Topband: The East Coast Advantage

[Brian Moran]

The recent changes to a couple of 160m contests, starting them 2 hours earlier (when we west coast guys are at work, or at least capable of sitting in tanning-strength sunlight), also favors the east coast.  Some distance-based scoring system would help to even-up the scoring differential, but I'm not sure I'd want to diminish the charm of the Stew by making these larger contests like it. 

The west coast folks are voting with their feet and their power switches -- and one can always go to a more radio-friendly clime.

Brian N9ADG/7

--- On Wed, 10/28/09, Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:

> From: Jim Brown <jim at audiosystemsgroup.com>

> 
> Imagine the FAR greater difference from W6/W7. In CQWW160
> and ARRL 160, it 
> makes a difference in scores of at least 4:1 for equivalent
> stations and 
> operators. And it's why many W6/W7 operators don't bother
> getting on the air 
> for these contests -- while we can HEAR east coast stations
> loud and clear 
> hours before our sunset, they don't hear us (or don't WANT
> to hear us) 
> because they're listening NE for Qs that yield a lot more
> points. I'd bet 
> that there are far more east coast Beverages aimed NE than
> are aimed W. 


> It's no fun calling S9
> east coast stations 
> who don't want to work you and continually CQ in your face.
> 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Jim Brown K9YC
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> 160 meters is a serious band, it should be treated with
> respect. - TF4M
>