[UK-CONTEST] Portable operation

[STEPHEN C J BUNTING]

HI All,

I have been sitting quietly in the background reading this list for a
while, but an event last night during the 144MHz UKAC has led me to post
a semi-contest related question.

Living in London I have the usual restrictions on antennas at my home
QTH. This leads me to operate /p in most VHF/UHF contests from the road
at the side of a local park which also happens to be on a small
hill. This gives a good take off from due North through to South and
allows me to be active whilst not bothering the top of the table
entrants. I run an FT-847, upto 150W to a variety of yagis, depending on
the band up to a max boom length of 5m (on 70cm). I use one of the very
nice drive-on TennaTourer mast bases from tennamast and a 6m scaffold
pole with rototor on top. This is quick to set up and has been in use
for a year or so from the same site.

I was QRV last night calling CQ when I got a knock on the car window. In
a built up area this is to be expected and I usually get the normal
questions and try to push the hobby a bit. Not last night.

A couple knocked at the window and asked demanded to know I was doing. I
explained. A well spoken, well dressed chap said "It shouldnt be
allowed" and went off on one about causing cancer etc. All my fault, you
see, cancer is. I explained about the RA allowing me to do this and how
I was entitled to transmit legally. This wasn't good enough and I was
only able to stem the tide by bringing my work qualifications into play.

Momentarily put off track he then started on the leagality of me
operating whilst parked at the side of a public road with that
"beastly thing in the air" (a 9el tonna on 2m). And this is where you
all come in. I don't think I was doing anything wrong.  Even if the mast
snapped in two (!) the set up would fall either on my car or into the
Park and as such  could not be a danger. Can anyone advise me if I am
breaking the law by
operating from the side of the road like this ? I feel I haven't heard
the last from this guy and I would like to know where I stand
should I return to use that location (which I probably will lacking an
alternative). As the UK radio fraternity contains a range of professions
I thought I could seek advise here.

I remained calm whilst explaining that I felt entitled to do operate
my radio from this location and saying that I didn't want to
argue. The situation ended as the 'wife' dragged the chap away only
after he had taken my registration no. etc.

I appreciate I am somewhat venting my spleen here, and I
apologise. However, this is the only
way I can contest without going to huge amounts of trouble (1.5 hr
travelling time) to my alternative /p site in Kent. A bit silly for a
2.5 hour contest or to give a few points away. Advice is more than
welcome !

73
Steve
M0BPQ
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Dr Steve Bunting
Neural Damage and Repair,		Tel 0207 848 6268
Neuroscience Research Centre,		
King's College London
Hodgkin Building			stephen.bunting at kcl.ac.uk
Guys Campus
London Bridge
London
SE1 1UL
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