[VHFcontesting] What about me? I am captive.

[Nate Duehr]

Tim Ertl (KE3HT) wrote:

>What is a captive rover? I gather this from discussion on this list: I
>schedule ahead of the contest with only two or three stations. My June logs
>(available on my web site) will show that I mainly worked three stations
>plus anyone else that could hear me. I pick rovers sites based on
>pre-planned scheds or the hope to work a distant station. I arranged my
>whole route around Southern and Northern PA to be able to work K8GP (284
>miles from FN10aw) and W2SZ (289miles from FN00xw) unlike some rovers who
>plan their routes for the most number of contacts. I have a 10 minute set up
>time unlike some rovers that have 0 set up time. Some rovers can't do 250
>miles on the microwaves but they can make many hundreds of QSO's. My intent
>is not to make lots of QSO's.
>So by definition I am captive. 
>  
>
Tim,

I say go out there and do whatever you like.  You bought the radios.  
And the key is doing what you enjoy.  You shouldn't feel a need to 
listen to three guys on an Internet mailing list that don't like how you 
operate.  It's your hobby, not theirs.  That's what it really comes down 
to. 

The contest promoters either have to decide they want to protect all 
"traditional" operators or if they are going to continue to support all 
operators, no matter how they operate.  (Within the existing rules, of 
course.)

Is the goal of the contest to fill the VHF+ bands a few times a year 
with talented and intelligent operators, or is the goal to protect and 
preserve some kind of traditionally accepted operating practices?  
That's all this is ultimately about.

Of course, this same big picture theme works for other big 
"controversial ham radio" topics right now also:

CW and HF.
HF Digital Modes - more bandwidth possible interference problems.

They're all about whether or not the traditional way of operating a 
radio needs to be "protected" or not.

I say generally no.  Protection of old ways of doing things stifles 
competition, innovation, and the hobby in general -- just like in real 
economics.

Nate WY0X