[UK-CONTEST] EU operators wisen up to RSGB CC ban

[Ray James]

UK competitors will be well aware that use of the DX-Cluster and chatrooms like ON4KST must not be used to spot your own frequency or arrange schedules like your fellow radio amateurs in every other country in Europe are permitted to do.

Those within range of continental square multipliers (M2) will now be aware that our neighbours across the channel have now cottoned on so a new tactic is being used to good effect and in ever increasing regularity.
The practise mainly emanates from countries not actually taking part in UKAC or the Nordic contest like DL, F and Benelux and is a nice way for them to get some 500, 600, 700 or 800Km contacts in the log for a couple of hours and the G DX comes directly to them, no need to S&P the UK. 

The MO is quite simple. 
Heinz, Joop, or Marcel announce on the cluster or ON4KST chat their callsign, frequency and either a general heading of "G" or something like "CQ JO01/IO91". Its perfectly okay in the rules to work these stations though it would be interesting to note the bees to honey once such spots or announces appear! Just be grateful if you're in range 'cos the majority of the UK ain't so you have a nice wee advantage of picking up EU square multipliers put on your plate that loads of your fellow UK competitors haven't an earthly of getting.

The alternative method is rather more brazen.
If you're spotted on the cluster the world knows your frequency.
Don't be taken back when one of our continental friends then spots you but with a request to beam to his location.
Something like just one noted last month, "F0EUA 144.260 G4XXX TURN ANT JN16QS I hear you".  

All perfectly legal but further confirmation that M2 combined with the DXC/KST ban puts UK operators furthest away from the EU activity at a disadvantage.

73 Ray GM4CXM