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

[Hoffman, Mark]

For once, I agree with Kenneth!

See, I like the idea of the contest, where the person who makes the most
QSOs and multipliers wins (independent of category). I live in the Atlantic
Division, Western NY. Closer to Cleveland than NYC. Thus, I am at a
geographic disadvantage, too. Not as isolated as someone in UT or AK - but
from a "winning" perspective just about as futile. I may NEVER make 1000
QSOs SOHP. Just not enough folks nearby to get to that level. Now, If I have
to spend 10 years building up to where I CAN - so be it. That's part of the
price of success. 

I enter SOHP, knowing FULL WELL that unless I have phenomenal propagation
(better than my competition) - guys like K1TEO, WA2FGK, AA2UK, K1RZ and
others will kick my ass. BUT - there will come a year, when I actually stand
a chance! And I'll be there to capitalize, trust me. I plan for THOSE years,
and try to improve my station so that, when that weekend comes - I'll be
there.

When I contest, I light up ALL the bands I can muster. Right now, that's 10
bands. I don't report on them separately, nor do I depend on minimizing ONE
of them just to keep within one category. I run as much as I can, to as big
an antenna system as possible. That's a tough thing, on bands like 5GHz, to
get BIG power. And it shows in the numbers of QSOs one can make. 

Now, if only I could have enough time and money to build a dozen captive
rovers, equipped with telephones, and staffed by my buddies - I could RUN
AWAY with the contest! (3 of the most discussed topics on this list, bundled
into ONE sentence. WOO HOO!) OR, I could just plug away - trying to make the
most QSOs and Multipliers as possible. 

I'm in it for MANY REASONS, not the least of which is the competition. I
like to work new grids, challenge my station (can I REALLY work EN61 on 2m
without tropo?) and find out what parts SUCK and what doesn't. That's my
drive - to have a good, reliable VHF+ station that I can use year-round. If
a GOOD CONTEST station can be on at any time of the year - doesn't that make
it a GOOD STATION?

Mark, K2AXX

-----Original Message-----
From: Kenneth E. Harker [mailto:kharker at cs.utexas.edu]
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2003 11:02 AM
To: Ev Tupis (W2EV)
Cc: VHFContesting eMail Remailer
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] A suggestion for ERP-based Entry Classes
[was:Stupid Categories ...]


On Sun, Dec 14, 2003 at 08:09:22AM -0500, Ev Tupis (W2EV) wrote:

> (Element count) x (RF Output) = Entry Category is a great way to
categorize 
> our efforts without compromizing our future by encouraging less band-
> participation or band-reporting.

This formula is FAR more complicated than using an RF output threshold for 
categories.  Nobody is going to adopt this.

And why would you want people to limit (of all things) their antennas?  
Putting up multiple antennas per band is a FAR better way to improve your 
chances of making QSOs than going from 150 to 1500 watts out.  I think
you are trying to encourage people not to invest in big antenna systems, Ev.
I think every one should have the best antenna systems they can come up
with.
Ya know - use-it-or-lose-it.

-- 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth E. Harker      "Vox Clamantis in Deserto"      kharker at cs.utexas.edu
University of Texas at Austin                   Amateur Radio Callsign: WM5R
Department of the Computer Sciences          Central Texas DX & Contest Club
Taylor Hall TAY 2.124                         Maintainer of Linux on Laptops
Austin, TX 78712-1188 USA            http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/kharker/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
VHFcontesting mailing list
VHFcontesting at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting