VHFNFD 2011

This year's VHFNFD is to be remembered for two things. The first is that the really good summer propagation conditions, which had prevailed over much of June, disappeared a week before the first weekend in July. The second is that the dreadful weather which prevailed over much of June had broken a few days before and most of the British Isles enjoyed good weather for the event.

RULES. There were no changes from the rules in place last year.

ENTRIES.

Portable. 202 station logs were entered. Band distribution was: 50 MHz: 49, 70 MHz: 38, 144 MHz: 58, 432 MHz: 40, 1296 MHz: 17. There were 69 Group entries. Listed by section, they were: Open: 19, Restricted: 25, Low Power: 13, Mix & Match: 12.

184 stations were registered. A small number of these failed to make it on air because of unforeseeable changes in personal circumstances or loss of their chosen site at the last moment.

Overall, station entries were very close to 2010 numbers, being supplemented by late decisions to take to the country. Group entries were, however, up by about 12% compared with 2010. There were significant increases in Open and Restricted sections. Low Power stayed the same. Mix & Match suffered a decrease - partly though migration to other sections.

Fixed Sweepers. 24 logs were submitted for the FS Open section - almost a 3 - fold increase on 2010 numbers. Band distribution was: 50 MHz: 6, 70 MHz: 5, 144 MHz: 6, 432 MHz: 4, 1296 MHz: 3. 86 logs were submitted for the FS Restricted section - more than a doubling of 2010 numbers. Band distribution was: 50 MHz: 18, 70 MHz: 15, 144 MHz: 29, 432 MHz: 18, 1296 MHz: 6.

PORTABLE RESULTS.

Open section. Once again, Wexford VHF Group appears at the head of the overall Open section table, in #1 position, with an overall score of 5114 points. Readers are reminded that only UK-based entrants are eligible for Awards and all band-scores are normalised against the highest scoring UK- located station. Thus, Wexford's normalised scores on 50 MHz, 70 MHz and 432 MHz are each greater than 1000.

In official 1^st place lies Colchester RA for the second year running - in their most recent series of wins - with 3538 points. They receive the Surrey Trophy and our congratulations. In 2^nd place lies Windmill CG, back up from 4^th last year. In 3^rd position lies Pembrokeshire CG with 3143 points. The highest placed Scottish group, in 6^th position, with 2591 points, is Cockenzie & Port Seton ARC. They regain the Tartan Trophy from Aberdeen VHFG, who are placed 12^th this year. Placed at #2, with 673 points, is PE1RLF - this year's second overseas entry.

Restricted section. Swapping, judiciously, from their previous affinity with Mix and Match, Trowbridge & DARC secured 1^st place with 3251 points. They receive the Martlesham Trophy and our congratulations. In 2^nd place lies Lothians RS with 3181 points. They are also the highest placed Scottish station and retain the Cockenzie Quaich. Down from 1^st last year and in 3^rd place lies South Birmingham RS with 2978 points.

Low Power section. In first place lies Lagan Valley ARS with 2938 points. They receive the Arthur Watts trophy and our congratulations. After winning for the previous 4 years on the trot, Warrington CG is placed 2^nd this year with 2617 points. In 3^rd position lies Mid-Sussex with 1410 points. The highest placed Scottish station MM0BQI/P is in 4^th place and receives the Scottish Trophy.

Mix & Match section. In 1^st place lies Telford & DARS with 2846 points, up from 2^nd place last year. They receive the G5BY Trophy and our congratulations. In this year's 2^nd place lies Greenisland EARS with 2320 points. In 3^rd position lies Northampton RC with 1821 points. The highest placed Scottish group is Ochil Wanderers in 12^th place with 267 points.

Certificates. In addition to the Awards mentioned above, Certificates are awarded to all registered portable stations in the winner or runner-up position in all sections and bands and to the leading stations in each UK country. Additionally, Wexford VHFG is awarded a Certificate for the leading overseas Group entry. These are all indicated with an asterisk in the accompanying tables.

