[UK-CONTEST] Power Limitations

[David]

Biggest impact on VHF/UHF contests is the location. If I used our clubs VHF
site I would be tens of dB stronger with exactly the same kit/antenna
compared to my home site. In comparison using 4 yagis to get another 5dB of
gain is insignificant. (yes I am assuming extra losses). If I run 100 watts
or 400 watts it again does not make a lot of difference compared to
location. So the conclusion is there is no such thing as a level playing
field at VHF.

On HF I would say now location also makes a very big difference because of
the amount of electronic fog. A few weeks ago the whole area lost mains
power. I powered my station from a  battery and found on 80m daytime that my
band noise was 18dB yes 18dB lower and I am living in a village not a town
or city. If I lived in a very rural area then I would gain 18dB on receive
signal to noise. If I can just copy a guy on 400 watts, the rural guy will
just copy a signal running 6 watts. How do you make a rules to level that
playing field?

All the above effects have vastly more impact on station performance than
worrying over a few dBs here or there. 

73 David G3YYD


-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Rob Harrison
Sent: 28 January 2012 21:01
To: Chris Tran GM3WOJ; uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Power Limitations

Hi,

> It's maybe just me, but the gap between the thinking processes and 
> interests of UK HF contesters and UK VHF contesters seems to be 
> widening.

Yes I agree, unfortunately CC wants the opposite to happen.

> In the U.S.A. they have a separate reflector for VHF contesting and HF 
> contesting - seems like a good idea.

Again I agree, see above.

> 2.  it is *impossible* to regulate contest entrants on the basis of 
> antenna gain, ERP or any other variable quantity which would have to 
> be measured accurately on-site to be valid (even then the results 
> could be challenged)

Bob


----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Tran GM3WOJ" <zl1ct1 at gm7v.com>
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 6:16 PM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Power Limitations


> Hello all
>
> Jeepers my Delete key is worn out by this latest thread !
>
> Let's have a reality check :
>
> 1.  there is no such thing as a 'level playing field' in contesting 
> (except
> something approaching it in WRTC as mentioned)
>
> 2.  it is *impossible* to regulate contest entrants on the basis of 
> antenna
> gain, ERP or any other variable quantity which would have to be measured
> accurately on-site to be valid (even then the results could be challenged)
>
> It's maybe just me, but the gap between the thinking processes and 
> interests
> of UK HF contesters and UK VHF contesters seems to be widening.
>
> In the U.S.A. they have a separate reflector for VHF contesting and HF
> contesting - seems like a good idea.
>
> 73
> Chris
> GM3WOJ / GM2V
>
> _______________________________________________
> UK-Contest mailing list
> UK-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest 

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