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

[Jim Jordan K4QPL]

Further to my last post, my thoughts were faster than my fingers. I meant to
say, "Including DX at high power might discourage....."

Jim, K4QPL

----- 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: 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.
>