FIXED SWEEPERS RESULTS

Certificates are awarded for each band as follows: Band Leader, plus Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for contacting 90%, 75% and 50%, respectively of Registered VHF NFD stations. A list of all stations which had registered by the closing date was published on the RSGB Contest Committee website for this purpose.

50 MHz: FSO Band Leader and Bronze Award: G4SHF.

FSO Bronze Award: G0BBB, G0LGS.

FSR Band Leader and Silver Award: G3XNO.

FSR Bronze Award: G0ONK, G8LZE.

70 MHz: FSO Band Leader and Silver Award: G3ZVW.

FSO Silver Award: GW8ASD, G3NPI, GM4JR, G4VPD.

FSR Band Leader and Gold Award (1^st Award at this level): G3MXH.

FSR Silver Award: G8CUL.

FSR Bronze Award: G8ONK, G4OBK, 2E0VPX, G4RYV.

144 MHz: FSO Band Leader and Silver Award: M1MHZ.

FSO silver Award: G4VPD.

FSO Bronze Award: G3ZVW, G0BBB, G0VFW.

FSR Band Leader and Bronze Award: M0WAF.

FSR Silver Award: M0PNN.

FSR Bronze Award: M5FUN, G0LGS, G4SHF, G3BNE, G3XNO.

FSR Bronze Award: G4CTU, G1MZD, G4BEE, M0XBF.

432 MHz: FSO Band Leader and Bronze Award: G3XDY.

FSO Bronze Award: GM4JR, G3ZVW, G0VFW.

FSR Band Leader and Bronze Award: GW8ASD.

FSR Bronze Award: G4APJ, G1MZD, GW3ATZ, M1MHZ.

1296 MHz: FSO Band Leader and Silver Award: G3XDY.

FSO Bronze Award: G8EOP.

FSR Band Leader and Silver Award: GW8ASD.

FSR Bronze Award: G8CUL.

CHECK LOGS. Check Logs are gratefully acknowledged from 2E0CMK, M0GBR, G3MEH, G3TDH, G3VQO, GW4ZAR, EA3WD, EA8CW, GU6EFB, MI0SMK/P, G4LMW, G4WGE/P, GW4ZAR, G0TAR, G0TLA/P, G6RVS, G7KMF/P, GM8OTI/P, G8PZT, M0BGR, MW0TTE/P and EI4JY.

LOGGING STANDARDS

The adjudicators were disappointed to receive a number of grossly errored logs. Their opinion is that this year witnessed the largest number of bad logs ever received and that there is a growing trend to submit logs which have neither been checked for correctness nor for plausibility. The adjudicators believe that there is an over-expectation that the ROBOT will sort things out

Judging by their logs, several stations apparently sent and received only '59' reports - some possibly arising from ignorance of how to turn the '59 auto-infill' off. Parity checks against corresponding QSOs in other stations' logs showed many discrepancies and properly attributed the errors. Reversed 'Sent' and 'Received' entries were evident in some logs too. An interesting log was received where the logging program had been set to 'CW' and all contacts, irrespective of actual mode used, had a third digit '9' in the 'Sent' and 'Received' columns.

There was a number of callsign errors. Callsign errors comprised, mainly, the presence of a spurious /P or its absence.! However, mistyping, such as O for 0 and 1 for I, or the reverse, or just spurious added letters, led to impossible callsigns being logged. The real ones are pretty obvious. Just a few examples eg: BE17T/P in IO62 = EI7T; D01FSE in JO30 = DO1FSE; P0CUK in JO22 = PA3CUK. Of course, there was the usual collection of 'wet square' Locators and several alleged trans-global contacts on 144 MHz. Try this one: H51AY - which is a South African allocation. Remarkable on 2m, but with a Locator in JN86, it is obvious that this is S51AY in Slovenia. This contact is quite an achievement and, correctly logged, would have been valuable. Sadly, on this occasion: zero is the score. Another is W8ZRE - also on 2m. USA ? Not in IO83. GW8ZRE, possibly ? Fewer points lost here, but all lost just the same. Please remember, it is what you type which counts as your submission and it is your responsibility as the contestant to get it right. It is not for the Adjudicator to second guess what was your intention.

