IVARC participates in 144MHz Backpackers contest

Since losing our regular VHF/UHF site at Crabwood, near Winchester a few years ago, we have been unable to find a suitable alternative, and again we reluctantly decided we would not participate in VHF Field Day 2026.  However we did notice that on the Sunday of the Field day weekend (5th September) the 3rd 144MHz Backpackers contest was taking place between 10:00 – 14:00 UTC, so we decided to take part.

The Backpackers contest is aimed at low power stations with a single antenna no more than 6m above ground level.  There is a special category for “HillTopper” stations, which allows up to 25 watts and permits operation from a vehicle, provided the engine is switched off.

We decided to operate from the G4DKH campervan, in a layby on the Morestead Road near Winchester.  This location has clear take-off to the north, west and south, but is slightly obstructed to the east by Longwood Warren.  However it is not as busy as the carpark at nearby Cheesefoot Head – particularly on a sunny weekend!

​​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!