Many thanks to Brian Robertson GM4OIJ for most of the following content about Jim McCaig GM3BQA.
(Brian remains the manager of the GM3BQA entry in QRZ.com).
We have also received input from Bruce McCartney GM4BDJ, of Langholm – see bottom.
GM3BQA QSL card received by your webmaster GM3PSP during his early years on the air.
Before moving to East Lothian, Jim had lived in Galashiels.
In the post-war years, Jim served in the Royal Signals in West Germany, presumably as his National Service, and operated as D2IA.
Jim McCaig GM3BQA owned the Forth Motor Company in Cockenzie, East Lothian. SK – 2006.
He was a very keen DXer. He invented, patented, manufactured and sold the Cubical Quad antenna.
One of his other hobbies was racing his Mini-Cooper at Ingliston!
The GM3BQA QTH at North Berwick with lots of HF beams.
But not sure if there is a cubical quad there!
DX QSL card received from JY1 – King Hussain of Jordan.
Rear of JY1 QSL card.
Jim (RHS) receiving a trophy, probably at an RSGB or GMDX meeting.
Jim GM3BQA – LHS. Event not known.
Jim operating a Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) station for the 1st North Berwick Scout Troop in 1970.
Believed to be Jim enjoying one of his other hobbies!
Jim is best remembered for the Cubical Quad antenna, which he invented, patented, manufactured and sold from the Forth Motor Company in Cockenzie, East Lothian, near Edinburgh.
It was first described by Jim McCaig GM3BQA and Colin Davidson GM3LAV in Short Wave Magazine Vol XV p.522 (Dec 1957).
An actual Cubical Quad, which can be 2-Element (10m + 15m) or 3-Element (10m + 15m + 20m).
The quad from the previous photo, shown on top of its very high (70ft) tower.
With this, you can work the world!
Advertisement for the 3-Element Quad – only £17 in those days!
Details of the Triple Quad Antenna.
GM3BQA advertisement from Short Wave Magazine. (Date not known).
Bruce McCartney GM4BDJ, now living in Langholm, knew Jim and has submitted the following notes:
RSGB membership: April 1946. BRS 11388 J S McCaig, 9 Scott Crescent, Galashiels (future BQA).
Jim was regularly in touch with George, GM3WIG, while I was in his shack in Hawick, so knew of him. George and I also went to North Berwick and it was always a highlight to be taken in the car round by Whitekirk and seeing his masts. I’m sure my grandfather was present, so that would be late 50s.
MORE — If you have any more information, especially photographs, relating to Jim McCaig GM3BQA, please send it to Alan Masson GM3PSP at gm3psp@gmail.com