March 144/432 2006

The first major event of the contest season always poses a challenge for portable stations. This year was no exception with freezing temperatures and snow affecting those who ventured out.

Conditions were reported as generally poor with QSB. Activity levels, particularly on 70cms, were rated as poor. However the QSO numbers were greatly increased compared to 2005. Entry levels were slightly up on last year. There were a number of new and returning entrants. The six-hour sessions continue to gain in popularity and the rule change to allow the six-hour section to be split into two sessions was favourably commented on.

Few equipment problems were reported and those that occurred were mainly computer rather than radio problems. One portable entrant had a near disaster with a mast.

Congratulations go to:

* The Colchester Contest Group G0VHF/P who ended G5B's dominance of this event by winning both bands and hence the multi-operator section.

* Bryn, G4DEZ who won the single operator fixed section for the third year;

* Andy G7FWE/P for venturing out in appalling conditions and winning the single operator others section.

* David M0GHZ as a new winner of the six-hour single operator fixed section;

* The Moors Contest Group M9T for enduring terrible weather to win the six-hour open section.

All other band winners and runners up who together with stations marked (*) will receive certificates.

Roger Dixon, G4BVY

All good fun

144: DL0VS could not make up their mind if they were /P or not. On Saturday (worked on 144 & 432) they signed DL0VS yet on Sunday when we heard them signing DL0VS/P and challenged them they declared that they were "always" portable. We took no /P call on either band so have not altered our log. 432: Slow setup missed the first 90 mins but the computer made up the numbers! Top ten QSOs over 650 Km made the delay worthwhile. Please note that DL0VS was worked on both bands at different times on Saturday. On Sunday they were signing DL0VS/P and on our query insisted that /P was correct. We were not sent the /P so have not amended our log.

144: First time using new antenna. Bands seemed very quiet. 432: Very good conditions for ourselves, trying the new 21 element Tonna out and we were very impressed with it.

144: Poor conditions, hard going. 432: Poor conditions, a real struggle.

Limited participation due to visitors, the new rule splitting section 6S was useful. Conditions average, had to dig out the DX

Flat

144: Only got on for the last hour or so, but some continental DX about with a good deal of QSB. 432: Only one contact, but they all count!

Pretty average, but still pleased with 500+ km on 432 (with a bent aerial!)

70cms extremely poor 2m better than last year but still no real DX.

Freezing even in the shack ! condx not too great but enjoyable contest

Please find attached my entry for the recent March 144/432MHz contest. It's a single band 144MHz entry only, made under limited operating conditions fitted in around family life in the 24 hr period. Consequently, I have entered the SF section, as QSOs were made intermittently during the period. This is my first entry in many, many, years, having just got my first 2m antenna up again. I know it's not an impressive score, but at least it's something to work on for next year !

Did double QSOs vs 2005 (new amplifier helped!). Conditions flat though some variety hour to hour. I like the new split 6 hour class; enabled me to take more seriously. Please could CQ callers give approximate location and beam heading?

Very poor conditions with rapid deep qsb. No beam for 70cms

Average only - Lots of Deep QSB. Nice Dx at times. Some issues with Lappie shutting down - now away for repair!

144: Started with a disaster when a mast coupling failed and the whole lot came falling towards me. Hasty footwork avoided a hospital visit, but the 2m yagi was definitely a casualty. I straightened it as well as I could and still made some reasonable QSOs considering. Conditions were much better on Saturday, seemed to die a death on Sunday. -4 degrees on Sat evening! 432: Really a pleasant Sat afternoon until the sun went down at which point the temperature plummeted. Conditions seemed well as DF1JM was very strong as I tuned around the band for the first time. Sadly that was to be my last DL, but considering the modest set up I was pleased with some of the QSOs, especially the French contingent. Got most of the QSOs by transferring from 2m.

Just giving pts away on 432MHz

Poor activity and conditions

144: Terrible conditions 432: I am told poor for 70cms ,but as I am new on the band anything is good score! GW3ATZ Hi.......Trying new log prog. WIN-TEST. Hope logs ok. 3 hours on each band. Very poor conditions. Too much snow to go out portable. Low activity.

Poor conditions and lack of activity

Very poor conditions first entry to this contest

Poor conditons but fun.

Extremely quiet with very little activity.

My first contest, not sure what I'm doing!

Hard going very flat conditions.

Worst conditions I have known in this contest for a while, linear agreed and decided to only produce 80w so just 2 1/2 hours for the 6hour section just for fun!

Very cold on our hilltop! Conditions flat. For once the gear worked without problems. Thanks to everyone who was active and worked us.

144: Thick snow, difficult ascent to the site. Tech problems before and during. Finished rigging at 1am(-5C)! A true Arctic adventure. 432: Quiet as expected. Some good distances worked, though. Rigging delayed by helping 4x4 stuck in snow drift! ON/PE7B WX: cold but clear. QSB on the band. Bad weather prevented operation on day two.