Topband: My take on ARRL 160

[Eddy Swynar]

Hi All,

Well, my station here is HARDLY the "...last word" when it comes to contesting & the 160-meter band...

But I must say, I really & truly enjoy getting on the ARRL Topband event (been doing it, off & on, since the mid 70's), and giving the ON multiplier to those seeking new sections to work---especially to those guys out in the west coast, many of whom seem to be genuinely thrilled to work across the continent, if judging by the added "TU" & "GL" that many add at the conclusion of their exchange is any indicator...

I recall back in my formative forays on the band that working into 6- & 7-land was a real joy for me: I think that it still is that way for many who may be just "...getting their feet wet" for the first time on 1.8-MHz. 

Why deny these newbies a venue to flex their muscles this way? As has been already pointed-out here, there are ample opportunities for the established seasoned DX'ers amongst us to strut their stuff each season on other contests---so what if the ARRL affair is, in essence, a "WAS party"...? Everyone has to start somewhere---the neophyte whom you thrilled last night by working him could very well be the next Big Gun competing shoulder-to-shoulder with you in an event coming your way very soon. 

Rather than decry the format of the event, why not celebrate it as a potential birthplace for to-morrow's contestors...?

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