In reply to W2EV, "Kenneth E. Harker" wrote:
> > Think about this:
> >
> > o Donate to the spectrum defense fund
> > o Create a contesting category that actually encourages you to
NOT use spectrum
>
> You are not going to get everyone who shows an interest in VHF operating to
> buy microwave gear. It's expensive, it takes a lot of time and effort to
> build a station, and a lot of time and effort to learn how to use it.
It's not about getting everyone to buy microwave gear. It's about sending
conflicting messages. The way the rules are written about MultiOp
participation, those that CHOOSE to use our bands must make a decision to either
do that (a very good thing) or to enter the Limited MultiOp category (a very BAD
thing). L-M/O, the way it is configured now, is bad for our future and works in
opposition to the efforts funded by the ARRL's Spectrum Defense Fund.
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= Commentary on this thread's real topic ends here. =
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> It (uWaving?) has been and always will be a small niche activity.
Let's see if you're right. Place your bets now.
According to the ARRL On-line database, the January 2003 VHF SS had 798
continental log submittals. Of those, 278 submitted a log showing 1296 MHz
activity. This means that more than 1 out of every 3 continental participants
have microwave gear. If one out of every 3 auto owners had a Hummer H2, you'd
see them everywhere you went. uWave participation enjoys quite a "market
penetration" and is hardly a "small niche activity".
Take a gander at South Texas (you must be an ARRL member to view this):
http://www.remote.arrl.org/members-only/contests/scores.html?vhf_class=&vhf_sect=STX&clb_name=&ss_call=&long_form=1&sort0=&sort1=&sort2=&con_id=47
You'll see 4 out of 14 South Texas stations submitted uWave QSO's last
January...some with significant QSO totals.
I was challenged to provide any meaningful response to the rest of your email so
I almost ignored it. Then came this nugget...
> Aren't HF contests in opposition to the promotion of microwave spectrum usage?
>
> Truth.
Only in Kennethville, Mayor.
QRU,
Ev, W2EV
--
PropNET: If the band is open and no one is TXing, does anyone hear it?
HamIM : Messaging the all-ham way, find Rovers as they go to play.
That HamIM, that HamIM -- I'm sure you'll like that HamIM.
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Ask me about either. I'll send a URL and you can join the fun, too!
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