Ropoco 1 Contest, 2004.
Despite the good conditions, a considerable number
of regulars did not join the fun this time and many
entrants commented on the low level of activity. On
the other hand, there were scarcely any 'casual' participants
who did not submit a log. As a result, almost every
QSO was checkable, which is why this has to be the most
enjoyable of all contests to adjudicate. It's great
fun to watch the corruption processes at work as, say,
SE25 6HY turns into HE255BHY!
One entrant queried the status of QSOs outside the UK,
having made a couple and tried to insert 'TT2 TT2' into
the postcode chain. The rules do state that only UK
stations count for points. Many of the logs for the
RoPoCos are submitted hand-written on paper, and are
very welcome. But the absence of computerised dupe-checking
means that extra care needs to be taken. There are two
entrants who should be thankful that the tenfold penalty
for unmarked dupes is no longer applied!
With G0CKP in the ranks of the missing, G4BJM, G0MTN
and G3RSD occupy the podium, each moving up one place
compared with the August 2003 event. Not much change,
then, except to welcome G3ZRJ who shares third place.
But there is one big departure from the norm. Usually,
at least one of the leading group submits a perfect
log, but not this time. Congratulations to Derek Stanners,
G3HEJ, whose error-free entry in 13th position earns
him the Verulam Silver Jubilee Trophy.
Steve Knowles G3UFY.
Soapbox:
G4BJM Good condx, activity seemed a bit
down
G0MTN My 30th birthday ... I think I deserve 50 extra
points for getting out of bed! Difficult to explain
"Send me your postcode, then send on the last postcode
you received next time" quickly in the heat of
battle!
G3ZRJ Seemed a bit slow this session. Some crackingly
wierd poastcodes taken. Getting used to the old ways
with the PA dip & load is fun.
G3RSD Condx seemed average, but too few participants
G4EBK First hour busy. Second hour very slow.
G3LIK Good conditions but few stations active. Nice
to see Friendly calls.
GM3JKS A struggle to raise QSOs in mid to south England
G3XTT Where was everybody?
G3ZGC I was very surprised to work two Europeans. I
gave them zero points and used the postcode before theirs
for the next QSO.
G4ARI Great fun!
G3HEJ Condx pretty good ... strong Scottish stations
throughout the contest but not enough operators on!
G3LHJ Good fun as usual
G4XPE Condx: quiet at start but improved as time went
on. QRM from concurrent OZ contest.
G4FON Interesting not to get my own postcode back again.
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