[CQ-Contest] composition of contest exchanges

[K4OJ]

All of the major contests enjoy a partnership relationship with their
sponsors' awards programs.

The CQWW is a supporter of the WAZ which is sponsored by CQ, the ARRL DX is
a supporter of both WAS and DXCC which are supported by the ARRL.

The information contained in the exchange from the states is obvious in its
link with the WAS program.  A DX QSO with a DXpedition is usuall consisting
of callsign and 59(9).  59(9) is not a sufficent contest
exchange...therefore something else is needed.

Unlike the CQWW exchange where 90 someodd percent of the exchanges are know
as soon as the call is typed there is a little bit more anticipation as far
as what power the other guy is running...usually you can guess that the I3
is running 300 watts....hi!

Power however is not inherently linked to a DXCC QSO. Actually since merely
59(9) is sufficient whatever the other element of the exchange from the DX
side is it is gravy.

So the need to enhance the DXCC program has been achieved what is the other
part of the exchange for?

To make sure you are indeed making a QSO, mebbe.

Serial numbers are probably best as far as being universaly understood.
Power is known to be what the other half of a DX sides exchange is during
the ARRL DX.

If you change the ARRL exchange, please don't, you once again try to fix
something that isn't broken.  Every time someone wants to turn the ARRL DX
into a clone of the CQWW they forget the who and why of how the ARRL DX
"works"....the lure is to get the states on the air for the DX stations
needing fills on their WAS and 5BWAS awards.

Please don't tell me that KH6 and KL7 are not allowed to compete in this
manor....don't waste our time.

Leave the ARRL DX alone...it is different form the CQWW - and that is what
makes its raison d'etre (or however you spell that)!

Besides, when else can you go on a DX pedition and put up fixed gain
antennae for a weekend and not have to worry about hauling rotor cable?

 73,

Jim, K4OJ
k4oj at tampabay.rr.com

Proud member of the Florida Contest Group, visit our website at:
http://www.qsl.net/fcg

The Florida Contest Group thanks K1ZZ and the ARRL for the opportunity to
host W1AW/4 in the 2000 IARU HF Championship.






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