Phase III - Abbeyknockmoy DMR On Air

On Saturday the 16th of October EI7AKR, the Abbeyknockmoy DMR Repeater was installed on site at Knockroe, Abbeyknockmoy, Co Galway and appeared on air at 16:30.

Sadly, our previous attempt to put the Repeater on air saw a total disintegration of the 4-Stack array and therefore we were unable to switch the equipment on. Radio Structures LTD supplied us with a new antenna, under a 3-year warranty agreement, so our trip on the 26th of October was to install the replacement antenna. 

On this occasion, our team consisted of Aengus, EI4ABB, who was responsible for tuning the cavities into the antenna system, Steve, EI5DD, who programmed the Repeater along with Tom, EI3ER, Joe EI3IX, and Enda EI3IS who installed the new antenna system.

This site provides the primary coverage of Co. Galway as it is located almost in the middle of the County a superb height and an excellent Radio Horizon in all directions. This will facilitate communications on all roads into and out of Galway.

The antenna system is the same as used for the previous Analog Repeater located at this site. The antenna is an RF Structures Ltd. 4-Stack Omni-directional antenna offering 6.5dBD of gain. The antennas are built to withstand the worst of weather conditions and therefore ideal for the purpose.
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Some Excellent views towards the horizon

The new 4 Stack Omni-directional antenna is pictures above as of 26th October 2019

Aengus, EI4ABB, assisted with the installation and made sure that the Sinclair Cavity Filters matched the Antenna system. Despite perfect tuning at ground level, the impedance of the antenna is seldom exactly that of the dummy reference antenna leading to losses. Often only minor tuning was required to obtain perfection on-site into the 4-Stack array.

Whilst the Cavity Filters were checked, Steve, EI5DD, locked the Network settings into the DMR Repeater and ensured that the connection into the Brandmeister network had established. A quick check followed to ensure that all other settings and levels were correct.

On power up the Repeater appeared on the Brandmeister Dashboard - a great sign that all is well. The power levels were then increased to 40 watts. On Re-boot, there was no indication of desense detected on the receive side. A quick tidy up of cables was performed and finally, the remote switching equipment was installed.

A scout around the shack was in order before leaving the site and to make sure that we left nothing behind as we would not be going back to that location for at least another year. 

A check on the Brandmeister Dashboard revealed that all was well so we now have three out of four DMR Repeaters  and one multimode Gateway on site and operational within one year.

 
The Coverage of the Abbeyknockmoy Repeater is as shown below

Combining the Abbeyknockmoy coverage with the Inishbofin Repeater EJ7IBD, and the Galway Repeater EI7RHD it can be seen that the Network is slowly coming together.

The addition of the Loughrea Repeater EI7LRD will complete the Network. Uniform coverage with saturation of the majority of the County will be possible. This will facilitate Roaming where the user radio can switch between repeaters according to received signal strength. Should one of the Repeaters shut down, for any reason, ample but reduced coverage will still be possible.

We look forward to installing the Loughrea repeater on-site in the near future.

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Catastrophe - The Best-Laid Plans of Mice and Men

With all items packed and ready to go on site to install the Repeater, it was a perfect sunny day with an excellent panoramic view in all directions from the hilltop. The gear was unloaded and installed into the hut in the site at Abbeyknockmoy. The Cavity Filters for the Repeater were given their final tune up and the Repeater was installed and connected to the network without a problem. Almost straight away the signals came through via the network. A pleasing conclusion will be found at the end of this write up.

Great we thought. Job Well Done! We placed the APRS system on air and it came to life as soon as we connected it. Better again.

And then we peered up at the antenna system. Well there were not enough swear words in the dictionary to describe the situation and none of them were repeated twice. The Repeater antenna was totally destroyed and all its components were draping down from the pole.

What was originally this:

was now this - all of the dipoles had sheared off the pole where the clamps holding them to the pole had disintegrated.

Naturally the Repeater is currently disconnected until further notice until we can replace the antenna. Hopefully Radio Structures Ltd will replace the antenna which has only been on site for 1 1/2 years.

The pole had suffered a little with the high winds and seemed to be a little bent on the bottom end where it was clamped to the pole

This was part of the clamp that held the dipole element to the pole. The others had completely disintegrated and disappeared,

This is the other part of the clamp which had litereally shattered like china.

A sad end to what could have been a really great day.

