A Guide to Island Activation
Operating from the Scottish Islands can be great fun. To help make your trip a
success, Peter shares his many years of experience.
As a well known GMDX Contester recently wrote in the Digest:
"I feel that operating portable away from your home QTH is one of the most
enjoyable aspects of Amateur Radio, and everyone should at least give it a try."
So you've thought about it and decided to give it a try. Good! Well here are some well kent points to prevent your Fun turning to Fiasco. The Secret of Success is twofold. The FIRST lies in careful planning and decision making. Over the years I've learnt to start an island adventure with the 8 Ws. Here they are:
Follow these through methodically and you have already made your main decisions. You've decided these island(s) are either an exiting adventure or because you or the island chasers need them, or are part of a holiday. You've got the right sort of /P rig and you've got batteries with or without a petrol generator. Beg, borrow or buy the latter if you plan anything more than a 3 hour operation. You've made up and tested the the aerials. Careful pre-tuning and testing is absolutely essential if Mr.Murphy is to be kept away. Only large parties should attempt to erect bits metal (other than a mast and wires) in the sky - you won't have time to play about with them. Make sure your mast is based so that the wind will do the work when you erect it. Beware of attempting to activate islands solo if there is a significant risk of getting hurt. Most islands, especially uninhabited islands, involve a rocky climb from a rough landing. A bad fall on slippery rocks, a broken leg, sudden illness etc can be fatal without someone to help and raise the alarm. Assuming your intentions are indeed affordable, this leads to the SECOND Secret of Success, the 8 Ps of Preparation:
Finally, a few words of explanation about these considerations. There are 210 designated islands in the IOSA program. You can drive onto at least 68 of these by ferry, bridge or causway, so operation /M is easy. It's very simple to extend this by using a portable mast and more efficient antenna to reach a wider audience. All these islands have public access and don't require any special permission, although it's wise, where possible, to let the local constabulary know what you are about. Privately-owned islands, invariably needing the services of a boatman as well, require the owner's permission both to land and to operate a radio. A polite letter requesting permission and explaining the purpose and duration of your visit, as well as stressing that there will be no interference with the ecology or peace of the island, will invariably be met with interest and approval. As might be expected, most owners are also happy to recommend a boatman and advise about the island topography. It must be stressed that very few boatman who offer to take you to an island, also have authority to grant the necessary permission. Finally, don't forget a brief letter of thanks to the owner after your visit. Advice and helpful information are readily given by other island Activators. Don't try to re-invent the wheel yourself, ask someone who has already been there. It saves a lot of time, expense and uncertainty. Reduce all packages, cases, boxes etc to easily handled sizes, robust with firm handholds. Expect rain, and if a boat is involved, expect salty spray. Make sure all water-sensitive gear is adequately waterproofed.
For non-public access islands, expect to be delayed by bad weather. Ensure you
have enough water, food and fuel for at least an extra day.
Good Publicity prior to your visit is essential. You need stations to be looking for you, not the other way round. Make sure you have at least 25% more logsheets than you think you'll need. Don't forget spare pens and your authorisation letters. Absolutely essential is a comprehensive checklist - a detailed inventory of everything you need to take with you. Tick it off, item by item, as you load the car. Forget this and you will surely leave something vital behind. I know because I've done it! Equally vital is some evidence of actually being on the island. Photos of your station or vehicle with a recognisable background are indisputable. Cameras can go wrong, films can jam, so a spare is advisable. Some form of Landing Certificate signed by the boatman is also very useful as are tickets on public ferries. The final P is to forestall Mr. Murphy, who is always looking over your shoulder If something can go wrong, he will make sure it does. Have a go. Have fun, but be warned!
73 and good luck
Peter, GM3OFT |
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