[UK-CONTEST] UK Microwave Group "Low Bands" Contest 7/12/2008

[Ray James]

Hi all,
The last UK Microwave Group Low Bands Contest of 2008 went fairly well from this quarter.
During an event that runs for 11 hours there is ample opportunity for casual operators to stop by in the morning, afternoon or early evening at a time that suits them in order to give points away and put their own equipment to good use. Whilst this did occur to some extent, in the latter hours it did not and this equated to long periods without anyone to test with.
None of my contacts were attributable to my many CQ calls in all directions and no “tail enders” to contacts either. I was unable to facilitate 2m talkback as my VHF/UHF antennas are not in situ at present so KST was the only resource available.

Conditions appeared to be quite variable with me. Either good or indifferent.
Very few attempts failed which is always a good sign and I had one marathon event lasting 30 minutes to work Keith, GW3TKH/P which appeared at my end to be completely dependent on very short incidences of aircraft scatter until it came to sending 73’s when we could have put our feet up and had a natter!
This contact was particularly pleasing because it represented only my 3rd  station worked in GW and the first into the south east corner of Wales. Having lived in Gwent many years ago I know it can be very difficult to work north because of the mountains. Another “initial” was with Peter G3LRP who I’d heard previously but never worked. Our contact was made all the more extraordinary when it later became apparent he was using an indoor antenna and beaming through lots of houses in my direction. 

Thanks to all that did come on despite some regulars being missing. 
It was good operating fun despite the gaps.
What would encourage even more to appear?

FT736R + DL2AM PA, 150w + SP23MK2 LNA + 4x44el @ 11m. 23cm single band.

Call      Loc    Km

G8DKK     IO91   518
G3XDY     JO02   564
GM0USI    IO75     7
GM3UAG    IO87   216
G4BRK     IO91   516
G4RGK     IO91   540
GI6ATZ    IO74   199
G3LRP     IO93   323
GW3TKH/P  IO81   471
G4BAO     JO02   505
M0DTS     IO94   254
G0DJA     IO93   361
G4PBP     IO82   398
G8EOP     IO93   306
GM0UHC    IO85    52
GM8BJF    IO85    73 

73 Ray GM4CXM IO75TW "GS" WoSARS

PS
The above was also posted as usual on the Microwave reflector but I thought it may interest readers here as it is in respect of UK Contesting.
For the un-iniated, "Low Bands" refer to the 23cm, 13cm and 9cm bands.