Ted Thrift VK2ARA, WIA Clubs Liaison Officer, writes via Email:

Hello to All Clubs,

Do your members really know about the *VHF/UHF Ross Hull Contest* which runs from 1st January to 31 January, but you can pick your best two days, or best seven days?

Do your *Standard Call* members know that in addition to 2M and 70 CM, they can get on the magic 6 metres?  All you need to do is join and support the DX Logger and make it known that you are there on 6 metres.  We use what is called the 2 MHz split.  If you are heard on 52.050, an advanced station may call you there, OR because of antenna limitations he may call you briefly on 50.050, and ask you to go up.  Usually to 52.150 / 50.150, 52.160 / 50/.60, or 52.170 / 50.170.  *Totally legal and lets you into the fun*.

NOW THE VERY GOOD BIT!

To give Standard AND Foundation stations a bit of a leg up, *This year the highest scoring station for each licence level will receive a Certificate of Achievement.*  You do have 2 metres and 70cm, and Yes you can work SSB.  No repeaters for the contest but YOU CAN use the repeater to set up a simplex contact using SSB or FM, or for that matter, AM or CW. Read your licence and the LCD because that is what it says!

Anybody needing Info about Ross Hull, look up the WIA website, contests, or email me.

Merry Christmas and hope to see you in my log in January.

To all of us other, now crotchety old Advanced amateur buggers who need a stick or a walker, we too can dust off the Pye Mk3 Taxiphone, or the transverter and have a go.  Do you remember how good it was on six metres, when you had your call (crystal) frequency and tuned everywhere to see if you were being called?  The old days are for us and today/tomorrow are for those who are yet to be bitten by the bug!!

Cheers all please pass on to members.

Merry Christmas.

See here for info on the Ross Hull Memorial VHF/UHF Contest via the WIA Website.