[UK-CONTEST] Start & End Times

[Paul O'Kane]

On 07/06/2012 21:08, Tony G4NBS wrote:

> On VHF we give REAL reports and (used to?)

That is a separate issue.


> accept sometimes it takes a
> couple of minutes to complete a QSO.
> HF is different - maybe 4 QSO's in a minute without unneccessary information

Have you ever had QSOs over 10000 miles on 160m?
It can take more than a couple of minutes to
complete a QSO.  In any case, and once again,
this has no bearing on the issue.

With regard to the rules for both VHF and HF
contests, "End Time" is just that, and nothing
else.

> (such as callsign, QTH and a meaningful report) being exchanged.

Good for you :-)  But, how is this relevant to
some VHF contesters wanting (and feeling they
deserve) extra time, after the end time of a
contest.

> So perhaps VHF contesting needs to be treated slightly different to HF when
> considering rule changes.

I don't mind repeating this as many times as
necessary, but for as long as words in English
have consistent meanings, the phrase "End Time"
is frequency-independent.

> Certainly as a VHF only contester I don't remember being told that I must
> only accept 59 or been made aware of the instant cutoff of a QSO at the end.

Time to get real, perhaps?   Sorry to be blunt,
but End Time does not allow for the concept of
"I've started, so I'll finish" .

> Like Bob says GJV logged the start of the QSO, but Minos the end - many's
> the time I've had to go back and edit the time as I forgot to hit the enter
> key...

How has that contributed in any meaningful
way to the issue.  Either you accept the
contest is over at the end time, or you don't.
If you don't, they maybe you are special in
some way so that the rules don't always apply
to you?

Are there other rules for VHF/UHF contesting
that are open to individual interpretation?
I suggest it's time to get off the fence.

73,
Paul EI5DI