50MHz Backpackers 2009

It was always the intention that the Backpackers contest should be a section within the 50MHz Trophy contest, unfortunately the rules and calendar didn't get amalgamated in time so it's presented separately this year.

There were few comments with the logs, but I imagine the ops at GW4IDF were glad of being lightweight portable when they needed to swap to an adjacent field to escape inquisitive cows. Low power and modest aerials are never going to make life easy when there's lift conditions and frenzied activity hunting for dx, but all the entrants did well in achieving 1000-1300km/QSO average and collecting some decent contacts.

Unfortunately the entry from M0BAO/P fell foul of rule 3d regarding equipment transmitter power. With 1664425 points, he would have been in third place.

Thanks to all who entered with congratulations to Dave G4IDF and Dan G0RMX who win the 50MHz Backpackers Trophy, and to Tony M3YAJ who wasn't far behind in 2nd place.

Steve Thompson G8GSQ