[VHFcontesting] distance scoring

[k4gun at comcast.net]

No one ever said that, but then again, until Ev spoke up, nobody had ANY specifics.  Everybody keeps talking about use of 6 digit squares as if the current 4 digit is inadequate.  That's why I asked for details, rather than speculation.

After reading Ev's posts, I remain skeptical, but I would be up for working some sprints to see how it actually ends up working.  I still think a 6 digit exchange is cumbersome for a guy behind the wheel of a truck.  My truck's built-in navigation system is not set up for Maidenhead readings so I've been relying on a paper map and comparing to the lat/lon readings to determine grid location and that would not work for a 6 digit exchange.  I'll have to buy more equipment and figure out how to integrate it into my system.  That's not horrible, but it makes me nervous "K4GUN/R in FM08us... no wait, uniform tango... hang on, the road keeps turning, make that us.  Yes, its uniform sierra, I'm sure, QSL?"  Meanwhile, my logger is furiously trying to enter my location as well as the location of the station I'm talking to.  Hopefully we all put the same information into the logs.

I also see this as a dis-incentive for rovers to make longer trips.  Part (not all) of the advantage of moving from grid to grid is to get closer to population centers in grids that you could not get from your QTH or from a single spot during a rove.  Closer would mean less points.  That means few stations can work me because I will not be traveling to an area where they can get me.

Skeptical.  That's all I'm saying.  I like it the way it is.  I don't see why it needs changed.

Steve
K4GUN/R


-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: Bruce Herrick <bdh at teleport.com> 

> 
> 
> > 
> >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.