[UK-CONTEST] 80M Clubs contest series and Northern Ops

[Steve Rawlings]

Having now experienced an 80m UK contest from Scotland, I agree with 
Alex GM3ZBE that, perhaps not surprisingly, things are a lot tougher in 
such events for those north of the border.

Although the only GMs worked by Dave G3YMC were GM0ELP and me (as 
GM4ALG/P), Alex GM3ZBE was a cracking signal in Newcastleton.  I also 
worked GM3VTY; GM40SS; and GM0DHZ - so there were certainly other GMs 
QRV.  Propagation does indeed seem to be a significant factor, as 
suggested by Alex.

But the main factor is probably variations in population density; 
especially for those stations at the extreme ends of the UK (as 
suggested by Dave G3NKC).

Does anyone fancy plotting the consistently high scorers in 80m CC on a 
map of the UK?

BTW, I worked 63 stations as GM4ALG/P, running 5 watts to a low dipole. 
  I would expect to make around 87 QSOs when operating a similar station 
from my home QTH in Chepstow.


Regards to all,
Steve GW4ALG



Dave G3NKC wrote:
> Well now that tonight's event is over....
> 
> 76 QSOs here, a reasonable entry with QRP.
> 
> Just before the start of the contest I had an excellent QSO with 
> Steve GM4ALG/P in Newcastleton just north of Carlise - we exchanged 
> 579/559 reports, both of us running 5W. The only other GM worked was 
> GM0ELP, I heard you Alex GM3ZBE once but you were pretty weak down 
> here in Bracknell and we didn't manage a QSO. So maybe the 
> propagation down to us in the south is not as bad as suggested...
> 
> As usual in these events, I had an excellent rate at the start with a 
> good run on 3523. When I eventually started search and pounce I found 
> I had already worked most people. Some regulars missing again (and 
> not to mention the usual strong GMs!).
> 
> 73 Dave G3YMC