ABOUT RDXC-2006 AND ITS WINNERS by Igor UA2FZ and Vlad RW1AC

The first time for a few years the propagation "cracked" in RDXC 2006, and covered Northern areas and North America, not giving a good chance to participants. Nevertheless, this did not prevent us to come close to the fond boundary of 3000 received logs.

We will not grumble, we'll try to understand, what news our beloved Contest brought in 2006, did it change leaders list? Are there new calls?

Reading these pages, now we have possibility to watch participants' photos, to recognize their faces, to know more about winner�s setups in each group. This happens thank to special List of Used Equipment by Winners page, at http://www.rdxc.org/asp/pages/txrx.asp.

WORLD

MOST � This year battle for the first place was extremely hard-fought. Sunny Cyprus was represented by RW3QC/RW3GU team, and their main opponent was harmonized RA3AUU/RV1AW team that operated from beautiful site of UP5G. As per claimed scores, "Cypriots" finished first, with a bigger result. But complicated 5B/AJ2O call sign, along with high speed transmissions, were a reason of more than 200 call errors in other participants' logs, thus taking off considerable number of points they needed to win. Every year 5B call sign is a reception sticking point for many participants. Of course, it is pity to lose the contest, but rules are rules: QSO are valid if calls and exchanges are correctly logged by both parties. Thus, "Kazakh" team took the main prize right from "Cypriots" hands. The third place went to UP0L team, who tried to make worthy competition, we hope this competition will become even stronger in the future.

We should specially honor EY0R expedition team (UA4CC, UR0MC, EY8MM), that march-throw in the mountains, and they again represented EY worthy in the contest. For many participants, a pleasant surprise was 4U1ITU activity; operators were F6IRF, SV3SJ, and HB9DTM. 2100 QSO in 24 hours with quite a simple setup � this is a super result!

In NA NO2R club (NO2R, K2TW, and W2GD) reached the 1st place quite easy. We hope, John W2GD will seriously go ahead from his Aruba super station P40W in RDXC 2007.

MO2T - it was a new entry in 2006, it found admirers right away.

Crimean guys from UU7J have pegged the upper line here with very impressive score, and many participants worked them all bands. They were confidently followed by strong Romanian YR7M. ES6Q from Estonia reached over 3000 QSO in 24 hours and finished third in this entry.

We would like to note Croatians' effort (9A3AXX, 9A3RE, 9A6XX, 9A8MM), who brought a pile of MO2T equipment to Balearic Islands. They operated like in Field Day mode with 100W, and made over 1400 QSO, being a mult for many participants on all bands. From all our heart, we compliment their effort, and The Best RDXC 2006 DX-pedition plaque goes to EA6/9A8MM team.

SOAB MIX � Quite unexpected deal, - all three leaders are from Europe!

This year, Igor UT7QF, who is trying to win every year, left behind Manfred DJ5MW from Germany, having fair score margin. Both participants had the same QSO number, but UT7QF has greater points number due to his emphasis on SSB mode and contacts with Russian participants. Practically alongside was Zoli HA1AG, who is very active in RDA program during the whole year, therefore his call sign is very familiar to many Russians.

Serious battle happened in NA, between KB1H (op Yuri N2TTA) and Fred K3ZO. KB1H had a bit bigger mult, and was lucky to win the first place there.

SOAB MIX LP � This entry's podium in RDXC 2006 belongs to absolutely other stations compared with the previous years. Sudden demand for the first place came from Odessa, Ukraine, from Nick EO6F. He had strained competition with Ged LY9A and Kasper (HA1CW) at HG5Y.

We specially note Icko JA1BPA again, who wedged himself in between narrow rows of European competitors. He won high 8th place, and if he keeps the same rate, we hope to see Icko on the top of competition!

Yuri VE3DZ won the first MIX LP place in NA.

SOAB MIX QRP � The second time in a row QRP entry gives fair chance to 5W admirers to reach interesting results. The last year winner Ged LY9A changed to MIX-LP this year, and passed the baton to Vitas LY5G. Second place went to Vladislav OK1JOC, and the third was Anatoly EU8RZ.

