[UK-CONTEST] CQ WW VHF

[Paul_group]

Tammie Evans wrote:
> Hello!
> 
> I am taking part in my first VHF contest and have just sat down to the 
> radio/computer. 

First off, well done on trying VHF contesting. Despite the moans and 
groans expressed on this reflector they are good fun and certainly 
require more skill than just endlessly pressing F1 F2 F3 on 20m :-)


>Radio works, logging software works but 6m seems 
> absolutely dead!!!!! 
> 

With all vhf contests you have to have a basic understanding of what 
participation there is going to be and what propagation is likely to put 
that activity within reach of your station / location.

CQWW VHF is a 2m and 6m event and its not particularly well supported 
here in the UK, so any stns you work will mostly be outside "normal" 
tropo range. Particularly important at this time in the cycle on 6m is 
that you will rely on sporadic E propagation which even with a simple 
station allows 1500Km QSO's to be made. That places a good deal more 
contest activity in range of your system. Predicting Es is a bit of a 
skill but monitoring 10m and 6m beacons - watch for them appear, watch 
for the close in DL and F beacons on 10m which indicates a rise in MUF 
and lo and behold, 6m will open. Listen on and around 50.090 for CW 
activity as the best VHF DX'ers always spot the openings first.



> Oh well, will keep trying.  Maybe the band will suddenly spring to life 
> here in Eastbourne soon.

Which looking at dxcluster here looks like it already has (08:00) today 
with a number of contest spots being observed, so good luck and get at them.

The good news is that there won't be many entrants from the UK so you 
could do very well in the listings.

For future you *might* be better picking a VHF contest that has some UK 
participation where there is some activity within tropo range, UKSMG 
event is good and try a domestic 2m contest.

Regards Paul


-- 
73 de Paul GW8IZR IO73TI
http://www.gw8izr.com