​​We used the Club callsign G6IVR/P for the activation.  Equipment used was an IC706 Mk2G transceiver (dialled back to 25 watts output), and a small 4 element yagi at 5 metres agl.    

Operators Ken G4DKH and Chris G7LWV were joined by cyclist Bob G3ZHV in the afternoon. Over 4 hours of relaxed operating, we achieved 31 contacts in 14 locator squares across G, GM, GW and F.  Best DX was GM4DIJ/P at 488km.  We heard (but didn’t work) stations in Netherlands, Germany & Switzerland.

Band conditions were good, the weather was fine and a great time was had by all – another grand day out!

​As in previous years, we operated from our regular site at Canada Common, near West Wellow in Hampshire – thanks once again to John G8FMQ for allowing us to use his field.

Weather conditions were not favourable, with heavy rain and high winds over much of the weekend. However we were fortunate to be able to set up and dismantle the station during dry periods.  Radio propagation conditions also were not ideal compared to previous years, however we did manage contacts with West Coast USA, and a check on the Reverse Beacon Network showed that we we were heard in New Zealand!

As in previous years, we used the club’s TS590 transceiver running 100 watts to an extended W3DZZ dipole for 160, 80 & 40m bands, with a CobWebb antenna for 20, 15 & 10m bands. Antennas were mounted at an approximate height of 10m agl, on the club’s portable trailer-mast.

In view of the weather and the availability of operators, we made the decision not to operate for the full 24 hours.  We closed down the station around midnight and re-started at 6am on Sunday morning.  We achieved a total of 598 contacts, which was similar to last year - a good result considering band conditions.

Many thanks to Steve G8XEV, Graham G3XSD, Richard G3OTK, Chris G7LWV, Peter G4JHC and Ken G4DKH who all helped set up, operate, support and pack up.  Another successful NFD, in spite of the weather – a great time was had by all.

In what has now become an annual event for the club, IVARC club members again took part in SOS Radio Week, operating special event station GBØSR on 17th May 2026 on behalf of Solent Rescue from their lookout station on the clifftop at Lepe Country Park, overlooking the Solent.

Established in 1971, Solent Rescue is an independent rescue charity run entirely by volunteers, and funded solely by charitable donations. Operating from a lookout on the clifftop at Lepe Country Park, Solent Rescue works alongside the RNLI and NCI, and operates two inshore lifeboats providing a 24/7 response as an emergency service to HM Coastguard.

Our station was set up adjacent to the Solent Rescue lookout station, and the setup was similar to last year, running 70 watts to a short doublet antenna at about 8 metres above ground.  Operation was almost exclusively SSB on 40m.

Radio conditions can best be described as “interesting” – with high levels of QSB, and frequent periods of little or no activity followed by pile-ups lasting over 30 minutes!  However in just 5 hours of operating, we achieved a total of 132 contacts with stations in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Belgium, Channel Islands, France, Ireland, Italy, Germany & the Netherlands.  We also managed to contact other SOS Radio special event stations in Caister, Dungeness, Falmouth, and the Lifeboat station in Urk (Netherlands).

​In addition to being adjacent to the Solent Rescue and National Coastwatch Institution lookout stations, the location in Lepe County Park also qualifies as a POTA activation (GB-0404) and a Bunkers On The Air site (B/G-0336), and we worked several POTA and Bunkers stations during the activation!

Many thanks to club members Chris G7LWV, Peter G4JHC and Ken G4DKH for their support in setting up and operating the station.  Thanks also to club member Tim 2E0CXQ (who is also a Launch Advisor) and Linda from Solent Rescue for hosting us and providing much needed refreshments throughout the day.

Another very enjoyable event raising awareness and supporting the work of the volunteers at Solent Rescue Independent Lifeboat Station.  To find out more about Solent Rescue, or to make a donation, please click here

​Colin also organised a series of other communications / science related activities over the weekend, including:

    • a telephone switchboard system
    • a ‘what does sound look like?’ with oscilloscope, signal generator and microphone
    • morse buzzer practice
    • lighting LEDS using potato batteries
    • testing acidity / alkalinity of common household liquids
    • extracting DNA from strawberries & bananas !

​Well done to Colin, Bob and Bill for running such an interesting and enjoyable event for the youngsters.  Club members – please keep the JOTA weekend dates for next year free in your diaries and come along and help / join in the fun!

Our station was set up adjacent to the Solent Rescue lookout station, using the club’s TS570 transceiver running 80 watts to a doublet antenna at about 8 metres above ground.  Operation was SSB on the HF bands (mainly 40m & 20m).

Radio conditions were quite challenging, especially on Saturday, with very little activity evident on bands above 20m, and with high levels of QSB present.  However the fine weather lasted throught the weekend and made for a very enjoyable activation.

Over the weekend we achieved a total of 206 contacts in 24 DXCCs – a fantastic result!  We contacted stations in England, Wales, Scotland, N. Ireland, Austria, Azores, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.   Best DX was CU7BC on Faial Island, in the Azores, at 1579 miles (2527 km).

Lots of operators were looking out for SOS Radio Week stations, and we had several pile-ups lasting 20-30 minutes each to contend with – a great learning experience for all our club operators!  As an indication of the level of interest, our QRZ.com page has had over 830 look-ups so far!

Many thanks to club members Chris G7LWV, Peter G4JHC, Martyn 2E0OGR, Edgar M7WEF and Ken G4DKH for their support in setting up and operating the station.  Thanks also to Tim and Linda from Solent Rescue for hosting us and providing much needed refreshments throughout the day.

A very enjoyable weekend raising awareness and supporting the work of the volunteers at Solent Rescue Independent Lifeboat Station.

On 17th & 18th May 2025, in support of SOS Radio Week 2025, Itchen Valley Amateur Radio Club will activate special event station GBØSR (Solent Rescue) on behalf of Solent Rescue from their lookout on the clifftop at Lepe Country Park, Hampshire.  Operation will be mainly SSB on the HF bands (40m / 20m / 15m / 10m).  

We are participating in SOS Radio Week 2025 in May to help promote & raise awareness of the work of the RNLI, NCI, Independent Lifeboat Stations and Coastal Rescue teams through amateur radio.  If you haven’t heard of SOS Radio Week, find out more at www.sosradioweek.org.uk  

​​Established in 1971, Solent Rescue is an independent rescue charity run entirely by volunteers, and funded by charitable donations.  Operating from their lookout station on the clifftop at Lepe Country Park, Solent Rescue works alongside the RNLI and NCI, and operates two inshore lifeboats providing a 24/7 response as an emergency service to HM Coastguard.   

To find out more about Solent Rescue, or to make a donation, click here

The station will run from approx 10am – 4pm each day, and we will be looking for operators for the HF station, plus help to set up the station (starting from 9am).  If you are able to help out please contact Ken G4DKH directly or via the club forum.