2022 Marconi Day at the History of Science Museum

Once again the History of Science Museum in the heart of Oxford has allowed us to take over their historic grade 1 listed building to run a radio station for International Marconi Day. The station comprised an Elecraft K3 transceiver driving a loaded dipole strung across the front of the building and supported by telescopic poles. In spite of the local noise and short time period we had available, we made over 30 contacts and the best DX was Japan. Several other IMD stations were worked in various modes.

In addition we also had Brian G2KQ’s unique collection of vintage equipment, most of which could be demonstrated. Upstairs, as well as the traditional Morse Code activity put on by the museum, Ron G0XGM, brought in his aircraft direction finding receiver and challenged visitors to decode the  Morse from the local non-directional beacons (NDBs). This proved extremely popular, in spite of QRM from the station in the basement.

We had over 500 visitors and the event was judged a success. The History of Science Museum is a department of the University of Oxford and is home to the Marconi Collection.