[CQ-Contest] Operation times in WWDX

[hank k8dd]

On 6/30/07, DL8MBS <prickler.schneider at t-online.de> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> the open logs of CQ WWDX will allow for a lot of analyzes of all kind.
> Of course also for looking at the operation time of participants. Until
> now such figures have been available only for the Russian DX Contest.
> I´ve posted some findings about the invested op-time for 2005, 2006 and
> 2007
> [snip]
> What really stunned me is that the average operation time in this
> 48-hour-event is only a tiny bit above the average in the 24-hour-RDXC
> with a range of  9,7 to 10,8 hours during the last three years (not
> having good condx).  For the group operating up to12 hours the
> percentage is even identic with nearly two thirds.
>
> In a followup I will compare the activity of W/VE vs Europe with its
> greater incentive to operate during the nighttime on the low bands even
> with medium and small setups.
>
> Regarding the discussions about  possible
> "half-marathon"-distances/categories as a "Contest within the contest"
> there was a permanent fear that such attempts could reduce the operation
> time of those presently operating longer than halftime. At  least it is
> a surprisingly small group when already now 90 percent didn´t even reach
> the halftime mark.



I can understand the analysis .....
And I can agree with "half-marathon" and "contest within the contest"
But I like being able to pick when I want to operate within the 48 hour
timeframe of the contests.

But I also think that when the conditions/propagation improve it will
be much easier to stay in the chair - it's much harder to fall asleep
at the keyboard when you are running stations - and I would think
that will increase those operating times in the 48 hour contests.

Personally I think it is somewhat limiting in the State QSO parties that
left the two day QSO party format for the 12 hour format.
Get on Saturday afternoon/evening or you missed it.  And they lost
the "Sunday after church" ops!

73    Hank    K8DD

-- 

'Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their
level then beat you with experience.'      -anon
--