I have today received a letter from the GM at RSGB HQ stating that the Board has asked him to enter into discussions with the site owner, with regard to seeking the possibility of a more realistic site rental for GB3VHF.
This is good news indeed and I have been asked that until discussions are completed that I keep GB3VHF on the air. This I am happy to do and I am grateful that the Board has intervened on this matter.
The society acknowledges the historical position of the beacon and it's advanced technical parameters.
On the question of access to the site for emergency close down, I have been approached by a colleague who has suggested a satisfactory technical solution enabling the possibility of remote shutdown. This would overcome the access problems that could arise 'out of hours'. Tests will be conducted to prove the methodology, and if satisfactory the system will be enabled once authorisation has been obtained.
I have been assured by the RSGB that I will be kept informed of progress and when I have any news, I will pass that onto you the users, via the beacon website and the UK-beacons Yahoo group.
So in the meantime, please continue to enjoy using GB3VHF for your VHF DX-ing, propagation studies and scientific tests.
Thank you and kind regards to all users.
Chris Whitmarsh G0FDZ Beacon Keeper GB3VHF