[VHFcontesting] ARRL VHF+ contest proposals: input invited

[Robert McGwier]

Tom, and committee:

Well, I have just spent a ton of money, and begun to spend a ton of time
getting my 10 band rover ready for June.  It seriously impacts my desire
to do it to just work one major contest and a couple of smaller contests
a year (I will try to continue to do multi-op for January, this southern
boy does not like being outdoors in winter). So that leaves September for
my 10 band rover.  When will this decision be finalized?  I am working on
SDR, building an Elecraft K2, etc.  For me, major recommendation 3 is
a turn off.  In my rush to get ready for June, I recently purchased
pyro joe for 3.4 and a TWT with power supply for 5.6 and added two
TE systems for 2 meters and 70cm.  I gave up my IC756ProII to pay for
the stuff and I am feeling a bit down about the recommendation.

If you add an expanded serious Microwave (all microwave) contest, I might
consider it a wash.

I hope the decision comes down well enough in advance to know if I should
do the interconnects for all that microwave gear or not in May.

Bob McGwier
N4HY





-----Original Message-----
From: vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Tom Frenaye
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 7:16 PM
To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
SOur recommendations had several basic goals.   Changes to the contest rules
and awards programs should:
     1) encourage more people to work more other people
     2) encourage QSOs made over longer distances
     3) encourage more people to join in and participate

Major recommendations
     1) Changes in the rover rules
     2) QSO point changes
     3) June VHF QSO Party 50-1296 only
     4) New categories in Jan/Jun/Sept
     5) Expanded Microwave contest based on 10 GHz Cumulative - UHF contest
dropped.


3) June VHF QSO Party 50-1296 MHz only

It seemed to us that at least one of the "big three" VHF+ contests ought to
emphasize the VHF bands. We thus recommend that the June VHF QSO Party be
limited to 50-1296 MHz only.  June is often the time for sporadic E openings
on 6 meters - as was the case in 2003.  We would discontinue the Limited
Multi category in the June VHF QSO Party only.