[VHFcontesting] A suggestion for ERP-based Entry Classes [was: Stupid Categories ...]

[Ev Tupis (W2EV)]

Phil Lefever wrote:
> Very true, but addressing the antenna system would be difficult at best for
> the contest division. Output power is easy and clear cut.

The solution can be trivial to implement...try this on for size:

A categorizing system based upon an ERP-factor as follows:
o Antenna: number of elements
o RF Output: PEP output

Multiply (number of elements in your antenna) X (RF Output, PEP)=ERP factor

Antenna elements x RF output      ERP-factor
--------------------------------- -------
Halo & 160-watt amp =                 160
4-element beam & 25 watts =           100
9-element beam & 160-watts =        1,440
4-halo's & 300-watt amp =           1,200
13-element beam & 160-watt amp =    2,080
2x13 element beam & 160-watt amp =  4,160
18-element beam & 300-watt amp =    5,400
4x9 element beams & 600-watt amp = 21,600

The only question to ask is this: what is the ERP-factor value on which one
would "pivot" between a station being considered "Limited" vs. "Unlimited"? 
Should the "pivot point" be different for Fixed and Rover stations? (probably)

For 2-meters, consider 4,300 for fixed-location (not Rovers) stations maybe?
(I'm just picking a number out of the air...a study should be undertaken before
a number is settled upon)

Here are some interesting results of applying this system:
(4x Halo) x (1,200 watts) =             4,800 = Unlimited (High ERP) Category
(4x Halo) x (300 watts) =               1,200 = Limited (Low ERP) Category
(4x M^2 9-element yagi) x (160 watts) = 5,760 = Unlimited Category
(4x M^2 9-element yagi) x (100 watts) = 3,600 = Limited Category
(17b2) x (300-watt Mirage) =            5,100 = Unlimited Category
(17b2) x (160-watt Mirage) =            2,720 = Limited Category

For 2-meters, consider 1,100 for Rovers? (again, picking a number out of the
air...a real study should be conducted)...

(Halo) x 25 watts =                25 = Limited (Low ERP) Category
(Halo x2) x 160 watts =           320 =    "      "   "       "
(Halo x2) x 300 watts =           600 =    "      "   "       "
(4-element yagi) x 160 watts =    640 =    "      "   "       "
(9-element yagi) x 160 watts =  1,440 = Unlimited (High ERP) Category
(13 element yagi) x 160 watts = 2,080 =    "        "    "       "
(9-element yagi) x 300 watts =  2,700 =    "        "    "       "
(13-element yagi) x 300 watts = 3,900 =    "        "    "       "

Of course, this proposal is simply "Brain candy" to get us all excited about the
January VHF SS. :))

Ev, W2EV

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