CATS Whispers Editor : Steve Beal, G3WZK Email Address for Contributions: [email protected]

COULSDON AMATEUR TRANSMITTING SOCIETY

G4FUR M1FUR

CCAATTSS WWHHIISSPPEERRSS

June 2012

Affiliated to the RSGB

CATS Committee Chairman: Glenn Rankin, G4FVL Secretary: Steve Beal, G3WZK Treasurer: Steve Conway, G7SYO Members: Stuart Barber, G6CJR Frank Emery, G3ZMF Dennis Noe, M0NDJ James Flint, G0SDB CATS Whispers Editor : Steve Beal, G3WZK email address for contributions: [email protected]

Regular Society Meetings These are held on the second Monday of each month at: St. Swithun's Church Hall, Grovelands Road, Purley, Surrey, CR8 4LA at 20:00 to 22:00

Society Nets 1st Saturday of month - 17:15 - Crescenta Valley / CATS Net on Echolink/ GB3NS Sunday mornings - 11:00 - Call on 145.400 MHz ± QRM Sunday evenings - 17:00 - Call on 3.700 MHz ± QRM Wednesday evenings - 21:00 - Call on 70.425 MHz

CATS Website www.catsradio.org Email [email protected]

Forthcoming Meetings

Monday Jun 11th Micro DF Hunt by Dennis M0NDJ Monday Jul 9th Natter Night Monday Aug 13th CATS Barbecue at G4RWW QTH

CATS is twinned with the Crescenta Valley Radio Club Glendale California USA www.qsl.net/cvrc

1 the pub for refreshments. Basic methods can CATS May Meeting include: • taking bearings and plotting them on a On May14th, CATS member Terry G4CDY map, gave other members a fascinating talk about • heading off in the direction of the strongest Direction Finding (DF), ranging from its earliest signal, or military use to present-day practice, where it • following last year’s winner! has in many places become more of a family activity than any other aspect of amateur radio. The general technique is to get three good

bearings and plot them on a map. In a perfect Development of DF first began around 1900 world, the three plots would intersect at a point, and during WW1 it played a decisive part in but in practice they will form what is known in British Royal Navy’s success at the Battle Of DF circles as a “cocked hat” – smallish Jutland. Between the wars it was also triangular area. developed as a navigational aid for both aircraft and ships, mainly using LF or MF. In Equipment required will include a simple WW2 the Huff-Duff system proved to be handheld radio - although modern types are extremely successful in the Allied campaign likely to be housed in a plastic case, as the against U-boats. It enabled a bearing to be lack of RF screening will cause overload obtained almost instantaneously. problems when operating close to the Fox.

Also required will be an attenuator; map, Amateur DF began in the 1930s. Antennas in compass, ruler and pencil; and a directional use include directional systems such as ferrite aerial such as a yagi, simple loop (perhaps rods and the well-known tape measure yagi; with an added “sense” aerial), or tape measure homing methods such as the “Singing antenna. Antenna” – basically two side-by-side vertical dipoles with rapid electronic switching between Terry then demonstrated a DF receiver he is them at a 1 kHz rate; or Doppler systems using currently developing. It is based around a chip 4 or more aerials with synthesised rotation – that has an operating range of between 80 and often at a rate of 10,000 revolutions per 900 MHz, making it ideal for use on both the second. Visit the following site for more 2m and the 70 cm amateur bands. Sensitivity information: is -122dBm and the output is an audio tone

than varies with signal strength, although Terry www.utaharc.org/rptr/ark_df_desc.html plans to add a bar graph indicator for crude

signal strength indication. The device also The modern sport of ARDF (Amateur Radio includes a 10mW transmitter, making it ideal Direction Finding) has three main areas: for additional use as a Fox.

National and International DF competitions may last as long as two or three days and involve 3 or more foxes. These tend to take place mainly on 2m or 80 m and competitors receivers are quarantined before the start, to prevent cheating. Competitors start at intervals and only received their own receiver at the pre- allotted time.

Fox ORing is basically orienteering with radio DF. Competitors have to use map-reading skills to get within range of the Fox. Transmitters are very low power and can generally only be received up to about 100 metres away.

