2022 was another year of exceptionally hot days around most of the southern UK&CD building up to a record-breaking peak just two days after this year's contest.  In contrast to last year, European weather conditions were also generally sunny and warm which certainly tempted more non-UK&CD portable stations to be active.  Overall the numbers of entries were up by 14% on last year with the increased non-UK&CD support and there were a further 104 stations running 10W or less in the logs.

Signals on 80m were weak at the start with UK&CD stations either starting on 40m or moving to that band very soon after and it didn't get any better.  40m appeared to have good propagation for all throughout the day while 20m peaked later in the morning and continued through to the end.  However, although the SFI on the day was 176 which suggested 20m might be more productive than 2021, total QSO numbers on that band were well down compared to last year.  There was only one DX contact with a KA1 in the logs received.

The annual EA contest was in full swing at the start but as it is a domestic event they generally will not work non-EA stations.  However for the second year the suggestion that entrants in this contest keep to the upper end of the frequency limits, co-existence with the mainly stronger EA stations seemed to be achieved.  However, entrants are reminded that the frequency limits specified in the rules must be adhered to, in particular on 20m where the permitted range is 14000 to 14060kHz.  A number of contacts were disallowed where the logged frequency was above 14060kHz.

A change in the rules for this year allowed entrants to specify Assisted or Unassisted with certificates awarded to the leading stations in each category.  In addition, trophies will be awarded to the leading Unassisted stations in all six sections.

Leading the UK 10W Fixed section for the second year running is G3TBK, in second place is G5W (G3BJ), both unassisted.  The leading assisted entrant is M2D (G4NVR) in overall third place.  In the UK 10W Portable section GM3BSQ/P (GM3WIJ and GM4ZUK) takes the top spot with G0TMT/P in second place.  All portable entries were unassisted.

In the Non-UK Fixed/Portable 10W section last year's winner DL9EE is again in first place with an unassisted entry followed by SN1T (SP1NQN) as the leading assisted station and second place overall.  Second place unassisted is PA2PCH in overall third.

The Non-UK 5W Fixed/Portable section attracted 50% more entries this year and first place (assisted) is DL1EFW followed by DB0DH (DL3CQ) who is the leading unassisted station for the second year running.  YU7AE/P operating at an altitude of 539m on Mount Fruska gora in Serbia is the runner up assisted with DF7DC runner up unassisted.

Last year G4PVM was the runner up in the UK 10W Fixed section, this year he entered the UK 5W Fixed section with an unassisted entry and leads the table.  In second place, also with an unassisted entry, is G3VYI and in third overall but the leading assisted station is M0RYB.  There were five entrants in the 5W Portable section, all unassisted, in the lead is G4CZB/P closely followed by G4ARI/P.

G3TBK, GM3BSQ/P, G4PVM, G4CZB/P, DL9EE and DB0DH are respectively awarded the 1930 Committee Cup, the Houston-Fergus Trophy, the RSGB Contest Committee Trophy, the Southgate Trophy, the International 10W Trophy and the International QRP Trophy.

Thanks to all participants and supporters for making the contest a success, in particular Colin G4CWH for again contacting individuals in the QRP community to publicise the event in advance.

John G4CZB