[UK-CONTEST] 144mhz afs

[Rob Harrison]

Hi all,

Summary:- 103 QSO's, 18972 pts, 184 pts/qso, 27 locators, 8 DXCC. Down on last years 107 QSO's & 24001 pts.

Echoing Andy's comments on conditions, poor improving to flat! Lost some time at the start, as the shack windows started to leak with the amount of rain beating against them. Temporary repair until we get some fine weather (June 2010?). WX did improve mid-morning, but by late afternoon it was raining again.

Operating was a mixture of search & pounce, and calling CQ, not enough erp to sit and call all day. The beam was swung to all points, as propagation didn't favour any one direction. 

Only GM worked from here was GM4JR, and that was a real struggle receiving a 3 by 3 report. Also GD8EXI wasn't as good as normal, and GW8ASD down too, but heard him later at better level. No GI or EI heard/wkd. To be expected from here, it was better to France, with their contest on, but still difficult with lots QSB, ODX was F4FHV in JN15 at 690km. A few DL/ON/PA in the log, but not the normal activity from there this year.

Quite an enjoyable event, enough activity to keep interest up throughout, thanks to all the portables who braved the elements. 

73

Bob Harrison G8HGN JO01fo