All posts by Mark Smith

I am a UK amateur radio ham, first licensed as M6INI, now as a full license holder M0INI. I also use the CB radio as 26TM998 "spark transmitter". Enjoy the website, and I hope to also enjoy a QSO with you on the air, 73, Mark M0INI.
General, Operating

ICOM 726
ICOM 726 avatar

As you know, my classic rig, my ICOM 725 failed quite some time ago, and it turned out that the square chip behind the display gave off some smoke.  Since parts were not available, I have missed operating my classic ICOM 725.

Replacement ICOM 725

The search for another ICOM 725 started with an eBay search and a reminder being set up should one come up for sale.  I would even accept a “parts donor” rig, that would allow me to get either one working such was the fun and nostalgia I have had operating my classic rig.

Unfortunately, everything that came up, was at top bat price for a very average rig.  There were no “parts donors” that came available.

So, I widened my search to include the ICOM 726, a very similar rig that also includes the 6 metre band.  I have never transmitted on 6 metres nor 4 metres, so this may be an option should one become available.

After 18 months, the only 725 I saw was a very expensive average condition one, and for 726’s, two, both expensive and in Japan..!

Mint condition ICOM 726

Well last week, Graham M3XXG, posted to eBay a mint condition ICOM 726, and I was very interested.  The price was a little high, but, for the condition, and the fact that it was been well kept drew my attention.

After making contact via eBay, I decided to purchase the rig, and drove over to Graham’s QTH to collect.  The rig has a very nice receive, and we put out some calls on 40 metres, but it was a very busy pile up.  Hay oh, such are the bands sometimes.

So, the 726 is now back in my shack, replacing the failed 725.  I am very pleased with my purchase, and hope to operate it mobile some day as well.

Thank You

A big thank you to Graham, M3XXG, for selling me the rig and for keeping it in such a nice condition.  I certainly will keep it in good condition during my ownership.

Events, Radio Rallies, West Manchester Radio Club

Red Rose Radio Rally Summer 2025
Red Rose Radio Rally Summer 2025 avatar

Sunday 17th August 2025 sees West Manchester Radio Club host the summer radio rally called “Red Rose Rally”.

Red Rose Rally

This year, even though it is still at the same location, there is now better (or more improved) disabled access.  Ask a member of the club upon arrival.

All the usual traders will be there, along with a bring and buy, and the usual cafe for a tea, coffee or breakfast.

Operating

Cornwall 2025
Cornwall 2025 avatar

I took the bold step not to bring any amateur radios with me on holiday this year, and only pack CB’s instead.  As you know, I love all types of radio and choosing CB for my holidays was a change.

I have with me my Harvard “Good Buddy” on UK FM only, and a pair of Maycom AH-27 handhelds.

CB Radios Are Useful

When travelling and towing, some of the service area car parks for vehicles towing trailers, boats and caravans can be busy, and sometimes frankly a free for all.  Asking Mrs M0INI/XYL to pop out with a handheld CB certainly assists with any reversing blind spots.  We usually use channel 33 or 36 on UK FM for this.

Walking the handheld

Where we are camped, at Cambrose Touring Park, is very close to RAF Portreath, the remote RAF listening post on the north Cornish peninsular.

So today, in the blisteringly hot Cornish sunshine, I put on my boots, and went for a hike with a Maycom AH-27.  Does this make it a “walkie talkie”?  LOL – sorry for that..!

RAF Portreath

Anyway, at the summit of the hill, I could see the very impressive antenna array of RAF Portreath and a snow white radar golf ball in the distance.

As we are so high up, I can see why the RAF chose this location as a remote early warning listening station.  The take off for transmitting and receiving even with a handheld CB is excellent.

I plan to return another day with fresh batteries and see if I can make some European contacts as 26TM998/M.

Events, Radio Rallies, West Manchester Radio Club

Red Rose Rally – Summer Radio Rally
Red Rose Rally – Summer Radio Rally avatar

Reserve the date for your amateur radio diary, 17th August 2025.

Red Rose Rally

West Manchester Radio Club‘s summer radio rally called the “Red Rose Summer Rally” will be on Sunday 17th August 2025 at Mather Hall, Leigh, WN7 2PJ.

The doors open to the public at 10am, (until 2pm).

More information on the West Manchester Radio Club website’s rally page.

West Manchester Radio Club

Active MIMO Antenna Talk
Active MIMO Antenna Talk avatar

Tonight the West Manchester Radio Club were delighted to welcome Dave Crowe G4MVU, the RSGB representative to speak to the club about active MIMO antennas used in mobile data communication on the 1.8GHz, 2.4GH and 3.4GHz bands.