Epilogue

The Good news, however, is that a very quick respose was received from Radio Structures LTD who have offered to replace the antenna under a three year No Quibble Warranty which were were unaware of at the time. The replacement antenna was dispatched on Monday the 14th of October, just 3 days after sending an Email on Saturday.The antenna arrived in Galway on Friday the 18th of October.

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New Life For The Galway Analog 70cm Repeater

Our 70cm Repeater was recently removed from its high site in Abbeyknockmoy prior to the installation of a Hytera DMR Repeater. It had been on site for some time and, whilst it proved itself to be an exceptional Repeater, very few made any effort to use it. Coverage was over a colossal distance considering that this was a UHF Repeater. One journey, from just outside of Limerick,  to Claremorris in Co. Mayo yielded a Strength 9 signal for the majority of the journey. Why nobody took an interest in this Repeater is difficult to comprehend, as it had a coverage far superior to many 2 metre repeaters around Ireland.

On Examination, Aengus, EI4ABB, noted that there was an accessory plug on the back of the repeater that would make it possible to extract raw unprocessed audio from the receive side and allow encoded audio to be transmitted. This would be perfect for a mode such as D-Star. Just by chance, Aengus had the appropriate circuitry from a project that never saw completion. The perfect opportunity to try to see if it would be compatible. 

Amazingly, Aengus did not have this Repeater on his bench for more than a couple of days before the project took shape and was ready for testing. The cavity filters had recently been tuned up in preparation for use with the DMR repeater when it was to be placed on its site in Abbeyknockmoy. these worked well into his own antenna so it was possible to try out the D-Star build.

Steve, EI5DD, was working in his shack on DMR repeaters scheduled for re-location sometime in the future. A call was received from Aengus on TG 2722, for assistance with the initial tests. After disconnecting the DMR repeaters, the D-Star Radio was hooked into an antenna and the initial call was made. 

Apart from a bit of feedback from equipment in Aengus's shack, the audio was very good. Obviously, this wasn't the completed project, but very promising results were achieved. The Audio was crisp, clear and stable - the system was working. Great potential for this project.

Whilst D-Star is probably the least used digital mode in the Galway area, the opportunity to experiment is available as well as for the other Digital Modes. We have multi-mode systems that also encompass D-Star operation which will cater for may forms of experimentation. 

This equipment will run initially as a repeater until we register it on the D-Star network and then its full potential can be realised through the D-Star system. This is really quite remarkable progress as D-Star had only been tested in July through the multi-mode Gateway before we followed up with the acquisition of a multi-mode Repeater for Galway City in September.

The pictures below show the Kyodo 70cms Repeater gradually nearing completion with its new components for D-Star.  

Finally, everything  installed and covers back on the units ready for further tests. Delighted that the Kyodo Repeater still has a function, and place in the Galway area, as it had a very sensitive receiver and the transmit otput power was more than adequate on UHF operation. As if by magic, a new Repeater was born

Subsequently, the repeater has been fitted with a set of cavity filters and is operating on RB14.

RB14 - Input: 434.950, Output: 433.350. Analog CTCSS 77hz

Special thanks to Aengus for his time and effort and we look forward to this going on a high location.

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Digital Radio Lecture 26th September 2019

There was a good attendance at this Lecture with operators from Galway, Clare, Limerick and Mayo. The PowerPoint presentation covered predominantly DMR and the local Repeater Network. D-Star and Fusion were given time as there are currently facilities in the form of a Repeater and Wires-X gateway for Fusion and a Gateway and Repeater to be set up for D-Star. Basically, all modes were discussed in detail.

Steve, EI5DD, presented the lecture and as can be seen all modern conveniences for presentation, amplified audio with a spacious lecture theatre. The large screens were very sharp and clear making easy work of the display.

The lecture covered the setting up of the network, equipment, locations, coverage from each repeater and operation of same. Subjects like Roaming were discussed and how it would be implemented. Apart from DMR, the Yaesu Fusion and D-Star modes were discussed in detail. In short, there will be something for everybody when the last of the equipment is installed. When the network is completed and running it will give plenty of opportunity for all to experiment with Digital Modes. P25 and NXDN can be implemented on an experimental basis or full time if there is a genuine interest locally.

There was 16 present for the lecture from Galway and surrounding counties. As always happens, some could not make it at the last minute but we may be able to do the presentation again sometime if the demand is there.

Special thanks to all that attended this lecture and not forgetting thanks for the use of the facilities in the UCG Insight building.