In RDXC 2007 QRP participants will be somewhat in trouble, as they are recommended to sign "/QRP" in every QSO, and we all will watch our S-meters feeling happy to be able to copy such weak signals.

SOAB CW � This year Vladimir 9H1ZA, after great experience during past years, confidently took the first prize. Pavel OL8M and Krzysztof SN7Q took 2nd and 3rd places accordingly. They combated a complicated duel. OL8M has greater DXCC multiplier and greater Russian oblasts number, and this moved the scale into his favour.

We would like to note very tight top-ten results in this entry. We suppose RDXC 2007 podium battle will be very serious.

Our USA participants traditionally choose CW mode. The three big guns from the Eastern Coast, N4AF, AA3B, and K3WW run very close in QSO number the entire contest, somebody came ahead for some time, but went behind later. Finally Howie N4AF won the Contest with a few dozens EU Rus QSO on top bands more than the others. Our hats off!, we understand how difficult is it to get through on top bands here, especially when hot "haymaking time" is on the run between Europe and Russia. We are looking for better conditions on HF bands �

SOAB CW LP � Up to the very last seconds, three stations claimed for the first place. Finally UN3M (UO2M) won the first line, - he submitted the most accurate log. The second was Atanas LZ9R, who lost his points after log checking, the third finished new nominee Ivo 9A1AA.

We'd like to note persistent attempts of Aleksey 6W/RW3TN from Senegal. Long distance from Russia did not let him score the same multiplier as winners have, so he is only #6 in world and #1 in Africa.

Dennis NB1B carefully broke through to his #1 in NA, trying to get distant Russia on top bands. He succeeded this more or less completely on 14 MHz. #2 place went to Oleksiy VE2XAA, with a bit lesser QSO number; #3 place went to active RDXC participant Gary VE1RGB from Canada.

SOAB SSB � Big changes this year! Beautiful operation of famous contester Jim CN2R (W7EJ) puts a difficult problem: what one has to do now to break the world record in this entry? Jim succeeded almost 850 QSO with Russia amongst his 3000 QSO, scored very good Russian multiplier on all bands, although Morocco is not the nearest Russian neighbor! Andy LZ9W finished on the second place, Vakhtang 4L6AM , who was #1 last year, finished #3.

Operating diligently, Dwight WA4TII, as far as NA propagation allowed, took the first place in NA, leaving Harvey VE3SY behind.

SOAB SSB LP � Let us introduce new names in this entry. The first was 4J0DX. Vladimir UA3FDX decided to operate from Azerbaijan and prepared a site there. That was Bingo, - #1 at once. We suppose, in RDXC 2007 there will be more new interesting DX-peditions from CIS states. #2 was Yuri UZ7M, and #3 was Vladimir EX2T.

European Russia

MOST � For the first time RL3A team became a winner in this entry. They were able to successfully compete with others who pretended for the first line. Tactics and strategy, careful operation, - and 3500 QSO logged, in spite of lack of good propagation. Close on their hills, were RT6A (RZ6AZZ) team from Krasnodar RTV Center. They won the second place this time, but these guys have one year for preparation, and their chances for taking the first place are still very high. The third place went to RK3FWA team, from Nastas�ino village, near Moscow. This team is leaded by UA3DPX. We know what Andy UA3DPX plans for RDXC 2007, - it�s SOAB MIX. We again expect a lot of adrenalin in the super stations� battle.

MO2T � The main competition happened between RU1A and RO4M teams. During the first 10 hours, as per online results, they run similar QSO numbers. Later the guys from LO-area (RU1A) speeded up and went ahead. But RO4M team is not going to give up, and quite possible that with better conditions in RDXC 2007 they may put out their tongue at RU1A, leaving the big monster a bit behind�

Well progressing station RZ4CWW, who grows up and developing, fairly took the third place.

SOAB MIX � Sergey RN3QO was on top in this entry again. Victor RC4Q (UA4R�) was very close to win, but finished second only. Igor UA3QDX, who knows RN3QO�s strategy very well, also fought for the main prize. Nevertheless, he made to many 2-ponts QSO (with UA1-6), and finally took the third place�

SOAB MIX LP � This entry always has many participants. RK4FM reached the goal; he overtook his main rival RK3DH. Their results are very close one to another. QSO number, CW/SSB ratio, and even multipliers number are practically equal. Small advantage resulted from more EU QSO on 20m band. This once more proves that tactics analysis and antenna performance could bring good results.

