[VHFcontesting] Re Banning The Use Of 144.200 MHz During Contests

[K2DRH Bob N2KMA Fran]

No diatribe.  I'm a Life member.  And a demonstrated harcore VHF contester.  Having seen how the dynamic of 144.200 works in both the SE and the Central regions, I doubt that it needs a fiat from on high to keep anyone from monoplizing the call frequency since we all seem to be able to handle it just fine by ourselves.  I call there for some time every contest for the simple reason that many stations seem to listen there for new contacts.  After tuning up and down a few times and exhausting all other possibilities such as calling directional CQs to no avail on 210 or 220, I can go there and immediately find new stations to work.  If I get a pile, then I QSY them.  But most times after a brief flurry it dries up or we go off to do other bands.  Either way I never stay there very long.  Often towards the end of a contest its the only place one can find anybody new to work!  But nobody really monopolizes it for more than a few minutes and in the rare cases that they try to, they are quickly recalibrated by peer pressure.  Like Duane N9DG says, we all seem to get alone just fine here.  So why try and fix what isn't broken?  If there's a regional problem in the more populated areas with boys who can't get along, why should we suffer?  Or is this another local emotional issue with little to be gained by developing a logical cogent argument for or against anyway?

But the real question here is why does the CAC seem to be trying so hard to alienate VHF contesters?  I've always held that stupidity is a more likely cause than malice for most outrageously insensitive acts, but I'm really beginning to wonder.  After the hornet's nest they stirred up a year or so ago you'd think they'd know better than to jump into this again with two left feet.  Other frequency bans for HF contests that were equally as ill conceived didn't work and just plain annoyed folks, so then why start in with us right off the bat?  Why would they expect a frequency ban to work when just about every other one they've ever tried has failed?  Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.   Inform whomever proposed such an agenda for your first "assignment" that they really need to get serious about utilizing the VHF/UHF expert opinions they have solicited and allow you to ponder more interesting questions.  Isn't the stated issue here to increase contest participation?  How is discussing harsh restrictions like banning the use of any band's call frequency going to accomplish that? 

73 de Bob K2DRH 

 
-----Original Message-----
From: vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:vhfcontesting-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Jim Worsham
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2006 12:07 AM
To: '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