Topband: Level Playing Field

[Joe Wilkowski]

Rocky Mountain CAC

Since it has been brought up on the low band reflector I thought I would just send you a small note as to my feelings about being competitive in the two major 160 meter contesting events.  I live near Westcliffe Co and having moved here from Western NY I have a good sense of who has the advantage in these domestic and dx contests.  

I can unequivocally say that they are not fair and do not recognize the difficulties in competing for a major award.  In my particular situation, I have three transmit antennas for 160 meters including a 93 foot vertical with over 3 miles of radials.  The receive situation is complementary with 7 600 foot plus beverages and two phased pennants to the NE.   I will no longer enter the ARRL 160 or the CQWW 160 contest competitively because simply I cannot win.  I am proficient, I have won many of these two particular contests awards while living back east but I cannot compete living here in Colorado.

It is my competitive nature that prevents me from enduring any more frustration at listening and watching the east coast just beat the hell out of me for any contact.  They are in hours early, they provide a wall which I cannot get through for the most part and it is unacceptable given the rules of these contests today.

It really seems that ARRL could care less.  The point of view that I can compete with my geographical peers is pure bunk.   Why would you enter a world wide contest to see how well you can do against a guy in Denver or the Springs ?

So, having said that I absolutely am confident the League and any other major contest sponsor will do nothing about it but I have proffered my opinion which I believe I am entitled to.

Thanks in advance,


Joe Wilkowski K8FC]
Cotopaxi Co 81223