[VHFcontesting] State QSO Parties as a VHF Contest Model

[N3AWS at aol.com]

As has been pointed out by several on this reflector, running a major VHF 
contest takes a lot of work.  Most of the magazines don't have the resources to 
run major contests yet alone market them to the ham world to increase 
participation.

Maybe if we look at the state QSO parties which are run by some of the 
contest clubs we could get some ideas for how to increase participation.

I can't help but think that if FM oriented clubs would get involved we could 
entice some repeater/appliance type operators to at least try simplex 
operation.  In many metropolitan areas dozens, perhaps hundreds, of contacts would be 
possible with just an HT or mobile rig.  This might "set the hook" and get 
some new blood on the VHF bands for the major contests.

Maybe several large regional clubs could jointly sponsor, administer  and 
promote a contest with an emphasis on regional competitions.  There could be a 
special category that teams a newbie with an experienced operator--maybe even on 
a random basis.  Think of the friendships that could develop.

FM club participation could be especially encouraged as could "hilltopping" 
such as CQ Worldwide VHF Contest is trying for their event next week.  

I can't help but think that if the kind of effort the Florida Contest Group 
did promoting the Florida QSO Party were replicated by a large club in each 
region or division, then activity would sky rocket.  Then if we could tap the 
FMers, the pedestrian mobileers, the guys that bought all those 706's and 
FT-100's... well, can you say shattered records left and right?

Just some ideas to mull over...

73,  Jim N3AWS
EM90