[UK-CONTEST] Commonwealth 2004

[G3WPH]

As always one of the most enjoyable contest's in the calendar.  I worked it for about 20 hours for 195 valid QSOs and 4030 points. This compares with last years entry of 173 QSOs and 3885 points with a near identical station - 250 watts and a 40 metre end fed L antenna 13 metres high.

As expected 28MHz QSOs were down significantly and 21MHz  fractionally on last year.  QSOs on 14MHz during daylight and 7MHz during darkness were significantly up on last year. 3.5MHz provided 50% more QSOs this year but a reduction in multipliers - the difference being less VK/ZLs.

I have already seen one comment on the reflector that with a modest station like mine you are only competing against yourself - a sentiment I share. This does not have to be the case and consequently this year I will be suggesting the inclusion of an additional restricted section for modest stations - something like 100 watts and single element antennas restricted in height to 15 metres.  I seem to remember that the old RSGB 7MHz contest had such a section and the RSGB 21/28 MHz contests still do.  I'm interested in the thoughts of others on this reflector -a good idea or not?

Thanks to those who travelled to foreign parts to add the interesting multipliers.

73 - Mike
G3WPH