Club DF Hunts employ a protocol where the The G4CDY prototype DF receiver Fox – often located in the car park of a pub - (G7SYO photo)

typically transmits for a period of 30 seconds After a break, everyone was invited to take part every 5 minutes. There is a set time limit to find in a mock table-top DF hunt. Bearings were the Fox – after which everyone goes back to supplied and had to be plotted on an Ordnance Survey map. Modesty forbids CATS Whispers 2 from reporting who found the hypothetical Fox fuel leak! This could have spelled disaster, but first – but it was located at Redhill aerodrome! fortunately he was able to make quick and See image below. effective repairs and deliver the “genny” to site on schedule.

The CATS generator undergoing emergency repairs at the QTH of Glenn G4FVL (G4FVL photo)

G3WZK’s plots – showing the hypothetical Fox to be on or near Redhill aerodrome Set-up began around midday and before long three masts had been erected along with tents, Overall this was a most entertaining and the now fully-functioning generator and other informative evening for all the CATS members Amateur radio essentials, including a barrel of who turned up. Thank you Terry! homebrew beer kindly provided by CATS Chairman Glenn G4FVL and christened “The Chairman’s Brew.” G0KZT Radio Play Day G0KZT Radio Play Day Aerial wise, we had a good number of aerials

to play with including two HF verticals, two The idea for this event was conceived by Andy The idea for this event was conceived by Andy Windoms, the club’s 17 element Tonna for 2 G0KZT at the beginning of 2012 as a fun G0KZT at the beginning of 2012 as a fun metres and the 19 element Tonna for 70cm, weekend during which members – and guests weekend during which members – and guests collinears covering 4m, 2m, 70 cm, and a 3 from other clubs – could have fun with amateur from other clubs – could have fun with amateur element beam for 6 metres. CATS member radio. It was hoped that the more relaxed pace radio. It was hoped that the more relaxed pace Frank G3ZMF also had a small beam on 23cm – compared with contesting – would encourage – compared with contesting – would encourage and used a TS2000 kindly loaned by Terry non-contesters to come along and join in with non-contesters to come along and join in with G4CDY as his own TS2000 was faulty. whatever aspects of the hobby they enjoy. whatever aspects of the hobby they enjoy.

The location – a new one for CATS – was on a hilltop in Paddock Barn Farm, just off the A22 near Caterham. Use of the site came about thanks to a suggestion from CATS member Denis M6XLS, who is friends with the owner of the site.

Fingers were crossed as the proposed weekend for the event drew near. April was the wettest on record and things were looking doubtful until the Tuesday before the event when temperatures started to rise … and just kept on rising. As the Friday dawned there was a clear blue sky and a daytime max of 24C. Things were looking good!

Andy G0KZT begins assembly of the CATS 17 element yagi But then, just before leaving home, Glenn for 2 metres G4FVL discovered that the generator had a

3 CATS members who attended to help set up (and dismantle) or operate included Andy G0KZT, Andy G8JAC, Glenn G4FVL, Terry G4CDY, Steve G7SYO, Steve G3WZK, Len G0GNQ, Ian M3IGP, Frank G3ZMF, Stuart G6CJR and Denis M6XLS.

Visitors from other clubs included Adam G7CRQ, Vince G1HRD, Alex 2E0, Colin G4CJR and his son.

On-site facilities were good with plenty of space available for experimentation and, with Caterham town centre only 5 minutes away by car, it was easy to pop 0ut for a takeaway!

Big thanks to Andy G0KZT and other members of the organising group. Also thanks to Denis M6XLS and his friend whose field it was.

A selection of photos follows. More photos are available on the CATS page on Facebook.

Other Photos L-R: Adam G7CRQ and Andy G0KZT with yagi antennas for 2m, 70 cm and collinear for 4m, prior to mating with the main mast

The six metre yagi on its mast

L-R: Andy G0KZT and Adam G7CRQ with yagi antennas for 2m, 70 cm and collinear for 4m mated with the main mast

On the Friday evening I operated the station of Len G0GNQ while he left the site to get a takeaway. The ten metre band was wide open with stations coming in from several South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile. On the Saturday I operated mainly on 2m SSB but also had my first ever QSO on 4m, despite having been licensed for 45 years! Andy G8JAC’s operating position overlooking the Caterham So I certainly had a lot of fun and did valley – the vehicle is an Austin Champ with trailer something new, too! 4

G3ZMF Corner

Andy G8JAC on the Saturday morning VMARS net

Frank G3ZMF puts the finishing touches to his experimental home-made vertical for 20 metres

