[CQ-Contest] NAQP Power Level

[Jeff Clarke]

I think many of you all are misunderstanding what I meant by "level playing field". Maybe that was a poor choice of words on my part. Like many have said there is no contest that has a truly " level playing field " other than the WRTC.

Let me try to explain. Almost every contest has different categories like LP, HP and QRP, so you are competing again similar stations as far as power levels. This isn't totally perfect because some might have better antennas then others. CQ takes this concept even further by having a Tribander/wires category that adds the type of antennas you are using to the equation.

Now let's look at NAQP. What kind of advantage is there or why does it make it more fun  by limiting everyone to only 100 watts. The only advantage gained is by stations with large antenna systems gain a huge competitive advantage over everyone else. For someone with a lesser equipped station you have no chance to be competitive and are left operating for the fun of it or to just meet personal goals. That's OK, but for someone who is super competitive that might be enough.

The point I was trying to make is what's the harm of creating other categories in NAQP so you can compete against similar stations that you are usually going against in every other contest.  I'm not advocating that you dumb down your station like one person suggested. But what's the logic of allowing a QRP category in the NAQP rules but not a HP category?

Just a personal observation because there have been some  who have felt the urge to attack me personally with name calling in this thread and the one for CR3L. I usually don't make a comment on this reflector unless I feel strongly about the subject being discussed because there are trolls (I rarely work them in contests but they appear to be experts on contesting) on this reflector who stoop to that level all the time.
My comments are usually well thought out and respectful.


In contesting (and life) there are two categories of people - the "Haves" and the "Have Nots". Now the  "Haves" are never going to want rules to change because they benefit them. If a "Have Not" suggests change the "Haves" just don't like this at all. They will ridicule or criticize and suggest that person's idea is stupid. Or they will say stupid things like that person is only making that suggestion to only benefit themselves, which is pretty childish IMO. Think about that the next time you hit the enter button.

BTW.. I see no problem with what W5WMU is doing since he isn't submitting an entry. There are lots of casual stations in NAQP who run HP and never send in their logs. No one ever criticizes them.

See everyone in NAQP CW later today.


Jeff KU8E