AFS 2022 Data Contest

The 2022 run of the RSGB Affiliated Societies Data contest attracted a total of 190 entries down from the 227 received last year across the four sections. The AFS contest series is one of the most closely fought in the RSGB calendar and this year was no exception. It was gratifying to see 31 entries from non-UK stations with the bulk being PAs. Naturally enough the most popular section was the 100w. As is usual with AFS the cut and thrust of competition was in evidence. 40m proved a difficult band for some this year as it did last year. There were the usual cries of frustration of logging issues and decoders not behaving as expected, RFI and even a computer deciding to update its operating system just before the start. Murphy's law was in evidence as usual which is so frustrating. Whilst it is lovely to see the usual call signs battling it out it is very gratifying to see so many new calls taking part for their first time. On the whole the entrants enjoyed the contest with a total of 24152 QSOs claimed. Nice to see a few Intermediate calls entry the fray for datamodes as high power isn't as beneficial as it is for SSB. Clubs should encourage their 2* and M7 members to get stuck into data contesting.

I note that several stations reported very wide PSK signals indicating overdriven audio. It doesn't get more calls rather it makes signals unreadable and the band less able to support the volume of traffic is can with clean signals. I have also been receiving complaints of station failing to send the full exchange as laid out in the rules of the contest. RST is an integral part of the exchange and failure to transmit this open the station to possible disqualification - you are duly warned.

In the General Club section the Three As CG A team retain their first place from last year with DeMontfort University ARS in second place. GMDX displaced the Three As CG B team taking third place on the podium.

In the Local Club Section Camb-Hams A team were beaten back into second place in a very tight race for the top spot by Norfolk ARC A team who claim first place as they did last year. Bristol CG put in a fine showing to take third place. As you will see from the table below, this was a very closely fought competition and a most exciting one to adjudicate.

Turning now to the Individual table results. The 400w section G4PIQ took first place and the AFS Data Challenge Trophy. MW2I (G4BVY) took second place with M4T (M0BEW) taking  third place.

The 100w section saw G4ENZ claim firstplace again with M7W (G3TBK) and M1X (G0CKP) finishing second and third respectively.

In the 10w section G3SWC came firstand hard on his heels came M0RYB/P finishing in second place whilst G0JJG claimed third place.

In the Non-UK station table saw OE5TXF took first place this year with PA3DUU and PE1PTS in second and third places respectively.

It is gratifying to see many familiar call signs from overseas who regularly support the RSGB data modes contests throughout the year.

Congratulations to the Three As CG A team who lift the AFS Club Data Challenge Trophy once more as winning team, and to G4PIQ who is awarded the AFS Data Challenge Trophy as Highest Individual UK&CD Score.

This contest is part of the AFS Superleague and this sees the reigning champions, Camb-Hams in the lead over their rivals Grimsby AFS by a handful of points although the gap has been opening up ever so gently. Will Grimsby AFS be able to pull the rabbit out of the bag?

The RSGB Contest committee extends its thanks to all who entered and hope to see you all again in 2023.

Simone Wilson - M0BOX

RSGB AFS DATA Adjudicator