NFD as shown in the first picture was the main event of the year of any RSGB club. We used to devote meetings at the club to the event, deciding who was going to build the transmitter and what “secret weapon” would be involved. The receivers used in those days were boat anchor types, similar to the HRO shown above. There was no commercial equipment you could buy, other than an ex Govt receiver. My first experience of operating was in 1957 with the HRO and a transmitter made by Ted G3IVH, now SK. He had made the PA tuning track the VFO so that we were always on tune.
Power level allowed was 10 watts. I don’t mean somewhere around 10w either. That was the maximum allowed. So we used to have a “dummy run”. We would visit the NFD site, with gear and antenna. We would then set it all up with the antenna in the place it would be on the day. Ted would then meticulously adjust the PA to run 9.999999w and NO MORE. Adhering to these strict rules made it more exciting because you knew that all the other G portables were doing a similar thing. Logging was discussed endlessly, we tried several different methods for speed because we had a logger sitting beside us. The operator kept the main log, colums all drawn out with a serial number going up to a few hundred. Handwriting had to be deciphered after the contest so more meetings were needed.
I was working a day job and also 6 nights a week as a musician. I used to arrive at the NFD site just after midnight in time for some fish and chips and then operate for the next 6 hours or so. It was hectic until Sunday morning around 11 a.m. We would then look for weak G portables on 10 and 15 metres. Just after lunch it became becalmed and it was then that the automatic CQ machine would be employed, a motor running a disc with CW characters cut from the edge. Operators would be sitting just ourside the tent and listening. You would occasionally hear somebody like Pat G3IOR yell “We have worked him”, especially if it was a new operator having taken over.
It does not have the same appeal I guess these days with most newcomers to the hobby not wishing to do CW because it takes time to become a proficient operator. However, I cannot stress enough the thrill that using that mode gives and the only way you will find out is if you try it. Come and pay a visit to the NFD tent and if you wish to become involved you will be most welcome. Guys like me are coming to the end of our operating days. I could no longer do the graveyard shift as we used to call it, so we do need to have replacements in time. A few years down the track and you won’t be able to gain the benefit of our experience and enjoyment.
We do Morse for the satisfaction it gives, a skill you cannot get from FT8 and it occupies 40% of the amateur bands, frequencies you cannot use unless you know Morse. We do it, not because it is easy, but because it is hard and requires personal effort!
Try it……………You may even like it!
73 de Roger, G3LDI