Topband: My take on ARRL 160

[Mike Fatchett W0MU]

I didn't realize that 160 and all its challenges to get on this band 
with a decent xmit and receive antennas was the birthplace of new 
contesters.

On 12/4/11 8:39 AM, Herb Schoenbohm wrote:
> On 12/4/2011 11:09 AM, Eddy Swynar wrote:
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> Rather than decry the format of the event, why not celebrate it as a potential birthplace for to-morrow's contestors...?
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> Eddy....I will tell you why......The ARRL 160 is and always has been a disappointment in turn out and DX.  Not so much that it treats the amateurs in the U.S. Territories as second class hams, but the fact that it not even a challenge as a radio competition to participate in.  For station only miles away in VP2V there could be some interests but even there they are prohibited from working any real DX  and must EPA in the log a zillion times.  At least their results will get listed in the QST published results if they get on for more than a few hours.
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> In a contest that scores KH0, KH8, KH2 (and alll the other U.S. possession in the Pacific  in the same category as Hawaii just makes no sense.  It appears the ARRL/CAC is infactuated with the ARRL sections thing.  But wait, they have the ARRL Sweepstakes and that covers 160-10 and excludes DX.
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> Now if you want a contest design that as you said "celebrates it as a potential birthplace for to-morrow's contestors,"  I would ask you only to compare the Stew Perry Topband Distance challenge.  This is a superb model and allows competition of all types of entries where low power and QRP get significant boost, especially if you work one.  The SP is not designed to molify someones ego at Newington with this EPA thing but rather serves as a fair and balance competition designed for 160 meters by 160 meter operators.  Remember years ago when Charles O'Brian, W2EQS (sk) came up with the CQ 160 meter contest idea.  There is no question that it is one of the most popular low band contests with the SP close behind.
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> There is this sclerosis and atrophy, it appears, by those in charge in Newington and the CAC members who really don't care that much about 160 meters.  So it is what it is, a bummer of a contest for most.  Why is it so difficult for them to make a simple change in the rules to reflect what is DX and what isn't?  Last night I got some raspberries for calling CQ EU only even though there were two other KP2's active during the contest.  On Friday night my call operated remotely from NYC gave out 100 mainland contacts while I held my nose.  As far as the 160 meter ARRl DX contest is concerned, I just quote Roberto Duran, "No Mas"
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> Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
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