I am a low power guy and have been contesting for a long time. Assisted can
be fun but if I am going to do serious contesting then I don't need the
distraction of the packet -- it just turns the whole thing into a dxing
game.
The strategy of low power contesting is rather different than it is for high
power, assisted or not. But the whole thing boils down to one simple
proposition -- are you loud or not? If you are loud then you can run and if
you can run, who needs the distraction of spots?
If you are not loud then you are reduced to S&P. Sure, spots are nice but
you are actually better off doing your own searching. I've been in plenty
of spot generated pileups and if you are not loud then you are not going to
work 'em quickly. Remember, speed is important. Keeping the rate up is
important. Working the extra country isn't.
My observation about being loud also goes to antennas as well as power. The
best bang for the buck is to invest in antennas. The little guy, with 100
watts and few antennas, is not going to win, no matter what. The guy with
100 watts and some serious antennas has a great chance given all factors
being in your favor (propagation, attitude, physical health, stress level,
etc.).
So what's your goal?
Pete, W1RM
-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jamie Dupree NS3T
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 9:47 AM
To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Assisted Low Power?
Okay, we've heard from some big contesters and others who would like
to keep Assisted and UN-assisted separate in most contests.
BUT what about the low power guys? It is ridiculous for someone like
me to go low power and assisted in a major contest - because
there is NO official category for low power assisted.
Instead, all the assisted people get lumped together. Who is going
to win that category? The guys with power and big antennas will
certainly maul the guy with 100 watts and few antennas.
Mind you, I don't want to see more categories - I want less. But if so many
people
heatedly object to just one single op category, then why discriminate
against
the low power op that wants to use spots?
73 Jamie NS3T
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