The CATS antenna farm, early on the Sunday morning. The homebrew 20 m vertical of G3ZMF is nearest the camera, next to his tent. (G7SYO photo) The G3ZMF antenna system for 23cm. Note the rotator lovingly strapped to a garden fork. What will “mad” Frank think of next? (G4FVL photo)

Len G0GNQ operating on 21 MHz from his tent The “shack” of Frank G3ZMF (G4FVL photo) 5 Refreshments CATS June Meeting

The CATS June meeting will again feature a Direction Finding (DF) hunt. The location will once more be in the vicinity of The Fox Public House but this time there will be two (radio) foxes to find within a small geographical area so that the event can easily be undertaken on foot. Each will be a very low power automatic transmitter that CATS member Dennis M0NDJ will have set up prior to the event. Dennis writes:

“I will do the fox hunt from Coulsdon Common, meeting and finishing at the Fox Pub. Starting at 7.30 pm for briefing and set off for about 8.00 pm.

“All equipment will be supplied. I will supply 10 receivers and antennas. However, members can bring their own equipment if preferred for

Len G0GNQ (G7SYO photo) 2m (144.625) AM/ Modulated CW. This can be a scanner and a Yagi - or a radio such as an FT817.

“The transmitters will be hidden on a small route near to the pub.”

Dennis advises that it should be possible to find both foxes and be back at the pub within an hour – so there will be plenty of time for “refreshments” both before and after the event.

See you there!

CATS July Meeting

This will be a Natter Night, probably at The Woodman public house in Woodmansterne Andy G8JAC repressurises the tank of “Chairman’s Brew” (G4FVL photo) Lane.

Derigging CATS August Meeting

This will be the customary barbecue and again will be held at the QTH of CATS member Prue, G4RWW.

VHF NFD - 7/8 July 2012

Andy G0KZT writes:

“I have received an email from John Simkins G8IYS regarding the contest weekend of VHF NFD and the continued entry of the North East Surrey Contest Group, of which CATS is still Derigging the site. L-R: Len G0GNQ, Stuart G6CJR, Steve under that umbrella. G3WZK, Ian M3IGP, (G7SYO photo) 6

“The proposed site is Warren Barn Farm GB3OY (East London, NGR: TQ 407 937) – Woldingham although it is currently being 430.575 MHz / 439.575 MHz A temporary reported by the farmer that the site is “a Olympics Repeater for the Games period (28th swamp” following all the rain we have been June 2012 to 23rd September 2012). ERP = experiencing. There could therefore be a 9.8dBW and transmission is 26m above revised site at short notice if the field is ground level for the duration of the Games unsuitable. period.

“Entry will be on 6m, 4m, 2m and 70cms. John One footnote added by Ofcom was that it is has been assured that while the Olympics are your responsibility not to cause interference to on, 70cms will be available. The Games and you are reminded to check whether your signal could have the potential to ”If anyone would like more information or to be interfere. If in doubt, don't transmit. I don't think put in touch with John, please contact me in Ofcom will show much leniency when they the first instance and I will forward John's catch you! I hope that adds some clarity. details to you.” Full details are available on : 73 de Andy G0KZT www.rsgb.org/olympics Amateur Radio & The Olympics by Andy G0KZT CATS Contesting

The Games, taking place this summer will Questionnaire – Results soon be upon us and restrictions will be put in place upon the 70cm, (431 - 432 MHz, 432 - See the final page of this issue of Cats 433 MHz paired with 436.25 - 437.25 MHz and Whispers for G0KZT’s analysis of the 438 – 439 MHz) and on microwave responses he has received. frequencies (2.390 - 2.400 GHz and 3.41 - 3.44 GHz). Identify the Transmitter There are a number of Amateur contests that fall within the period of the 2012 Games. CATS member Tom G4DFA has passed on to Ofcom will accommodate these providing CW an interesting and amusing link: activity is kept to the dates of 6th - 8th and 10th July, 4th - 5 th August and 14th August, 8th www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_emb - 9th and 11th September. edded&v=neHreW-PNtw

