[UK-CONTEST] 80M CC tonight

[Dave Lawley]

Hi Callum

Well I nearly messed up. Realised conditions were atrocious, so I 
started with S+P hoping things might improve and I could run later, but 
then one of the CVRS gang G0VJG gave number 21 to my 8, so I realised 
that running was an option. Seemed to be easier low in the band so I 
settled on 3622. The key is to run as fast as you can, working hard to 
pull out the calls, because I had a feeling it was going to get worse.

Running worked well for a while but by about 20.40 things were going 
even further downhill. I went to pick up G0AAA higher up the band, an 
hour before while warming up the frequency he had been 59+20, now he was 
right down in the noise and so it went on, with several periods over 5 
minutes when I could neither attract callers, nor find anyone to call. I 
did call several who CQed in my face. Not their fault, just conditions. 
I've got 12 calls on my gotaway list - heard, but not worked.

G3ORY was the only station in the midlands who I could copy in the later 
stages, plus the GX3 who couldn't hear me at all. Nothing special here, 
a dipole up about 48ft.

I did feel sorry for a new M3 in our club, and a YL as well, who wanted 
to come on and help the Cray Valley effort but after 30 minutes of 
calling people and getting no replies at all, she gave up. I don't blame 
her but have stressed that in a few month's time it will all be different.

Cheers, Dave G4BUO