Low power fun in Easter Contest
“How low can you go?” was a theme of Wythall Radio Club’s Easter Contest 2021.
Chris G7DDN made his 37 contacts with other Club members using his trusty FT817 running 5 watts into a 2m/70cm collinear, and achieved 3rd place in the VHF/UHF category.
Not to be outdone, Allen M0PPX made a 0.3 watt QSO with Kev 2E0NCO whilst en route to the Lickey Hills using his new Yaesu FT3D.
Meanwhile, Lee G0MTN connected his Kenwood handheld to his EME antennas (normally used for moon-bounce contacts), wound the power down to 50 milliwatts, and also made a contact with Kev 2E0NCO!
On the space theme, Chris G3YHF send a greetings message via the International Space Station digipeater – 00:00:01:40 : G3YHF]CQ,NA1SS*,qAR,CT1EBQ3::NWS :Happy contest Wythall RC g3yhf via ISS
This didn’t count for the contest, which requires QSOs with any of the Club’s 80 or so members, but is in the spirit of our motto – ‘Having fun with RF!’.
John 2E0XET also tried some novel QSOs. Normally found on CW and often using QRP, he was tempted to have an HF SSB QSO and also try out his new Baufeng handheld on 2m to have his first contact with Kev 2E0NCO!
First place in the 2m/70cm section was Kev, 2E0NCO.
Although a big signal from home, he also spent several afternoons on the Lickey Hills and managed a contact with Rob 2W0MEX in South Wales – one of several members spread across the UK and abroad. This was no mean feat on 2m FM!
Kev wins the Colin Baker G6ZDQ Shield.
Miles 2E0YZW was a close second and Tim M6OTN and Clive M7OCB tied for the highest placed foundation licencee in this category.
In the ‘all modes and bands’ category, David G7IBO amassed a huge lead over second and third placed Chris G3YHF and Lee G0MTN. He made 71 contacts over the 5 days of the contest and worked 28 members for a score of 1344, more than double the second place score! He wins the David Dawkes G0ICJ Shield. 
Juliet M6RSC was the highest placed Foundation licencee in this category.
With May approaching, Club members now turn their attention to their annual More Appreciation Month and the Lew Williams Shield.
