PW Low Power Contest 2005
The PW 144 MHz QRP Contest on Sunday 12th June 2005 was another great day
out.
We arrived at Deacon Hill at around 09.00 the weather was fine. It looked
like we were going to have good luck as long as the rain stayed away. It was
a bit windy when we got to the top of the hill, but not too bad.
We managed to get the mast and antennas together after a bit of “fine
tuning” to the rotator (think it was down to the 14lb sledge hammer
that sorted it out in the end). It was fun putting the gazebo up; it thought
it was a kite.
The equipment used for the contest was a Yaesu FT-857 at 3 watts; the antenna
system was a double quad 5 over 5 element at about 23ft which seemed to work
better than the 12 element yagi at 10ft used last year.
We logged approximately 80 contacts (52 last year) throughout England, Scotland
and Wales.
By the time the equipment was setup it was just after 10.00 BST and Mark
G8AWO got his first contact. It was great to be supported by so many helpers
and other members that came up to the site to visit us.
Helpers: Ken G0MKN, Gary G0ETA, Stan M3GKS, Maurice M0MLT,
were all there from the start.
Visitors: Ron G4DDX, Malcolm G0UYN, Martin 2E0MJD, Paul G8IUG,
Sean M1ECY and his son Calum, Anne M3NTM and former member Alan M1EQK.
Some members of the public showed some interest in what we were up to.
There were a couple of young men flying a kite nearby. When it got so windy
that the kite operator started to take off, it became clear that it was time
to close down the site.
It took just about an hour to get everything packed away. Look forward to
next year, let’s see if we can break our records, both QSO’s logged
and people helping (Also more having a go at operating – it’s
what the PW Contest is about).
If we were to make a weekend of the event, it could be useful for the foundation
candidates as a practice time. It could help them in setting up a radio station
including antenna systems etc. ready for the contest on the Sunday.
Thanks again to ALL that turned up, but mainly to Mark G8AWO who organised the event and supplied most of the equipment.
Peter G7HCL
