Previous parts to this series:
Part One: https://tauntonarc.blogspot.com/2026/05/tackling-microwave-bands-part-one.html
Part Two: https://tauntonarc.blogspot.com/2026/05/tackling-microwave-bands-part-two.html
In this part of the series, on our journey to getting set up to operate on the microwave bands, David (G7BEH) explains the process for making that first contact. “I’m very new to 10GHz and it’s been a steep learning curve!” he says “I’d like to pass on what I’ve found so far…”
 |
| Listening for beacons during a tropospheric ducting event |
The first thing to do is organise where and when you’re going to operate and the who you’re going to contact once you get to site.
Assuming you are going to work as a portable station, choosing a site to operate from is all part of the homework and chatting to fellow microwavers may help you find sites near you. If that doesn't work, it's time to break open the maps and some software. Wherever you decide to operate from, local knowledge is a huge help!
 |
| A great microwave site - high up and clear views |
You're looking for a site that is as free from obstructions as possible... commanding views over the countryside is what we're after. These spots are usually well known to local microwave enthusiasts! That said, there's nothing to stop you from trying new locations, as David says "I've been looking at high spots in my locale; ones that I use for SOTA or POTA in particular. They may not turn out to be very good, but part of the fun is visiting these sites and seeing what you can hear - if you can make a contact too, that's a bonus". David recently tried Allington Hill (Bridport), Trinity Hill (POTA site near Axminster) and the A30, outside the Cricket St Thomas estate!
 |
| The highest point in Dorset (and a SOTA summit), but surrounded with trees! |
Once you know where you are, it's time to open up your path profile tool - we highly recommend Mike Willis Path Prediction software. If you've not set this up before, download it, along with the tiles that you need to cover the areas of operation.
 |
| Path Prediction software |
By entering the Maidenhead locator into the fields (as shown) and clicking on the Calculate button, the profile of the path is displayed. The path shown in the image above shows that there is a clear line of sight path between both stations - a very promising start! This page also displays the distance and bearing from the transmit station to the receiver. Initially, this is all you will need, but having an idea about the path loss is also rather useful - here it's 171dB, which should give a nice strong signal. David has found that for his system, when it starts heading towards a path loss of 230dB, the signal is likely to be marginal.
This software gives a lot more information and we'll share some more about it in a future post. For now, you have the distance, bearing and some information about the likelihood of the path working (or not!).
The next thing is to write this down somewhere! You'll refer to it when you first get set up and it's very useful when you are operating from a new site.
 |
| Make a note of all the details regarding stations, beacons, bearings and distances |
Here, G7BEH has also made a note of the temperature, pressure and humidity, as these all affect the path loss - perhaps less so at 10GHz but at 24GHz it makes a real difference. Bearings to beacons - KBQ, SCX and the French beacons ZON, ZG and ZAP - were also noted.
In the south west, we're very fortunate to have the Wessex websdr too - that's very useful to transmit into and see if you are being received by the websdr. "It's a confidence boost that everything is set up and working as you expected", says David.
Ideally, before setting out on a trip, post on the ON4KST / KST2You chat group and contact othe rmicrowave operators to see if you can arrange a sked. Once on site and ready to go, let them know and get ready to attempt a few contacts. "Typically, I'll listen around for the beacons, then try the websdr, before trying to have a QSO", David says.
You'll find that different modes can have surprising effects on the quality of the received signal - for example, FM can work very well when making a rainscatter contact, SSB can be good for general chat and longer distances. The thing is to get out there, try it, and enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment