[CQ-Contest] Distanced-Based Contest Concept

[Zack Widup]

Microwavers in the USA use them quite a bit.  I think people who operate 
below 903 MHz probably don't need them that much, but they are important 
for antenna aiming on the higher bands.  The 6-character grid is the 
exchange in the 10 GHz contest and a few others.

73, Zack W9SZ
EN50vc when at home

On Mon, 23 Oct 2006, Gerard Lynch wrote:

> 
> ----- 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