144 MHz AFS 2015

The number of entries for this event fell by 9% compared to the 2014 record entry level. This may well be as a result of Storm Desmond putting people off. Many of those who did take part had their masts at reduced height. The nineteen portable stations across the country had torrential rain and high strength winds until the storm died away during the contest. Forty seven clubs took part of which nine fielded a "B" team.

Many entrants commented that the conditions were flat at best and challenging at worst. Conditions did appear to generally improve as the event progressed. The QSB was described as "wicked" and numerous comments described the increasing problem of higher noise levels. The overlap with the French contest during the first hour was exploited well by those placed nearer the south coast.

In total there were 397 stations recorded in the logs in 62 squares (including 21 UK squares). Outside of the UK there were 12 DL, 1 EI, 55 F, 2 HB9, 1LX, 8 ON and 16 PA logged.  The best DX was between M0BAA/P (JO01) and F4CWN at 872 kms. There were 84 QSOs greater than 600kms of which 23 were greater than 700kms and 8 were greater than 800 kms.

A number of entrants commented on the lack of activity later in the event. However, 12% of QSOs took place in the fifth hour and 12.7% in the final hour! The current levels of activity support a six hour event and the current timings are probably the best compromise to allow portable stations to set up and take down mainly in daylight. However, comments are welcomed to the adjudicator.

Given the difficult conditions, logging standards were slightly better than average with 4.4% of QSOs being disallowed during adjudication.  A number of leading stations lost less than 2% of their claimed scores which is a target for entrants to aim at. As logging errors were equally spread across callsigns, locators, signal reports and serial numbers it is worth remembering that all elements of the QSO are checked.

In the club competition we have a new winner - the Blacksheep CG who win the G3MEH Trophy relegating Bristol CG "A" into the runners up spot.

In the individual sections congratulations go to:

• M0BAA/P (operated by 2E0IBF, G4FAT, G8TIC and M0BTZ) for winning the Open Section;
• G8NEY/P (operated by 2E0NEY and M0GHZ) for second place in the Open Section;
• Dave, G7RAU for winning the SF section for the second year running;
• Richard GD8EXI for second place in the SF section;
• Arthur 2E0RTY/P  as the leading intermediate entrant in the Open section;
• Steven 2W0JYN as the leading intermediate entrant in the SF section;
• Andrew G4HVC as the leading fixed station running 25 watts or less into a single antenna;
• Jacques F1BHL/P as the leading non-UK station in the Open section;
• Frank, PE1EWR as the leading non-UK station in the SF section.

Sadly there were no Foundation level entrants.

Roger - G4BVY

Note:  As your adjudicator entered this event, the adjudication has been independently audited by the RSGB Contest Committee Chairman.