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Review of Two D-Star Radios

D-Star requires registration with the D-Star system/network before any of the facilities unique to D-Star can be enjoyed. There are online sites but it is easier to register via Icom UK >> Here

It is wise to consult the manuals from the very start as D-Star is unique in many ways so the advice is RTFM! The reason why will become apparent if you do not.

When D-Star was released on the market it was novel and interesting but the audio was not 100% perfect. Naturally, there have been many firmware releases and improvements to the D-Star system over the years and it has come a long way since 2004. The AMBE+2 chip is installed in the current equipment releases and this, combined with firmware and software upgrades has brought D-Star audio quality to today's standards. It is impressive.

Programming the Icom radios may be done using the software CD provided by Manufacturer or that provided by RT Systems. Many would recommend the RT Systems program but, of course, it is another extra on which to spend hard-earned cash.

Handheld Operation

The ID-51E Plus 2 was chosen as it is the most recent release from Martin Lynch & Sons retailing at £379.95. There is a small "ouch" factor as it is a lot to pay for a handheld but then the Yaesu FT3E Fusion Handheld costs exactly the same. This is the latest generation of hand-portable from Icom. The ID-51E Plus 2 is a dual bander and can receive two bands simultaneously.

The output power is 5, 2.5, 1.0. 0.5 a,d 0.1 watts. It is IPX7 waterproof and features built-in GPS and has a large 128 x 104 dot matrix display..

There is a micro SD card slot for optional memory which can store DVR incoming and outgoing message, GPS log and Memory Backup. All the built-in CTCSS/DTCS encode and decode facilities for analog FM are included.

This unit features "Terminal ID" and "Access Point" mode.

Access point Mode allows connection to the Internet via a PC or Android device as an access point (gateway). Another D-star radio may then communicate via this system.

Terminal Mode allows the unit to be connected to the Internet using Call sign routing through the Internet Gateway to a destination repeater. There is an optional free software to allow this.

RS-MS1A is free software that allows the unit to be connected to an android device. A number of interesting facilities become available through this software.

 RS-MS1A Features

•     Send and receive pictures
•     Send and receive text messaging
•     Set transceiver's DR functions from the RS-MS1A or a map application
•     See the location of repeater sites or other D-PRS stations on a map
•     View and export received history of the transceiver
•     View detailed data in the transceiver's Repeater list
•   Import and export the Repeater list and the Call sign list from/to the transceiver

DV Fast Data Mode

By using data in place of voice frames, the ID-51 transfers data 3 times faster (3480 bps) than in conventional DV mode with voice.

DV and FM Repeater Search Function

The repeater search function searches for nearby analogue FM repeaters as well as DV repeaters using the repeater memories and the integrated GPS*.
* To use the repeater search function, the position data of the repeater is required.

Additional Dplus Reflector Link Commands

Dplus reflector link commands are added to the DR function to allow easy multiple repeater connection through the reflector.

Other New and Enhanced Functions
GPS position data can be sent simultaneously with the serial data communication
Enhanced D-PRS functions: receiving only Base/Object/Item/Weather formats

Altitude data added to the GPS memories

CI-V commands can be sent through DATA connector

Call sign, repeater list and GPS memory import and export in the CSV format

FEATURES: Retained from the Original ID-51E
D-STAR DV Mode (Digital Voice + Data)
    

V/V, U/U, V/U Dual watch

The dual watch function simultaneously monitors VHF/VHF, UHF/UHF and VHF/ UHF bands.* * DV/DV, AM/AM, FM-N/FM-N and DV/FM-N mode dual watch is not available.

IPX7 Waterproof Construction
The ID-51E has superior IPX7 waterproof protection (1m depth of water for 30 minutes). It can be used in harsh outdoor environments, and for hiking, mountain biking, touring and mountain sports.

Menu-Driven User Interface

The directional keypad and quick menu button help you with quick and intuitive access to many settings and speeds up the operation. The large full dot-matrix display with easy-to-read characters increases the amount of information.

Independent AM/FM Receiver

FM and AM broadcast stations can be listened to while using the dual watch function to monitor the ham bands.

micro SD Card Slot
When used with a micro SD card (Up to 32GB), various contents including voice memory, DV auto reply message, TX voice message, QSO log, RX history log and GPS log data can be stored. The micro SD card can also be used to update firmware and edit memories.

Integrated GPS Receiver

The current position and altitude are shown on the display and offers a position reporting function in DV mode. The GPS log function logs your position information at regular intervals on the micro SD card.

