GM Flora & Fauna

🌿📻 New GMFF Award: United Kingdom Special Sites Award (UKSSA)

The UKSSA encourages amateur radio activity from officially listed protected sites across the United Kingdom, Crown Dependencies, and associated island jurisdictions.

Qualifying sites include SSSI, ASSI, SSS, and SSI locations, recognised for their scientific, ecological, geological, biological, and conservation importance.

Open to both chasers and activators, with awards issued every 25 qualifying sites, from 25 through to 500.

Full details, rules, and the official site list are available here:

The British Isles Rambler Award (BIRA) is now available from GM Flora & Fauna.

This award programme recognises confirmed contacts and activations from qualifying island and mainland references across the British Isles, including Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Crown Dependencies, mainland Great Britain, and mainland Ireland.

There are separate award paths for chasers and activators, with levels beginning at 25 unique references and continuing upward.

Whether you are logging contacts from home or heading out portable, BIRA is a great reason to get active and support more radio activity across the British Isles.

Full details here:

👉 https://gmff.uk/bira

Comet CWA-1000 – Multiband Dipole Wire Antenna

Comet has put serious thought into the construction of the CWA-1000. This is a strong, well-built multiband dipole designed for all locations, particularly where reliability and resistance to harsh weather conditions matter.

Covering the main amateur bands from 80 m to 10 m (3.5 / 7 / 14 / 21 / 28 MHz), the CWA-1000 delivers consistent performance whether you’re working DX or enjoying relaxed contacts on 80 m. With a suitable tuner, it offers excellent bandwidth flexibility.

Despite its capability, the antenna remains compact, with a total length of 19.9 m, and is rated for up to 500 W PEP, comfortably handling high power operation. It is supplied with the latest CBL-300 balun, insulators, and all required fittings for straightforward installation.

Key features:

Multiband coverage: 3.5, 7, 14, 21, 28 MHz

Maximum input power: 500 W (PEP)

VSWR: less than 1:2

Total length: 19.9 m

Weight: 2.4 kg

Includes CBL-300 balun and insulators

A practical, tough, and dependable dipole for everyday operating and demanding conditions alike.

For operators taking part in GMFF and Parks on the Air activations, reliable antenna performance is crucial. Whether setting up a mobile whip in a car park or a wire antenna across a woodland clearing, having the right tool to check your station’s efficiency makes all the difference. The RigExpert Stick XPRO Analyzer is a compact, powerful device designed for just that purpose—providing accurate RF diagnostics in the field.

Wide Frequency Range and Impedance Flexibility

The Stick XPRO operates across 0.1 MHz to 1150 MHz, covering HF, VHF, and UHF bands typically used during activations. It supports a wide variety of impedance systems (12.5 to 600Ω), allowing it to test everything from standard 50Ω portable antennas to experimental wire setups often deployed during nature reserve activations.

Essential Measurements for Field Ops

The analyzer measures SWR, impedance, resistance, reactance, capacitance, inductance, and return loss, with clear visual charts. For mobile setups like GM5FFF/m, this means quickly checking a magmount whip on 30m or tuning a portable dipole before logging the first FT8 contact. The TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) mode is especially valuable when coax runs are involved, identifying faults and distance to breaks—an essential safeguard when working in the field.

Designed for Portability

Weighing just 185 grams and powered by a single 18650 Li-ion battery, the Stick XPRO is built for outdoor use. It runs for hours on a single charge, can be topped up via USB, and features a rugged TFT display with waterproof keyboard, ideal for the unpredictable Scottish weather faced during GMFF activations. Bluetooth 4.2 BLE connectivity adds flexibility for linking with other devices.

Practical in Real Activations

During GMFF outings, setup time is limited, and efficiency matters. The Stick XPRO offers quick operating modes: Multé for checking multiband antennas and HAM for single-band options. This means you can validate your antenna system in minutes, ensuring that your 20 watts from a mobile rig like the Icom IC-725 is actually getting into the antenna, not lost in mismatches.

Conclusion

For amateur radio operators involved in GMFF, POTA, or other portable operations, the RigExpert Stick XPRO provides a compact, accurate, and highly reliable solution for antenna and system testing. Its portability, versatility, and advanced features make it an excellent companion for activations where both time and efficiency are critical.

