[CQ-Contest] 160m DX window dead?

[Tom Frenaye]

At 06:59 PM 8/16/2001 -0400, Jimk8mr at aol.com wrote:

>The 160 band plan proposed, with or without DX windows in a contest, sounds 
>like a bad idea if the result is to eliminate SSB below 1843.  On the several 
>contest weekends per year when there is SSB DX being chased, it seems far 
>better to "share" the allocation (in practice about 1820 to 1840) with CW 
>DXers, who in many cases are the same people as the SSB DX chasers, than to 
>have to fight it out above 1843 with non-contest SSB operators.
>
>The former will be much more understanding than the latter.

The full 160m band plan report (which should be posted on the ARRL website one of these days) has a section of comments regarding contests.  Hope this helps to explain rather than adding gasoline.

                                -- Tom

Contests

The Committee recognizes that activity during contests has increased in recent years and can disrupt a large portion of the band. The Committee further recognizes that, as a practical matter, during the duration of some contests, it will not be feasible for the band plan to be observed. Contest activity can generate more activity than the band plan can accommodate.

The Committee recommends that contest sponsors suggest in their rules that the band plan be observed where possible and that operating limits for contesting be implemented.

The Committee recommends that for major ARRL contests, frequency limits be established for both CW and SSB on 160 meters to help assure that a portion of the band will not be disrupted during the contests. Further, the Committee recommends that the ARRL contest branch manager write CQ Magazine and suggest the same concept be adopted for major CQ sponsored contests to help assure that certain frequency segments will be contest free.

The Committee recognizes that such recommendations will be difficult to enforce, and may not be followed by many. The Committee is attempting, however, through these recommendations, to address a concern which was raised by numerous individuals providing input, and asking that a segment of the band be available for the CW operators where SSB operators cannot go during a contest, and vice versa.



=====
e-mail: k1ki at arrl.org   ARRL New England Division Director  http://www.arrl.org/
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444


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