As an aid to improvement, this year for the first time, all entrants will be emailed an UBN Error Report which identifies the errors found in their log during adjudication. The email address used will be the one given to the ROBOT during the entry submission process.

SOAPBOX COMMENTS.

The bag of soapbox comments from entrants - if those concerning the good weather and flatness of conditions are subtracted - is not very full this year. It is fair to conclude that disasters were few and most people enjoyed themselves.

There were a few comments from Sweepers concerning the rule forbidding them from calling CQ and bemoaning the fact that some portables did not call CQ sufficiently often. Without wishing to express a view here, it is important to remember that VHFNFD has always been, principally, a contest for portable stations - more specifically for portable stations formed into groups who are equipped to operate on 3 to 5 bands and independent of any mains supply. When the Sweepers section was introduced initially, and subsequently split into FSO and FSR, the objective was to provide more contacts for portable entrants, but also to deliver something which Sweepers would find attractive and rewarding. It is true that the Sweepers element has become very popular since it was introduced and that is valuable. Maybe, the question should now be: " What do we need to do to get at least some of the Sweepers out of their warm homes and into the field ?". Maybe a single station category, where only one band may be activated at any one moment? This would not be a resource-hungry option. All ideas and suggestions will be welcomed by the Contest Committee.

As usual, each band report contains a selection of comments - few though they are, this time.

BAND REPORTS.

Note that in the following a convention is adopted so that G, for example, means all English prefixes: G, M and 2E. GM means all Scottish prefixes: GM, MM and 2M. DL means all German prefixes and so on. Here and there, more detail is given.

50 MHz. 648 individual callsigns were worked (819 in 2010). For many, nothing was to be heard, or worked, beyond Europe and north Africa - shoring the Mediterranean Sea. For a few, the magic band proved true to its name. Nations and stations were as follows: 9A: 4, C3: 1, CN: 2, CT: 4, CU1EZ (HM76) St. Maria, Azores, DL: 3, E7: 1, EA: 26, EA8: 5, EI: 8, F: 11, FG5FR (FK96) Guadeloupe, Caribbean, FM5AN (FK94) Martinique, Caribbean, G: 346, GD: 4, GI: 12, GM: 28, GU: 4, GW: 37, HA: 14, HI3TEJ (FK68) Dominican Republic, Caribbean, I: 54, IS: 2, KP4EIT(FK68) Puerto Rico, LY: 2, LZ: 11, OA4TT (FH16) south of Lima, Peru, OK: 2, OM: 4, ON: 11, PA: 14, PJ6D (FK87) Sint Maarten, Caribbean, PV8ADI, PV8AZ & PV8DX - all in FJ92 Boa Vista, right up at the top of Brazil, S5: 4, SP: 4, SV: 7, SV5: 1, UR: 2, YO: 6.

The greatest number of QSOs, 239, was netted by Wexford VHFG (IO62) in Open section. The greatest number of QSOs by a UK station, 168, went to Windmill CG (JO01), also in Open section. Coincidentally, Wexford VHFG secured exactly the same number of contacts to lead the Open numerical list, last year.

Wexford VHFG noted that Es was only fleeting this year, the midges were voracious and the traditional Turkey roast, prior to kick-off, had been supplanted by a roast beef lunch. They also expressed thanks to the CC for allowing them to compete in such a successful event. Windmill CG, and several others, commented on the unwillingness of stations outside of Europe to give six digit Locators. Most entrants wrote down exactly what they were able to extract from the other end. Some developed on that from published Locator data. All entrants can be assured that the adjudicators dealt with this issue consistently and no-one was unfairly penalised. Trowbridge & DARC reported that permission to use their normal site was withdrawn at the last moment. Local searches revealed a better one - which contributed to their leadership of the Restricted section on this band - maybe? Verulam ARC, like many others, regretted missing the opening to south and central America. Many entrants commented that a CW capability was essential to do at least reasonably on this band and that cross-mode contacts were fairly commonplace. Now there is a hint for next year, if you did not already appreciate that. To end on a glum note: Lowestoft District and Pye ARC reported that their rotator failed and that they blew up the club TS2000. Ouch!

