70MHz Trophy Contest

There were 52 entries (48 in 2025).

For most entrants activity had slowed by 1700utc. Some of those who hung on for Es were rewarded. There was a Es opening at around 1730utc which lasted for about an hour but was very sporadic and the Es didn't reach everyone. A number of entrants referred to low levels of activity. From G4GFI 'Very low level of UK activity. Maybe a rethink is needed when you make more QSOs in the 2.5hr 4m UKAC than in this 6hr event!'. He is, of course, right but it's almost normal now to make more QSO's in an AC and more rapidly than in a Championship event.

The number of entrants in Open continues to fall with just 2 in 2026, 3 in 2025 and 4 in 2024. In 2023 there were no less than 8, but some were single op and after a rule change now go into Single Operator Open. Under the current rules certificates are not awarded where there are 3 or less entrants in a section. I have made an exception and awarded certificates in Open but I hope VHFCC will change this rule.

One station was warned for inappropriate use of KST during a QSO and a QSO was busted. As a rough rule if you are in QSO then KST should not be assisting that QSO. Use of KST before and after the QSO is covered by the rules.

Another station gave the wrong postcode and this log has been used as a check log. Please check your postcode before starting to operate in postcode contests. If you find yourself inadvertently giving wrong information then please change to the correct information as soon as you can and add a note to the Adjudicator in the comments in your log. This makes it much easier to adjudicate and means the stations worked can be identified and not penalised (which I was able to do in this case).

Overall contest UK ODX was achieved when G8SEI worked LZ1AG at a distance of 2275km.

Congratulations to the Trophy winners and to all the Certificate winners listed below.

Stephen Purser GW4SHF