In its most simplified terms, the 70cms Tom says that everyone should build one of restriction are effectively the area within the these! M25 motorway, an area called Hadleigh Farm near Benfleet and Weymouth. This is known as Annex 'A' for 70cms and Annex 'B' for the Contests Coming Soon Microwave bands (which also covers several large football stadiums around the country). Jun 10: Second 144 MHz Backpackers Jun 16-17: 50 MHz Trophy Contest Annex 'C' covers 70cm repeaters and the list Jun 24: 70 MHz Cumulative #4 includes several available in our area. Jul 7-8: VHF NFD Jul 8: Third 144 MHz Backpackers GB3OK (Orpington, Kent) - 430.5125 MHz Jul 22: 70 MHz Trophy Contest input / 439.5125 MHz output (permanent Jul 22: Low Power Contest change from 430.9 MHz / 438.5 MHz which Jul 28-29: IOTA Contest has already taken place.) Aug 4: Fourth 144 MHz Backpackers Aug 4: 144 MHz Low Power Contest GB3NS (Banstead, North Surrey) – 430.675 Aug 5: 432 MHz Low Power Contest MHz / 439.675 MHz (temporary change from Aug 5: RoPoCo CW 430.925 MHz / 438.525 MHz for the period Aug 12: 70 MHz Cumulative #5 28th June 2012 to 23rd September 2012.) Sep 1-2: 144 MHz Trophy Contest Note the 9 MHz split. Sep 1-2: SSB Field Day 7

Local Rallies & Events

17 June 2012 14-16 September 2012 25 th Newbury Radio Rally & Boot Sale Amsat Colloqium Free prize draw for Yaesu handie Holiday Inn Guildford GU2 7XZ Newbury Showground, M4 J13. Networking The Rally takes place at Newbury Showground which is Speakers located right next to junction 13 of the M4 Motorway. Gala dinner Nearest Post Code: RG18 9BB www.uk.amsat.org/colloquium/twelve/ Open 09:00. Free parking, trade stands, catering, disabled facilities. Contact [email protected] www.nadars.org.uk/ 26 August 2012 Milton Keynes 52 nd Amateur Radio Society Rally Bletchley Park, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley MK3 6EB 22-24 June 2012 Open 09:30 trade stands, catering Hamtronic Show, Friedrichshafen Entry £2. Messe Friedrichshafen, Germany Contact: Steve 07866 673192 or Open 09:00 each day www.mkars.org.uk • 63rd DARC Lake Constance Meeting • with lectures and meetings • HAM RALLYE - Friday and Saturday September 2012 • HAM NIGHT - Saturday PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de/ham-en/index.php CANCELLED Gatwick Vintage Radio Weekend Vintage Operating Group (M0VOG) 1 July 2012 East Suffolk Wireless Revival Hunters Moon, Reigate Rd (A217), Hookwood, RH6 0HU (NOTE REVISED DATE) Plenty space for overnight stay, BBQ on Saturday The Ipswich Radio Rally Contact: Mike, M1CCF: 0208 654 2582 or Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, A14 Eastbound, Nacton [email protected] or Andy G8JAC Ipswich, Suffolk IP10 0DD www.radioclubs.net/m0vog/ Open 09:30 Car Boot Sale, Bring & Buy Sale, Special Interest Radio Groups, Local Radio Clubs, RSGB Bookstall, UK 28/29 September 2012 Microwave Group, Vintage & Military ARS National Hamfest Live Radio Demonstrations, Excellent Food and Facilities, George Stephenson Pavilion, Newark & Nottingham Easy Parking, GB4SWR - HF Radio Station GB4SWR - Showground, Lincoln Road, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 Talk-in on 145.550MHz 2NY. For the latest details and ticket information, visit: Contact Steve,M1ACB 07711-329624 www.nationalhamfest.org.uk www.eswr.org.uk

1 July 2012 12/14 October RSGB Convention Norfolk ARC Barford Radio Rally Horwood House, Little Horwood, near Milton Keynes Barford Village Hall Convention and lectures Barford 9 miles SW of Norwich close to A11 and A47 www.rsgb.org/rsgbconvention Open 09:00 (traders from 8am), CP, TI, CBS, B&B, C, TS, RSGB Bookstall, Demos. Contact: David G7URP 01953 457322 or 11 November 2012 [email protected] West London Radio & Electronics Show www.norfolkamateurradio.org Kempton Park Racecourse. Open 10:00. Parking, trade stands, catering, disabled facilities. Contact [email protected] 15 July 2012 NOTE: CATS involvement in this event. The CATS bring McMichael Rally & Boot Sale and buy sale is a permanent feature of this rally. Reading Rugby Club Holme Park Farm Lane, Sonning www.radiofairs.co.uk Lane (B4446), Sonning on Thames, Reading. RG4 6ST off A4 east of Reading