Band Leaders: Open: EI9E/P Wexford VHFG (IO62), Open 1^st UK: Pembrokeshire CG. Restricted: G2BQY/P Trowbridge & DARC (IO81), Low Power: GI0RQK/P Lagan Valley ARS (IO74), FSO: G4SHF (IO92), FSR: G3XNO (IO93).

ODX achievements: Open: G0FBB/P Windmill CG (JO01) with OA4TT (FH16) south of Lima, Peru, at 10276 km. Restricted: South Birmingham RS G4OHM/P (IO82) with KP4EIT (FK68) San Juan, Puerto Rico, at 6676 km. Low Power: MM0BQI/P P (IO85) with EA8BWL (IL18) Tenerife, Canary Is., at 3259 km. FSO: G4SHF (IO92) with HA8FM (KN06) Szered, Hungary, at 1687 km. FSR: G3XNO (IO93) with EA8BWL (IL18) Tenerife, Canary Is., at 3086 km.

70 MHz. 198 individual callsigns were worked (184 in 2010). Nothing extraordinary was heard or worked. Indeed anything beyond the UK and RoI was exceptional and rare. Nations and stations were as follows: DL: 1, EI: 3, G: 166, GD:1, GI: 3, GM: 8, GU: 1, GW: 11, ON: 3, S5: 1.

The greatest number of QSOs, 130, was worked by Bracknell ARC & Flight Refuelling ARS (IO80) in Open section. In 2010, the same group headed the UK numerical table with 111 QSOs.

Whilst it is normal to attribute comments, it may be better to cover the following issue without naming stations. Both ends are to be commended and will recognise themselves. Station A observes station B emitting a very wide signal, reports it to station B and logs it. Station B acknowledges the report and logs it. Station B makes adjustments, logs that activity and re-contacts station A - who notes the removal of the problem and logs that. The adjudicators observe both sets of logs and commend this action. Another comment, better not attributed, but for quite contrary reasons came from a Sweeper whose entry carried the comment "supporting XYZ group". Maybe a reminder is necessary here that any and all contacts must be made on a non-preferential basis. To be more brutal: it is contrary to the spirit of the contest to come on the air just to give one contact to your mates. Unique contacts (ie appearing in one log only) are noted by the adjudicators and are scrutinised closely. If unique contacts form a significant part of the group's entry, the group may be penalised.

Band Leaders. Open: EI9E/P Wexford VHFG (IO62), Open 1^st UK: MM0CPS/P Cockenzie & Port Seton ARC (IO84), Restricted: GM3HAM/P Lothians ARS (IO74), Low Power: GI0RQK/P Lagan Valley ARS (IO74), FSO: G3VZW (IO80), FSR: G3MXH (IO92).

ODX achievements: Open: EI9E/P Wexford VHFG (IO62) with S51DI (JN76) Maribor, Slovenia, at 1755 km. Restricted: G3RCV/P Cray Valley RS (JO01) with GM4ZUK/P Aberdeen VHFG (IO86) at 653 km. Low Power: GI4FUE/P Greenisland EARS (IO74) with Windmill CG G0FBB/P (JO01) at 605 km. FSO: G3ZVW (IO80) with GM4ZUK/P Aberdeen VHFG (IO86) at 687 km. FSR: G8CUL (IO91) with GM4ZUK/P Aberdeen VHFG (IO86) at 600 km.

