Red Sands Radio - Part 3
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Issue 2 : Updated : 21st February 2008
Thursday 12th July
The final days before the scheduled launch
09.02 BST Tender loaded with broadcast equipment ready to leave Whitstable Harbour
Aerial Rigger Joe, Peter Chicago & Phil Shepherd with SB Greta in the background
Alan our Tender Skipper on the East Quay with Steve Norris of SB Greta
Arriving at Red Sands Fort at 10.16 BST we notice both the choppy seas around the Towers & Antenna!
Getting the generators aboard on Saturday 7th July had proved to be a formidable task even in good weather
We stripped one down removing the battery, fuel tank & case before hauling it aboard
The prospect of taking a boat load of gear aboard in a heavy chop wasn't appealing
Twisted it's tilted towards the east in the prevailing westerly wind
Luckily the scaffold tower had contained the problem, which transpired to be a slipped collar that had "chattered" loose
Hours of manually hauling equipment & supplies aboard the clear decks of the X-Pilot
With the wind picking up working on the antenna isn't a comforting thought & only a couple of days before we're due on air The riggers retire as Robin, Tony Pine, & Peter reflect over lunch
How it used to be; Radio 390's broadcast hours 06.30 - Midnight hand painted on the gutters of Gun Tower 4 in white paint
Press Release 7 - PDF File - 18th June 2007
Meanwhile down below studio window sealing effected by Rob Ashard & the equipment is set up
20.36 BST unbelievable but mission accomplished; Mark 2 Antenna re-erected with the builders scaffold removed
Base insulator grounding & lightning discharge strap
Nice time to see some friendly faces
SB Greta approaches from South East Windfarm, hails as she sails close by
Greta makes for the Swale with Container Crane Gantries at Thames Port & Kingsnorth Power Station in background
Zac's alternative Red Sands Radio Poster depicting the North Redsand Towers Port handed channel bouy