Dave started by explaining what they are, why they are used, then built up a simple scenario of two, then four elements on order to electronically change the radiated “beam” pattern, the goal is to “steer” the beam towards a certain direction.  This coupled with a 64 way (or more) array of dipole elements allows for a very directional beam pattern to effectively track a mobile phone as the operator of the phone moves around in order to reduce the power required to establish a radio communication channel with that device.

Dave showed some types of equipment used, and in the questions, answered how modern 4G and 5G networks operate effectively in their allocated bands.

A very big thanks to Dave and the RSGB for arranging this very enlightening technical talk.

I really enjoyed listening to his talk and here are some pictures I took.

General

How FM Radio Works
How FM Radio Works avatar

Whilst browsing YouTube, I came across this brilliant channel explaining how FM works, and in particular how stereo FM works in broadcast transmitters by Drew Kirkman.

The channel is called “Broadcast Blueprint” and the program is at How FM Radio Works: A History and Exploration of Frequency Modulation

None of this is my work, I simply watched the program, however, for effect, the image is a screenshot of the work from this channel.

Drew’s website is at: https://broadcastblueprint.com/

Awards, Events, West Manchester Radio Club

Paul Sargeant – Services To The Club Award
Paul Sargeant – Services To The Club Award avatar

Last night, at the West Manchester Radio Club’s annual general meeting, I was awarded the “Paul Sargeant” services to club award for my continued service over the last four years for being the club secretary.

I am very proud to receive this award from our club President, Les Jackson G4HZJ (left), myself Mark Smith M0INI (right).  It means so much to me for receiving this special award.

When I took over, there was very little previous history due to COVID, and I had to piece many things together, and bring some stability to the club’s admin.  I served under two Presidents, firstly Stan Batchelor M1HLL, then for the last year, Les Jackson G4HZJ, supporting them both for their committee meetings, annual general meetings, and even a extra ordinary general meeting, further supporting a minor change to the club’s constitution.

I have not stood for re-election as my circumstances have changed, however, I have loved my time as club secretary, and I hope to support the new secretary Dennis Anderson G6YBC in my old role.  I intend to remain a loyal member of this club for many years to come.

Photo kindly courtesy of Tony Adams G7OHA.

West Manchester Radio Club

Stepping Down As WMRC Secretary
Stepping Down As WMRC Secretary avatar

I have been a member of the West Manchester Radio Club for more than 15 years, having studied for my foundation license with them.  However, since 2021, I have been the Secretary of the club, but, now my circumstances have changed, so I have decided to step down as Secretary of the club.  Here is what I said to members…

I announced at the committee meeting on Thursday that I plan not to stand for re-election at the AGM.
As some of you know, I live 55 miles away (as the signal propagates), but a more realistic 69 miles away by road.
When I first became Secretary some years ago, I could always do business up here, but in the last 18 months this has changed such that I now have to come up especially for committee meetings or other events.
This means a 140 mile round trip, typically 2.5 hours coming north due to traffic and 1.5 hours home, leaving me tired the following day.
I still plan to remain a member of the club, and help out where I can, however I will be the DX member.
I have already received interest in the Secretary role, and this has a nomination. However, in the interests of fairness and openness I am making this all known to all members.
If anyone is interested in *ANY* role on the committee, please let me know. Without committee help and planning, we would not have the excellent club that we all love.
Mark Smith M0INI
Club Secretary

An end of an era, but, the new incoming secretary who will be elected next month will do a fine job, and I will support who ever is voted into post.

Events, West Manchester Radio Club

Red Rose Rally 2025 Successful
Red Rose Rally 2025 Successful avatar

Today was the West Manchester Radio Clubs Red Rose Rally.  Over 250 people attended the event, which was judged a success despite it being in an unfortunate smaller venue that cannot be helped.  The club is working on this for a larger and affordable venue.

As secretary of the club, I arrived just before 10am, and offered my services to cover any job position to relieve people allowing them to take a break.  I managed to get involved in taking the money on the door, selling raffle tickets, folding the raffle tickets, clearing up used cups and plates, sorting out the car parking issues, asking vendors to keep the isles clear, helping on the bring and buy.  At 1pm, I did the announcement of the draw, thanking everyone for coming, and inviting Dave Wilson from the RSGB to draw the raffle tickets.  Like everyone else running the rally, a busy day for all.

The main raffle prize, a Yaesu FT70D, was won and collected on the day, and the 2nd prize of a £20 cheque and cap from our sponsor, was won by a newly licensed amateur who only passed his foundation level exam this week on Wednesday..!

I did manage to take a break myself in order to enjoy one of the delicious bacon baps.  And, there may be every truth in the rumour that an hour later I participated in trying one of the sausage baps too.  A big thank you to the kitchen staff for the presentation of the food.

And lastly, a big thank you to all the volunteer members of the West Manchester Radio Club for helping out and making the rally possible.