[RTTY] (no subject)

[Jay]

"When all else is equal", I believe, is the reasoning contest sponsors 
implemented the HP and LP categories."

Actually it is important to note that most Contest Sponsors didn't make
many RTTY Contest rules.  The rules for the major contests were either the
rules in place at the time for the contest. e.g. CQWW RTTY was based
entirely on CQWW SSB/CW rules. Or the rules were made by the people making
the contests and getting them implemented.  This is the case in the RTTY
Roundup and the RTTY WPX now the CQ/RTTY WPX.

As one of the two people who created the Low Power catagory for RTTY
contesting, e.g. the ARRL RTTY Roundup I can assure you that it wasn't done
for any purpose other than to increase participation.  We wanted to create
a contest that could be won in the US from anywhere, and we wanted to
create a lot of wallpaper to have a lot of interest.

Unlike SS we kept DX in the contest as the addition of Mults makes the
contest both more interesting and it also makes it a great deal more
challenging.  Also DX in RTTY contests and in general RTTY operation far
outway US participation in RTTY history.  Volta, Anarts, Carts, Giant
Flash, etc.

CQWW started without Low Power and due to the enthusiasm and success of the
ARRL contest it was added. But 160 was taken away.

"Yes, I believe there should be separate SO1R, SO2R categories. I'm not 
against SO2R. ...There's nothing to loose and everything to gain! "

You're right in many respects but changing in place contests is very
difficult, a couple have already done this the major one's I seriously
doubt ever will. They might add a 1R on the column of the report but I
doubt they add another catagory.  Records and above all else, page space
make changes very hard for them to do.

It would be far easier for Shelby to just make a new contest, find a
weekend, and fire it up. That's what we did with many contests since the
beginning days nearly 20 years ago.  What Shelby you ready to start one up
old buddy?

Ron K5DJ and I started the RTTY WPX and with the help of the ADRS brought
it about.  BTW, changes to ARRL contests go thru the ARRL Contest
committee, each Division has a rep.  You need a bunch of grass roots
support and also Division Manager support.  CQ I'm not sure of but would
suspect will never change as the SSB and CW versions most likely won't change.

BARTG I think has already addressed this with there contest changes.