General Instructions

The event is a 50-mile biathlon from Kintail to Beauly via Glen Affric. The first 20 miles to Affric Quarry is the foot section and this is where our resources are concentrated. The Scottish Ambulance Service covers the cycle section, to Beauly.

Competitors either walk or run the foot section. The walkers start is at 09:00, runners at 11:00. Check your on-air time!

The competitors wear identified by wrist bands these are removed at Alltbeithe YH, the bike x–over and at the finish. Unfortunately as they do not wear numbered tabards we cannot easily track backmarkers and competitors who are of concern to 1^st aid. There is no need to ascertain numbers unless the competitor is stopped /injured beside you.

Reports: 1) When in location and operational.

2) The status of any 1^st aid etc resources at your location.

3) The time (not numbers) of first and last competitors past your position.

4) Hill operators should remain in contact with control until they have returned to their vehicles - for safety purposes.

Casualty: BEFORE CALLING CONTROL be sure you know:-

1) the competitors location (where on the route are they, are they still moving?)

2) the nature of the injury

3) the competitors number

4) what form of assistance you are requesting!

Access: The public road to Glen Affric closes at Fasnakyle Power station at 11am. No vehicles to be taken beyond Athnamulloch

PDG Helicopter:

The Casualty Surgeon in the PDG helicopter listens on our frequencies. He has transmit capability although he does not have an amateur Callsign. If he does call on our frequencies, please do not respond directly. Control will manage the communications with the helicopter(s) as we have airband capability. Obviously, if control is not responding and you are capable of assisting do so.

Technical bits! Please read carefully, it may appear complicated it isn’t. If you require clarification please ask!

We operate a single radio net procedure at all times, with a control station - GM0RIV at Affric Quarry. Checkpoints operate on either a VHF or UHF. A combination of a R8 in-band talkthro unit and a cross band link integrate everything. Please make allowance for the time taken for these units to secure the circuit before talking – about 2 seconds.

1. UHF net – Start, Glenlicht, Allt Granda.

These checkpoints operate on 433.750MHz simplex.

The net will be linked into the VHF net via a cross band link at Glenlicht House. With the UHF stations operating simplex, adjacent stations should hear each others transmissions directly thus creating the impression of a fully integrated net. If you are not hearing an adjacent UHF operator but appear to hear others talking to them don’t panic, all is not lost. You can still operate but beware - you may “double” with them.

2. VHF Net - All other checkpoints & control

These checkpoints operate on R8 i.e. Receive on 145.800 MHz and Transmit on 145.200MHz

I have deliberately not described the contingency plans for operations should the talkthro units’ etc fail. This is because the checkpoint operators will require to take no action, unless advised by the talkthro operators

High Tea!

The infamous High Tea 6pm at the Slaters Arms in Cannich (new management I’m told). Paul and Robin are hoping to come over from the west! The Treasurer (TXP) will have the cheque book for the welcome drinks! Partners and friends most welcome.

Thank-you

Although this is at the end this is a genuine THANKYOU! Firstly from myself to you for volunteering and also on behalf of the Cross organisers can I thank-you in anticipation of a successful incident free day.

	Checkpoint	Km’s	NGR	Call sign	Operator	On: Air	M R Teams	Notes	Frequency
1	Start – Morvich	0	NG966210	GM4JAE	Ian Anne	08:30:00			This group all requires 70cms capability. Work locally simplex on 433.750MHz.
2	Glenlicht House	7	NH005173	GM0OMC GM1MYR	Charles Rita	08:30:00	Kintail	0OMC to provide link unit (VHF/UHF)
3	Allt Granda	9	NH022173	GM1YUO	Paul Raymond	09:00:00	Gordonstoun Sch RT
4	Creag Ghlas, (Raynet only position)		NH038172	GM7PKT	Robin	09:30:00		(Raynet only position)	R8 Rx 145.8MHz Tx 145.2MHz
5	Camban	12	NH054184	GM1VAD RAY02067	Steve Kenny	10:00:00	Kintail
6	Alltbeithe YH	16	NH079202	GM0NTI	Lindsey	10:30:00	Dundonald	There is an extra MRT point at the ford before Alltbeithe
7	Meadows (wooden bridge)	19	NH108208	GM6SZJ GM4TNP	Dave Jim	11:00:00	Cairngorm
8	Athnamulloch	21.5	NH134206	GM0GKR GM0GKF	Roger Fiona	11:30:00	Lochaber	1VAD will leave mobile for link unit when talk-thro is closed down.
9	Forest Boundary (cattle grid)	25	NH158215	GM4TXP MM0MEH	Alan Mary	12:00:00	Torridon
10	White Cottage	27.5	NH180224	MM0EFJ MM3WMJ	Mike Willie	12:00:00	From quarry
11	Affric Quarry (Control)		NH212240	GM0RIV	John GM0OTI Norman GM4JNB	08:30:00	Scottish Ambulance Service	Setting up antenna on Friday. Require backup radio set & take telephone handset!
	Talk thro	30	NH082192	GM8LMA	Chas GM8LMA Donald GM7WJI	08:30:00