70MHz UK ACTIVITY CONTEST - 21/12/17 & WHOLE YEAR RESULTS

Looking first at the results of the December event, the number of logs was slightly up on November, at 105 (20 AL, 24 AO and 61 AR). The number of valid callsigns appearing in the logs was 176, in 26 big squares and 8 DXCC entities (G, GI, GM, GW, OK, OZ, PA and SP).  Most entrants' comments on conditions were that they were poor, but a few noted they were quite good on E/W paths. Noise was again a problem for many, probably exacerbated by power units for Christmas lights (though on the positive side, this should only be a problem once a year!). As usual QSB, often deep, caused difficulties. Activity was, with a couple of exceptions, reported as lowish. And a few entrants had equipment problems. But again on the positive side, many commenters passed on season's greetings!

Moving on to the whole year results, the total number of entrants varied across the twelve sessions between 105 & 142, with an average of 117. There is little clear pattern except for a gradual tail-off from August onwards. The balance of entrants between the sections was fairly constant, with slight evidence of an increase in the Low Power and Open sections at the expense of the larger Restricted section as the year progressed. Average percentages were AR 60, AO 22 and AL 17. Except for the June session, the number of DXCC entities and big squares worked was fairly constant (averaging 9 & 28 respectively), but there was more variation in the number of valid calls appearing in the logs, probably reflecting differing conditions. The number (again excluding June) varied between 170 & 220 (an average of 178), with a significant tail-off from July. June, however, was different - and good different at that! Clearly Mr. Murphy was looking the other way on 21st June, as a respectable helping of sporadic E showed up. Figures for that session were 272 different calls, 65 big squares and 21 DXCC entities, these being 9A, DL, EI, G, GD, GI, GJ, GM, GU, GW, HA, LA, LZ, OK, OM, ON, OZ, PA, S5, SV and YO. The major problems encountered by entrants were deep QSB and noise which often beamed in particular directions.

Thanks to all the entrants, and congratulations to certificate winners as follows:

General Club section

Leading club - 807 ARO

Second placed club - GMDX

Third placed club - Travelling Wave CG

Local club section

Leading club - Sheffield & DWS

Second placed club - Hereford ARS

Third placed club - Worksop ARS

Section AO

Leading station - G4BWP

Second placed station - GI4SNA

Third placed station - G4FZN/P

Leading non UK&CD station - PA5Y

Section AR

Leading station - G4CLA

Second placed station - G7LRQ/P

Third placed station - G8PNN/P

Leading Foundation Licensee - M6KMB

Leading Intermediate Licensee - 2E0VPX

Leading non UK&CD station - PA5Y

Section AL

Leading station - G1YBB/P

Second placed station - G(W)0EAK/P

Third placed station - 2E0DKX/P

Leading Foundation Licensee - M(W)6XAK(/A/P)

Leading Intermediate Licensee - 2E0DKX/P

The first session of the 2018 70MHz UKAC series runs from 2000-2300 UTC on Thursday 18th January.

Quin Collier G3WRR

g3wrr@rsgbcc.org