[UK-CONTEST] Increasing VHF contest participation by newbies

[Adrian Rees]

Hi Ray, all
I don't agree that increasing the UK Foundation Licence to 100w, even on one band (144MHz for instance), will improve contest participation.However I do agree with your point that the playing field does need leveling somewhat.
 
First of all I think we need to address the reasons for the down turn in VHF Contesting, and Amateur Radio in general for that matter. I think the down turn is based upon Technology advances and, as Radio Amateurs, our perception of Technology. 
 
Most radio amateurs have had an interest in the subject for a long time. In deed my own interest is 30 years. As like may others, I am a native to radio technology. By this I mean I grew up with radio and TV, the height of technology at the time was Radio, Colour TV and HiFi. Radcom, R&E Constructor, Everyday Electronics the list goes on.
 
Out of this analogue, electronic world came IT, Computers, Operating Systems and the Digital world. I am a Technology Migrant to this Digital world. Whilst I continue to be involved in radio, as I am in my native environment, I also use IT,for work and play, as a migrant.
 
Turning this around, todays beginners in amateur radio are migrants to amateur radio, to them, they are going backwards. They are native to IT. "Why use a radio to talk to the world when I can pick up a phone, use the internet ? Its quicker, its faster." This is the world of IT.
 
The down turn in Contesting and Amateur Radio, is in my opinion, due to advances in Technology, driving society to the digital solution. A crackling radio and fading voices doesn't do it for todays IT Technology Natives, when a Skype connection and a mobile phone will do the job better.We have turned into a service society. Nothing is repaired, nothing is made anymore. Not least by us in the West.  The IT Natives havn't lived in the world of analogue radio, of the wonder of man's first foot steps on the moon, or even only BBc1 and ITV on the telly. They have Services now. Nostalgia, to certain extent, is what we are about.
 
Returning to your point, giveing the beginner 100w on 144MHz won't increase contest participation...it will likely increase QRM to the Beacons and long distance FM swearing and foul drunken language, bad operating practices, which more than likely will turn 144MHZ into the very latest Citizens Band. 
 
What WILL increase amateur radio and contest participation, in my opinion, is  some fundamental changes to the rules.Short contests, with categories such that beginners can win. Maybe a year on year table and division scheme, such that once you've reached the top three in one ladder or table, up you go to the next ladder or table. To compete confidently, in this higher ladder or table, you need more power...so an intermediate licence is required. If you want to get the IT Natives to come into our Radio world, you have to make it accessible, with a reasonable challenge, its almost CQWW in bite sized chunks. 
 
Make some of the contests "single op, limited station" accessable. Level the playing field, and remove the ability for some contesters to interpret the rules in such a way as to benefit themselves....at least in the restricted sections. Open sections, well, anything goes, as it seems to. 
 
If you want to get more activity in contests, the rules must be clear, and to encourage contesters, they must be able to operate on a fair and level playing field with a realitsic chance of winning. If that means changing the rules, scoring structure, then so be it. 
 
Allowing 100w of RF to someone who has only 16 hours of very basic training is asking for trouble at best, at worst, I dread to think!
 
In short, the rules must change and give a reasonable chance for those who have limited stations, or choose to operate limited stations the chance to win. We as amateurs must recognise the fact that technology is changing, and our radio world is techncally old hat these days, its nostalgia. Our world doesn't excite the younger generation now, the way it excited us then, and still does "now". 
 
Likewise, Contest Committee's and Rule makers must learn to be flexible and respond dynamically to the needs and comments of those interested, change the rules, and then we'll get the excitement back. 
 
Adrian 
MW1LCR 
 

________________________________

From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com on behalf of Ray James
Sent: Thu 20/11/2008 09:58
To: UK Contesting
Subject: [UK-CONTEST] Increasing VHF contest participation by newbies




Hi all,
I note the Austrian "beginners licence" has just benefited by an increase in permitted power level to 100w on 144MHz.
I believe this would also be an area of interest in the UK for 2m and above.
With 10w or 50w on HF, the world is your oyster with relative ease.
The same limitations on 144MHz and above does not inhibit operation on weak signal modes for contesting and DX'ing but doesn't actually make it easy.
I know it can be done because I've done it myself but the current restrictions lend themselves more to the FM mode use which is typified by what has occurred since the inception of the foundation and intermediate licence. A good way to entice more interest is not to give them the full 400w capability but certainly give them a more level playing field in part of the spectrum that definitely needs their participation.

73 Ray GM4CXM
IO75TW GS



     
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