[UK-CONTEST] May RSGB 23cm UKAC - Report

[Ray James]

Last night's 23cm UKAC held quite a number of variables this month in which conditions were the most predominant feature.
QSB was a big problem with signals just fading away and this resulted in a number of gotaways or the need to retry later. A great time eroder in a contest of only 2.5 hours duration.

Keith G4ODA and Richard G4HGI were lost completely. Others were heard briefly before quickly fading away, which is very frustrating indeed! 
It took at least 3 separate attempts before G3PYE/P was able to be worked thanks to Rob M0VFC's sustained endeavour to get the IO75 multiplier in their log. Competition in the restricted section is as close as I've seen in years. Its great to see the UKAC's have such a competitive interest amongst so many stations each month.

One welcome new initial on 23cm this month came in the form of an old friend, David G4DHF running 10w and a 55el from his Lincolnshire location. 
OZ1FF was a gotaway via aircraft reflection this month though we both heard each other briefly but the jet started its descent to Edinburgh airport and loss of height resulted in the loss of signal. Hans PA0EHG in JO22 was worked via aircraft reflection for this months ODX at 729km. 

Activity levels were very good though a few regulars were missing this month.

My QSO map can be viewed at http://maps.google.com/maps?q=http://www.rsgbcc.org/vhf/kml_files/2012/tMqu8zWLLnoZWkCC5pBTxmZXhsxqNUj

73 Ray GM4CXM IO75TW
IC910HX + DL2AM PA 150w
SP23mk2 LNA
4x 44el Wimo Yagis.