Three Towers Hike Radio
Latest checkpoint operators' lists : More..
Introduction
The purpose of the hike comms team is two fold; from one perspective, it enables the base headquarters staff to quickly
contact the various checkpoints which are scattered over the course of the hike, gathering information which would not be
possible using mobile cellular phones. The information pertains to the welfare of the hikers, their progress on the course, and
management of any incidents which St John Ambulance are in attendance. It also affords the radio amateur community an
opportunity to put into practice their skills at providing emergency radio communication networks, particularly with a user
service "St John Ambulance". Many of the radio team have been involved with the hike for many many years and have a great deal
of experience in this event. Others, have less experience and are able to use the event as part of their own training in
wireless operating. The hike wishes for every member of the radio support crew to have an enjoyable day too, after all, you have
volunteered. Thanks for your help.
CHECKPOINT
A checkpoint is a clearly identified transit point to which hikers must pass through in order to complete the hike. Checkpoints must be visited in sequence. Some checkpoints are provided to service only a subset of the hikers. Most checkpoints can be accessed with normal road vehicles. A few require 4-wheel drive or foot access only. All except two checkpoints (East Ilsley and 79th Reading HQ) are located outdoors. A checkpoint is required to be manned until everyone has been accounted for at the next checkpoint.
MARSHALS
Each checkpoint has a marshal who is responsible for the safety and well-being of hikers and staff at the checkpoint. The checkpoint marshal is appointed by the chief marshal Pauline Swynford M3PUB. The marshal's duties are to provide the facilities required at the checkpoint, such as shelter and refreshments.
Working for and supporting the marshal will be a number of assistants, including members of the St John Ambulance and Amateur Radio communities.
OPERATION
For purposes of the amateur radio licence, operators are providing facilties to support one of the "user services" (St John Ambulance). In practice, radio operators are engaging in something of interest to themselves and can pass traffic "of a personal nature".
Radio operation will take place on the 2 metre band - centred around frequency 144.775 MHz using FM. The exact frequency will be announced on the day. Talk-through/rebroadcast facility (with permit) may be established on 70cm for remote stations (contact Ian Alderton G6IZA) as can a local chat channel (433.425MHz RU17)
The base station G5XV controls the main 2m channel and will request a checkpoint to report on any traffic. Checkpoints are usually polled in turn or based on the base's knowledge of the event.
Normal traffic consists of confirming the checkpoint, a recorded time and a list of hikers recorded at that time, for example, an 'over' might go something like this:
"G5XV this is M9XYZ checkpoint 16, at 1315 we have teams 44 45 and 46, plus hiker 47A".
The base station callsign is G5XV and is located at the bottom of Armour Hill, Tilehurst.
SCHEDULE
The schedule is subject to change! More..