Tested out my old neck mic yesterday on the Sat am net. Got good
reports, also tested out the amp again on 2M, number 7 on the 706 gives
about 8w out, that gives 80w out of the amp. Think this is enough, if I
do get an IC-7000 I shall do away with the amp.

Have now fitted the SWR meter I purchased at Kempton Park, its velcroed
onto the 2M amp. I have also fixed a small digital volt meter onto the
chipboard so I can keep an eye on the battery as well.

GRP Poles arrived - almost

Total nightmare, the items were to be delivered to the office, they
ended up being abandoned somewhere else in Carshalton Park. Had to send
the office out looking for them which cost me a box of chocs. In the end
found them and got them home, only to discover one pole is missing!
Anyway, its on its way, pics to follow.

Some photo's above of my outing today at Clandon. I worked about a dozen stations on 2M including two /m's on their way to ML&S's open day. I also spoke to Richard M0CFR when he was on his hand held at Sunbury. I also worked a station on 2M simplex, then 6M via Farnham, he was in Hertford.

I made a few contacts on 40M, German, Scotland and Ireland. All 59+ reports both ways. I tried 80M but the band was all but dead.