonbridge and we started to chat, then George (TK 08), also from Tonbridge, joined us and the conversation became a 3 way.

Then Tony (CT 4013), from Brighton called in and replaced George who had gone off for some Tiffin.

Peter then went off for some grub leaving Tony and I to continue chatting.



Then we had a QSK from Rich, who was walking up to Chanctonbury Ring to do some 2m/70cm DXing, that was a great contact from a pedestrian mobile and using a handy.



While in Qso with Rich, Chris (CT 4362) and Russell (Speed Bird) started a conversation on 14.

When Chris heard what was going on he quickly QSYed to another channel allowing the contact with Rich to continue. Thank you Chris & Russell.



George and Peter came back and Tony went of for a spot of Sunday roast.



Tony came back and then another QSK called in, and this was Lee (CT 3829) who was on a handy calling from a festival at Wiston House, who said was going to put a short snippet on the CTDX Facebook page.



The chat continued and we were then joined by Russell & Steve T (CT 2072), both from Tonbridge



Chris (CT 4362) joined us with news of the SE biggest PMR net that was due to start at 19:00.

After identifying where the group was based, it was decided that Ashdown Forest to Somerset was not going to happen, no matter how much I begged and pleaded to the Goddess of PMR.



So at 18:30ish I said my goodbye to all with the intention of packing up and going home



At 18:40ish, I quickly checked T5 and heard South America calling.



Did I stay out for some DXing?



No



My belly was empty and batteries need to be charged for the upcoming nets.



7 hours of enjoyable radio, set up in a car park on Ashdown Forest getting funny looks form other people and a loooooooooong stay form a elderly gent, who I think, was making notes and the Ashdown Forest Ranger, who seemed happy with me being there.



Best 73



Ray 2290

[Tony]

Many thanks for the chat Ray, even though I couldn't hear most operators it was the best Sunday afternoon for me in a long time.

I can't believe you lasted so long at radio corner without your pot noodle, I trust you had a good 'nosh-up' when you got home to regain your strength/voice ready for the Monday net!

[Razz229]

Your welcome Tony 👍

It was a great day of radio and coffee

I don't think I could have pre-arranged a better day.
(note to self, stash a Pot Noodle/meal in the radio box for next time)