[VHFcontesting] distance scoring

[Bruce Herrick]

>
>Here's another thought.  If we go to 6 digit grids, I'll just stay in FM08 and slowly work my way down Skyline Drive.  I only have to drive to the next sub-grid to start all over again.

This is incorrect.  No one has ever suggested that the multiplier change based on the least significant digit of a six digit grid locator.  No one will work you after the initial QSO as you will be a dupe as long as you stay in FM08.  The six digit locator just makes the distance calculation more accurate, and, as Ron stated, it enables more accurate pointing of directional antennas.  But, as Zack says, many do not know what their six digit grid is.  All Garmin GPS units I have seen, including my 10 year old GPS III, give the six digit grid.  But I have not seen them all, and some may not, so it would be difficult for a rover to have that info - thus, as Ron points out, the contest sponsor's scoring software calculates to the middle of the grid.  This works well for the Stew Perry on 160, and for the bottom 4 on VHF/UHF.  For the microwavers, the six digit is important, mostly for antenna heading info.  While there may be little difference in distance between, say, FM08aa and FM08bb, one may be an impossible microwave path while the other will work great.

I do not see any insurmountable problems with distance scoring.  A CWAC might be the way to initially institute this.  Skewing the point values to the higher frequencies might alleviate the problems associated with a major 6 meter opening.  A European group gave a short presentation at the Dayton VHF Dinner last year on how this works for them.  As Ron said, a little research with the EU folks would help address any concerns some might have.

Bruce WW1M/R




>I'll never have to leave FM08.  Just think how much gas I'll save and still rack up a huge score!  How great for me.  Sure it defeats the purpose of roving in the first place, but I'll get great distance contacts the whole time and that seems to be all that anybody is interested in for this discussion.
>
>K4GUN/R
>
>-------------- Original message -------------- 
>From: Zack Widup <w9sz at prairienet.org> 
>
>> 
>> I like the idea of a CWAC (contest within a contest) too. The only problem 
>> I foresee is getting a 6-character grid from some people. There are 
>> non-contesters who get on to give out a few points or get their feet wet 
>> and sometimes I have had a hard time just getting their 4-character grids 
>> out of them. 
>> 
>> For the CWAC, I feel the QSO point multipliers should favor the higher 
>> frequencies, especially since 6 meters is likely to produce distances that 
>> far surpass 10 GHz or even 144 MHz. 
>> 
>> 73, Zack W9SZ 
>> 
>> 
>> On Sat, 21 Jun 2008, Ron Hooper wrote: 
>> 
>> > Instead of inventing the wheel again we need to see how the VHF contest are 
>> > administered in Europe using distance. I am sure a little research to find 
>> > the right person to act as a consultant would clear up a lot of questions. 
>> > 
>> > With some effort, the September contest could be operated just like we do 
>> > now but have volunteers to use distance scoring to see how it would work. I 
>> > believe we need to see what software programs are available in Europe and if 
>> > the program could also be used to create the required ARRL format. This is 
>> > one way to get things rolling and not require the ARRL to change the rules. 
>> > Working the contest would be transparent to those we work not using distance 
>> > scoring. 
>> > 
>> > I have used TR contest logging software in the Stew Perry 160 meter 
>> > challenge. The program works exactly like we have discussed. Yes, you get 
>> > credit for working someone in your own grid. The program uses a 4 digit 
>> > exchange just like we have now. I currently have my software set up for 6 
>> > digits even though I only need 4. If I need to work K4XR in EM64 from EM84, 
>> > I usually work him on a lower frequency first and turn the antenna toward 
>> > his grid as many would do. Now the program tells me the exact heading when 
>> > he is logged even if he does not give but 4 digits. I have preprogrammed the 
>> > 6 digit heading to K4XR from previous contacts. I don't have to fuss with 
>> > getting him to give me some chat on 432 to sharpen the antenna. On 432 and 
>> > up this saves me a bunch of time. I really don't need a call sign to find 
>> > out a heading, I can just type in the 4 or 6 digit grid and the program 
>> > gives me the heading from my location. So if I hear a station In BK29 and 
>> > don't know exactly where to point my antenna, I type in the grid and the 
>> > heading pops up. I assume the 4 digit number is calculated to the center of 
>> > each grid which is close enough on the lower VHF frequencies. 
>> > 
>> > Ron W4WA 
>> _______________________________________________ 
>> VHFcontesting mailing list 
>> VHFcontesting at contesting.com 
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting 
>_______________________________________________
>VHFcontesting mailing list
>VHFcontesting at contesting.com
>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/vhfcontesting