👉 Learn more or purchase here: RigExpert Stick XPRO Analyzer

Dawsholm Park Nature Reserve – POTA Activation GB-3309

On 17 May 2025, operators MMØDFV and GM4XYL brought Dawsholm Park Local Nature Reserve (GB-3309) on the air for Parks on the Air (POTA). Operating as GM5FFF/m, the team set up a simple mobile station inside the car, running an Icom IC-725 at 20 watts into a magmount whip antenna. The activation was carried out on 10.136 MHz FT8, producing steady results across Europe. No DX was heard during the session, though the longest contact was with R1BED, at approximately 1295.4 miles (2084.8 km).

The Park

Dawsholm Park, located in northwest Glasgow along the River Kelvin, is a site with both history and natural appeal. The area was purchased by Glasgow Corporation in 1922 from Sir Archibald Campbell of Succoth, incorporating parts of his Garscube estate once known as the Belvidere plantation. Grasslands to the south and old shale waste mounds (blaes bings) to the east were added, the latter being levelled into recreation grounds that once hosted several football pitches.

Today, the park is valued for its woodland walks, with a criss-crossing network of paths and plenty of seating for visitors to rest and watch wildlife. The mature woodland and grassland habitats support a wide variety of plants and animals, making it an attractive place for both walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Wildlife

The park is home to a diverse range of species. Among the trees are beech, larch, yew, rhododendron, hawthorn, and foxglove, providing seasonal colour and shelter. Sparrowhawks are sometimes spotted hunting in the scrubland, a welcome sign of recovery after years of decline. Grey squirrels are common, darting across the paths in search of acorns and beech nuts, while smaller birds such as blackbirds and blue tits are constant companions in the woodland canopy.

The Activation

Operating from within the park was straightforward, though one discouraging fact was hard to ignore: the proximity of a waste recycling plant nearby, which took away some of the natural charm of the setting. Still, the station performed well, logging European contacts throughout the session. The lack of DX was balanced by steady regional propagation, and the distance worked into Russia with R1BED was a highlight of the day.

Reflections

Dawsholm Park combines history, recreation, and nature within Glasgow’s urban landscape. Although modern developments such as the waste facility detract somewhat from the surroundings, the woodland walks and wildlife habitats retain their appeal. For POTA operators, it offered a mix of challenges and rewards—easy mobile setup and steady contacts, set against a backdrop of woodland, history, and the sound of the River Kelvin.

Activation Details:

Troon Golf Links and Foreshore SSSI (GB-1378) – GM5FFF/m Activation

On 3 May 2025, operators MMØDFV and GM4XYL activated Troon Golf Links and Foreshore Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), POTA reference GB-1378, using the mobile station GM5FFF/m. The activation took place on 10.136 MHz FT8, adding another Scottish coastal site to the Parks on the Air (POTA) program.

The Troon Foreshore combines sandy beach, dunes, and saltmarsh habitats, supporting unique wildlife along Scotland’s west coast. It provided a scenic and windswept setting for portable radio, linking the beauty of the natural shoreline with international on-air activity.

This activation was made possible with equipment support from our sponsor: Unicom Radio.

Robroyston Park Nature Reserve (GB-3312) – GM5FFF/m Activation

On 3 May 2025, we activated Robroyston Park Local Nature Reserve (GB-3312) as GM5FFF/m using a mobile station. Operating on 10.136 MHz FT8, the session added another protected Scottish site to the Parks on the Air (POTA) program.

Robroyston Park, on the northern edge of Glasgow, is a diverse reserve with wetlands, meadows, and woodland habitats supporting a wide range of wildlife. Its tranquil pond and surrounding greenery made an excellent backdrop for portable radio.

The activation combined field radio with nature appreciation, highlighting the value of this local reserve within the POTA network.

Cushcraft MA5VA 5 Band HF Vertical Review

For amateur radio operators who are short on space but don’t want to compromise on multiband HF performance, the Cushcraft MA5VA is a smart and reliable option. This compact vertical is designed for operators working 20 through 10 meters, offering an excellent balance between performance, durability, and ease of installation.

Compact Multiband Coverage

The MA5VA delivers 5-band coverage across 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, and 10m. Despite its reduced footprint, it performs surprisingly well for a no-radial vertical. With a height of just 4.48m, it fits comfortably in small backyards, patios, or even rooftop installations where full-size antennas aren’t practical.

Cushcraft has engineered this vertical to achieve a low take-off angle of 16 degrees, which makes it a solid performer for DX contacts. Gain is modest (1–2 dBi), but in practice the antenna provides dependable results on all supported bands.

