The Old Club's 10min Contest

Our 10min contest took place on the 23rd of September 2004 in the club shack and using the club call sign GX3TAD.  The aim of the contest was to work as many stations as possible, any band and any mode but no repeaters.  Although a great deal of interest was shown during the preceding meetings, there were only four participants.  I think some of you felt a little microphone shy.  Because there were only four taking part I decided to have two rounds. That of course would take at least 80 min plus set up time.

14 year old Chris 2E0GSI was first to go.  He managed just two stations, IZ6BCZ and DL1BXU on 40m band, he was a bit short with the stations though, you are 5/9 bye!! Chris said before he started that he could work at least 14 stations, how wrong he was.  Not easy is it Chris?

John M5JON was next up to the mic.  Calling CQ for several minutes he finally hooked a station; no, conditions faded off and an exchange of call signs had not taken place.  After 10 minutes had elapsed no contacts had taken place.  This contest was proving to be very hard.

Les G2FQP was to have a go. He wanted to use the old Icom 726, as he disliked the Icom 706 (It has a computer inside). His key was plugged in and Morse was the intended mode.  About 5min was allowed to set up the rig and change the aerial over.  9A3FO AND ON3YA was worked.  The score so far, 2 to a youngster and 2 to an oldie (sorry Les).

Jamie G0XJS next.  Back to the icom 706 the 2metre band then desperately changed to the 40 metre band.  Plenty of stations but, no takers.  Then  I5FWT,  wow nice 5/9 +40 contact.

Back to Les for round 2.   2 contacts again (Good this Morse).  HB0HV and HB9NB.

Desperately, Jamie tried to cheat, using a repeater, I think he was going to ask for the station to QSY to a simplex channel.  Cheats never prosper and ended up with a 0 for round 2.  John has to work 5 stations to win, no luck here, it is really difficult isn't it John?.  He did however manage to work a station.

Chris tried and tried for round 2 but he couldn't work anyone, he tried to cheat as well.  I must say the cheating was taken in all good fun and I just goes to show how difficult it is to make contacts in such a short time limit.

The winner, Les G2FQP.  And the prize, fold out tool set akin to a Swiss Army knife with a small metal torch and pen knife.  Les always wanted one of those.  It is to be noted that there was an alternative prize if a youngster had won.

The conclusion to all of this: is the best way to score, go to a station calling CQ, make contact by breaking into a QSO or call CQ?  The choice is yours.  As I said earlier, it is a difficult task.  Try it for yourself, set a timer, and try to work as many stations in the 10 min.

Why not give it a try in your club.