A number of radio amateurs
operate from aboard craft on the inland waterways where the canal gives a
good ground plane and S0 noise levels.
M0JAV is interested in organising
Waterways on the Air in a similar manner to Railways on the Air – not a
contest but an opportunity to rag chew with fellow amateurs operating close
to inland waterways.
The suggestion is to hold it on
the weekend of the Inland Waterways Festival and to try to illuminate as
many of the inland waterways as possible. In 2011 the festival is on 29-31
July and is held at Shobnall Fields, Burton-upon-Trent. It is likely some
narrowboat amateurs will be attending.
This is the IOTA contest weekend
on HF so it is suggested that activity should start before and/or end after
IOTA (noon Saturday for 24 hours) to get some access for local contacts on
the HF bands. Operators can take advantage of the low noise levels to
attempt IOTA
contacts from their canal
locations, which will give plenty of signals for demonstration to interested
gongoozlers (a person who enjoys watching activity on the canals in the UK)
If people are interested in
this idea, please contact John, M0JAV on 07836 731544
or by e-mail to
drm131@rsgb.org.uk.
