[UK-CONTEST] Commonwealth Contest - more first timers thoughts

[Plucknett, Geoff (UK)]

It has taken 32 years but I finally had a go in this event. Just a casual few hours of S&P between the football and rugby and no overnight apart from a quick few VEs on 3.5 at dawn.

What a difference to the normal contest melee. Clear bands, no mega-euro QRM, sensible CW speeds (no machine guns) and some nice DX where it wouldn't normally be possible to even hear the stuff through the mush.

Quick summary:

Band	QSOs	Points	Bonus

3.5 	11	55	200
7	16	80	220
14	41	205	680
21	34	170	540
28	3	15	60

Total 105 QSOs for 2225 points.

IC-706 Mk IIG, 100w, 30m doublet, top at 10m up the usual oak tree, the rest wrapped around the garden to fit.

Best QSOs much like everyone else - VK, ZL, ZS, 7Q7, 9J2, VP9 and all VE areas except 4 and 8.

I won't win any trophies or certificates but what an enjoyable contest. Agree with Gerry and Ian - it is good fun. Like the CC events, I can only encourage a few more CW snailspeeds like myself to have a go.

Geoff G4FKA


********************************************************************
This email and any attachments are confidential to the intended
recipient and may also be privileged. If you are not the intended
recipient please delete it from your system and notify the sender.
You should not copy it or use it for any purpose nor disclose or
distribute its contents to any other person.
********************************************************************