[CQ-Contest] Improving the Fabulous CQ 160 Contest

[RW4WZ]

 Hello,

I'm also don't want to say YES or No on this issue, but there are often
rise the question how the regular people will get the Grid locator number.
Here is the list which I got from Wikopedia. May be it will help to see what
is
the real opportunity:

    * ARRLWeb: Grid Locators and Grid Squares
http://www.arrl.org/locate/gridinfo.html 
    * ARRLWeb: Calculate Grid Square http://www.arrl.org/locate/grid.html
    * Find your QTH locator with GoogleMaps
http://f6fvy.free.fr/qthLocator/
    * Find QTH locator or grid square with GoogleMaps
      and approximate distance between two squares
http://qth.map.googlepages.com/
    * Generate a KML file from a Maidenhead coordinate
    * Perl module for converting between geographic coordinates and
Maidenhead locator and calculating distance and bearing
    * Hamlib, a portable library for converting between geographic
coordinates
      and Maidenhead locator and calculating distance and bearing
    * C# class for converting between geographic coordinates and Maidenhead
locator and calculating distance and bearing
    * A small Java application to display the current Grid Locator for
phones with GPS capability such as the Nokia N95
      http://calum.org/maidenhead

>From my self will add that MixW program automatically calculate the Grid
number for users.
DX Atlas also will show exactly what is this number.

73!

Larry

RW4WZ 


> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Improving the Fabulous CQ 160 Contest
> 
> Tom,
> 
> I'm not advocating a change to any contest (except maybe 
> dropping 5NN, but that's been talked to death already). I 
> like both of the SP events as well as CQ 160, just the way they are.
> 
> I can understand the argument for standardization, but prefer 
> the variety provided by all of the 160 (and other) events.
> 
> If participation was significantly dropping off, then maybe 
> someone would need to tinker. I don't think any of these 
> contests have that problem. IMHO, leave them alone.
> 
> Too, you can get your Grid Square using your Canadian Postal 
> Code. I have to think there is some similarly simple method 
> of finding this in the rest of the world too. 
> 
> I'm all for working casual QSOs in contests as well, even if 
> it means taking time out to explain things. My thought is 
> that I want that person to go away with a QSO AND a positive 
> perspective on contesting. 
> 
> The NAQP events are perfect for the exchange you mention ;o)
> 
> 73,
> Julius  
> 
> Julius Fazekas
> N2WN
>