Preparing for my First QSOs

Preparation for my first QSOs. Testing my radios and antennas.

Radio Test

My intention was to use the Wouxun for my first QSOs. So I spent some time learning the radio, using the software to program in local repeaters and using the radio to just listen. Once I was confident in operating the radio to listen, then I moved onto a quick radio check. I set my SDR to listen on my Flower Pot antenna and set up audio recording on SDR and wandered off outside away from the receiving antenna.

I turned down the power on the HT and did a short radio test. The result was good, a nice clear signal, not over modulated, but obviously very strong as I was very close to the receiver. So I was confident that the radio was working as I expected.

Antenna Test - checking Repeater Access

The next stage of my testing was to test my antenna and see if I could reach my local repeaters on the Flower Pot antenna. I knew from my listening that the best receiving signal was from GB3BS which is located about 17km (10.5 miles) from my location in North Bristol. More importantly, I almost had line of sight to Lansdown where the repeater is based. If I walk up to the Common, 500m from my home then I can actually see Lansdown, so I was pretty confident I could reach it.

There is a closer repeater to me, GB3ZB, which is only 9km (5.5 miles) away but across Bristol and no clear line of sight from my location. So I wanted to try BS first, then ZB. Having programmed the HT with the right frequencies and CTCCS tones, I found that I could activate both repeaters. I can also activate GB3WR which is up on the Mendips, south of Bristol.

Whilst out on a lockdown walk, I also discovered that from a spot on Horfield Common with really good views over Bristol and East across to Bath that I could also activate GB3UB, which is an Echolink repeater. Now that really opens up some possibilities... I wonder if I can activate that repeater from my QTH down the hill if I had a little more height or gain on my antenna. Maybe it's time to make a Yagi.

No more excuses, my kit works, I can access local repeaters, time to get some QSOs on Simplex if I can.