Checklog: G3VQO

21/28 MHz SSB Contest 2004.

From a high during the 2003 Contest, conditions plumbed the depths for the 2004 Contest. This was reflected in the numbers taking part down 16 from the previous year. Most stations complained about the poor conditions especially on 28 Mhz and many logs showed not a single QSO made on that band. It seems almost bizarre to award the Powditch Transmitting Trophy to a station who made only 11 QSOs on 28 Mhz.

I recently came across a “Bulletin” dated 1963 with the results of the 1962 21/28 Mhz Contest. It is interesting to note that there were 37 entrants in the Receiving Section alone, the winner being BRS 22844 – I wonder who he is now?

In 2004 there were 14 Logs in the UK Open, 26 in the UK Restricted and 7 in the UK QRP. There were a total of 43 logs received from overseas stations most of who only made a handful of QSOs.

The UK Open Section Single Operator Winner is M0BBB who receives both the Whitworth and Powditch Transmitting Trophies. Stavros doesn’t give details of antennas used or equipment, but made a grand total of 284 QSOs.

The UK Open Section Multi Operator Section Winner is GD0EMG operated by G3NKC and G4XUM. Dave and Martin used an 8 element on 10m and a 5 element on 15m to make 65 and 481 QSOs respectively. Some people say the GD prefix is worth an ‘S’ point. Give me the aluminium any day!

The UK QRP section was hotly contested between relative newcomers M3TBK and M3CVN both making 100 QSOs on 15m but Edward edged it on multipliers. The 4-element yagi at 60’ helped also.

The Overseas Open Section winner is SV2AEL, the Restricted Section Winner is UR5MNZ and the QRP Section winner UA3QJJ.

No logs were received from UK Short Wave Listeners and 2 from Overseas Listeners. It was decided that no receiving awards would be made.

Those taking part in the Contest next year are asked to include in their Cabrillo file details of their transmitted power and antenna system as this determines which section of ther Contest they are entering. A few soapbox comments would also be appreciated.

SOAPBOX: “very poor conditions – G2BKZ”, “very hard going – could not get any runs at all – M5ARC/P”, “my first SSB Contest except 80CC for years – G3ZRJ”, “main DC PSU blew up – ran on car battery and charger – G4DBW”, “the addition of the new licence classes gave more stations to work – a plus! – N4UH”,”nice to see so many M3s – A45WG”, “NADARS training day for trainee contest operators. The majority of QSOs were made by M3 or 2E0 stations – G5XV/P”

G3VQO is thanked for his checklog.

Teams:

GD0EMG Op G3NKC, G4XUM

G4IRC/P Op: G4BAV, G0DVJ, G0TCP, G8LBS

G5XV/P Op M3ZGC, M3KIE, 2E0LRC, 2E0SEL, 2E0BJM, 2E0ZYQ, G1SSL, G7PVX

GW4CC Op: GW4HSH

G3JRM Op G4CKH, G4RLS, M1TES

M5ARC/P Op: M0CKE, M0CHK

LZ9R Op LZ3YY