How To Secure A Telescopic Mast To A Bergen

On a recent trip out in adverse conditions, I attempted a CTX activation at 402m ASL on the West Pennine Moors. but due to the bad weather I had to make a hasty retreat back to the car. In my rush to get packed away, I don't think I secured my 10m telescopic mast to the straps of my British army bergen properly. Resulting in the mast slipping out of the straps and dropping to the floor. This could have resulted in two outcomes. A damaged mast or worse, a lost mast, had I not heard it hit the ground with a thud ! Back at home, I decided to come up with a solution that would secure the mast to my bergen and this is what I came up with...

Why You Should Always Carry Appropriate Gear

Decided to head out for the Sunday Charlie Tango DX Net at a location I had previously visited, with great success. The weather wasn't brilliant, but wasn't going to stop me getting out. In this video you will witness how the weather went from acceptable to down right awfull. Luckily I had the right gear for the job in the form of a British Army basha, bergen, gaiters and Waterproof jacket. This video highlights why you should always be prepared for ANY weather, despite how pleasant it may seem when you first set off on your journey.

Location : Cartridge Hill, West Pennine Moors, UK Altitude : 402m ASL Kit Used : Midland 77-805 Portapak (Wasn't even removed from bag), Baofeng UV-5R PMR446.

Basic Midland 77-805 Portapak And Telescopic Antenna - Homesteaders Net

On a Recent holiday in Dorset managed to get out for a few hours onto the hills for a basic CTX activation. Equipped with just my Midland 77-805 Portapak (Plus telescopic antenna), I managed to take part in, what I now learn is now quite a well known net... The Homesteaders Net on ch27, hosted by Nigel (Skip).

Location : Hambledon Hill, Dorset, UK Altitude : 192m ASL Kit Used : Midland 77-805 Portapak with telescopic antenna.

New CTX Activation Location - West Pennine Moors

Towards the end of July 2013, I decided to check out a new potential DX activation location on the West Pennine Moors. Cartridge Hill 402m ASL turned out to be a great little spot with good 360deg views. Tested out a new mast/guy line attachment setup, which seemed to work really well and the Midland 77-805 Portapak with T2LT antenna worked a treat as always. Also used the PMR446 with my homebrew dipole antenna and 4m mast setup, which again was working well.

Location : Cartridge Hill, West Pennine Moors, UK Altitude : 402m ASL Kit Used : Midland 77-805 Portapak, T2LT Antenna on 10m mast, Baofeng UV-5R with homebrew Dipole antenna.

Charlie Tango North West DX Net - 14th July 2013

A return to the summit of Pendle Hill, East Lancashire for the Charlie Tango North West DX Net, which was to be the first net to be hled in the North West under the Charlie Tango banner. Craig AKA Sid The Cat, agreed to host the event to see what interest it would attract from Charlie Tango members in the North West of England. I couldn't have imagined the events that would unfold over this sunny afternoon on the CB airwaves...

Was great to make contact with Gary (26CTX104) north of Swansea, over 140miles and Roy (104CT011) in Corsica, over 950 miles away

Location : Pendle Hill, East Lancashire, UK Altitude : 557m ASL Kit Used : Midland 77-805 Portapak, T2LT Antenna on 10m mast, Baofeng UV-5R with homebrew Dipole antenna.

SHTF Wild Camp & DXing Weekend - Pendle Hill, East Lancashire

Spent 2 days wild camping on the summit of Pendle Hill, East Lancashire. This was part of a SHTF event, where stations up and down the country attempted to make radio contact.

Location : Pendle Hill, East Lancashire, UK Altitude : 550m ASL Kit Used : Midland 77-805 Portapak, T2LT Antenna

DIY Camera Tripod Attachment For PMR446 Dipole Antenna

Was kindly sent a dipole antenna from Simon (Youtube Channel : WOWSLY) for use with a BaoFeng UV-5R on the PMR446 channels. And I needed a method of supporting the antenna when on CTX radio activations. I already carry a camera tripod, so decided to come up with a simple bracket attachment, using a few odds and ends from my garage. In this short video I demonstrate what I ended up with.