Since we have been running multi-op for
years now, this does not change things much for us since we were already able
to watch spotting networks. As the 432 band captain, I’ve been watching
the 432 spots on a couple clusters during the contest anyhow. But, I have not previously
been able to spot “W4NH CQing on 432.105Mhz.”
And, there are changes to the use of FM
frequencies to get rid of antiquated restrictive language that was put in place
in the 70s.
However,
the most significant change in my mind is the opening of the rules to permit us (and EVERY entry class) to
now spot ourselves on the reflectors, via e-mails, etc. during contest periods.
This is clearly more in line with the rules of the CQWW VHF contest that has
continued to grow in popularity and participation, while the participation in
more recent ARRL VHF & UHF contests has varied, but has certainly NOT set
records for participation.
I truly think (my personal opinion
after 40+ years of VHF-UHF contesting) this will promote more QSO activity and
more participants during contest periods, especially in regard to encouraging
the more casual operator to get on and have some fun since they will have more
tools to work with, similar to those your refer to as doing the Search and
Pounce. At least I HOPE it has this effect…
Ron,
It is good and now comes the challenge of
how we operationalize it. I suppose we could just have all operators all
cruising the Web and looking for contacts. Alternately, we could make it
one persons job, especially during busy times, to watch for spots and then pass
it along via the "chat" function on Writelog. It will clearly I
think be of more help to those playing Search and Pounce than those who are
Running.
What do you think this looks like for us
during the June contest?