[RTTY] SO2R vs. SO1R - a pertinent question

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Doug asks, 

> Why do contests distinguish between high power and low power? 
> I have not seen that debated here, so I assume that most people 
> are OK with the separate classes for those using amplifiers and 
> those not using amplifiers.

Contests distinguish between high and low power for historical 
reasons.  From the very earliest contests - in the days of single 
element antennas (often a Marconi T or inverted L), it was clear 
hat high power vs. low power was a big difference.  With the 
advent of big antennas,  a low power station with big antennas 
can occasionally eclipse a high power station with poorer antennas 
or a less skilled operator. 

However, in generally the "top ten" boxes will show a clear 
separation based on power - even considering the effects of 
antennas. 

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV