The May 2025 mm-Wave Contest marked an exceptional start to the season, particularly on 24GHz, which saw a record 18 entries, a significant increase from just 8 in May 2024. Of these, 17 were portable stations, with 6 active from Wales. This surge in participation, with many new folks operating on 24GHz, led to excellent activity, described by some as the "best ever." 50% of 24GHz entrants utilised Wavelab transverters.
The weather was hot, windy, and hazy, with patchy rain scatter enhancement and generally "average or flat" conditions reported on 24GHz, and "normal or difficult" for both the higher bands.
Activity on 24GHz was concentrated across IO71, IO80, IO81, IO82, IO91, generating a "microwave pile-up" as some operators queued for contacts! Notable QSO's included Phil G0JBA (Kent, JO01) working Maarten ON/PA0MHE/P on the Ostend coast at 108km. The ODX for 24GHz was 147km between Paul G5RAR/P (IO82) and Dave G1EHF/P (IO91). Congratulations to Dave G1EHF/P for being victorious, very closely followed by Tim GW7KTP/P.
While 24GHz thrived, activity on 47GHz and 76GHz remained consistent with previous years, with just 5 entries each. ODX on 47GHz was 73km G1EHF/P (IO91) to G4FRE/P (IO81), and on 76GHz, 27km G8GTZ/P to G1EHF/P (within IO91). Dave G1EHF/P secured victory on 47GHz, with Dave G4FRE/P second. On 76GHz Dave G1EHF/P triumphed again with Roger G8CUB/P and Pete G1DFL/P sharing second spot.
A massive well done to all participants for their incredible effort! The UKuG looks forward to continued high activity with the remaining mm-Wave Cumulative contests on Sunday 13th July, 14th September, and 5th October. We also encourage 24GHz folks to enter the single-band 24GHz Trophy event on Sunday 17th August.
May 2025 mmWave Contest Results
The May 2025 mm-Wave Contest marked an exceptional start to the season, particularly on 24GHz, which saw a record 18 entries, a significant increase from just 8 in May 2024. Of these, 17 were portable stations, with 6 active from Wales. This surge in participation, with many new folks operating on 24GHz, led to excellent activity, described by some as the "best ever." 50% of 24GHz entrants utilised Wavelab transverters.
The weather was hot, windy, and hazy, with patchy rain scatter enhancement and generally "average or flat" conditions reported on 24GHz, and "normal or difficult" for both the higher bands.
Activity on 24GHz was concentrated across IO71, IO80, IO81, IO82, IO91, generating a "microwave pile-up" as some operators queued for contacts! Notable QSO's included Phil G0JBA (Kent, JO01) working Maarten ON/PA0MHE/P on the Ostend coast at 108km. The ODX for 24GHz was 147km between Paul G5RAR/P (IO82) and Dave G1EHF/P (IO91). Congratulations to Dave G1EHF/P for being victorious, very closely followed by Tim GW7KTP/P.
While 24GHz thrived, activity on 47GHz and 76GHz remained consistent with previous years, with just 5 entries each. ODX on 47GHz was 73km G1EHF/P (IO91) to G4FRE/P (IO81), and on 76GHz, 27km G8GTZ/P to G1EHF/P (within IO91). Dave G1EHF/P secured victory on 47GHz, with Dave G4FRE/P second. On 76GHz Dave G1EHF/P triumphed again with Roger G8CUB/P and Pete G1DFL/P sharing second spot.
A massive well done to all participants for their incredible effort! The UKuG looks forward to continued high activity with the remaining mm-Wave Cumulative contests on Sunday 13th July, 14th September, and 5th October. We also encourage 24GHz folks to enter the single-band 24GHz Trophy event on Sunday 17th August.
Pete G1DFL
UKuG 2025 Contest Adjudicator