GØFEA profile - One of 2.5 million Radio Amateurs around the world

Hello and thanks for dropping by, my name is Keith and I have held a UK amateur radio licence since 1984. My original call, G1LJX was superseded by GØFEA after I passed the Morse test in early 1986. As well as the full  advanced UK amateur licence I also hold a notice of variation (NoV) experimental licence which allows me to operate on 5MHz.

Since starting out I have had the opportunity to use most bands and modes using a variety of equipment either at home, portable or mobile around the UK. I have also had the pleasure to run several special event station, some of which are listed on this site.

Despite having some fantastic radios at home most of my operating is conducted while mobile around the UK. In the early days I used a Yaesu FT-290R with 2.5 Watts into a 7/8 2 metre antenna, HF was strictly left back at home. More recently I used a Yaesu FT-817 with 5 Watts into a number of different mobile antennas. I found the FT-817 a real trial due to the low power output with much stronger stations swamping my signal. This was even the case when operating CW. 

Currently I use a Yaesu FT-857D with 100 Watts into a variety of Maldol monoband mobile antennas, solely for HF contacts. Working FM on 10 metres, 6 metres, 2 metres and 70cms I use a Yaesu FT-8900 with 50 or 35 Watts into another Maldol quad band mobile antenna.

I always send QSL cards for contacts or SWL reports sent via the buro or direct. If you wish to send direct for a faster return of card please email me and I will forward posting details to you. I will send eQSL cards if required but please do not send me eQSL cards.

Home QTH

IARU Locator : JO02mg
Lat  : 52,52 N
Long  : 1,08 E
ITU Zone  : 27 (Region 1)
CQ Zone  : 14
WAB Square  : TL-16
WAB Book  : 11912
Rateable district  : Mid-Suffolk, UK

Our home is situated in the small Suffolk village of Mendlesham. With 1328 inhabitants the village is 8 km north east of the market town of Stowmarket.

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Mendlesham is known for its large street fair which is held every May Day bank holiday. Mendlesham has a popular community newsletter, and a well-regarded primary school. There are two public houses (pubs) in the village, one called 'The Fleece' and the other 'The Kings Head'.

Nearby (OS grid reference TM123640) is the Mendlesham transmitting station which broadcasts commercial radio station Kiss 105-108 (previously Vibe FM) on 106.4 MHz and the Digital One digital radio multiplex, and which was formerly used for VHF 405 line transmissions of Anglia Television. The mast stands at the corner of the former WWII airfield, RAF Mendlesham. This was used by the Royal Air Force and US Eighth Air Force between 1943 and 1955, and now holds a memorial to the US 34th Bomb Group. Although some of the land has reverted to agriculture or is an industrial estate, one airstrip is now used by the Suffolk Coastal Floaters Hang Gliding Club.

Across the main A140 road from the large 1000 foot Mendlesham Transmitting station mast is a 300 foot tower which is the site for the amateur radio repeaters of GB3DE (433.175MHz Rx) and GB3EF (50.720MHz Rx).

There are also three churches, including the grand medieval St. Mary's church, built for a time when the village had a larger population. In 1531 the Mendlesham Christian Brethren were a group of Protestant dissenters, and two decades later, Adam Foster became a Marian martyr , after he refused to attend the Catholic mass. He was condemned to be burnt at the stake by Hopton, the Bishop of Norwich.

The occupants of Mendlesham still like to offer a warm welcome to visitors today!