GB2DHH is the callsign of the amateur radio station located at the deHavilland Aircraft Heritage Centre, informally known as the Mosquito Museum. Derek Purchese originally founded the station in 1964 where he set up a successful transmitting station and also displayed some World War 2 military wireless equipment. When he became a silent key, activity ceased for a while but the site was reactivated by interested radio amateurs from the Radio Society of Harrow in 1999.

Transmissions began from one of the workshops using the Club's call GX3EFX at first but we soon obtained permission to reuse the long-established call "GB2DHH".

This location was not entirely satisfactory and therefore it was proposed that we should set up a shack in the front section of the ex RAF Mark 2 Comet. This has proved to be an excellent proposal since the station is now situated in more comfortable surroundings for operators and sounds coming from the loud speakers are less likely to distract visitors and the volunteer helpers at the site.

Members of the Radio Society of Harrow now operate there on a regular basis throughout most of the year. Before we could install ourselves in the Comet, however, we had to do a bit of work.

Cleaning the Shack

September 2001

The Comet nose was very dirty as it had been exposed to the weather for many years. So, before we could use it, we had to give it a good clean both inside and out to make it fit for use.

One bright but cool day in September, we rolled up our sleeves and set to work with a high pressure spray and brushes.

We had already cleaned out some of the inside and had a door put on the open end. We were almost ready to start using the "Comet-Shack".

Making Some Improvements

2002

Throughout the year we made some improvements to the shack. Some of the internal panels were replaced and the back of the nose section was fitted with a stout wooden door. Plans were made to install a side door to allow the public access to see us in operation.

2003

Work continued. The rear section and door were weatherproofed; superfluous, salvageable and unnecessary fittings were stripped out to provide a safe and comfortable working area. Also, the cockpit was provided with a smooth wooden floor.

Electricity to power the radio equipment, as well as keep the station warm in spring and autumn, was provided. The navigator's table in the cockpit together with two rescued chairs provided an ideal position for the operator and logbook keeper.

The whole aircraft section was laid with appropriate carpet tiles and newly fitted shelves were gradually filled with some of the varied collection of old time radio equipment for visitors to see.

Operating the Station

December 2001

We operated the station in the Comet nose on Sunday 9th December on the 40m band and soon had a huge pile-up!

Along to help we had Linda, G7RJL; Don, G0ACK; Dick, M5DIK; Fred, 2E1ICQ and Chris, G4AUF.

It was a sunny but very cold day and the small heater in the shack didn't really make much of an impression. However, we didn't notice the cold too much as we were too busy working all the stations.

Most of our contacts were from the UK from Devon to Scotland and many places in between. We did, however, have some good contacts with France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Norway.

At times it was difficult to pick out a callsign from the large number of people calling but we were pleased to be able to work so many different stations.

July 2002

To date, we have operated on average once a month using our special call GB2DHH. We usually operate on 40m and we attract a lot of callers, sometimes it's hard to get away. We took part in the "Museums on the Air" weekend of Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June although we operated only on the Sunday. We had a good operating session with a lot of good contacts.

August 2004

Much of the work has been done and the shack in the Comet nosecone is now secure. The back end has been finished off and has a lockable door. The side entrance has been opened up and steps provided. This now allows visitors access to see the radio station in operation and of course to inspect the Comet cockpit.

Operation on 29th August was very successful with a lot of good contacts on 40m. The band was in good condition and we worked stations the length and breadth of the country as well as stations in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

We had one or two visitors pop in but there weren't too many people around as the weather wasn't too good.