GB5LB – Lifeboats on the Air 2009 – PEEL

by MD0MDI
941 views
The Peel Lifeboat on the Isle of Man

Lifeboats on the Air - Ramsey in the Sun

There is no better cause than that of supporting the brave people that constantly face the weather and fears that would crush normal people, the Lifeboat Crews around our coastlines – The RNLI.

Mike Dunning (GD0HYM) has organized the ‘Lifeboats on the Air‘ event on a yearly basis with the local ‘Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society (IOMARS), though I am not sure if they are bothering to carry on with these nowadays, at least I have not heard if they have done them of late, but here are a few photos of what he got up to in 2009

First job of the day and taking advantage of the good weather and the fact that someone many hundreds of years ago had the foresight to build a castle right where it would be perfect for use by radio amateurs a long time later, was to put up the dipole that would be used for this event.

John Martin (GD4RAG) and a friend of his was up to the job of raising this antenna using a small pole and the railings around the castles edges.
John Martin (GD4RAG) and a friend of his was up to the job of raising this antenna using a small pole and the railings around the castles edges.
John (GD4RAG) messing about with Cables, Poles and bits of string, all in a days work for a radio ham…
John (GD4RAG) messing about with Cables, Poles and bits of string, all in a days work for a radio ham…
With everything now sorted out, all that needed to be done was to raise the mast upright!
With everything now sorted out, all that needed to be done was to raise the mast upright!

John had to keep holding this for the duration of the Lifeboats on the Air event! OK, Not really, but at least it was pointing upwards, now all that had to be done was to make sure that it stayed this way up, thankfully there are loads of nice railings that we could tie some string to…

John Martin (GD4RAG) having to hole the pole up for the duration of the event!
John Martin (GD4RAG) having to hole the pole up for the duration of the event!
It was not too long before John’s friend had the guys wires tied off.
It was not too long before John’s friend had the guys wires tied off.
Certainly was a nice day to play aerials, and with a great view as well around the castle grounds.
Certainly was a nice day to play aerials, and with a great view as well around the castle grounds.
My Nipper, Hayden playing around in the sun, he doesn’t get out much, quite sad really…
My Nipper, Hayden playing around in the sun, he doesn’t get out much, quite sad really…
The Peel lifeboat looking very clean and polished in its shed…
The Peel lifeboat looking very clean and polished in its shed…
One mighty tractor, ready to drag the boat out at any call.
One mighty tractor, ready to drag the boat out at any call.
John attaching the Balun to the ladder line.
John attaching the Balun to the ladder line.
Even with another pair of hands this was proving to be a little awkward.
Even with another pair of hands this was proving to be a little awkward.
Just a bit of tightening up to do…
Just a bit of tightening up to do…

Just a few more photos of the Lifeboat.

Peel Lifeboat, Isle of Man
Peel Lifeboat, Isle of Man
Peel Lifeboat, Isle of Man
Another view of the Tractor unit.
RNLI Tractor Unit at Peel

John Martin (GD4RAG) making any excuse to get on the radio with my nipper in the corner sulking, it was most probably over Davidsons Ice Cream shop being closed, he he…

My son Hayden looking very bored while listening to John (GD4RAG) checking out the antenna setup.
My son Hayden looking very bored while listening to John (GD4RAG) checking out the antenna setup.
Antenna checks and radio testing.
Antenna checks and radio testing.
With the final antenna checks done, John gave out a few calls to make sure that all was working before retiring for the day
With the final antenna checks done, John gave out a few calls to make sure that all was working before retiring for the day

Lifeboats on the Air Radio Day - The Next Day...

Mike Dunning (GD0HYM) managed the early morning shift until the rest of the crew arrived.
Mike Dunning (GD0HYM) managed the early morning shift until the rest of the crew arrived.
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) having a breather whilst someone else is on the radio.
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) having a breather whilst someone else is on the radio.
Taking it in turns, this time with Mike Dunning (GD0HYM) on the mic and getting the callsign heard. The gentleman on the left is one of the RNLI Crew in Peel, Sorry did not catch his name.
Taking it in turns, this time with Mike Dunning (GD0HYM) on the mic and getting the callsign heard. The gentleman on the left is one of the RNLI Crew in Peel, Sorry did not catch his name.
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) hard at work on 80 meters.
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) hard at work on 80 meters.
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) working the radio with Harry Blackburn (MD0HEB) keeping him company…
Stuart Hill (GD0OUD) working the radio with Harry Blackburn (MD0HEB) keeping him company…
Mike Dunning's Flag flying over the castle at Peel.
Mike Dunning's Flag flying over the castle at Peel.
The lifeboat on the slipway for the open day at the Lifeboat Station.
The lifeboat on the slipway for the open day at the Lifeboat Station.
RNLI Lifeboat in Peel on the slipway
RNLI Lifeboat in Peel on the slipway
The Tenacious Sail Training Vessel moored at the end of Peel Breakwater.
The Tenacious Sail Training Vessel moored at the end of Peel Breakwater.
The Tenacious Sail Training Vessel moored at the end of Peel Breakwater.

Tynwald Day 2009

Special Event Station run by the Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society (IOMARS) yearly.

Museum's on the Air 2008

Local Special Event station (GB4MNH) Organized by Harry Blackburn (MD0HEB) and run on behalf of the Isle of Man Amateur Radio Society (IOMARS)

Related Posts

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

free counters

error: Content is protected !!