5W Output Power

Using a highly-efficient PA amplifier, the ID-51E generates 5W of RF output power from this compact body.

Long-Lasting Battery Pack

The supplied BP-271 provides up to 4.5 hours* of operating time, and the optional large-capacity battery pack, BP-272 provides up to 7.5 hours*. * Typical operation with 1:1:8 duty cycle in DV mode. (Power save ON.)

Being a newcomer to D-Star, it took an absolute age to set the ID-51E Plus up as the manual did require consultation! The supplied battery ran out of just as everything started to work. However, by the time all was set up the operation was perfect. It is true that D-Star has a longer learning curve than any other modes. The manual supplied is 70 + pages long but the full manual is up in the 375+ size. No stone is left unturned and this is an essential but not all at once.

Be assured, one will think DMR is a walk in the park after a day of setting up the D-Star Handheld. Why so difficult? It was designed for Radio Amateurs as opposed to commercial users. So many little refinements result in a manual the size of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace.

The analog side has many new features and is much like any other handheld in operation.

Mobile Operation

Following a request for information on D-Star Radios, two are reviewed in this Post. The Icom ID-5100 Dual Band D-Star transceiver seems to be the unit getting all the favourable reviews and is the most recently released dual-band  mobile radio.

The ID-5100 comes in two versions: the Standard model and the Deluxe model.

The Standard model is supplied with a multi-functional microphone and hanger, DC power controller cables and CS-5100 cloning Software. All this comes to around £574.95 from Martin Lynch & Sons. When the box is opened it will be apparent that the mounting for the display unit is not part of the deal and has to be purchased as an optional extra!

The Deluxe version includes Bluetooth features, mounting equipment, a UT33 Bluetooth unit and VS3 Bluetooth headset. This comes at a more princely sum of £749.95. At this price, one does not even have the programming leads!

The ID5100 incorporates all of the core features found in the IC-2820C and incorporate the User friendly the technology found in the IC-7100. The radio features a large responsive touch screen and also integrated GPS, Optional Bluetooth connectivity and support for Android Devices.

Before you buy the ID-5100 bear in mind that an optional blue tooth unit, the UT33-A, may be purchased and costs just £44.00. This is an interesting unit as it opens up a host of facilities as in operation from an Android Tablet or Android phone. Hands-free operation is possible via the UT33-A.

Does one need all of the other paraphernalia? Well, yes, because, unlike other manufacturers, they don't supply the mobile mounting kit for the head with the radio. Icom's accessories are by no means cheap! Undoubtedly the programming leads will be required at some stage - more expense! Why can't Icom supply all the requisite leads and accessories in the box? You do not get a stand to mount the head in the car or to stand it on the bench.

Whats does it do?

Touch Screen Operation provides quick and smooth operation for setting and editing functions and memories. The Screen is large and easy to read too.

VHF/VHF, VHF/UHF, and UHF/VHF dual receive allow the reception of two bands simultaneously including two channels within a single band.

DV Dual Watch. The ID-5100 has simultaneous receive for FM/FM, FM/DV and the capability of monitoring two DV signals. The main band reception will take priority if two signals come in at the same time.

Integrated GPS Receiver allows the transmission of co-ordinates from the built-in GPS receiver for the benefit of position reports and also as a handy reference to find Repeaters located in the vicinity after reference to information carried in memories. If you wish to go mobile in "Stealth" mode it is possible to switch this facility off.

Dplus Reflector Linking facilities are added to the DR function to allow easy reflector operation Use Reflector link or unlink to the reflector.

UT33 Bluetooth unit is the optional accessory for use with the optional VS-3 Headset and the Optional RS-MS1A Android application (this application is a Free download) The UT-33 has been superseded by the UT-33-A.

Other Features:

Menu-Driven User Interface
SD Card Slot for voice and data storage
Convenient Memory contents management using CSV data format
Enhanced D-PRS functions with object, position item and weather formats
CS-5100 Cloning Software Supplied
Speech function announces operating frequency, mode, Call sign (DV Mode)
50Wattts output on VHF and UHF bands
AM airband dual watch
DTMF via Mic Keypad or touchscreen

If purchasing this radio and using D-Star for the first time, there will be much cursing and swearing if the manual is not consulted. It is quite amazing how a  few minutes into the manual, things will become clearer. The system is quite user friendly, once the user-unfriendly bits have been set up, and the Transceiver is a pleasure to operate.

