See the Official Results below…
This year’s Remembrance Day Contest was conducted at the Club Shack over the weekend of 17th and 18th August.
Friday 16th August was set up day with 3 members setting up radios, computer, tables and chairs etc. Along with the Club’s radio equipment, we also set up a Yaesu FT991 for use on 2m and 70cm. There was even a 100 meter long doublet antenna setup to assist with the activities.
Saturday saw members gathering with the contest due to commence at 1100 WST. We commenced spot on 11am with Bob VK6POP operating HF whilst Ian VK6IMG operated on 2m and 70cm.
We operated throughout daylight hours with members taking time either operating the radios or operating the computers to log the contacts. During the afternoon, Gavin VK6GMP provide scones with jam and cream, delicious. As evening approached some members had to return home whilst a dedicated core continued operating during the dark hours. In the evening drinks and snacks were provided by Gary VK6WCH.
Next morning, a big effort was put in trying to get as many contacts as possible right up to the closing time of 1100 WST.
Once the contest closed, it was relax for 30 minutes, then pack up and pull down all of the items used for the weekend and return the shack back to normality.
A big thank you to the following members for their help over the weekend:
| Bob VK6POP (Organiser) | Andrey VK6WU | Andy VK6HQ |
| Colin VK6JE | Dan VK6FAAT | Gary VK6WCH |
| Gavin VK6GMP | Ian VK6IMG | Mark VK6DY |
| Peter VK6LB | Will VK6BCK |
Some statistics from the contest:
- Eleven people turned out over the weekend to contribute in many ways. Thanks.
- We made 400 contacts, with a claimed score of 443 points. Please note that these numbers will reduce because of logging errors and failure by some to submit a log.
- Last year, the 3rd place getter in the multi-multi section had a lower score than we’re claiming today. 2nd and 1st places had scores double ours or better.
- Our contact rate was just under 17 per hour, which means 3.5 minutes per contact. On a good day we could vastly grow that rate.
Some other comments:
It is believed that the exercise was a successful weekend. It was certainly enjoyable. Everyone pitched in and did something. It is hoped contesting newbies will develop an interest in doing more.
- The DX3000 worked well, however the learning curve to use it was steep. That’s life.
- Unfortunately the foot switch and adapter for the DX3000 have disappeared. It would be really useful for whoever removed it or stashed it in a very not-obvious place, to reveal it. Everyone would appreciate the return of these items.
- The black power supply that was in the shack, earmarked for this weekend’s activity, wasn’t there. It would like to come home.
- The operating position is uncomfortable. The slide out desk is low, placing the mic too far away, and the monitor is too high. Suggest that the Club investigates using an articulated boom for the mic.
- Monitor – there’s nowhere else to put it, however if a separate person is logging, perhaps a second monitor could be added alongside. Some work is needed to work out what will do the job.
- We need a decent low bands antenna.
- The RF Amplifier needs a service. (This is already being followed up)
Great news:
The Hills Amateur Radio Group, VK6AHR, finished 1st in VK6 land and 3rd overall in the Multi Operator, Multi Transmitter section of the contest.
Well done to all participants.
