[CQ-Contest] SO1R v SO2R

[Mark Beckwith]

W7TI wrote:

>"Single Operator" already has subdivisions:
>HP/LP, SB/AB.  There is no logical reason
>it can't also have 1R/2R.

I believe there has been: the same reasons contest sponsors are historically
hesitant to add categories.  Lack of hours and/or funds to administrate it and
also lack of critical mass to make it meaningful (i.e. careful to avoid "I want
my own category I can win").  These are good reasons.

Perhaps the number of SO2Rs is getting high enough to make the category
meaningful (I believe it is), and perhaps the new generation of logchecking
software is saving enough time to allow administration of a new category.

Perhaps.

To the 2R guys who say "2R is fun" and "1R is boring": remember some people
think "1R is fun" and 2R, though technically possible, is a "lot of work," is
"really expensive," and is not particularly "fun."

To the 1R guys pleading poverty: getting into the chair of a 2R is not as hard
as you are making it sound.  It takes making friends, proving yourself, and
getting invited to a big station or borrowing some serious gear or both.  This
is not hard.

The two concepts (1R,2R) are different enough that you can't say "they're really
the same thing," the 1Rs are HARDLY competitive with the 2Rs, and [IMPORTANT]
the classic definition of a ham station is still NOT one with two HF radios and
redundant antennas.  That classic station deserves a place where it can be
competitive.  Formula Atlantic is not the most glamorous category in car racing,
but the fields are huge and the competition is tight.  That doesn't detract one
bit from the Formula Ones even though the field is smaller.  The same could be
said about the Americas Cup.

A quick look at the SS claimed scores in the archives* (2000CW) shows 44 out of
92 SOHP competitors have claimed 2R.  This is 47.8%, most of which are higher up
in the standings.  That means 48 were 1R, or 52.2%.  The top 1R guy, an op who
does not need to prove himself (Randy K5ZD), finished 17th.

This could be a case for a separate category for one-radio guys.

Mark, N5OT

* = http://lists.contesting.com/_cq-contest/200012/msg00085.html


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