3rd 144MHz Backpackers Contest of 2005

This session of the 144MHz Backpackers contest was run alongside VHF NFD. This appeared to reduce the entry to twenty-eight contestants. Activity was high with most entrants able to work continental DX.

The standard of logging was generally poor with an average of nearly 15% of points lost. Only three stations managed to turn in perfect logs – well done to those stations.

The rules concerning antenna height for this series of contest appear to be confusing some entrants. The rules state: “The highest feed-point of the antenna(s) driven element will be limited to 9m above ground level. The highest point of any part of the antenna(s) will be limited to 10m above ground level. On 144MHz a maximum of 20 half wave elements (or equivalent) in total is permitted for the antenna.“

In the 10W Multi-operator section the Wigan Douglas Valley ARS, G3BPK/P was the winner with M0TMR/P in second place.

The 3W Multi-operator section was won by the West Kent ARS, G1WKS/P with the Malvern Hills B team, GW4IDF/P in second place.

The10W Single Operator section was won by Ivan Davies, G3IZD/P with Tony Judge, G0PQF/P in second place.

The 3W Single Operator section was won by Hilton Willott, MW0OPS/P with Tim Raven, G4ARI/P as the runner-up.

The leading Intermediate Station certificate was won by Ralph Gault, 2I0RPM/P.

Ian, G0FCT
g0fct@vhfcc.org