Galway Radio Experimenters Club

Photos from the Maamturk Event

Maamturk Walk Galway Radio Experimenters Cub provide radio stewarding for the annual Maamturk mountain walk, which is run by the NUIG Mountaineering Club. The walk itself covers the Maamturk mountain range in Connemara, is approximately 16 miles long and involves climbing seven peaks along the route, finishing in Leenane village. The NUIG group is responsible for check-ins on the mountain peaks and the Galway Mountain Rescue Group is on standby at all times in case of accidents. Radio check points are placed on the mountains, using frequencies on 2 meters. We also have personnel on check-out points on ground level, to ensure that any climbers opting out along the way will be accounted for. Radio personnel on the hills are equipped with 2 meter handhelds, with plenty of spare batteries to cover the long hours at station. Simplex operation is used for links to control point and any black spots are relayed by the nearest checkpoint. The radio control point is placed at Maam Bridge. We use two aerials, 2 meter colinears, one as a backup. Operation is from a van parked at the bridge. Up to 100 walkers can turn out for the event, the walk commences at 5 a.m. and is normally completed by 8 p.m. Our club lost one of our members, Michael Crosbie, EI3GP during the final stage of the walk in April 1999. Mike slipped on the descent into Leenane during heavy rain.