[UK-CONTEST] Re 144MHz Contesting etc

[Dave Sergeant]

On 11 Nov 2008 at 8:06, Jiri Culak wrote:

> Wow, where this this information (GB3VHF) came from?
> I don't believe it (or more likely don't want to believe this)
> GB3VHF is one of the best beacons, several times hrd from my OK2
> location in JN99BM and BO. Heard via Es on FT817 while as 3V8/M0ITY. I
> am sure that in case it's funds are to be cut off, we can maybe help
> there? I know that this beacon is monitored a lot from continent and
> contributes to vhf activity towards UK. If it about to be gone, impact
> will for sure decrease already poor activity.

See http://www.gb3vhf.co.uk/ and the linked discussion on their blogs. 
I see there is now an announcement on the RSGB home page - 
http://www.rsgb.org/news/gb3vhf.php

It does though needs to be put into perspective. It is not stated what 
the new rental rates will be, but it is obvious they will be very high. 
Although GB3VHF is monitored by many VHF dx enthusiasts I suspect they 
still form a small proportion of our hobby. I never ever listen to it 
here as I am in no position to chase VHF dx even if I were inclined. I 
would hope those taking part in VHF contests would be listening for 
people to work rather than listening to beacons, you only really need 
beacons when there is nobody else on.

I hope that GB3VHF does find an alternative good site, but it is 
unrealistic to expect our society to fund unrealistic commercial rates 
on such a project.

73 Dave G3YMC

http://www.davesergeant.com