The contest was challenging. It still very much tests my own knowledge and experience, but a great event, despite the rising K Index figures over the weekend. I was checking my QSO total on an hourly basis – and was pleased that I bettered my previous year’s numbers. However, it’s difficult maintaining any sort of rate when the conditions make it difficult. I worked all the UK HQ and UK traveller stations on all bands – except for Nigel VP8TXF, who I missed on 80m (but worked Ian VP8CIW instead.) Thank you to all HQ stations from the various nations – it really helps having you guys on the bands. I was in the Unassisted section.

My set up is shown below: Icom 7851 + Expert 2k Amp and Elecraft K3 + Alpha 89 Amp

Antennas: Optibeam 17-4 Yagi @ 110ft + C31XR Triband Yagi @ 70ft + Rotary Dipole for 40m @ 70ft + 4 Square on 80m and an 80m Dipole at 70ft