Ropoco 1 Contest, 2006.

Activity was somewhat down compared with the same event in 2005 and many entrants remarked that the last half of the event was hard work. Conditions were generally reported as good but even so, only a few entrants were able to keep a clean sheet. Congratulations to Don, G3BJ, whose error-free log also happened to be the top-scorer. Don is awarded the Verulam Silver Jubilee Trophy.
Several competitors remarked on whether QSOs with overseas stations were permitted - a couple did work one or two overseas stations who appeared to be rotating postcodes correctly. Although, in the past, it has been generally accepted that, as overseas stations do not have compatible postcodes, they were not eligible to enter or even take part in RoPoCo events, the rules do not specifically exclude overseas QSOs and so these were allowed on this occasion. Clearly, the rules will have to be reviewed. The structure of RoPoCo is remarkably fragile and demands precise adherence to the rules. Regulars will remember the recent disaster where one UK participant, who did not understand the rules correctly, sent the same postcode to everyone he worked and reduced the whole event to absurdity in just a few minutes. On another occasion a similar horror, caused by an overseas station sending incrementing serial numbers (which were accepted and forwarded by a few UK contesters), was only avoided because someone took the time to explain the rules over the air.
Another common query was "Why hold the contest so early on Sunday morning, instead of later in the day when propagation may be better and more stations would be around to work?" The time was set specifically when the event was designed because it doesn't interfere with those who go to church, or who like a formal Sunday Lunch with the family, or who like to watch TV, and also because QRM to and from other band users, especially overseas, is minimised.

Steve Knowles G3UFY

+ ... Verulam Silver Jubilee Trophy
* ... Error-free log

Soapbox.

G3BJ Rather quiet this time - hard work

G4RCG A slow one again. Still think that this would be better in an afternoon when more people are around (like AFS). Still, enjoyed it.

G3ULT/P The last half hour was very hard going. Felt like giving up at one stage.

G3TBK Poor activity - waste of 2 hours.

G3LIK Did not appear to be so many stations operating today yet conditions were good.

G3KNU Please don't publish errors - it might cause embarrassment (to me)!

G3ZGC The neighbours were all away. No Noise! Good conditions.

G3MA Am now 87 but still enjoy some contest operating.

GM4SID Enjoyed the contest. Slightly more stations around than in past events.

G4OGB Where was everyone?

M0AJT Once again a most enjoyable contest. Condx good but too few entrants.

G3JRM Great way to liven up an early Sunday morning. Good inter-G propagation from the easternmost tip of the UK.

G0WBC Very enjoyable as usual but last half-hour very quiet. Think most had gone off for breakfast, HI.

G4FAL Glad to bring a little confusion as my postcode only has 5 characters.

G4BJM/P (Keswick) Worked all I heard except G4OBK. The GMs are a lot louder up here!