G0VHF/P ::
RSGB
144/432, March 2009
Reverting to the usual callsign (compared to the last successful outing) we found our luck returning!
The WX was threatening but toothless - this time - and we enjoyed blue skys for much of the setup; but Saturday
turned grey and overcast as the low pressure system moved South.
...more
144/432, 2009 - continued
Contest conditions turned out better than expected with good medium DX on both bands.
The 70cm Amplifier played its usual tricks at the start, reducing the early QSO rate on seventy, but
the 2-metre setup, for the first time using an Elecraft K3 (assembled by G4ZTR) as driver to the DEM
Transverter; itself driving the GS35b final, was as good as gold.
...more
144/432, 2009 - continued
There was the same-old, same-old 4x21 array on 70 which produced a Top-10 list in excess of 600km (the 8x21 array
takes too long to erect/tear-down in 'wintertime') while we repeated the experiment of 3x8 ele 'JXX' -
as used in VHFNFD 2008 - on 'Two'. The 3x array has value in being relatively broad in beamwidth while maintaining
the gain-figures we achieve when using 2 longer aerials. That said, for a 2-meter-only event we would
plan to deploy a pair of long, long yagis in addition as the broader array reduced the +1000km opportunities available.
...more
Finally, 'Many thanks' to all those who took part in the contest either striving to compete or simply 'giving away
points' and kudos to those who provided support and practical assistance to the contest team, particularly during the
heavy, wintery shower that underlined our efforts during the tear-down.
CCG 14 Mar 2009
