[UK-CONTEST] AFS.

[brian coyne]

Any soccer enthusiasts among the AFS entrants missed a cracking match, a pity that a stupid refereeing decision ended the game as a contest but we must blame the administration of the game rather than the man himself, suffice it to say that I am a disgruntled City fan of more than 60 years!
 
When I got on air at 16.30z,  after the game, I was surprised at just how well uk signals were coming through and they maintained throughout as I did think initially that I was hearing uk sunset enhancement from the various areas.which would take a nosedive. Overall these were the best cndx I have found in this contest since I came to Cyprus 7 years ago although I have not been qrv every year.
 
I used a 15 mtr vertical wire hung from just below my beam tuned through an ATU, not the best, less than a quarter wave, no room here to use any radials at all so probably very little erp. I like to keep guys on their toes for this one so I used my full normal c/s rather than my C4Z short contest call.
 
Knowing that this is a 100 watt limit contest it puts the uk guys on some sort of level playing field and it is possible to make comparisons over time subject to qsb although fading was not too much in evidence yesterday. I did not call at all but tuned through the band just S&P many times. Some guys were strong but never heard me at all, some others got a partial and gave up. On the other hand there were a few who were weak but got me first time. This sort of analysis is subjective and depends upon many facets the main one being the local qrm levels and the fact that the best spots are taken and the unfortunate guys have to make the best of what remains so I am not going to name any names apart from saying 'well done' to the 30 stns who made it into my log.
 
No harm though in listing the strongest signals to be heard here. Wherever M0DXR was operating from had a very potent consistent fire stick, other consistent strong signals came from, in no particular order, G3's ORY, LZQ, UJE, SJJ.  G4's BJM, TSH & M0UNN.
 
Look forward to seeing you all in Beru and may I just say please take a look at the Commonwealth Jubilee Award a real challenge for this Diamond Jubilee year with a certificate to be hard won and proudlyattained.
http://www.beru.org.uk/CCCaward/CCCindex.html
 
73  Brian 5B4AIZ.
 
 
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