The AFS Super League

Contributed by Russ M0WYB

Earlier in the year, myself, M0WYB, Shaun, G0BKY, Tracy, 2E0BKY and Dom, M0UAS, decided that we would have a bash this year at the RSGB Affiliated Societies contests (AFS). The club has taken part some years ago and the idea was floated again within the club for support. Responses were very positive, but as this is a combined VHF/UHF/HF event, we realised that to field a minimum team of four stations for each event was going to be difficult, if not impossible. Our intentions were to primarily have fun and enjoy our club strengths - we have consistently done well in VHF and UHF contests. If we manage to get any stations on the air in HF, It will be a bonus!

The pictures record our team's entries, and we were fortunate to be joined by new TDARC member, Matt, M0MAT. Caroline Stevens was very helpful in allowing us to use of Maesbury Castle for 50MHz, 144MHz and 432MHz (Feb 2019). Shaun and I had a sole entry in the 160m AFS from the Tuckers Grave Inn. Out of 64 stations in our section, we got a creditable 2nd place but of course, we needed another three stations to make the overall score.

We made up for our lack of teams in 50MHz AFS, however! The combined scores from our four strongest stations gave us the slightest of winning margins (6 points) over the mighty Cambs Hams, and wow! we won it! Well done to all. Inspired by our unexpected victory, we had eight stations taking part in the 2m AFS! Some really excellent scores. and we might even get into the top three here as well?!

Well done to all who took part and to those who came on to work us. Commiserations to Dave, M0GHZ for blowing up his 6m AND 2m amps in the line of duty. 432MHz is in February 2019 so dust off that old kit and dig out that 21 ele Tonna in the roof of the garage!!. There are, of course, three HF AFS contests in January and it is the combined scores across all the above contests which determines the overall winning club. If we can get a few on it would be great. They are all 80/40m contests - 1 x CW, 1 X SSB and 1 x Datamodes!!

We are having fun!

Russ, M0WYB