The Bluetooth connectivity to an Android Tablet or phone makes this a gem to operate. All functions can be clearly seen of the display and the hands-free headset either supplied by Icom or purchased elsewhere is safe to use whilst driving.

Audio quality is excellent on both Digital voice and analog. The transceiver is sensitive and on a par with other brands.  

Indeed, this is the most expensive model on the market but bear in mind that Icom did all the research in conjunction with the JARL to produce the first Digital Mode for the Amateur Market. It did cost a lot of money to achieve their goal. Many "die-hards" will claim that D-Star is the best of the three popular Digital modes which is debatable.

D-Star Facilities in Galway

The Galway Digital Gateway on 144.850 MHz currently runs D-Star and defaults to DCS 049i which is used extensively by the Northern Ireland operators and consequently has plenty of activity. The Reflectors are user selectable but we do ask that when you are finished, as a matter of courtesy, that you will unlink to allow the Gateway back to its default setting.

The current DMR repeater, EI7RHD, located in Galway City will shortly be substituted with a Multi-mode Repeater allowing operation on DMR D-Star and Yaesu's C4FM. This Repeater will have Citywide coverage and certainly extensive coverage outside of the city also.

At present, a dedicated D-Star Repeater is being constructed which will extend the facility further. This will default to DCS 049i and we ask that, if one selects any other D-Star Reflector, put it back as you found it by unlinking when finished as a matter of courtesy.

If out of range of any of the D-Star facilities in Galway think about the purchase of a personal Hotspot.

Further information about this interesting mode may be gleaned from  >>Here

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New IRELAND Room Established on Peanut

Following a request by Steve, EI5DD and John, MI0AAZ, an Ireland Room has been established on Peanut, an App written by PA7LIM. There are no other Reflectors, Repeaters, or Gateways linked to this room so activity is exclusive to this room rather than being re-transmitted on multiple RF breakout systems. As always the time from suggestion to getting this system set up was minimal being less than a week - we don't hang around we get things done!

TM7 Internet Radio users will find this a great opportunity and benefit alongside those using Android or Windows Operating Systems. 

Further down the road, it is planned to set up an XLX reflector accessible by D-Star linked to Peanut and also into Talk Group 2724 effectively linking D-Star to DMR and Peanut.

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Galway Multimode Digital Repeater

The Galway Digital Radio Group was recently offered a Tait UHF Repeater converted to run Digital Modes using a Pi-Star Repeater Controller. The Repeater will be substituted for the current DMR system using the call sign, EI7RHD, which covers Galway City thereby freeing up a DMR repeater for relocation to a fifth site or as a replacement if required on one of the existing sites should the need arise. 

The Repeater chassis holds two Tait Radios, one for transmitting and the other for receive, a Repeater Control unit and an on-board power supply. There is room to house the Duplex Filters. This will fit snugly into the 19-inch rack system currently in use. In addition, there will be an external Raspberry Pi Controller and MMDVM board connected to the Internet. The system has an efficient cooling system to ensure the longevity of the transmit P.A and also the power supply.

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The Tait Repeater is capable of running 30 watts output on C4FM, D-Star, Slot 1 & 2 DMR, P25 and NXDN. For local purposes, the Repeater will run Slot 1 & 2 DMR, C4FM and D-Star. P25 and/or NXDN may be added for experimental purposes if reasonable demand should be evident. The system will act as a Repeater as well as a gateway for all modes

The Fusion system on the Pi-Star behaves in a similar way to the Yaesu Wires-X system accessing with a press of the DX button. The D-Star system will operate as any other D-Star system with all D-Star Reflector systems accessible. DMR will be set up with Time Slot 1 for International use and TG 9 Local operation with Time Slot 2 for Local and UK as well as TG 9 Local operation in keeping with our Hytera systems.

This system, in addition to the Galway Fusion Repeater, the 2-metre Multi mode Gateway and the Galway Wires-X Gateway will ensure that those with C4FM equipment will have plenty of choices and those with D-Star will also be able to link into the system using Repeater or Gateway.

This system will be pressed into service as soon as the Galway Digital Radio Group receive the unit and will not result in any loss of service.

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Phase II - EJ7IBD Inishbofin Island DMR On Air

On Sunday the 21st of July EJ7IBD, the Inishbofin DMR Repeater located on the east end of Inishbofin island, was installed and appeared on-air making it the first repeater to be established on an offshore Island. This Repeater will cover the western side of Connemara, including the coastal roads. There would be no way of covering this area from the Galway side of the mountains.

