[RTTY] 10 Meter RTTY Contest thoughts

[DickT-W0RAA]

I agree with Ed, W0YK.  Run a 10 meter RTTY contest as a stand
alone for a few times to see how it goes, then approach the ARRL
to make RTTY part of the 10 meter Contest.  Like Ed, I'd be forced to
lean towards CW if it were a choice with all the other modes.  If
forced to pick between SSB & RTTY, I'd have to go RTTY.  I know
that doesn't make a lot of sense.  But in a contest with RTTY, CW, SSB
& RTTY, I have a gut feeling that RTTY is not going to draw the
biggest crowds.  At least not at this point in time.  And as Ed states,
there will be lower activity in all the modes.

Ten meters is coming back and this is a great time to get something
going on the band.  Count me in.

Dick
W0RAA

____________________________________________________

Kermit, AB1J, wrote:
> This is a nice idea but after proof of concept (i.e., a few
> successful runs  of the contest) you should try to get the
> ARRL to incorporate it into their 10M  contest.  I have
> always thought the 10M contest could use the addition of
> RTTY as a shot in the arm to encourage activity, especially
> during the down  years, which seem to be all the time now.

>Good point, although there will undoubtedly be different opinions on this.
>First of all, I do not think RTTY should be added to the Mixed category.
>The current Mixed category with CW and SSB works well, but a third mode
>would be too many modes to juggle for the serious Mixed category
>participant.
>
>I also think adding a fourth category, RTTY, to the CW/SSB/Mixed categories
>is a problem.  I love the ARRL 10-Meter Contest and would hate to choose
>between CW and RTTY.  I would probably do CW if forced.   There are others
>who like SSB and RTTY and would have to choose.  As a result, there will be
>lower activity in each of the modes as the total participation is dispersed
>over three modes rather than just two or one.
>
>There are a few three mode contests and some people love them.  The 
>majority
>of participants in most contests are casual or only moderately serious.  I
>doubt that any serious competitors would want to do all three modes.
>
>As you note, though, let's try this new 10-Meter RTTY Contest standalone 
>for
>a few times and see how it goes.  Then, it will be apparent how it should
>evolve.

>Ed - W0YK