Compared to 2023, this year's International Low Power contest was a reversal in weather and band conditions.  Entrants, particularly those out portable in the UK&CD, enjoyed pleasant sunshine and light winds but propagation proved to be disappointing and all band totals were down on the previous year.  Propagation on 80m at the start was noticeably poor but did improve later in the day, however the only non-UK&CD station to make any contacts on this band was Colin G4CWH operating as PA/G4CWH/P.  40m proved to be the most productive band for many, but not all, with contacts available throughout the day and some UK&CD entrants deciding to start on that band rather than 80m.  Only three DX stations were worked in 4X, K1 and VE1, all on 20m.

Entrant numbers were disappointing at only 67 this year but do seem to be very variable from year to year, maybe linked to propagation on the day?  There were a further 70 stations in the logs running 10W or less including several QRP POTA stations in Europe operating portable, happy to exchange reports but needed to be asked for their output power.

There seemed to be very little QRM from the domestic EA contest this year, probably linked to band conditions.  The frequency recommendations introduced in recent years were again useful.However entrants are again reminded that the overall frequency limits must be adhered to, in particular the upper limit of 14060kHz which ensures compliance with the IARU Region 1 band plan, a few contacts were disallowed where the logged frequency was above 14060kHz.

Congratulations to all the Trophy and Certificate winners, note that although entrants can be Assisted or Unassisted, the trophies are only awarded to Unassisted entries.

John G4CZB