The 4-Stack directional antenna system, supplied by Radio Structures Ltd, plus feeder was installed on the mast on Saturday by Des, EI5GT, and Ronan EI8HJ. The antenna was fitted the 10m high tower beaming east towards the mainland. The antenna is solid and will last the weather conditions on the western coastline.

The 4-Stack Vertical Array

View to the Mainland

Steve, EI5DD, sailed out on the Sunday with the Repeater and ancillary equipment. Aengus, EI4ABB, fine-tuned the PROCOM Filters into the antenna system before the Repeater was connected. Ronan EI8HJ, and Des EI5GT, set up the Internet prior to connection of the Repeater.

The Repeater CPS was fine-tuned, loaded, and interfaced into the Brandmeister System via the Internet. On power-up, the repeater came to life and immediately connected into the Brandmeister Network. The initial transmission, on boot-up, did not indicate any feedback into the receiver and no desense was detected.

All systems worked well and the connection showed up on the Brandmeister Dashboard. A Few Calls were made through the system with Ronan EI4KN as our first contact. Final checks were made before increasing the power to 40 watts. A few more Calls were put out to prove that there was no desense with full power output. Finally, all the gear was tidied up and the remote GSM switch installed.

The Repeater fitted in well with the Wireless Internet system and didn't take up too much space.

Special thanks to Aengus EI4ABB for his assistance with the Cavity Filter tuning and to Ronan, EI8HJ, and Des, EI5GT, for Their assistance with the Networking and for the use of their mast and hut for the Repeater.

L - R - Des EI5GT, Aengus, EI4ABB,  and Ronan, EI8HJ

The map above shows the coverage of the Inishbofin Repeater bringing in a substantial area of the coastal road. The coverage may be better than illustrated as the worst-case scenario was programmed in to obtain the coverage. 

       The combined coverage of EI7RHD - Galway, and EJ7IBD Inishbofin Island

The combined coverage of Inishbofin Island - EJ7IBD and Galway City - EI7RHD are only the beginning. EI7LRD - Loughrea and EI7AKR will follow fairly soon thus completing the Galway DMR Network. Inishbofin and Galway City are the two westerly Repeaters and the addition of Abbeyknockmoy and Loughrea Repeaters will complement the coverage. Uniform coverage with saturation of the majority of the county will be possible along with coverage into neighbouring counties.

Roaming between repeaters will be possible so constant contact with the network will be possible. The Loughrea Repeater will be the next one to be placed on site.  

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Castlebar 4 days Walking Festival 2019

Steve EI5DD, and Tom EI2GP, assisted with the communications for the 30 km rambles during the Castlbar International 4 Days walking Festival from the 4th to the 7th of July. We have been assisting with this event since 1992. There were over 260 international ramblers participating. There were twice that number participating in the Road Walks but we were not involved in that section.

The Marshals Organisers and Medical personnel were issued with PMR 446 radio equipment. The PMR 446 radio equipment allowed the Marshals, Walk Leaders, Medical and First Aid personnel to communicate with each other throughout the 30 Km Rambles over boggy terrain and in the hills. Steve, EI5DD, "Ground Control", was also in touch via the same system and also with Tom EI2GP who was using 2 metre Equipment which had wider coverage to the ground station. It was via the 2 metre system that any additional assistance could be summoned as this would be free of any other traffic. 

There were four different routes:

Day 1 - Letterkeen Loop

Day 2 - Achill Island 

Day 3 - Mulranny

Day 4 - A Scenic "Roady" walk through the Castlbar Countryside

As can be seen, the weather conditions were variable but never severe and any rain was only a light and misty. The conditions for walking were perfect and it was not too hot. There were many different walking terrains making it an interesting walk and provided many challenges walking across bog and hill. .

The APRS map of the 4 days is shown below. The Letterkeen Loop did not show up too well as it was situated well behind hills and out of range of almost everything. Our Communications worked well but there was a contingency plan if additional help were required.

The map below shows the entire travels of EI5DD for the 4 days plus travel to and from the event.

In conclusion, the event was very enjoyable from both our perspective and that of the walkers. Our radio equipment functioned perfectly. The Marshals, First Aid and Medical personnel learned radio procedure very quickly and were really proficient throughout the event. They would put some radio amateurs to shame! The liaison between the two systems was excellent and all equipment worked perfectly. We always try to introduce something new to events in which we participate but this particular event cannot be improved beyond its current format.

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