Power Handling and Bandwidth

Rated at 250W PEP, the MA5VA can easily handle most modern transceivers and QRP amplifiers without stress. The VSWR at resonance sits around 1.2:1, which is excellent, and the usable bandwidths across each band are more than sufficient for day-to-day operating:

10m – 500 kHz

12m – 100 kHz

15m – 450 kHz

17m – 100 kHz

20m – 200 kHz

This means less time fiddling with tuners and more time making QSOs.

No Radials Required

One of the biggest advantages of the MA5VA is that it does not require radials. For hams limited by ground space or those who prefer a quick, clean installation, this feature alone makes it stand out. You can mount it on a mast (31.8–51mm diameter supported) and be on the air quickly without the hassle of laying out wires.

Build Quality and Durability

Weighing only 2.95 kg and engineered to survive winds up to 160 kph, the MA5VA is both lightweight and rugged. Cushcraft’s build quality has a good reputation among amateurs, and this vertical is no exception. Once properly installed, it requires little maintenance.

Upgrade Path

If you find yourself wanting more band coverage later, Cushcraft offers the MA5V6M add-on kit, which upgrades the antenna to the same specification as the MA-6V. That makes the MA5VA not only a compact solution but also a flexible one.

Final Thoughts

The Cushcraft MA5VA is an excellent choice for radio amateurs who want reliable 5-band coverage in a compact vertical that doesn’t need radials. It’s perfect for urban or suburban operators who want to stay active on HF without dominating the entire garden with antennas. With its upgrade potential, solid wind survival, and straightforward installation, it’s a well-rounded antenna that punches above its size.

👉 Check the Cushcraft MA5VA here

In July 2011, members of the West of Scotland Amateur Radio Society travelled to the Outer Hebrides to take part in the Islands on the Air (IOTA) Contest, held annually on the last weekend of July. Our chosen destination was South Uist—an island most of us had never visited before, and home to a rare GMFF site: Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve (GMFF-043).

The Journey North

The GM4AGG/p team—2MØRRO Craig, GMØEZP Ernie, GMØVIQ Eugene, GMØWRR John, GM4TOQ Alan, GM7WED Ross, and MM6YUJ Campbell—set off from Glasgow on what would become a 12-hour journey across some of Scotland’s most scenic and historic landscapes.

We passed the tranquil waters of Loch Lomond, continued through the dramatic mountains of Glencoe, and stopped briefly in Fort William before heading on to Spean Bridge and the Commando Memorial. From there, the road took us past the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, across the Skye Bridge, and up through the Isle of Skye to Uig.

At Uig we boarded the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Lochmaddy on North Uist. Once ashore, we drove through the unspoiled scenery of Benbecula before arriving on South Uist, ready to set up camp for the contest.

Setting Up at Loch Druidibeg

Early on Saturday morning, we established our station at Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve. The setup consisted of:

Radio: Yaesu FT-920 with auto ATU

Antenna: 160-foot delta loop, supported by two 60 ft masts

Power: 5 kW generator

This straightforward arrangement gave us solid coverage and reliable performance throughout the event.

On the Air

Over the contest weekend, we logged just over 300 contacts. While we weren’t competing for the top scores, it was rewarding to both take part in the IOTA Contest and activate GMFF-043 for the benefit of chasers.

Weather Challenges

Saturday gave us pleasant sunshine and calm conditions—perfect for portable operations. But as often happens in the Hebrides, the weather changed overnight. A storm swept across South Uist, making sleep nearly impossible and turning Sunday morning’s operations into a battle against wind and rain.

By the time the contest ended at 13:00 local time, we were forced to dismantle the station and pack everything away in challenging conditions before returning to Lochmaddy for the ferry back to Skye and the long drive to Glasgow.

Reflections

Looking back, the activation of GMFF-043 during the July 2011 IOTA Contest was a memorable experience. The combination of spectacular landscapes, camaraderie within the team, and the satisfaction of putting this rare nature reserve on the air made it all worthwhile.

Would I do it again? Without hesitation. South Uist, with its mountains, lochs, moorlands, and glens, is a truly special part of Scotland. For those who missed us in 2011, there will no doubt be future activations of Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve (GMFF-043).

Further Reading

Glencoe

Commando Memorial

Eilean Donan Castle

Isle of Skye

South Uist

Loch Druidibeg National Nature Reserve

Every August, the airwaves come alive from some of the world’s most iconic lighthouses during the International Lighthouse Lightship Weekend (ILLW). This annual global amateur radio event is not a contest, but a celebration of history, community, and worldwide communication.

Event Dates:

📅 16–17 August 2025 🕛 00:01 UTC (16 Aug) – 24:00 UTC (17 Aug)

With over 500 lighthouses in 40+ countries taking part, operators and listeners alike can enjoy the magic of connecting across borders while highlighting the importance of maritime heritage.

