[UK-CONTEST] G3RCV

[Dave Lawley]

Cray Valley used the 80m CC contest as a training exercise as well. Only 
G8ITB and G4HSU were with me for the contest, but G0VJG and G0FDZ helped 
put up the antenna. We used a dipole at 50ft and FT1000MP at what we 
have found to be a very good radio location in Dartford.

Both operators have dabbled in 80m and 2m club contests but with limited 
antennas at home have always been 'QSO fodder'. Now it was time for them 
to do the CQing. Before the contest I gave a short presentation on some 
of the dos and don'ts, then at 8pm I operated for the first five 
minutes, making about 12 QSOs. Richard G8ITB took over, and did a great 
job making a total of 143 QSOs. For someone who has never CQed before in 
a contest to any great extent, it was great to see him get the last 10 
rate up to at least 180, and to copy the callsigns correctly, at least 
for the most part.

Will he become an avid contester? I don't think so, but at least he has 
had a taste of pileups from the other side. We plan to run some more of 
these sessions with some other club members.

Dave G4BUO