Open 09:30. Parking, trade stands, catering. 25 November 2012 Contact: Pete G8FRC 01189 695 697 CATS 35th Annual Radio and www.mcmichaelrally.org.uk Electronics Bazaar

Provisional arrangements as follows:

1st Coulsdon Scout Group headquarters, Lion Green 12 August 2012 Road in Coulsdon, Surrey. Map Flight Refuelling Hamfest Open 10:00 to 13:00 Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, Nr. Parking, trade stands, bring and buy, refreshments Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AA Contact : [email protected] or Open 10:00 www.catsradio.org Further information: www.frars.org.uk [email protected]

8 Other Club News & Co ntact Information

BROMLEY & DISTRICT ARS MID SUSSEX ARS Website : www.bdars.org.uk/ Website: www.msars.org.uk Email : [email protected] Club Nets: Sundays 08:00 on 3.740 MHz and at Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of every month at Victory Social 11:00 on 145.350 MHz, Wednesdays 20:00 on 145.350 Club, Kechill Gardens, Hayes, Kent, 19:30 for 20:00. MHz and Daily 13:30 on 21.330 MHz 19 June - DF Hunt in the Local Area by Richard G8ITB Meetings: Every Friday at Cyprus Hall, Cyprus Road, 17 Jul - New Amateurs Operating by G8MNY & G8ITB Burgess Hill, West Sussex for 19:45 21 Aug - BBQ and Operating Evening 1 Jun - Surplus Equipment Sale 18 Sep - Digital Amateur TV by Justin G8YTZ 6 Jul – NFD Preparation 3 Aug - Radio Night and table top sale CPREC (CRYSTAL PALACE) 7 Sep - Talk by Sussex Lowland Search and Rescue Website : www.qsl.net/g3oou/ or http://www.g3oou.co.uk/ Team Club Net : Wednesdays 20:00 on 145.525 MHz Meetings: 1 st Friday at All Saints Church Parish Rooms, REIGATE ATS Beulah Hill at 19:30 Website: www.qsl.net/rats 1 Jun - Inductors, Transformers and Tuned Circuits – Email: [email protected] Bob G3OOU Club Nets: Thursdays 20:00 on 145.500 MHz and Sundays 20:00 on 3.740 – 3.760 MHz 6 Jul - bhi DSP Noise Cancellation by Graham of bhi rd 3 Aug - Summer Social Meetings : 3 Thursday at RNIB, Redhill College, 7 Sep - TBA Philanthropic Road, Redhill for 19:30

CRAWLEY ARC SRCC Website: www.carc.org.uk Website : www.g3src.org.uk Club Nets : Tuesdays 20:00 on 145.550 MHz and Contact: John Kennedy G3MCX, 020 8688 3322 Fridays 19:00 on 1.970 MHz Club Nets: Sunday 09:30 on 1905 kHz Daily natter channel – 144.215 MHz at 19.30. Meetings: Every Wednesday at Hut 18, Tilgate Forest st rd Recreational Centre, Tilgate Forest, Crawley from 19:30, Meetings: 1 & 3 Mondays at Trinity School, Shirley and Sundays, 10:30 to 13.00. Park, Croydon CR9 7AT 19:45 for 20:00 27 Jun - Fox Hunt 11 Jun - Construction Contest 18 Jul - HARC/CARC Challenge. 25 Jun - History of Sound Recording with Alvin G6DTW CRAY VALLEY RS 2 Jul - Barbecue 6 Aug - Talk (TBA) Website: www.cvrs.org 3 Sep - Talk (TBA) Contact: Richard Perzyna, G8ITB (see website)

Club Nets: Wednesdays 21:00 on 145.500/QSY and SUTTON & CHEAM RS 22:00 on 3.720 ± QRM, and Sundays 11:00 on 3.720 ± Website: www.scrs.org.uk QRM st rd Contact: John Puttock G0/ BWV 020 8644 9945 Meetings: 1 and 3 Thursdays at Progress Hall, Club Nets: Monday 20.00 on 145.500 MHz Admiral Seymour Road, Eltham, SE9 1SL 7 Jun – Members “show and tell” Saturday 11.00 on 145.500 MHz Meetings: 3rd Thursday at Sutton United Football Club, 21 Jun – DF hunt 5 Jul – 2012L countdown by M0MCV The Borough Sports Ground, Gander Green Lane, Sutton. 19:30 for 20:00

