Ropoco 1 Contest, 2004.

Despite the good conditions, a considerable number of regulars did not join the fun this time and many entrants commented on the low level of activity. On the other hand, there were scarcely any 'casual' participants who did not submit a log. As a result, almost every QSO was checkable, which is why this has to be the most enjoyable of all contests to adjudicate. It's great fun to watch the corruption processes at work as, say, SE25 6HY turns into HE255BHY!
One entrant queried the status of QSOs outside the UK, having made a couple and tried to insert 'TT2 TT2' into the postcode chain. The rules do state that only UK stations count for points. Many of the logs for the RoPoCos are submitted hand-written on paper, and are very welcome. But the absence of computerised dupe-checking means that extra care needs to be taken. There are two entrants who should be thankful that the tenfold penalty for unmarked dupes is no longer applied!
With G0CKP in the ranks of the missing, G4BJM, G0MTN and G3RSD occupy the podium, each moving up one place compared with the August 2003 event. Not much change, then, except to welcome G3ZRJ who shares third place.
But there is one big departure from the norm. Usually, at least one of the leading group submits a perfect log, but not this time. Congratulations to Derek Stanners, G3HEJ, whose error-free entry in 13th position earns him the Verulam Silver Jubilee Trophy.

Steve Knowles G3UFY.

Soapbox:

G4BJM Good condx, activity seemed a bit down

G0MTN My 30th birthday ... I think I deserve 50 extra points for getting out of bed! Difficult to explain "Send me your postcode, then send on the last postcode you received next time" quickly in the heat of battle!

G3ZRJ Seemed a bit slow this session. Some crackingly wierd poastcodes taken. Getting used to the old ways with the PA dip & load is fun.

G3RSD Condx seemed average, but too few participants

G4EBK First hour busy. Second hour very slow.

G3LIK Good conditions but few stations active. Nice to see Friendly calls.

GM3JKS A struggle to raise QSOs in mid to south England

G3XTT Where was everybody?

G3ZGC I was very surprised to work two Europeans. I gave them zero points and used the postcode before theirs for the next QSO.

G4ARI Great fun!

G3HEJ Condx pretty good ... strong Scottish stations throughout the contest but not enough operators on!

G3LHJ Good fun as usual

G4XPE Condx: quiet at start but improved as time went on. QRM from concurrent OZ contest.

G4FON Interesting not to get my own postcode back again.