144 MHz. 1472 individual callsigns were worked (1429 in 2010). The contact footprint showed nothing much to get the adrenalin flowing at an above normal rate. Nevertheless, the volume of contacts available on this band is usually enough to keep most operators busy and out of their beds over the whole contest period. Nations and stations were as follows: 9A: 1, DL: 168, EA: 11, EI: 23, F: 194, G: 876, GD: 7, GI: 17, GJ: 2, GM: 72, GU: 2, GW: 91, HB: 11.

The greatest number of QSOs, 465, was worked by G5LK/P Reigate ATS & Crawley ARC (JO01) in Open section. In 2010, they also led the numerical table with 443 QSOs and in 2009 did the same with 439 QSOs.

In a situation dealt with in total reverse of that noted on 70 MHz, there were three reports about defective signals being emitted by unstated stations. There were no identifications of who the suspect stations were, no logging of how and when attention was drawn to the perceived problems and no reports of mutual tests and clearances. In all, a rash assumption that the problems all lay at the other end. This is bad practice and contrary to the spirit of all contests.

Lowestoft District & Pye ARC reported that their rotator seized just before contest start and they had to resort to walking the beam around like a dog on a lead. This was sorted eventually. Sutton Coldfield RS, with a single band entry, reported that due to major illness, their station was erected at the last minute and was a two person team comprising G1VVF and his XYL, who did the logging - for the first time ever. Their efforts are highly commended. This is a band where the newly licensed give away a few points to contesters, but have not yet worked out what their Locator is. In these circumstances, a geographical location or postcode may be given from which the entrant can compute, and the adjudicator can verify, the Locator. NE Surrey noted a couple of intriguing items. "/M at Snetterton Racetrack" - hopefully from the car park and "SL4, right next to Windsor Palace" - one is amused.

Band Leaders. Open: G5LK/P Reigate ATS & Crawley ARC (JO01). Restricted: G6IPU/P Bittern DXG (JO02) - with a single band entry. Low Power: G3CKR/P Warrington CG (IO93). FSO: M1MHZ (IO92). FSR: M0WAF (IO92).

ODX achievements. Open: MM0CPS/P Cockenzie & Port Seton ARC (IO84) with 9A1N (JN85) Novska, Croatia, at 1810 km. Restricted: GM3HAM/P Lothians RS (IO74) with HB9STY/P (JN38), west of Berne, Switzerland, at 1164 km. Low Power: G3CKR/P Warrington CG (IO93) with F6BUL/P ( JN35) south of Annecy, French Alps, at 1006 km. FSO: M1MHZ (IO92) with DL5NEN (JN59) north of Nuremberg, Germany, at 867 km. FSR: M0WAF (IO92) with DR9A (JN48) south west of Baden-Baden, Germany at 743 km.

432 MHz. 402 individual callsigns were worked (390 in 2010). Interestingly, the worked footprint pushes further to the east and south than that for 144 MHz. If the number of stations active had been comparable, like 3.5 times the actuality, then operation on this band would have been rewarding, entertaining and a real challenge for the main volume contest traffic band. On the flip side, the session from midnight to 0500, for those who chose to stay up for it, like your scribe, did not prove profitable - again. Nations and stations were as follows: DL: 76, EA: 7, EI: 3, F:26, G: 219, GD: 2, GI: 4, GM: 7, GU: 1, GW: 18, HB: 7, LX: 1, OK: 4, On: 10, OZ: 2, PA: 14, SP: 1.

The greatest number of QSOs, 163, was worked by G0VHF/P Colchester RA (JO01) in Open section. In 2010 exactly this number was worked by Reigate ATS & Crawley ARC (JO01), also in Open section.

Windmill CG found progress a struggle, hearing many stations which were weak. They even changed the receiver in their efforts to determine the cause. 3 hours were spent on Sunday, with the amplifier in bits to aid the removal of airborne creatures, which had invaded the anode compartment to play with the HT. The HT won. Goole R&ES reported what seemed like one-way transmission. Several Scottish stations were heard at great strength, but failed to reply to calls. On the same theme, Sweeper G8ONK commented that there were lots of deaf contest stations. Lothians RS reported that their antenna had fallen from its mast and were pleased to be able to end the contest with a 36 and a half element yagi. Yeovil CG, in the shape of M3VBH/P, noted the nice opening to EA on the Sunday morning. I wish I had.....