Yours truly UA2FZ was trying to reach the leaders. I did not give them a chance to relax, as I was able to, but due to various reasons, I was not QRV the entire 24 hours. You may imagine my great surprise when I finished the 3rd in this entry!

SOAB MIX QRP � Valery RW3AI won the first place again, with his quite simple antenna setup. Big number of stations from Moscow gives the opportunity to work them QRP all bands. The second finished Victor UA6LCJ, who lost 160m QSO number only to RW3AI, Andrey RA3XAR was active CW only, and holds honorary third place. They all three were able to collect 44 Russian oblasts QRP on 80m band.

SOAB CW � Valery RD3AF clearly overtook his main competitors this year, with his super setup. If you compare the statistics, you can see his diligence on 15m from QSO number, his challenging dose of 5 points QSO on 20m, and nice rate on 40m. Igor UA4FER once more demonstrated his outstanding experience in SO2R operation, and his beautiful QSO confirmation. Nikolay RA3TT operated from very good setup of UA3TCJ, and he proved everyone in doubt, that in amateur radio competition it is very important to be well equipped (sure, your operating skill is not excluded).

SOAB CW LP � There were 105 participants in this entry, and therefore very high competition rate. The whole top ten finished with very close scores. 18 participants made 1100+ QSO during the entire 24 hours. They all tried to operate carefully, not to lose precious points. Practically all of them have the same penalty points. Moreover, almost all of them scored the same oblasts multiplier. What made Alex RZ4AG possible to become a winner? This was notable advantage in his country multiplier, and his high confirmation percentage. This was a very persistent struggle. Anatoly RW3GB took the second place, with a small advantage over Pavel RN4AK, a newcomer into this entry.

SOAB SSB � Pavel RK4FD prepared himself thoroughly during the last year to �whip� with RA3AJ again, but the duel did not happened, Valery was not able to operate at his full potential. Alex RN6CD made up a competition, and was also close to win. Vitaly RN3ZC repeated his last year success and took the third place.

SOAB SSB LP � In our opinion, this entry is the most difficult one, especially on 40m band. One had to work hard to achieve his fond 1000 QSO. Alex RN4HA took the first place, Oleg UA4FRL, the last year winner, finished second. Victor RK6CK tried to make them competition, but he is only the third. Perhaps he�ll have more luck the next year.

Asiatic Russia

MOST � As usual, it is the most hard battle category, and we witnessed a new round of competition, as since earliest time contestants RT9W and RK0AXX moved to the new entry MO2T. Well, the holy place is never empty, new names arrived there. RN9SXX team broke through on the top, taking over famous RY9C and RK9CZO teams. New winners were able to make a good advantage on HF and scored many EU and EU Russia QSO. With similar multiplier and similar confirmation this advantage worked well, and resulted in a victory. The first station from 0-area, RK0LWP took the 14th place only �

MO2T � RT9W could lose against RK9CWW and RK0AXX. Long time all teams run evenly� but poor 21/28 MHz conditions to Europe did not leave chances for CWW and AXX to change usual allotment. We hope, in RDXC 2007 the passions will flame up to 10000C.

SOAB MIX � Now Yuri RG9A (UA9AM) has a very serious rival - UA9CLB. That was a real duel of the two super setups and the two super operators. UA9CLB staked on QSO points, but RG9A staked on the multiplier. They both spent the same time on each band. Vadim UA9CLB worked a bit more SSB, and he managed to make 100 QSO more, and more 5-point QSO on 15m band. RG9A, in response, made 50 mults more, but that was not enough to compensate the priority. We have to say, we spent much time, checking and re-checking again all errors, analyzing all unics to determine a winner of this equal competition.

The third was UA9AYA (Willy UA9BA), who could not operate complete 24h in the contest� therefore he was not able to perform a deserved competition to the leaders.

