[CQ-Contest] Alligators

[Jeff Clarke]

It would be nice if 160 contests used distance based scoring like the 
Stew Perry. Stations on the east coast don't only have a scoring 
advantage as far as 10 point QSO's they work but also the number of 
multipliers they work in EU. Maybe going to distance based scoring would 
increase activity (i.e. interest) outside W1-W4 and W8-9 call areas. The 
way it is now it's not worth spending a lot of time in the contest if 
you aren't in those high population areas.

An interesting fact is the Cayman Islands (ZF) is the same distance to 
my QTH in Georgia as Boston, MA. (945 miles) Both ZF5T and ZF2AM were 50 
DB over S9 all weekend during the 160 contest. No one in W1 comes close 
to that signal strength at my QTH. I guess that shows the effect that 
salt water has on a signal. If you use the salt water advantage to 
equate the signal strength of a station on the east coast to EU I'm sure 
you have the same effect. I've personally experienced that saltwater 
enhancement myself. I occasionally go over to the Georgia coastal 
islands (NA-058) for the IOTA contest at the end of July. Using mobile 
antennas and parking near the sea water I get pileups of EU stations 
calling me on 20 and 40 meters which truly amazes me.

Bill, I doubt either CQ or the ARRL would be sympathetic to anyone who 
doesn't live on the East Coast. Just about every contest (not only on 
160) they sponsor gives those on the east coast an advantage. Why do you 
think they have the 160 contest start at 2200z? It gives a couple more 
hours of darkness to those on the east coast. Even if the rules were 
changed  I don't think it really wouldn't matter that much. The way I 
look at it if you're serious about competing then rent a station in ME 
(like you do) or go the the Caribbean. Otherwise just get on and have 
fun and do the best you can with your situation.

Jeff

On 2/24/2020 01:35 AM, ko7ss--- via CQ-Contest wrote:
> Hellooooo W6/W7 !!!
>
> The CQ 160M contest scoring is so skewed to favoring W1/W2/W3 --> EU Q's, there is no reason to change the 160M 4 SQ from pointing NE. All that
> is needed is a single CA/OR/WA QSO for the mult, the rest are 2 point Q's compared to a 10 point EU Q. Of course I can barely hear you, I am just
> hoping another 10 point DL or F calls me!
>
> The lowly W6/W7 stations are -20+db off the back of the 4 square, maybe I can hear you, maybe not. Who cares, you will still work me after EU sunrise.
> At that time I will point my 4 square +/- beverages to the West.
>
> I have been there done that, go look at K1A on QRZ.com.
>
> If you have some concerns, write to Hicksville, NY, I am sure they will listen and be sympathetic
>
> The only fair contest would be 1 point Q's X mults. A W5/6/7/9/0 might win. (((GASP)))
>
> 73, Bill KO7SS in Tucson, AZ
>
> _______________________________________________
> CQ-Contest mailing list
> CQ-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest