[UK-CONTEST] GM4AFF AFS 2004

[Cooper, Stewart]

(Lots of folk seem to have done AFS 2003!)
Not so much fun as usual, but I'm still not sure why. I've done this contest
often enough to get a feel for how propagation is going, and it seemed
better for the first 30 minutes than usual, but really sagged for an hour
after that. My 'rate' never got off the ground throughout, and was very slow
in the last hour, which is usually the best hour. I think the FT1000MP click
problem has made a significant difference to operating this kind of contest
when you're at the edge of activity. I think I tried about 3 or 4 'clear'
run frequencies, but couldn't get going, and put it down to big noise down
south. I had 2 rigs and 2 different antennas - a dipole at 30ft and a 1/4
wave vertical. Without doubt the dipole was better (by 5 S points on G at
around 1700). If I called on the vertical I worked something in Europe or a
5B4, so that was nice. Except the HA's who were on a 'work HA only' mission
I think. As usual, I was dumped upon by a few CQ'ers who couldn't hear me in
the earlier part of the afternoon, but who were happy to call me later!
I agree with Chris's comments about unneccessary stuff in the exchange. I
support the QRS corral idea, but why do those who do QRS feel obliged to
send everything more often?
So my worst score for a while - 181 Q's with 1 dupe.
 
Stewart
GM4AFF
 
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