FIRST 50MHz CONTEST 15/4/18

The number of entries in the First  50MHz Contest 2018 was 41 (5 in section AL, 9 in section AO and 27 in section AR, reflecting this year's  change in section structure). This was 23% down on 2017, similar to the recent 70MHz contest - but in this case the apparent explanation on 70MHz (the coincidence of the event with Easter) clearly does not apply. The most likely reason lies in the fact that almost all comments on conditions reported them as poor (on tropo at least - conditions for MS were noted as being quite good). Activity was reported as low, with a number of regulars missing. A number of reports of noise and QSB were also received. Several entrants commented on the impact of MGMs.

A total of 111 valid callsigns appear in the logs, and despite the reports of poor conditions these included 13 DXCC entities and 30 big squares.  The best DX (at 1799km) took place between SM5EPO and EI4DQ, with the best DX worked by a UK&CD station being between G4ASR and S51DI over a distance of 1488km. There were a further three contacts over a distance of greater than 1000km.

Congratulations go to the section leaders:

• Open - G4ASR
• Restricted - M0BAO/P
• Low Power - G0EAK/P.

Quin Collier G3WRR

g3wrr@rsgbcc.org