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GM4FFF/m – POTA Activation from The Antonine Wall (GB-1531)

 Date: 9 August 2025

Operators: MMØDFV and GM4XYL
Station: GM4FFF/m
Location: The Antonine Wall – Auchinstarry, Scotland
POTA Reference: GB-1531
Mode: FT8
Band: 30 metres
Rig: Icom IC-725 (circa early 1990s)
Power: 20 watts
Antenna: Whip magmount on vehicle roof

A Day at Scotland’s Roman Frontier



On this summer afternoon, the GM Flora and Fauna Club brought GM4FFF/m to life from a location steeped in history — The Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Scotland’s most significant Roman monument.

Our operating position was at Auchinstarry, beside the historic Forth & Clyde Canal, close to Croy Hill and Nethercroy. The Antonine Wall, built around 142 AD under Emperor Antoninus Pius, stretched 37 miles across central Scotland, marking the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. From our location, the mix of Roman heritage, canal-side scenery, and rolling hills made for a spectacular backdrop to the day’s radio operation.



The Station Setup

This activation was run using a vintage Icom IC-725 — a dependable transceiver from the early 1990s — delivering 20 watts into a whip magmount antenna on the vehicle roof. The decision to operate 30 metres FT8 was made to maximise reliability and range during the afternoon session.

The mobile configuration made setup fast and efficient, allowing us to focus on working as many stations as possible while enjoying the location.

On the Air – Conditions and Results

Conditions on 30 metres were excellent, with a consistently low noise floor thanks to the rural site. Signals came in steadily from the first CQ, with a good mix of local, regional, and DX contacts.

QSO Overview:

  • Coverage: Stations worked across England, Scotland, and Wales, plus a wide spread into mainland Europe — Germany, France, Czech Republic, Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Poland, and Russia.

  • Strongest signal received: +14 dB

  • Weakest workable contact: -22 dB

  • Longest contact: UN7AB in Aktau, Kazakhstan (Grid Square MN47ao), at a distance of 3,006.1 miles (4,837.9 km) — an outstanding DX result for 20 watts and a mobile whip.

The Kazakhstan QSO was the clear highlight of the session, proving just how far a modest, efficient station can reach when band conditions cooperate.



The Antonine Wall Meets Amateur Radio

Operating at a site like The Antonine Wall brings a unique sense of connection to the past. While working stations on 30 metres, it was easy to imagine the Roman soldiers who once stood guard nearby, scanning the same hills we were looking at — though in our case, the watch was over signals, not invasions.

The juxtaposition of ancient Roman engineering, the 18th-century canal, and modern radio technology made for an experience that was both historical and highly satisfying from an amateur radio perspective. Several visitors to the site stopped to chat, curious about the mobile antenna and the purpose of the activation, offering a perfect opportunity to explain both Parks on the Air and the heritage of the location.



Closing the Log

By the end of the activation, the log was healthy, with a mix of local and long-distance contacts that more than justified the trip. The Antonine Wall proved to be an ideal location for both operating and sharing amateur radio with the public.

Thanks to everyone who made contact with GM4FFF/m from GB-1531 — your QSOs are now part of our continuing record of activations across Scotland’s historical and natural treasures.

73 and see you on the bands,
MMØDFV and GM4XYL
GM Flora and Fauna Club

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