Once again, the question has arisen as to whether or not one or more of the
many 48-hour full weekend contests should add a limited time category,
usually 24 hours.
On the assumption that this would be a new category to the given contest and
not replace an existing one (and I too wish I could "iron man" a 48 hour
contest period like I could many moons ago)...
How would you count 24 hours?
Would it be a total of 24 during the 48? Or a contigous 24 hour period
(say, 1200 Z Saturday thru 1200 Z Sunday, for example)?
This is not a trivial question, as there would be two different strategies
to each approach. Being able to pick & choose your hours for a total of 24
would ensure (for those who need it) enough time for rest and family or work
or other obligations, and would definitely benefit those with a knowledge of
propagation trends and band openings. OTOH, picking a starting time and
having to go "full borne" for 24 hours from that point in time means better
planning of off-radio obligations (including meals and rest, if any, to say
nothing of, shall we say, visits to the neccesary room(s)!) and having some
faith in the vagaries of propagation.
This would be somewhat analgous to a 10 k Race that coincides with a
Marathon -- both have the same start point, but after the Marathon runners
start, the 10K runners follow and proceed only to the end of their race.
Same course, same volunteers and administrators to run it, but different
races for different results.
Just an idle thought...
73, ron wn3vaw
Some people are only alive because it is illegal to shoot them
(From "The Top 17 Bumper Stickers You Would Like To See")
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