[VHFcontesting] Why we participate [was: REMINDER:...CU2QSO Pioneers]

[Zack Widup]

On Thu, 24 Jul 2003, Ev Tupis (W2EV) wrote:

> Tree wrote:
> > Well, I think a distinction needs to be made between "the hobby" and "the
> > contest".
> > 
> > A contest is intended to be some kind of competition and most people who are
> > in them seriously would like it to be some kind of indication of the ability
> > of the operator - particularily in the single-op, unassisted category.
> 
> Tree has shared with us what he thinks is fun about contests.  His connection is
> "not necessarily the opinion of the management or staff". <smile>  A contest is
> many things to many people including:
> 
> A way to...
> ... work new Grids (VUCC)
> ... test equipment (hardware maintenance and experimentation)
> ... pass time (socialization)
> ... combine Road Rallye with QSO making (Rovering)
> ... experiment with new strategies (Pioneering)
> ... score well and see their call in QST (highest-tier competition)
> ... hone skill in any number of areas
> ... feel like part of a group heading in the same direction (multiop and club)
> ... etc.
> 
> One person's reason for participating in a contest should not be used to
> restrict other peoples fun-factor in that contest...as long as no rules are
> broken.  When rules and fun don't mesh...people can do one of two things:
> participate, but don't submit a log (you can't DQ an unsubmitted log) -or- don't
> participate.
> 


You left out

... enjoy the view (Rovers & QRP portables)
... enjoy the weather (Rovers & QRP portables)
... probably a few more  :-)

These may not hold true if you're portable in the January VHF SS and
stting on your mountain/hilltop in a blizzard!  People will endure a lot
of pain for a litle pleasure.

My early efforts at VHF contesting were mainly to test the equipment and
to see how far I could work on each band with under 10 watts.  Now it's
also a desire to actually work someone on bands above 1296 MHz, because
there's no microwave activity around here otherwise.  The contests are
usually my only chance at some microwave QSO's. (Why do you think they're
called VHF QSO "PARTIES"?  Where's the party?)   :-]

I've never entered a VHF contest to win, but I have accidentally won as a
QRP portable a couple times. 

73, Zack W9SZ