SOAB MIX LP � All three winners made equal QSO numbers. In hard competition won the first place RW9IM. UA9JLL was very close to the top, but he made 50 mults less on 80m and 20m. Next time, perhaps? The third was Tadeush RA9DZ, who has to improve his setup to move the other winners down.

SOAB MIX QRP � The activity in this quite new category is rather poor. On the one hand, the problem is clear: EU stations do not make themselves a hard job to reply AS stations even with 100W or PA; another thing was poor propagation. Try to have perseverance enough to spend the complete contest calling everybody with your 5W! Igor RV9AZ was lucky to make it again, the second and the third places took RA9SVE and RV9COI respectively.

SOAB CW � The last year winners had to make a room for new participants in this category. Mike RZ9UA/9 and Andrey UA0ANW � this was another super battle in Asia. Both stations equipped fine, both stations are �close neighbors� (judging by Russian measurements), they both have similar conditions. Andrey lost a bit against Mike on 160m and 15m in QSO number, and this is clear due to such poor propagation. Let�s see either there will be a battle in RDXC 2007 again, or RZ9OZO team (UA9PM, UA9PC) will knock someone for a win in MOST category. The third was Valery RW9TA .

SOAB CW LP � The winner changed here also. A firm winner Alex RA9SO finished on the third line only this time. They all three have 1180 QSO each, but advantage in multipliers let Anatoly UA9AX to win, the next was Radik RV9WZ. The first station from 0-area, RU0AE took the 10th place only �

SOAB SSB � The top five stations made over 1000 QSO each. Gennady UA9MA was the first in his �favourite dish� � SSB mode; with fairly large score he returned himself a winner name that he lost the last year. Practically similar scores have stations on other 2-5 places. The second was Yuri UA4LCQ/9, and the third was Alex RW9HA.

SOAB SSB LP � Dmitry UA9AK spent many time on 20m band, where QSO were easier to make. Thus he made a fair 150 QSO reserve, which was enough to win. Alex RU9AC and Victor UA9QA were also close to success, finished on the second and on the third places respectively.

New records in categories

WORLD Three new records held in RDXC 2006. 160 m - Alex LY2IJ with his excellent 160m antenna exceeded LY3UM�s last year record with 706 QSO.
80 m � 9A5X broke Jan�s 9A5Y 2005 record. The record plank is set up to 850.000 points and 1070 QSO now!
SOAB SSB - Jim CN2R scored phenomenal result in SOAB SSB with 2900 QSO and multiplier 280+230.

North America
160 m - W4ZV renewed NA record with his 100 QSO.
80 m - K1PX gave out a mult to many stations on 80m, and also entered his name into NA Record book.
South America
15 m - Oms PS2T scored a new SA record in SOSB-21 with 750 QSO!

EU RUSSIA � No record renewals, sorry.

AS RUSSIA � Three new records:
SOAB CW - RZ9UA/9 purposively hit the last year CW record!
20m - New record belongs to UA9YAB with 1400 QSO.
40m - RW9WA with 950 QSO � 134 multipliers � 533 000 points.

WORLD - Club Competition

In 2006 Ukrainian CC and Kaunas TU RC were again main competitors, and they recruited even more members!

The main prize goes Ukraine again, to the UCC. The club enlisted 45 stations this time, but KTU RC was presented with 36 stations.

The third was Crimean Contest Club again, with 16 stations, who managed (thanks to their club UU7J � MO2T) to overtake famous German club BCC, who called 29 stations together!

More dramatically was a situation between NA clubs. The last year NA winner � PVRC was presented with 17 members, they made more QSO than Frankford Radio Club. But 8 FRC stations scored more points against PVRC ! What a battle!

We want to draw club officers� attention that the most points for the club score are coming from MO2T, MOST, MIX ALL BAND HP categories. This is a clear allusion that you have to think about, and take the only correct decision � to participate in RDXC!! We are sure, MO and SO activity of your club members greatly increases the chances that your club takes top lines in such a prestigious contest.

Our congratulations to the RDXC 2006 champions and prize winners!

See you all in RDXC 2007!

73! de RW1AC & UA2FZ