50MHz AFS contest 2011

The inaugural 50MHz AFS contest saw varying conditions both across the UK and during the contest with northerly stations getting the worst of it. Both entry numbers and overall activity was much higher than had been the case for this contest in previous years, presumably the AFS element bringing extra stations onto the band. Clearly, many of them were unfamiliar with the AFS format and the club information needed as part of the entry as barely half of them included it. A reminder email brought the missing details from the great majority.

A few grumbles suggest that there were some poor signals being put out, but with no-one documenting tests to show it wasn't receiver overload, and no specific callsigns being mentioned, nothing further can be done. We would urge all stations, especially those generating high erp, to check that their signals are clean ahead of the contest.

Seven clubs fielded full teams of four stations, Bolton Wireless Club having two.

In section O G5PI/P for Camb-Hams, the contest wing of Cambridge Repeater Group, came out on top, well ahead of G4FJK/P. Section SF was more closely contested with multiplier counts resulting in Spalding's G4ODA and M1MHZ edging G3ZVW into third place. Certificates got to the winners and runners-up, additionally to G8DTF as the leading low power/single aerial entry; a commendable achievement given the simplicity of his station.

On the AFS side, consistent scores from Bristol CG, the contest grouping within Bristol RSGB Group, put them ahead of Camb-Hams despite the individual team members not being at the top of either section.

Congratulations to those mentioned, and thanks to all who took part in what appears to be a highly successful new contest in the calendar. Also thanks to G4XPE and GW8IZR for their checklogs.

Steve G8GSQ

Selected comments from the logs:

2E0BMO

Fine drizzle didn't dampen condx which seemed fairly good. QSB to the East.

Missed a couple of locators and perhaps should have spent a bit more time beaming north.

2E0NEY

Good level of activity, but little dx heard

2E0UOG

only on 1 hour good fun

G0BBL/P

disappointing condx

G0EHV/P

Much more activity than last year. Conditions average, no Es.

G0HFX/P

WX sunny warm calm--radio condx-much of band taken up with a few exceedingly strong stations. Sri to stns missed pts to TDARC tks all for q`s

G3TDH

Rather flat, tropo variable QSB

G3VDB

My first time on 50MHz in any mode. Surprised that I could work more than 50km from my dip in the Cheshire plain!

G3ZII

bit better than usual.

G3ZVW

Some great DX to N Scotland, but none to the Continent.

G4ALE/P

Flat condx 1 opening to GM ! Great WX.

G4ASR

A bit slow at times

G4FJK/P

Looked north a lot but heard no GMs. A few very loud portables, sounded wide but probably just cross-modding in my Rx. The Es was interesting. Good weather & a good day out on Exmoor.

G4HGI

not great bad noise s7

G4HHJ

Very deep QSB

G4ODA

high levels of eletric noise South and North lost some stations.

G4RYV

Conditions fair with deep QSB at times.Noise level quite low at start of contest but gradually increased as contest went on. No DX heard at this location.

G5PI/P

Average with a little bit of Es now and then to keep the interest up.

G6TGO

Plasma TV qrm in several directions resulting in higher noise level than during weekdays.

G8APB

Poor conditions, activity not much better

G8CQA/P

Noisy site ! missed a few contacts.

G8LZE

Many stations operating outside bandplan and in DX window.

GM4JR

Dreadful! Slow going. CDX fairly good but few beaming to the north.

As always heard FAR more than worked.

GM4VVX/P

Late start by 25min. Turned on to band FULL of G splatter and huge signals = 2 qso then dead ! Thanks to those who looked North for me. Last hour was dire = 1hr 5min between my last 2 qso.

GW3ATZ

Flat conditions from this low QTH

M0VAA

Conditions poor at start and got worse

Impulse noise located to the south of me resulted in me having to beam north for weaker contacts to the south

M1MHZ

A very noisey band with lots of unnecessary overcrowding.

missed some mult, but was pleased with S5 & I towards the end.

Spent some time beaming to EI, GI & GM but found few takers.