AFS CW this year saw the introduction of 40m alongside 80m adding an extra degree of interest to the event. This reflects the same change made to AFS SSB in 2015. Whilst the CW event never suffered the density of stations that led to the SSB dual band change, the general consensus this year from CW participants to the inclusion of 40m has been favourable.

Almost all stations opted to start on 40m where a good 80 to 90 minutes of prime activity was expected. For those working above around 7.015MHz a move to 80m was a necessity after a strong wideband interfering signal appeared around 1515z. From then on the majority of contacts were on 80m with a dramatic reduction in the number of contacts on 40m.

Some DX was worked, mostly by Scottish stations with GM3WOJ & M0DXR working ZL2IFB, GM4AFF worked JJ2LPV and GM3POI was the only station to log stateside contacts.

General logging quality was good, with one exception. Some stations lost points due to not recording the correct band in use. Whilst the exact frequency of operation is not yet a mandatory requirement, the band is. An incorrectly recorded value can unfairly penalise both sides of the QSO and requires a little adjudication detective work. Those without computer and rig interfacing should take extra care to record the correct band to prevent being penalised.

Some stations commented on the normalised scoring applied to this event and this may result in changes for next year's AFS events.

First place overall goes to M0DXR who receives the Marconi Trophy. Congratulations to the highest scoring team, Brimham Contest Group from North Yorkshire who get to keep the Edgware Trophy for the next year. G3TBK and GM3POI were the leading stations on 80m and 40m respectively.

Contest adjudicated by: G4MEM, G0FCT, G4BVY