[VHFcontesting] Re: Limited Multi Class

[KA0TP at aol.com]

    In my opinion as someone fairly new to VHF Contesting, who actively 
promotes it to new Hams, I explain that VHF contesting is good practice for 
covering a region in emergencies. All of these No-Code Techs are limited to 
VHF and above can help greatly in a region in a major emergency.  And with 
the increased multipliers for higher bands, it gives them an incentive to get 
on those bands.
    Yes, I would like to see them break out the QRP operations as a different 
category in the different areas, but for the most part leave the contest 
rules as is.


In a message dated 9/2/02 11:25:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
cvgreene at pop.snet.net writes:
<< 
< So, my idea for restructuring [VHF Contesting] would be this:
<  1.  Every contact is worth three points, regardless of band.  Why 
< three?  The only reason is to emulate the DX contest scoring.  Two, 
< one, or 17 would be just as good.
>>

I think this is a bad idea, as increasing points for higher bands encourages 
more to get on those bands.... If I really want to rack up higher scores, I 
should get more bands... 

<< 
< 2.  You get multipliers on each band for grids worked.
<<

Already done... 


>> 
< 3.  The value of each grid square multiplier is based on the distance 
< of the center of that grid to the center of your grid.  To make 
< things easy, your own grid would count as one.  The next grid over 
< would as two.  Two grids over would count as three.   And so on. .....
>>

Way too complicated. As it stands, the longer the contacts, the more grids 
you ARE reaching. So, more MULTIPLIERS!  So it already built in the system 
for higher scores with longer contacts.. Or are you going to work longer 
contacts and ignore the closer ones at the same time?
 
<<
< 4.  Either limit the number of bands allowed in the June contest to 
< those below 1296, or make distinct classes for that.  The September 
< contest could still be an all band affair.  January is already 
< limited by crappy propagation and weather, which limits hilltop 
< operations.  The reasoning is that it is just too much to expect an 
< individual or small group to set-up and operate on all the bands when 
< most of the attention will be on 6 meters.  Sure, everyone can come 
< up with exceptions to that, but you shouldn't build contest rules 
< around that.
 >>

There is already a Limited category for four band operation, but extend it to 
Rovers.  It would make it easier for us newer operators who don't have a full 
load of equipment to compete.  Otherwise, If I want to get more points as a 
rover, I drive more....

<<
< 5.  Come to grips with whatever the various K1JT weak signal modes 
< will bring.  Is this a good thing or not?  In one sense, it does give 
< everyone a chance to make QSOs at a much greater distance.  That is 
< the main point of the contest, and it is fun, which is the main 
< reason why people get on in the first place.  (You didn't think it 
< was because of the great rewards, admiration, and respect you get 
< when you win, did you?)  But, am I the only one who gets a much 
< bigger thrill out of actually hearing the DX station?
 >>

    Weak signal modes that depend on the computer are easier to do from home 
and that helps those who can't easily mountain top or drive long distances... 
And if a Rover wants to do them also, well, greater effort is to be 
rewarded....

<<
< 6.  Finally, do everything that can be done to get people to set up 
< on hilltops, even if only with their FT-817 for a few hours.  Face 
< it, even small stations on hill tops work a lot more and a lot cooler 
< stuff than large stations in typical residential neighborhoods. 
< Neighborhoods have learned to hate ham radio, and antennas are hard 
< to put up these days.  (Does anybody see hope of this getting any 
< better?  Please?)  Putting a rig in the back seat along with some 
< small antennas is a good thing.  So is putting a battery powered rig 
< into a back pack.  You can work a lot, and it's a load of fun. 
< Getting this kind of activity would raise the numbers in VHF contests 
< dramatically.  At least that's my opinion.  Somebody bring back a 
< modern version of the IC-202.  (BTW, would anybody buy a modern 
< version of the IC-202?  If so, how much would you pay?)
 >>
The Section leasder in Limited Multi Op last September here in Oregon was a 
Portable operation on a local Hilltop. Locals who want to compete soon learn 
that being on Hilltops equals BIG stations....  At least before you figure in 
the Kilowatts...

    I feel the main thing is to promote VHF Contesting to the new hams.. That 
includes trying FM Simplex to help them catch the "Contest Bug". Last June, 
here in the PDX area, I promoted 146.58 FM simplex to many on the repeaters 
before the contest.
Guess what? We had many of the "Big Guns" come down to FM simplex,  working 
the new hams in the contest. There were actually pile ups on FM simplex... A 
lot of new hams are catching the contesting bug through the use of FM. So 
please [nicely] explain to the new guys that for longer contacts, etc. for 
higher scores are possible using SSB, and yes CW too, but don't give up on 
the people using FM. There are a LOT of them and they need encouragement...

KAØTP - Thomas D. Popp

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