[UK-CONTEST] G3SVL AFS

[G3SVL]

I too like reading everyone else's reports on the reflector - so here's mine.

Wanted to put up a dipole but ran out of time due to all last week in 
Ankara on business (avoided eating chicken!) and the rain on Sat/Sun. So 
ended up with the usual inverted L - definitely sub-optimal from the Sussex 
Coast for this contest.

Used N1MM for the first time and had a few set up issues (thanks Chris, SJJ 
for the help at 13:20 Sunday!). Started in my usual S & P mode but to my 
surprise found gaps between the big guns CQing (FT1000 MkV with INRAD 
roofing filter and a pair of INRAD 400Hz filters, since you ask).

So I decided to call CQ.  No one came back. Persevered - still no one. 
Decided to go back to S & P and couldn't get any responses. Power going 
out, SWR OK, keep trying.  Then realise the rig is on split and I'm 
transmitting somewhere up the band on the 2nd VFO!  Now, ALL windows based 
progs that I know use Ctrl+ S to save - not N1MM ..... you're ahead of me 
here ..... it sets split!  So when I went to call CQ I instinctively did a 
shortcut save (I never trust auto save) and because I tend to look at the 
screen not the rig I didn't notice what had happened. Sorry to anyone I 
QRM'd for that 10 - 15 mins soon after the start!

Next problem I had was some LID who decided that when I called CQ, he would 
call CQ right next to me - using my callsign!  He actually worked a few 
people and was clearly in UK and sending reasonable CW - just what 
motivates someone to spend their Sunday afternoon like that!

I don't mind slowing down for anyone in this contest - the rate is never 
going to be a problem. But I think a lot of the casual entrants are only 
around for the first 1 - 2 hours and that's a problem if you have a slow start.

Anyway, 187 Q's, slight improvement on last year but to do better I have to 
get the first hour right.  Thanks to all who worked me and see you next 
weekend.

73  Chris G3SVL