[UK-CONTEST] VHF Activity

[Ray Hills]

I have followed with interest all the views.  Try working from Cornwall. 
Out-on-a-limb hardly does it justice !!  But it is always worthwhile looking 
that way as often I am the only station on from IO70.  A total of around 25 
QSOs is about par for a 144AC night even with 80 watts to a 9 el Yagi with a 
very good take-off - probably 30 kms or more to the horizon -  from NW round 
to East (heaps of clay spoil get in the way in other directions !).  Despite 
being in the deep SW I agree with those who oppose the use of "parallel" 
communication in any sense to set up contacts.  Maybe I am old fashioned 
(started VHF in 1955) but I agree with whoever it was said that this is a 
radio hobby, not an internet hobby and not a computer hobby.  My use of a PC 
is limited to logging (SD), largely because electronic logs are required for 
144AC and 80MCC.  I don't have and choose not to have internet access on the 
shack PC either in Hampshire or Cornwall.  In fact I use pencil and paper 
for 144AC and create the electronic entry afterwards.  Like I said, very old 
fashioned but there aren't many of us left !!

Ray G3HRH