It would be nice if 160 contests used distance based scoring like the
Stew Perry. Stations on the east coast don't only have a scoring
advantage as far as 10 point QSO's they work but also the number of
multipliers they work in EU. Maybe going to distance based scoring would
increase activity (i.e. interest) outside W1-W4 and W8-9 call areas. The
way it is now it's not worth spending a lot of time in the contest if
you aren't in those high population areas.
An interesting fact is the Cayman Islands (ZF) is the same distance to
my QTH in Georgia as Boston, MA. (945 miles) Both ZF5T and ZF2AM were 50
DB over S9 all weekend during the 160 contest. No one in W1 comes close
to that signal strength at my QTH. I guess that shows the effect that
salt water has on a signal. If you use the salt water advantage to
equate the signal strength of a station on the east coast to EU I'm sure
you have the same effect. I've personally experienced that saltwater
enhancement myself. I occasionally go over to the Georgia coastal
islands (NA-058) for the IOTA contest at the end of July. Using mobile
antennas and parking near the sea water I get pileups of EU stations
calling me on 20 and 40 meters which truly amazes me.
Bill, I doubt either CQ or the ARRL would be sympathetic to anyone who
doesn't live on the East Coast. Just about every contest (not only on
160) they sponsor gives those on the east coast an advantage. Why do you
think they have the 160 contest start at 2200z? It gives a couple more
hours of darkness to those on the east coast. Even if the rules were
changed I don't think it really wouldn't matter that much. The way I
look at it if you're serious about competing then rent a station in ME
(like you do) or go the the Caribbean. Otherwise just get on and have
fun and do the best you can with your situation.
Jeff
On 2/24/2020 01:35 AM, ko7ss--- via CQ-Contest wrote:
Hellooooo W6/W7 !!!
The CQ 160M contest scoring is so skewed to favoring W1/W2/W3 --> EU Q's, there
is no reason to change the 160M 4 SQ from pointing NE. All that
is needed is a single CA/OR/WA QSO for the mult, the rest are 2 point Q's
compared to a 10 point EU Q. Of course I can barely hear you, I am just
hoping another 10 point DL or F calls me!
The lowly W6/W7 stations are -20+db off the back of the 4 square, maybe I can
hear you, maybe not. Who cares, you will still work me after EU sunrise.
At that time I will point my 4 square +/- beverages to the West.
I have been there done that, go look at K1A on QRZ.com.
If you have some concerns, write to Hicksville, NY, I am sure they will listen
and be sympathetic
The only fair contest would be 1 point Q's X mults. A W5/6/7/9/0 might win.
(((GASP)))
73, Bill KO7SS in Tucson, AZ
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