144MHz CW MARCONI CONTEST   3rd -  4th November 2018

The number of entries this year was 37, including five entries from non-UK&CD stations in F, OK, ON, PA and UA. After last year's increase in entries, it was disappointing that 2018 was back down again by eleven (23%) - but still one entry up on 2016. Four check logs were submitted directly to the RSGB, and an additional 150 plus were received from other IARU R1 societies for checking purposes. 195 different callsigns from 14 DXCC entities (F, DL, EI, G, GD, GI, GM, GU, GW, HB, OK, ON, PA & SM) in 59 'big squares' appear in UK entrants' logs. The best DX worked by a UK&CD entrant was 1106km, between MM0CEZ and DA0FF.

Opinions on conditions varied as usual, from 'quite good', through 'poor' and 'mediocre' to 'dire'. However there was more agreement that they were better on the Sunday than the Saturday. There was also a fair degree of agreement that UK activity was poor, although continental activity was better. One report each of noise and QSB was received plus two of equipment problems. But one entry was from a first time VHFer, who said he thinks he likes it....see you next year?

Quin Collier G3WRR

g3wrr@rsgbcc.org