[UK-CONTEST] CC April CW Contest operation prior to the start

[Chris Partington]

I did not enjoy the April CW leg of this contest and gave up at 1930, unable
to find a clear frequency to start a run and S & P was proving unsuccessful
also.

 

I thought long and hard about making this post as I do not want to upset
fellow amateurs.

 

My view is that the principle of "hogging" a frequency prior to the start of
any contest is not within the spirit of the event, certainly not for 30
minutes!

 

I switched on at 1830 and was unable to find a clear frequency due to
stations obtaining signal reports, in many cases not even QSOs. This trend
is increasing due to the lack of space which is unavailable during the
contest period.

 

As a /P operator I normally obtain a couple of reports after setting up my
equipment, fixed stations, in general, do not need to check their set up,
certainly not for over half an hour, in my view.

 

I would like to ask the Contest Committee to consider a "cooling off" period
15 minutes prior to the start of the event, where no QSOs are allowed by
Contest Stations, to prevent stations from claiming a frequency. This will
cause some problems at the start but would make it a more even playing
field.

 

There is no firm evidence but in previous sections, due to the high serial
numbers received after 1 or 2 minutes,  it is clear that some stations maybe
pre- warning others of their frequency either by using other methods of
communication or being QRV for a considerable period of time prior to the
contest, in a way, generating interest prior to the start.

 

As I said earlier, I do not wish to make accusations and upset anyone, but I
think a change is needed.

 

73's,

 

Chris G0CLP/P