[VHFcontesting] VU(C)AC and VHF/UHF Contest Practives

[John (JK) Kalenowsky, K9JK]

Personally, I'd like to thank Jim for putting up this "lightning rod" and 
including the VHF Contesting Reflector as one of the places.

Basically I agree with the other posters...the "we" need to understand WHY 
"this" has emerged as the "first" challenge for the VUAC (which I think 
should be the VUCAC but that's my view) and these answers/reasons *might* 
guide our general thinking in responding to the question.

WithOUT that additional info, my answer to "A" is No, period. To "B", I do 
feel that a FAQ page, or "Best Practices" ("Appropriate Practices"?) web 
page might be helpful. I'd suggest that such a page should address ALL 
calling frequencies and ALSO include items such as the "DX Window" on 50 MHz 
and not be limited to "just" the two meter SSB calling frequency.

"We" (the VHF/UHF Contesting "Community") should ALSO consider "peer" 
pressure...while it is "tough" to give up the points by NOT working that guy 
who "parks" on (or near) the calling frequency and is there 50%, 60%, 70% of 
the contest period...don't work that station. I chose NOT to work a 
"stateside" station who was calling CQ in the DX Window during this most 
recent June contest...UN-fortunately, that station probably doesn't know it. 
I don't mind someone giving an occasional call on the "calling frequency" 
(as a Rover, I do it myself, ESPECIALLY when I first arrive in a different 
Grid Square and before I leave a Grid Square)...just don't "dominate" the 
calling frequency...and if activity picks up, check for another CLEAR 
frequency up or down a bit and announce that you are going there...folks who 
have heard you will follow, and there may very well be a better chance of 
completing a QSO on a less congested frequency.

And while Jim requested no long diatribes about the ARRL (so I'll keep this 
short), I, too, am disappointed that the final formation and membership of 
this VUCAC has not been generally announced, at least not that I have seen. 
WithOUT such an announcement, how are "we" to know WHO the VUCAC 
representative is for our division.

I have collected *some* information, which I don't know to be completely 
accurate so take it for what it's worth...Lauren Libby, W0LD, from Rocky 
Mountain Division, is the Chair. Jon Platt, W0ZQ, is Dakota Division rep. 
Kermit Carlson, W9XA, is Central Division rep. Jim has identified himself as 
Southeastern Division rep. By my count, that leaves 11 division reps unknown 
(to me anyway).

73, JK




>From: "Jim Worsham" <wa4kxy at bellsouth.net>
>Reply-To: wa4kxy at bellsouth.net
>To: "'Svhfs at Svhfs.Org'" <svhfs at svhfs.org>,<fourlanders at contesting.com>, 
><vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
>Subject: [VHFcontesting] Banning The Use Of 144.200 MHz During Contests
>
>Hello everyone.  I am the Southeastern Division representative to the
>recently formed VHF UHF Advisory Committee (VUAC).  The VUAC was formed to
>provide a resource of experienced VHF/UHF/Microwave hams to advise on
>VHF/UHF/Microwave contesting and related matters.  The VUAC has received
>it's first assignment which I have copied below verbatim:
>
>Is there a rationale to change the VHF/UHF contest rules to not allow the
>use of 144.200 (the 2 meter SSB calling frequency) during ARRL contests?
>
>    A.  Is there sufficient reason for change?
>    B.  If not a rules change...is there adequate motivation to take other
>action?  Such as
>         a FAQ page on using calling frequencies during contests, or the
>creation of a page on
>         "Best Practices" for contest operation on the two meter calling
>frequency.
>
>What I am looking for are rational arguments for or against the question.  
>I
>am not looking for long diatribes about the evils of the ARRL or whatever
>your pet peeve is.  This is not really my preferred method for getting 
>input
>on something like this but I couldn't think of any other way to get a quick
>snapshot of what my constituents think about this.  I am mostly interested
>in input from folks in the Southeastern Division (Florida, Georgia and
>Alabama).  I encourage everyone else to contact their representative on the
>VUAC and let them know what you think.  There is no need to tie up the
>reflector with this so please respond directly to me.  Thanks.
>
>73
>Jim, W4KXY
>
>
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