[UK-CONTEST] RSGB 80m CC SSB condx

[PETER CLEALL]

This was the first 80CC SSB I have participated in. I live in Somerset. I
expected to find a band full of signals for 90mins of mayhem. When I started
I could only find 2 signals, both relatively local. Throughout the contest I
could only hear about 3 or 4 signals on the band at any one period that were
in the "run" mode. Trying to contact these proved difficult as I was usually
pipped by several stations calling and after about 10 tries I moved on
somewhere else. During the time I was trying to work someone I heard many of
the stations that the runner was working, some of which I could hear at very
good strengths, but interestingly I never heard them again anywhere else on
the band throughout the contest.

Does this mean most participants spent a large proportion S&P or was it a
propagation phenomena coupled with a poor antennae at this end

The stats are at the opposite end of the spectrum to the majority of reports
on this reflector, but I enjoyed myself which for me was the important
thing.

Q's 13 , countries 2

50W to a 30m longwire running N/S at 6 to 8m. Basic noise level between S5
and S7.

Now 2 questions

Should I have a go during AFS , what am I likely to find, or will I waste my
time amongst all the big signals.

Are there any simple ways of improving my operating performance, as I am
currently restricted to the antennae and equipment I can use.

regards
peter G8AFN

On 13 January 2011 22:10, G4FNL <g4fnl at bubloz.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> Not seen any posts on the contest last night, so here's my findings: At the
> start, as to be expected I suppose, I found conditions unsuitable for
> intra-G QSOs.  Most people that I worked at the start made some comment
> about how hard it was.
>
>
>
> There were some big signals from Europe - and one or two of the regular G
> stations were quite strong - but the majority were fairly weak and watery.
> I
> was ready to throw in the towel after 10mins - with just 9 Qs in the log. I
> tried running - but no takers - so went S&P for another 10mins. 20mins into
> the contest, I think that propagation must have suddenly changed. Did
> anyone
> else notice that? I managed to find a clear freq and had a terrific time
> for
> 40mins, with short duration rates of nearly 300/hour until it dried up
> again. More S&P, until 10mins before the end, when I managed to get a run
> going again. It was great to work the familiar callsigns - but also
> terrific
> to work some new stations who are now active in these contests.
>
>
>
> My sincere thanks to everyone that I worked last night. I ended up with
> 155Qs - no dupes. I was using an FT1000MP and 265ft doublet at 55ft.
>
>
>
> 73 Graham G4FNL
>
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