[VHFcontesting] A suggestion for ERP-based Entry Classes

[Bill Olson]

Hoo boy, I hesitate getting back into this fray... But here goes.

There was a time when the League, through the contests (and otherwise) was 
actually pushing to activate the higher bands. By these I man the ones ABOVE 
432MHz. Some silly stuff about using the bands or losing them.. Then there 
was that silly thing about "advancing the state of the art" by promoting 
experimentation and operating on the microwave bands.

Then came along the M/L class, and I agree with Mark and Dave, this REALLY 
did a LOT to "unadvance" the situation. Now it may be that there are regions 
of the country where most stations don't operate higher than 432MHz, but I 
more expect there are operators that just aren't interested. Well, so be it.

BUT, The "use it or lose it" argument is STLL valid and operating on the 
microwaves is STILL fun (I expect it is EVEN fun in the less densely parts 
of the country!). The state of the art has advanced considerably in recent 
years and 400-500 mile QSO's on 2304 or 3456 are routine now and often 
signals are louder there than on 6 or 2 meters!

I just can't imagine what good it would do to make another rule change that 
penalizes stations that want to push the envelope and actually USE our 
underutilized (and really fun) ham bands! Remember, stations are STILL only 
competing with other stations in their region and in their entry class.. The 
absurd end result of making too many entry classes is calling EVERYONE a 
winner and issuing a 1st place certificate for everyone - even those in the 
"operating less than one hour with crummy equipment" class. Sheesh!

bill, K1DY FN54jq 50-3456MHz.

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