[UK-CONTEST] club calls

[Callum M0MCX]

>>>I quite enjoyed our difficult QSO

I did too Steve and I think we both did a damned good job on that one!

I note the thread is morphing more away from Smarties - and into the depths
of the rules. Of interest, I never knew the contest had "aims" other than
for it to be a jolly good time out, so my ears pricked up when someone said
that it was aimed at encouraging and improving the newer participants. Most
of our junior M3 contest ops at Wythall (and we have a few with Lee and I
churning the contest handle) are comfortable doing a Report and Serial
number exchange contest. Had they done this one, the nervous ones may have
bailed out rapidly, rather than making themselves look a plonker. However,
they didn't do the contest anyway - so these comments are academic.

Originally, of course - my major complaint was (if I can call it this), the
"professionalism" of the QSOs and some of the less hot CQ calls. Only if you
add into this the long(ish) exchanges, did I became frustrated (which I
originally blamed the Smarties on!)

Upon reflection (and I've had 48 hours to cool off!) I would actually still
do this contest next year - but it wouldn't be one that I looked forward to
as much as the frenzied fun we have on 80m.

Callum.


-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Bunting [mailto:stephen.bunting at virgin.net] 
Sent: 12 November 2006 21:57
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] club calls

Folks,

As a portable participant in this year's club calls contest (68 QSOs, a 
non starting generator and a man in his pants for the second year 
running - don't ask), I am interested in the comment on the contest format.

What do proponents of an easier format hope to achieve? Increased rates? 
I worked 11 stations in the last hour so I would suggest the activity 
doesn't warrant that at the moment. Will an easier exchange increase 
activity? Would the casual or new contester feel that shouting "59 14" 
to people in exotic places such a Loughborough, Lewisham and Lewes make 
feel that it is another meaningless event with a meaningless exchange? 
Don't forget the nuances of the contesters' skill are not obvious to the 
average radio amateur (whoever that may be).

I feel that the RSGB calendar demands events such as this; 
diversification spreads risk and promotes innovation. I think the 80M 
Club championship and 2m UKAC have shown this admirably and are a credit 
to all concerned.

As I appear to have swallowed a management text book, I will shamefully 
re-engage lurker mode for another year.
73
Steve
M0BPQ/p

PS M0MCX - I quite enjoyed our difficult QSO
PPS I gave a QRA locator to one person as part of the exchange by 
mistake, sorry if the reader subscribes here. Is there a radio 
equivalent of the bends that I should be aware of as I rapidly re-climb 
the radio spectrum for the 432MHz contest this week?

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