[UK-CONTEST] GB5HQ

[G3SJJ]

I enjoyed a really great weekend at G3LZQ's. Mainly 80CW as I couldn't stand
the boredom of hitting F1 and listening to white noise on 10m!  As a contest
I have never rated it, like Don XTT inferred and probably many nontesters
must think, just seems a load of HQ stations continually CQing and not
working much. What I did get out of it was :

- Supporting John LZQ's massive contribution in setting up such a
competitive contest station (not forgetting Vic G4BYG who does a lot of the
installation) and the fantastic hospitality. Whatever I think about the
contest I would not wish to let John down and my input was a Thank You.

- Team work locally. We all acted and worked as a team should do. I can't
recall any instance of anyone doing anything "unteamly" or anyone even
mildly expressing annoyance. As a relative novice in the major dxped/contest
arena I felt very much part of the action and therefore responded hopefully
with increased effort. It was relaxed but "professional" from the social
side to the operating rota and on to passing mults across the two bands.

- Team work nationally. Being part of the wider team, although I had kept
low key(!) during the initial trials. The internet network system worked so
well that we could all support each other. I guess Justin TSH, Dave BUO and
John WGV deserve a special mention but Thanks to all the rest of the
operators. What is rather special is that many of us both in the local and
national team compete against each other in various contest events yet are
able to work and support each other during this one, one of the many
positive outcomes of contesting. Had a game of footie with the 15mSSB boys
around dawn. Running slow but steady on 80CW, they kept spotting Eu and
States stations for me to work. Find 'em on the 2nd vfo, work 'em in between
CQs and QSOs. Great fun. You pass the ball, I'll 'ead it in!

- Learning .... lots. I came away with many ideas how to improve my own
efforts. From multing to ionospheric knowledge. Excellent timing just 2
weeks before our annual GU8D effort in the IOTA Contest.

- New Software. I didn't particularly want to start learning new stuff at
the peak of our planning for IOTA but it was interesting nevertheless. We
listed a few things to pass on to John. WGV. At least there was the usual
Super Check Partial which is always helpful in marginal conditions. The two
ZLs on 80 were heard via ESP, but SPC confirmed what I thought.

Thanks to all involved: Organisers, Teams and Participants. Hope to work you
all in a couple of weeks time from GU8D.

Chris G3SJJ


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