[CQ-Contest] SO2R, and a word from Honest Abe

[Marty Purselley]

Your comments provide an answer to my questions about the advantage-clearly
there is one.  But what the heck, if I'm not willing to pony up the bucks
then I OUGHT to be given a disadvantage, in fact, I should be discouraged
from competing.  Because I haven't spent the money, time or energy, I
shouldn't even be allowed on the field.  No one said it is evil or that it
isn't efficient we are talking parity.  I mean, we really don't need
separate classes for anyone-if the qrp folks want to compete, they can get a
more powerful radio.  If a single op wants to compete with the multis, he
can find some more friends.  Lets just have one class.

Marty

----- Original Message -----
From: Kelly Taylor <ve4xt at mb.sympatico.ca>
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2001 9:39 AM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] SO2R, and a word from Honest Abe


>
> Why do people think SO2R is so evil?
>
> Are we about to strengthen the weak by weakening the strong?
>
> A previous correspondent asked whether contesting was a competition of
operator skill or of station design. Silly me, I always thought it was a
combination of both!
>
> The various categories exist because there are real barriers for some
people. Those living in dense urban areas often CANNOT run high power, no
matter how much money they can send AlphaPower's way. Right, VE4GV?
>
> So it makes sense to have a low power category.
>
> The tribander/single element class makes sense because of the vast
quantities of hams who have trouble getting ONE tower on their lot, never
mind multiple towers.
>
> But who, really, given the vast array of inexpensive radios on the market,
couldn't, if they really wanted to, put a second radio on the air? It's not
rocket science from a station-design standpoint. A few transistors on the
back of a DB-9 or DB-25 connector, perhaps a DPDT switch and stereo pot for
the audio and you're done.
>
> If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. If you don't want to join 'em, accept
your decision.
>
> Here's my prediction of what will happen if we create a separate category
for SO2R. Those top-drawer ops who currently operate SO2R will decide if
SO2R or SO1R is where the victory means the most. If it's the latter,
they'll shut off the second radio and still whup our butts!
>
> The top-level ops aren't winning because of SO2R. They're winning because
they're the best ops driving the best stations. PLEASE folks, don't look at
that as something to be attacked, defined, and marginalized. Look at it as
something to strive towards. Build yourselves up, don't tear others down. A
rising tide lifts all boats. The opposite is true for a falling tide.
>
> Funny how those operators at the top who don't operate SO2R (hello K3ZO?)
and remain at the top aren't complaining.
>
> 73, ve4xt
>
>
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>


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