[UK-CONTEST] 21/28mhz RSGB Contest.

[Andy Hewitt]

Graham,

I used to take part in this contest as an SWL waaay back in the very early
60s when we had just past the peak of the highest solar cycle recorded. It
those days it was a major event and I used to log all kinds of dx, help by
the sun of course. Now in this solar minimum we are really down in the muck.
Nevertheless it is amazing what dx is out there and can be worked. In the
early days it was a Phone (AM) only event but I don't think adding cw has
done much to make it any more attractive. I have also participated as a
licensed op a few times but found it to be a bit boring. I was otherwise
occupied this year and not available. It does not attract many overseas ops
as it is very poorly publicised.

As far as the contest's future is concerned it think it should either be
scrapped or revamped completely. In the OLD days there was also a 7Mc/s
contest which has already gone. And if this one goes then it would leave the
RSGB without any major HF contest(I know. What about BERU?). BERU
internationally is not a major event as it is restricted to Commonwealth
countries, although of course many non-commonwealth countries do try to get
in.

If this contest is to be revamped why not extend it to all HF bands and then
use the HFCC format, say having one short contest once a month at different
times of the day and on different bands. It could be multi-mode with perhaps
two bands each month, shuffling the pairing around as well. This sort of
mixture would test operators knowledge of propagation and their operating
skills.

73
Andy G3SVD


-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of G4FNL
Sent: 06 October 2009 10:08
To: UK Contest
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] 21/28mhz RSGB Contest.

Brian,

As you say, condx were pretty awful.

I took a listen and even called plaintively on 10m on the hour, for a few
hours of the morning, but with my mediocre set up, it was a dead loss, so I
decided that I could probably do something more useful instead. I did work a
few on 15m though - including you, and just to put the record straight,
there were at least 3 or even 4 RSGB Contest Committee members active in the
contest. I don't know what equipment that they were each using - but I'm
pretty sure it's not high power / beams etc. I know it's disappointing for
someone like yourself taking part, when it sounds like the UK contest
community as a whole just don't seem to support this contest in the numbers
that they once did.

I believe that I am right in stating that this contest originated many years
ago, before the plethora of other contests that are now organised, and it's
probably time that the RSGB Contests Committee (of which I'm one) take a
straw poll and decide what the future is for this one....

So, it may be time for early retirement for the 21/28MHz contest, but it
would be interesting to hear from anyone else who would like to make comment
or speak out in favour of keeping it, perhaps with some rule changes.

Anyone got any constructive thoughts?

73  Graham G4FNL


-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of brian coyne
Sent: 04 October 2009 14:15
To: UK Contest
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] 21/28mhz RSGB Contest.


Just spent more than 3 hours giving out contacts to the deserving.

Band cndx pretty dire, 10 mtrs never opened to here, but could have been
worse.

Bad cndx or not Uk support was dreadful, maybe it's time this contest was
ditched. If you are promoting an event and show no enthusiasm for it is it
any wonder it creates no interest abroad? It ain't good enough to decide
we'll give it a crack when sunspots are back. A couple of hours from all
active contest members is needed if any national sponsored contest is to
gain, and retain, credibility.

The usual loyal follwers were present on cw but where were the ssb ops? Most
I worked on that mode just happened to be on the band and stumbled across
guys calling for UK. Slow pace like this would be ideal for training those
club members but not a trace of that type of activity.

I didnt hear any committee calls active, if there is no enthusiasm from the
top we cannot be surprised at the apathy in the ranks.

I shall not be submitting my log, as a protest at the continued antiquated
rule structure which allows only single wire antennas for 100w entries
otherwise they are lumped into the 'open' category, but that is a different
issue not specifically related to this contest and will bring no more than
stifled yawns from committee anyway.

73  Brian 5B4AIZ (C4Z).





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