On Mon, 21 Jul 2003, Ev Tupis (W2EV) wrote:
> Zack Widup wrote:
> >
> > I have nothing against the CU2QSO approach. The only thing about it is
> > that it uses FM packet (that's true, correct?). FM packet is inherently
> > less sensitive than weak-signal modes. So if I hear and manage to work a
> > guy that's S0 on CW (just above the ESP level, let's say), then there's no
> > way I'd have been able to work him on CU2QSO.
>
> Hi Zack,
> Excellent intuition! (I mean that sincerely) In fact, CU2QSO is not the
> be-all
> and end-all that some folks are making it. However...it's still quite
> powerful. Let me explain.
>
> The short explanation:
> CU2QSO isn't intended to provide you with S-0 QSO's. It is intended to
> provide
> you QSO's with stations that you may have otherwise not noticed, even though
> they are plainly "in range" by all other accounts. This system does not
> replace
> the digging for weak signals that you do as a regular part of contesting. It
> is
> just another resource...it's not the "only" resource. :)
>
> The long explanation:
> Rovers go to hilltops. That's where they can be heard by the most number of
> people...including the great unwashed masses of us that don't live on
> hilltops.
> That alone will increase their effective range as compared to two
> valley-dwellers trying to make a simplex packet QSO.
>
Maybe I will give it a try. I haven't tried Rover category yet, but I'm
usually QRP-portable from a hilltop. In the last few contests I've been
in, the Rovers were all far away from me at the times I was active. But
it might be a good way not to miss them if they do happen to get close to
me.
I probably need a bigger vehicle too - as I've mentioned before, it gets
hard fitting 10 bands into a Toyota! :)
73, Zack W9SZ
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