📻 Learn More & Get Involved:

Read the full story here

Whether you’re activating a station or simply listening in, you’ll be part of something truly special — bringing lighthouses to life across the airwaves.

📢 GMFF Announcement:

The Lab599 Discovery TX-500 stands as a milestone in portable software-defined radio design, purpose-built for operators who refuse to let location, weather, or terrain limit communication. This ultra-portable HF transceiver is not just another lightweight rig—it is engineered for the realities of harsh environments, rugged field deployments, and demanding expeditions.

From mountain summits to desert plains, the TX-500 is built to operate where lesser radios falter. Its full HF and 6m coverage (160–6 meters), all-mode operation (SSB, CW, DIG, AM, FM), and 1–10W adjustable output power ensure versatile, reliable connections for amateur radio operators, survivalists, field engineers, and emergency responders.

Engineered for Durability

The TX-500 is designed from the ground up for tough field conditions:

Precision-Milled Aluminum Alloy Chassis – Delivers superior impact resistance and efficient heat dissipation.

Fully Sealed, Weatherproof Construction – Dust, splashes, and debris have no entry points, ensuring consistent performance in unpredictable climates.

Black Anodized Finish – Protects against wear, keeping the transceiver’s professional look even after repeated field use.

Compact & Ultra-Light – Weighing only 0.55 kg and just 21 mm thick, it’s one of the slimmest HF transceivers available.

Advanced Performance in a Compact Form

Despite its portability, the TX-500 carries technology you’d expect in high-end desktop SDR rigs:

True SDR Architecture – Powered by a 32-bit floating-point DSP for advanced filtering, auto-notch, and audio equalization.

48 kHz High-Resolution Panadaptor – Real-time spectrum display for precise signal hunting.

11 Discrete RF Bandpass Filters – Exceptional out-of-band rejection.

Ultra-Low Current Drain (100 mA RX) – Ideal for extended off-grid operation.

USB PC Integration – Supports I/Q output, firmware updates, and remote control.

Built-In CW & Voice Keyer – Essential for contests, nets, and emergency messaging.

Optimized for the Field

Every design element serves field usability:

Backpack-Friendly Dimensions – 90 × 207 × 21 mm for easy packing.

Folding Kickstands – Stable operation anywhere.

Rugged Connectors & Sealed Controls – Maintain reliability in dust, rain, or snow.

Receiver Highlights

Noise Floor (MDS) – 141 dBm sensitivity for pulling in weak DX signals.

Dynamic Range – 129 dB blocking gain compression ensures stability near strong signals.

High-Performance DSP NR – Strips away noise without losing signal detail.

Transmitter Excellence

Output Power – 1–10W PEP, perfect for QRP or more robust operations.

DSP RF Speech Processing – Boosts clarity and presence in voice transmissions.

3-Band Mic Equalizer – Tailors your sound for optimum readability.

Included Essentials

The TX-500 package is ready for the field, including:

Speaker-mic with PTT

CAT cable for updates and remote ops

Power cable (9–15V DC input)

Headset & mic adapter

CW adapter for Morse keying

Spare GX12 7-pin connector for custom builds

Perfect for:

SOTA / POTA Activations – Lightweight yet robust for summit and park operations.

Backpacking & Expeditions – Energy-efficient for long deployments.

Emergency & Tactical Communications – Sealed, dependable, and remotely operable.

QRP Enthusiasts – SDR flexibility with premium filtering and dynamic range.

Final Verdict

The Lab599 Discovery TX-500 is more than a portable HF rig—it’s a mission-ready communication platform for serious operators. Its rugged build, advanced SDR processing, low power consumption, and professional-grade receiver performance make it equally at home on a mountain ridge, in an emergency deployment, or at a remote base camp.

If your operating style demands mobility without compromise, the TX-500 delivers—ensuring your signal is heard, no matter how far from the grid you go.

Welcome to GMFF – Portable Amateur Radio Adventures

GMFF is a group of radio amateurs who combine the excitement of amateur radio with the beauty of outdoor exploration. We take part in POTA, SOTA, WWFF, IOTA, ARLHS, WAB, BOTA and other portable programs, operating on HF and VHF across Scotland and beyond.

Here on our Tumblr blog, you’ll find:

Stories and reports from our field activations

Photos from scenic locations where we set up

Updates on upcoming events and projects

Tips, gear setups, and operating ideas for portable radio