[CQ-Contest] FW: Field Day Comments

[Robert Chudek - K0RC]

I operated Low Power 1D and grabbed a Run frequency on 10 meter SSB. I 
worked stations until I had to leave. I had the rate meter over 200/hr a 
couple of times. It didn't matter to me whether I got calls from other 1D 
stations for a number of reasons. I wasn't operating for a "score", I have a 
lot of missing states to fill on 10 and 15 meters for WAS (via LoTW), and I 
was just having a great time! It was fun.

I would vote for giving bonus points for WAS or a Section Sweep. But I'm not 
very confident it would make much different in participation level. It's 
easy enough to set (and announce to your team) that these are goals for your 
Field Day operation. WAS across all the bands should be relatively easy, 
making it on individual bands would be a bigger challenge, and working an 
80-Section Sweep would be the most difficult goal.

I concentrated on 10 and 15 meters because they were "hot" on Saturday. I 
operated for 8 hours and worked 40 states and 56 sections during that time. 
Now I'll check LoTW and see if some "fills" come through for the states I am 
missing.

73 de Bob - KØRC in MN


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Wayne Mills" <n7ng at bresnan.net>
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 3:36 PM
Subject: [CQ-Contest] FW: Field Day Comments


> Same here. I have always been able to generate big pileups when providing
> the "WY" section during FD. It seems like there's no reason, I guess, but
> operators I have worked sure seem to treat it like a multiplier. Some 
> value
> given to that might make sense, but "it's not a contest," so no mults...
>
> 73, Wayne, N7NG
> Jackson Hole
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Edward
> Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 4:47 AM
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] Field Day Comments
>
> I continue to be impressed by the Field Day activity that occurs every
> year on the bands.  It truly shows ham radio is alive and well to
> witness it on the air.  I was on for approximately 18 hours and workd
> almost 2000 Qs about 50/50 CW and SSB from the home station here using
> the Special Event call W1C.  Top SSB rate on the 10 min meter was 240!
> and had a few 140+ hours on SSB and 110+ hours on CW.
>
> I would not advocate changing the scoring of Field Day because I don't
> believe that is the point to turn it into a more "normal" contest.  I
> don't think it would affect more than 1% of the participants to do so.
> However, I do feel strongly that there is a missing element that would
> affect A LOT of participants.   Based on lots of comments made about the
> states.  Both in write-ups and on the air, people are WELL AWARE of what
> states or sections they have worked.  I had a number of people say
> "thanks for Vermont...we are seeing how many states we work".  Well, why
> not add that as a 100 point bonus.  Maybe even have an online printable
> certificate.  It wouldn't change the event at all but would drive more
> participation with a purpose.
>
> One thing that it would change is to give the "hot dog and a few Qs"
> crowd (probably more than half the stations on) a much more acheivable
> goal that doesn't make them do something they are not comfortable
> with..CQing and running.  And it should increase the fun of those that
> do want to make it more like a contest.
>
> I worked 75 sections, 49 US States, and was missing 2 Canadian
> Provinces.  Surprisingly, NNY, an adjacent section was not worked.
> What's up with that?
>
> If you don't think that this group would chase states for 100 points,
> think again.  Take a look at how much work is put into the one satellite
> or battery operated power Q for a simple 100 point bonus.  By the way,
> kids and women seem to have a disproportion interest in chasing
> states...another great demographic reason to consider this.
>
> Field Day is such a great opportunity to expose people to many aspects
> of radio...antennas and feedlines, propagation, contesting, the list is
> endless.  Lets add chasing states to the mix.
>
> 73
>
> Ed  N1UR/W1C