[CQ-Contest] Distanced-Based Contest Concept

[Gerard Lynch]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eric Scace K3NA" <eric at k3na.org>

>   This would also be an opportunity to move to a more meaningful
> exchange; e.g., grid square + serial number.

Using 6 character grids you could move to a point per kilometre scoring 
system as is the case in VHF contests in Europe.  That's a tough enough 
exchange to begin with, but you could add a serial number for added fun, 
although rates will crater (a la IOTA).

The practical, contest rules, problem is that I don't think 6 figure grids 
are that much used outside Europe, and I'm not sure most people even know 
them.

The reality check problem is that it doesn't eliminate the issue of some 
geographical locations being more advantageous than others.  There are more 
contesters in Europe and Eastern North America than anywhere else.  Being 
far away, yet with long periods of reliable propagation, to these regions 
will be the winning combination.  ZD8Z will probably be unbeatable in a 
contest like that, although LT1F would be a force to be reckoned with as 
well.  Either way, in a HF contest where points are related to distance, the 
South Atlantic replaces Zones 9 and 33 as the hotspot.

There ain't no such thing as a geographically fair contest.

73

Gerry G0RTN
Vanity Page at http://www.gerrylynch.co.uk
"In days of old, when ops were bold, and sidebands not invented,
The word would pass, by pounding brass, and all were well contented."