[TOEC] Proposal: LP Category on SOSB in SAC

[Mats Strandberg]

Rolf and others,

While I personally for sure wish there would be a SOSB LP entry in many
contests, I understand the reasons why this does not happen so often. A
SOSB LP option for Scandinavians in SAC maybe is not so much a problem.
Only a bit more of administration and some more awards and possibly plaques
is the issue. However for a contest like RDXC, this means a huge increase
in awards and plaques, as this will create national winners in up to 6
different new bandcategories.

The intention with my comment was actually the same as Rolf''s approach -
to stimulate activity!

If I had the option as Non-Scandinavian to work SOSB in SAC, I would for
sure do that, because for the time being I only have one band with at least
to competitive antennas, 20 meters. I could spend perhaps 12 hours in this
SOSB category and work the Scandinavians active on this band, I would have
missed a few, but I think the potential could have been maximum 250-300
QSOs if I did a really heavy effort, using skimmer and cluster.

As SOSB is not an option in SAC for Non-Scandinavians, I decided to
challenge myself and at least put up some symbolic antennas for 80 and 40
meters. Two very low dipoles became the result. On 40 meters I worked
around 125 QSOs if I am not mistaken, with the same antenna around 50 QSO
on 15 meters. On the 80 meter antenna around 100 QSOs or a little less. On
10 meters I used the 20 meter vertical and managed to get 25 QSOs.

All in all, 400+ QSOs will not make a great position for me in the SOHP
Unassisted category, BUT, and this is important... I added 250 QSOs on
other bands than 20 meters, and this is pure activity to all the
Scandinavians.

If we added a SOSB cateogry (we do not even have for Non-Scandinavia HP
stations), my estimation is that the available QSO amount for Scandinavians
would be reduced quite considerably = less activity in total (which is the
goal of SAC).

Therefore, in this case, I did as I preached. Instead of just working SOSB
20 meters (not a category), I gave hopefully the pleasure to Scandinavians
of working my station on more bands than just one.

SOSB LP is an interesting potential for huge contests like CQWW, WPX etc,
but I do not see the need for this in SAC for Scandinavians, In the same
way, with the approach of increasing activity from Scandinavia, I also
maintain my opinion of wanting to remove SOSB class at all for
Scandinavians. SOSB does not stimulate the total activity because
limitations to work fellow Non-Scandinavians on just one band.

So no hard feelings Rolf. I agree that I missed SOSB LP class in RDXC, but
I have to accept the decision by the CC to limit the amount of categories,
referring to administrative and cost issues (for awards).

73 de RM2D, Mats  (ot the other side of SAC pile, just desiring more
Scandinavian QSOs)

2012/9/19 Rolf Salme, SM5MX <sm5mx at yahoo.com>

> Hi Fans,
>
> When uploading my SAC score at the 3830 reflector, I noticed a rather
> colourful remark from SF0F, who obviously wants to see an LP category
> in the SOSB classes as well. So do I, hence I included a brief supportive
> remark in my own entry at 3830.
>
> Which in turn prompted Mats, RM2D, to suggest doing away with the
> SOSB classes altogether, for the purpose of focusing our (i. e. SM's)
> efforts at crushing the hopes of OH and hopingly steamroll the other
> guys on this side of the Baltic as well.
>
> I am probably not the only participant who does not have super
> antennas for all the bands in question. Hence, in major contests
> I often bet my 100 watts on one particular band into one reasonably
> good antenna, my preferences being  lower bands.
>
> Yes, Mats, it can be quite a boring story to be on a single band at times.
> Still, though, judging by the final results in SAC, quite a few seem
> prepared to take the risk. Needless to say, as a de facto LP station on
> any SOSB, it would definitely be more fun if you could at least compete
> with your equals, i e other 100-watters rather than those hefty kW's.
>
> I think this is an appropriate moment to remind ourselves that the sole
> purpose of the SAC is certainly not just "beating the Finns". On the
> contrary, the primary idea was - and still is -  that the Scandinavian
> Activity Contest  should offer a weekend of great contest fun for
> everybody, which IMHO also includes LP operators on single bands.
>
> How about "your own" contest, Mats, the RDXC? I am full of praise
> for an extremely well-organized contest in all respects. I. e. in all but
> one;
> there is no LP option in the SOSB categories. I wouldn't mind if you
> QSPd this minor objection to the organizers - while praising them for
> most of the rest!
>
> 73,
> Rolf
> SM5MX
>
> -------------------------
> Amatörradio = radio
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