[UK-CONTEST] Contesting + support

[Andy Cunningham]

Don and co.....

Another head above the parapet.  :-)  I got my M3 in February and the 
2E0 last month.  I've mostly done the VHF contests so far (particularly 
2m), but I've been surprised how much I've enjoyed it.  It started off 
as grabbing a few extra points for the club - Bracknell ARC where I did 
my foundation exam - but I surprised myself at the application of 
thought and strategy that goes into it.  I don't have the location or 
inclination for a "top gun" station (or the power limit!), and I 
definitely am more interested in the shorter contests (2-6 hrs).
> I accept the point that has been made on here by some that an active 
> contest group may not want to put inexperienced contesters on the key or 
> mike and risk bringing down the rate, but some groups (thanks for the GM2T 
> posting, for example) are prepared to take that risk while, in other cases, 
> there may be much the same benefit from just getting invited to watch and 
> learn. 
The good thing about the 2m contest is that it encourages beginners to 
operate because even getting a few points from a bit of wet string at 
10w adds to the club's score, as well as your own "personal best".   It 
also seems fairly friendly. 

I've not (yet) entered a HF contest, though I've spent a few hours 
giving points away for the fun of it.  I will do so at some point - and 
if anyone looks down on the VHF contests then I'd suggest the 2m one in 
particular as a good introduction.
> I was reminded at the weekend, talking to an instructor, that 
> amateur radio is a bit like driving - you have to pass the test, then you 
> have to learn how to drive :-)  (and I suspect that has been the same 
> whether we are talking about the old RAE or the current system  - in the 
> past many of us  would have served an apprenticship as an SWL, but that 
> was by no means mandatory  - the present system does at least  include 
> some practical elements).
>   
That's a good point - and I and may others have observed that the 
current M3 doesn't really teach you enough to get yourself on the air 
without some help - but that's getting away from the point here.

If anyone is interested, my write-up of my first contest entry is here: 
http://www.hamradioforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=336

Andy