Ropoco 1 Contest, 2001.

Fraser Robertson, G4BJM, repeated his success in Ropoco 2 2000, to head the table once again. However, on this occasion, he submitted perfect log, and thus wins the Verulam Silver Jubilee trophy. G3SRD, once again heads up the back of pursuing 100w stations, although this time has to share that distinction with G4OGB, both of whom also submitted perfect logs. Clearly high accuracy is a prerequisite for success in this contest, a very satisfying conclusion for an event predicated on such a basis. It is notable that two of the top five, and four of the top ten entrants, used only 100 watts.

Once again, many contestants commented how much they enjoyed this contest, despite poor conditions prevailing at this unfriendly hour. Even more comments about the timing were made this time, including: ‘ Please move this contest to a later time. It’s too early for my old grey cells. It’s the time the postmen sort the codes, not me!’ by G3KNU.

Many entrants noted the high incidence of one postcode, which despite the date of the contest was not an April fool. In fact this was due to a station misunderstanding the rules and sending his own postcode for every contact!

Only seven paper-based logs were received on this occasion, a very welcome trend. This contest is now checked automatically for errors and those seven logs were keyed in manually.

Seven perfect logs were submitted, a significant increase over the four from the previous event. Individual UBN reports are once again available on request.

Clive Whelan, GW3NJW.

* Indicates a Perfect Log.