March 144/432 MHz 2012

What a difference a year makes!  In 2011 entrants were commenting about the best conditions for years.  This year comments on the conditions ranged from "truly awful" to "dire" to "very poor".  Only a small number of entrants rated the conditions as "average".   High noise levels and deep QSB made life even more difficult.  During the event a cold front crossed the country both adversely affecting conditions and making life a misery for the portable stations with rain, sleet and snow.

On 144MHz in 2011 there were 82 contacts over 1000kms, this year there were 8 contacts over 800kms.  Similarly on 432MHz in 2011 there were 67 contacts over 800kms, and this year there were 4 contacts over 700kms.  Unfortunately looking at the history of the event, the 2012 conditions are not unusual.

Many entrants commented on the lack of activity, particularly from the UK.  Unfortunately the explosion of activity in the weekday UK activity contests is not translating into increased activity during weekend events.  The number of entries fell back to the numbers in 2010.

In spite of the conditions, logging accuracy continues to improve.  Remember that all elements of the exchange are checked, so if unsure – ask for a repeat !

Congratulations go to:

•  The Five Bells, G5B, who won the open section for the third year running;

•  Matthew, G0XDI, who won the single operator fixed section for the third year running;

•  Brian, MW6OXO/P for winning the single operator others section;

•  The Harwell CG, G3RRS / G3PIA, who won the six-hour open section in a very close fought result from the Camb-Hams;

•  Roger, G3MEH, who won the six-hour single operator fixed section for the second year running;

•  All other band winners and runners up, who together with stations identified, will receive certificates.

Roger Dixon, G4BVY

mailto:g4bvy@rsgbcc.org