[UK-CONTEST] Domineering VHF Contest Stations

[Ron Price]

I don't think we should trivialise the importance of including the 
FM/vertical antenna operators in the contest calendar.
How are they going to get the incentive to improve their station if they 
don't have a go with their simple equipment, realise that it is good fun, 
then take steps to do better in future events?
Take a look at the claimed score page on the VHFCC site for 144MHz UKAC.
In May, out of 90 entries, 5 were using verticals and several others using 
simple antennas.
In April, out of 102 entries, 11 were using verticals and a few using SOTA 
beams.
Some of the comments make interesting reading too, e.g. from G0GWI using 10W 
and HB9CV 'My first serious attempt, now well and truly hooked'
Everyone has to start somewhere and it is up to us keen contesters to work 
these stations and encourage them to strive for a more competitive set up.

I also think that alot of QRO HF contesters have forgotten the fun and sense 
of achievement that can be had from operating QRP VHF from a good location.
A look through previous Backpacker results will well illustrate this.
With modern rigs, those who are fit enough can easily walk to an elevated 
site, especially if their home location is poor from a VHF aspect, taking 
along a simple beam and enjoy working some DX. SOTA activators do it on a 
more or less daily basis!
Those not able to manage the physical effort can easily do the same thing 
from their car parked up at a suitable high spot.

Regarding east coast stations not beaming inland, I wouldn't mind a £1 for 
every time I have received the following after answering a CQ from them,
 'you're off the back of the beam'!

Ron,
GW4EVX