Band Leaders. Open: EI9E/P Wexford VHFG (IO62), 1^st UK station G0VHF/P Colchester RA (JO01). Restricted: M0MDG/P Middlesex DX Group (JO00). Low Power: G5RV/P Mid-Sussex ARS (IO90). FSO: G3XDY (JO02), FSR: GW8ASD (IO83).

ODX achievements: Open: EI9E/P Wexford VHFG (IO62) with EB1ERK/P (IN52) Muros, north west Spain, at 1079 km. Restricted: M0MDG/P Middlesex DX Group (JO00) with DK0NA (JO50) north of Beyreuth, Germany, at 796 km. Low Power: M3VBH/P Yeovil Contest Group (IO80) with EA1FCH/P (IN63), Gijon - Corunna, north coast of Spain, at 892 km. FSO: G3XDY (JO02) with OK2A (JO60), Erzeburger mountains, Czech - German border, at 827 km. FSR: GW8ASD (IO83) with DF0MU (JO32), n Muenster, Germany, at 706 km.

1296 MHz. 148 individual callsigns were worked (144 last year and 141 in 2009. For the third year running, the worked footprint is very similar, but no contact was logged this time with EA, E7 nor OM. The G - count is up by 13; the PA count is down by 8. Nations and stations are as follows: DL: 22, EI: 2, F: 3, G: 93, GD: 1, GI: 1, GM: 3, GW: 4, HB: 1, OK: 2, ON: 5, OZ: 1, PA: 10.

The greatest number of QSOs, 81, was secured by G0VHF/P Colchester RA (JO01) in Open section. In 2010, this same group led the field with 76 QSOs.

This the band where most year's comments can be expected to bemoan the low activity. This year was no exception. The numbers of stations active has been pretty stable for several years, so perhaps comparisons are being made with UKAC sessions. Bolton WC found activity good for the first hour, then it died away until Saturday evening. Sunday is reported as "very quiet". Trowbridge & DARC found conditions average and the use of KST essential. However, some skeds invited in this way failed to get any takers. Sweeper G3XDY enjoyed a number of contacts via Aircraft Reflection, but found conditions average. Telford & DARS found the going slow, with few non-UK stations. They found CW and KST essential. Finally: Check-logger GM8OTI/P decided to use the event to test out a new 2m diameter dish. Unfortunately, an unexpected gust blew it over. Promises were given to improve the fixings next year. Well, at least there is one offer already for 2012.

Band Leaders. Open: G0VHF/P Colchester RA (JO01). Restricted: G3OHM/P South Birmingham RS (IO82). Low Power: G3CKR/P Warrington CG (IO93). FSO: G3XDY (JO02). FSR: GW8ASD (IO83).

ODX achievements: Open: G0VHF/P Colchester RA (JO01) with OK2A (JO60), Erzeburger mountains, Czech - German border, at 818 km. Restricted: G2BQY/P Trowbridge & DARC (IO81) with DF0MU (JO32) near Muenster, Germany, at 685 km. Low Power: G3CKR/P Warrington CG (IO93) with DL0GTH (JO50) Gotha, Germany, at 917km. FSO: G3XDY (JO02) with OK1KIR (JO60), Erzeburger mountains, Czech - German border, at 857 km. FSR: GW8ASD (IO83) with PA6NL (JO21), Hook of Holland, Netherlands, at 500 km.

SIGN OFF. Congratulations to all those who have been awarded Trophies and Certificates and to all participants on behalf of Band and Overall Adjudicators: Ian G0FCT, Steve G8GSQ, Roger G4BVY, Bob G0KYS, Richard G4WFR and Commentator John G8IYS