21 Jun - The RNLI & Thames Lifeboat Operations by DORKING & DISTRICT Peter G7PWV Website : http://www.ddrs.org.uk 19 Jul – Early TV Receivers by Stephen Niechcial Email: [email protected] 16 Aug - TBA Contact: George Brind, G4CMU 20 Sep - TBA Club Nets: Sunday 08:15 on 3.770 MHz & Thursday 20:00 on 144.775 MHz WIMBLEDON & DISTRICT ARS Meetings: Friends Meeting House, Butterhill, South Contact: Jim Bell M0CON 020 8874 7456 Street Dorking at 19:30. Club Net: Mondays 20:45 on 145.500 MHz 26 Jun - The Victorian internet. Ken Tythacott M3CFC Meetings: 2nd & last Friday of each month at 24 Jul - Transmitting from the Devil's Dyke 28 Aug - The fish and chip supper Martin Way Methodist Church, Buckleigh Avenue, Merton 8 Jun - A History of Sound Recording - Alvin G6DTW 25 Sep - The Sun and HF radio propagation. Dr Colin 29 Jun - Pre-Summer Camp Meeting Forsyth (MSSL) 13 Jul - On Air with Kenwood’s TS-870 27 Jul - Start of Summer Camp HORSHAM ARC 3 Aug - Camp BBQ Website : www.harc.org.uk 5 Aug - Final Day of Summer Camp Club Nets: Saturdays 21:30 on 144.725MHz and 14 Sep - Summer Camp Retrospective Sundays 10:00 on 3.722 MHz st 28 Sep - Australian Radio Evening - Dick Shanahan Meetings: 1 Thursday at The Guide Hall, Denne Road, Horsham, Sussex 7 Jun - GB3VHF 5 Jul - Photo Quiz - G4LRP (provisional) CATS Whispers is published monthly by 2 Aug – TBA S J Beal G3WZK on behalf of the  6 Sep - Frequency Standards by Tony G3NPF Coulsdon Amateur Transmitting Society. C.A.T.S. 2012

CCAATTSS CCoonntteessttiinngg QQuueessttiioonnnnaaiirree –– RReessuullttss Members will recall back in the April edition that I both took on a non-executive role with respect to contesting within the club and that I sent out a questionnaire for members to give me some feedback and pointers of what they would like to do in this field of Amateur Radio. In total I received only 7 replies, all via email and I would like to thank the following members for taking the time to respond: Steve G3WZK, Mike M1CCF, Alan G8UHN, Mike G8AAI, Steve G7SYO, Glenn G4FVL, and James G0SDB. While this only represents a small percentage of the members, it is nonetheless a response. I can only either assume that either the balance of the membership either don't have an opinion or else chose not to respond.

In answer to the set questions, these are a break down of the responses-: Question Yes No No Opinion 1: I have an interest in contesting IIII II I 2: If answer Yes to (1) – VHF/UHF Contests? III I 3: If answer Yes to (1) – HF Contests? IIII 4: If answer Yes to (1) – Microwave Contests? I III 5: If answer No to (1) – Non Operating role (e.g. setting up) I 6: With respect to a joint club effort : 24 hour duration I I II 7: : 12 hour duration II I II 8: : 6 hour duration III II II 9: Would you consider yourself to be a fine weather operator? IIIII I I 10: Have you ever thought of joining a dedicated contest group? IIIIIII

One thing that is resoundingly clear is that none of those surveyed had thought about joining a dedicated contest group. Duration of contests was biased a little towards 6 hours with 2 on the fence. The survey showed that more were in favour of fine weather!

With respect to contesting itself, most were in favour of doing something with a few more voting for HF contests (which we don't do).

In answer to the free text section looking for information about what would deter or inspire an individual, here are some of the comments-: “No desire to spend the night in a cold tent when a warm bed is 10 minutes away.” “VHF/UHF contests present a better chance to work non-UK stations than from home.” “I enjoy being part of a group effort to do something such as contesting.” “Microwave could be interesting but as I have never been active since obtaining my licence, I do not fully understand what contesting is about.” “Prefer closer to home rather than going for the most perfect spot.” “Weather. Has to be decent to sit in a tent in a field!”

It is time now to liaise with the Committee and give some thought to what to do in the future. HF and perhaps SSB Field Day in September, for example?

73 de Andy G0KZT (Contest Sec)