[CQ-Contest] Re: [SECC] DX Participation in NAQP Contests

[Jeffrey D Clarke]

How about a both a high and low power class for NA too ??  Besides , the
stations who always make the top ten in NAQP are the same who regularly
operate from big stations that make the top ten in  HP in SS too... By
letting them run high power they can make even more QSO's...

Sorry I'm not crying sour grapes but I would prefer to compete against those
guys who normally choose to do SOLP , because they have a smaller station
like me,
instead of a guy at a large station who I have no chance against...

                                      Jeff

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Laney" <k4bai at worldnet.att.net>
To: "cq-contest reflector" <cq-contest at contesting.com>; "secc"
<secc at contesting.com>; "Jim Jordan K4QPL" <k4qpl at nc.rr.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2004 5:49 PM
Subject: [SECC] DX Participation in NAQP Contests


> Hello all:
>
> I have a very small rule change to suggest for NAQP (North American QSO
> Party) contests beginning in 2005.  At present, all stations are limited
> to 100 watts.  I propose that the 100-watt limit not apply to stations
> outside North America other than Hawaii, which is treated as a US state
> and not DX.
>
> We don't get a lot of DX (outside North America) participation in NAQP
> contests, but we get some.  Some DX stations enjoy working US stations
> and try to participate.  However, with the 100-watt power limit, if DX
> stations want to make many QSOs, they have to exceed the power limit
> (see claimed score of VK2CZ for February 2004 SSB contest).  Therefore,
> the only practical choice for them to enjoy the contest is just to
> submit a checklog or no log at all.
>
> The same is true for some of the DX sprints.  I entered the Asian
> Pacific Sprint this past fall, but was unable to work any AP stations
> with just 100 watts, so I ran the amplifier and worked a few.  They were
> all whisper strength here with their 100 watts and none would have heard
> me with 100 watts.  I have suggested to Tack, JH1CKA, that this rule be
> changed for the AP Sprints to allow DX stations to run their full legal
> limit and make a few contacts into the AP area.
>
> As the sunspot cycle declines, this limitation will be more or a
> handicap than it has been for the past few years.  There are no real
> awards for DX stations who do participate--just recognition in the
> results.  There should be no additional expense involved in
> administering the contests with this minor rule change.
>
> I'd like to see more DX stations enter the NAQP contests (and more DX
> stations in the AP and Eu Sprints too).  It seems to me this change
> would make the contests more enjoying for all participants.  Maybe I'd
> sponsor a plaque for the high combined CW and SSB score for stations
> outside North America if the rule is changed.  That might bring out even
> more DX stations if the rule is changed.  If the rule is not changed, I
> doubt a plaque would bring much more participation.  If DX participation
> does not increase, the rule could be changed back to 100 watts for DX
> stations too.
>
> It might be particularly interesting to hear from contesters outside
> North America.  I know a number have good naturedly complained that they
> cannot participate in our Sweepstakes contests that cover the bands two
> weekends in November; yet not many participate in NAQP contests.  Maybe
> some have had the same reaction to the NAQP contests that I have had
> with Eu and AP sprints where I am limited to 100 watts trying to work
> stations who are running 100 watts and working other low power stations
> near to them.
>
> 73,
>
>
> John, K4BAI.
>
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