[CQ-Contest] ARRL DX Test

[Jim Cain]

>Dave Hachadorian, K6LL wrote:

>I'd like to see the return of the High-Band (10, 15, 20) and Low Band (40, 80, 160) categories to the ARRL DX Test.

The high band/low band categories were instituted when I was arrl "contest editor" (actually, "assistant communications manager") in 1975 or 1976 (and was an active competitor). I am pretty sure this was my original idea, but it may have come from someone on the Contest Advisory Committee or elsewhere. I thought it was a good idea to boost participation then, and I still think so now.

Another idea that I am sure was mine -- and was implemented -- was the "One Weekend Expedition" award, to recognize people who went elsewhere for one weekend of a two-weekend contest. 

I agree with Jeff Briggs, K1ZM, about keeping the full 48 hours open with no time-outs, even though Jeff beat me on CW in 1977, when the contest was two full weekends for each mode, phone and CW, and he kept his butt in the chair a few more hours than I did (about four hours more out of ninety-six, for crying out loud). There was a rumor in those days that when he operated a phone contest, Jeff had an extra-long cord on his microphone so he could get out of the chair, walk to a window, open it, and get a little air. I cannot confirm this rumor.

In about 1975 I made an official (as "contest editor") trip to a PVRC meeting. Vic Clark, W4KFC was there. He was Roanoke Division director (later arrl president). The subject of changing the ARRL DX Competition to one weekend per mode instead of two was raised, and I was asked my opinion. I said I liked two weekends per mode, because it meant more quality days to play radio and enabled one to work on antennas and such in the month between weekends. 

I will never forget seeing Vic Clark's eyes roll back into his skull as I said this. He was a politician, I was a peon.

Bottom line for me? A certificate or a plaque doesn't mean anything if you have lost interest in getting on the radio. The fun of contests is working people fast and never running out of new people to work. Increasing participation is all that matters. In the ARRL DX Contest, which is sponsored by and for U.S. hams, the goal should be to get more non-U.S. hams to participate. I think K6LL and K1ZM are on the right track. 

jim cain, k1tn/5