[UK-CONTEST] 21/28Mhz, the future?

[Robert Henderson]

The big problem with the RSGB 21/28 contests is low activity levels.  This
is a problem for UK stations and equally so for overseas stations.  If the
events are to survive in any meaningful way then something needs to be done
to increase support and activity levels.

National Societies endeavour to structure events which are of particular
interest and benefit to their members.  Quite rightly so and in my opinion,
nothing wrong with that.  Of course the extent of success they enjoy is a
variable. From my own observations over many years, from both UK and
overseas  the RSGB 21/28 tests have not scored well here.

The basic problem is one of critical mass.  There are not enough stations
active in contests from the UK to make work UK only, on one or two bands
only contests, attractive.  At least, not to a broad body of the
international contesting fraternity.  The consequence, is that many
overseas stations do not bother to turn out for these events.  This low
turnout of overseas stations compounds the issue of low turnout of UK
stations.  This is a problem for the RSGB 7 MHz contest too.

Succesful contests need to draw upon support from casual participants whose
reasons for participation are numerous.  Some are DXers wanting to use
contests to boost their DX tally.  Some just like to spend a spare hour or
two sharpening their skills in running a pile up.  Some aim to hone their
search and pounce technique etc.  For a contest to gain participation from
people with these kinds of objectives the opportunity for their needs to be
met must be provided.  High activity levels best provide for these needs.

The 21/28 tests set out to make UK stations the centre of focus for DX by
making only contacts between UK and DX count for points.  This is a clear
case of trying too hard and failing as a consequence.  The failure occurs
because DX participation is low so the objective is defeated.  Perhaps if
the rules were changed to allow DX to work DX with multipliers being DXCC
countries plus UK counties or postcodes or whatever, then the effect might
be to stimulate more overseas participation and hence more for UK stations
to work.

Some may well argue that WAG, which is a DX works Germany only event,
works.  So why not for UK?  The answer is two fold.  Firstly, ask any
DXpeditioner how many G stations he works compared to how many DL stations.
 The answer will likely be 10 times as many DL stations.  Secondly, WAG
increases interest through utilisation of five bands not one or two, so
folks have a lot more to go at.

To make these RSGB events succesful more activity must be generated.  The
HFCC has a number of options to achieve this.  

DX able to work DX
G able to work G
dual mode
multiband

Of course there are other options too.  Come on HFCC, exercise your options
and breath some life into these events!

Bob, 5B4AGN, P3F, G3ZEM