‘WOW!’ just about summed up the 2001 contest. Conditions were excellent and many favourable comments were received with the entries. 28MHz had favourable propagation over 21MHz for a change, with sustained openings to Japan and the USA. Over 150 logs were received, which is the highest for many years (and possibly all time.) These logs represented some 23,000 QSOs! Four DX stations each made over 300 QSOs which also shows a healthy ‘casual participation by UK stations but not submitting entries.

The ‘big gun’ battle this year was between Andy, G4PIQ/P, again operating from Martlesham, and Chris, GM3WOJ, from his QTH in Invergordon. Chris took a good early lead, but was overtaken by Andy before the end when propagation to the USA favoured more southerly latitudes. Well done to both of you for a great effort.

There was also a lot of competition for the Powditch Transmitting Trophy this year as several stations focussed their activity on 28MHz. Runaway winner was David, G4DHF, with an impressive 788QSOs. The enhanced propagation also boosted the scores of the entrants in the Restricted and QRP categories. There was little to separate the top three UK Restricted stations, with Ian, G4IIY, taking honours using 100w to a Cushcraft R7000 vertical.

On the DX side, Russian, EO3Q, was Open section leader, ahead of Paul, EI2CA, operating portable from KP2. As Paul says, ‘I must go on holiday again next October!’ Entries were received from all continents. There was some slight confusion with other events running at the same time, the most notable being the California QSO Party. Note for this year the lower frequency limit has been extended to 28.400MHz to allow more stations calling CQ in other contests to be contacted.

From the DX and UK stations large and small, moving rare multipliers between bands was a vital tactic to maximise scores. Also note you don’t need two radios or a huge signal to do this effectively.

It was very pleasing to see 10 multi-operator groups submit entries, including a nine-strong team including Class B and Intermediate Licensees from the Cockenzie and Port Seton ‘A’ station, MM0CPS/P. The leading multi-op station was M0SDX, with Mark, M0DXR, operating with Sergei.

Although it seems unlikely that such good conditions will exist in autumn 2002, I hope we can see similar participation for the 2002 contest. Congratulations to the section winners and runner-up, and thank you to these submitting check logs.

Lee Volante, G0MTN

* = certificate winner
M = Multi-op

Checklogs were received with thanks from LZ1DM, G3LUW, GM4HQF, G4FEV,RA1QDP, RA3DNC, RA3DPD, RZ9ZR, and RJ9J.