[UK-CONTEST] 144 mhz contests

[PeterTribe]

Interesting comments about VHF contesting so I would like to add my 
tuppence worth.

The problem with most of the VHF contests and 2m  contests in particular is 
that they are so predictable. The few well equipped stations that are well 
sited will "win" everytime. What we need is a variety of formats. We have 
12 monthly contests which are quite popular but they are the same every 
time. Perhaps we should have 4 contests as they are now, 4 post code 
contests and 4 contests with large square multipliers - say x2 for those in 
IO61,62,63 etc, x1.5 for IO70,1,2 , x 1 for IO80,81 etc, x 0.75 for IO90,91 
etc and X 0.5 for JO00, 01 etc . This would even it out a bit though the 
IOM would have quite an advantage. The other problem is that they are all 
on a Tuesday. For some of us that means we can hardly ever enter because of 
other commitments. Previously we had a series on every weekday with I think 
either the best  3 or 4 out of five counting. That way you could miss one 
or two without losing out.
The AFS could be hugely improved to make it a proper club contest by 
registering each club in advance - like VHF NFD but not the site just the 
call sign/s.  This list could be published in advance on the VHFCC web 
site. Registered call signs could be worth 10 pts, unregistered UK call 
signs 5 pts and if any overseas amateurs call in then that contact could be 
worth 1 pt.  There would be no points for contacts between members of the 
same club. This would make really worthwhile to get UK calls and not just 
pointing beams east which at present is such a huge advantage for East 
coast stations.
These are just a couple of ideas "off the wall" but variety is the spice of 
life..

Peter Tribe  Reigate ATS   G5LK/G0VVE