Welcome to GB23C
About GB23C
GB23C is the callsign of the special event amateur radio station to mark the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. GB23C was on the air in May and June, but initially in the period 3-9 May including the Coronation weekend it was located in Maritime Greenwich and was open to visitors at the Old Royal Naval College in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, South East London, UK.
See the Gallery and News Update pages to get a sense of what went on at the special event station.
Amateur Radio
Amateur radio is a very popular hobby with enthusiasts worldwide. There are more than 50,000 active radio amateurs in the UK. For more information about amateur radio, visit the Radio Society of Great Britain's website - RSGB.
Amateur radio operators ('radio hams') are able to make short-wave radio contact with fellow enthusiasts all around the world. Unlike Citizens Band, which was introduced in the 1980s and intended to provide short-range personal communication, radio hams use their knowledge of short-wave propagation and antennas to make contacts around the world, often using no more radio power than 100 watts – the same as a domestic light bulb.
There are many facets to the hobby of amateur radio. Some people use it to keep in regular contact with friends or family living far from home. Some spend most of their time on the air contacting as many countries as possible and communicating with many exotic locations world-wide: there are 340 different countries to be contacted. Our station at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich showcased some of these aspects of amateur radio.
Operating
The station was active throughout May and June 2023. Cray Valley Radio Society were operating GB23C from Maritime Greenwich starting from approx 6pm on 3rd May and ending at 2am 9th May.
Three HF stations covered 80-10m (not 60m) and one VHF station covered 6m and 2m, but sporadic E propagation on 6m did not materialise, unfortunately. The main antenna for HF was a Hygain TH5 on an 80ft mast, with wire antennas for the other HF bands. Cray Valley RS had a three element horizontal yagi for 6m. A 'white stick' vertical mounted above the HF beam was used for 2m for local contacts on FM.
The station was open to visitors from 10am to 5pm from 4 to 8 May.
From 10 May, the callsign was made available for other individuals and clubs to use until the end of June 2023.
Cray Valley Radio Society
Cray Valley RS is one of the largest local radio clubs in the UK. Please visit our website to learn more about our other activities, our club meetings and how to become a licensed radio amateur.
QSL Information
The GB23C QSL manager is Charles M0OXO, see QSL info
Wide-angle shot of GB23C at Maritime Greenwich, with the Old Royal Navy College visible behind the station (photo by Steve G3ZPS)