[CQ-Contest] W0RAA's Brilliant Suggestion

[Eric Hilding]

Dick, W0RAA, wrote:

 

>Maybe a way to solve this cut number crap is to have 3 categories and only
3 acceptable ways to send it.  As an example:  

> 

>L = Low Power (no more than 150 watts)

>H = High Power (Over 150 watts)

>Q = QRP (10 watts or less)

 

This is an absolutely brilliant suggestion, Dick.  It also falls into
perfect alignment with the current (albeit archaic) category schema, and
solves a myriad of problems we have been experiencing with cut numbers.

 

The intent of using cut numbers was to reduce the length of CW dits & dahs,
thus yielding more available time for QSOs.  However the existing ATT, KW,
and other derivations have been like a partial orgasm (if there is such a
thing) except for the infamous K . the ultimate goal was never achieved.
The only way to achieve the maximum time savings would be to use one dit
(E), two dits (I) and three dits (S) instead of H, L & Q.  Short of that
final step, your suggestion is still a complete winner, OM, and should be
implemented by the ARRL as suggested before the 2009 DX CW Contest. 

 

What is also practical about your proposal is that all those who have been
unethically sending K or KW but really running a full 1,500 watts would
become legal participants. {SIGH}

 

Making the changes to the ARRL Rules would take only a minute or two.  I
would suggest that immediately after the event Dates in the rules, that in
bold red font, the following be added - IMPORTANT NOTE: SEE SECTION {number}
OF THESE RULES REGARDING NEW CHANGES TO THE OUTPUT POWER EXCHANGE. Then,
simply use in the exchange section what you have concisely set forth above
as what must be used by ALL participants.

 

We need more folks in Washington, DC with your brilliant kind of thinking,
Dick.

 

73.

 

Rick, K6VVA