[VHFcontesting] Time to Change VUCC Rules?

[Les Rayburn]

Considering the recent rules changes for ARRL VHF/UHF Contest regarding optical communications, isn’t it time to also change the VUCC Award credits to better reflect the current thinking (and state of the art for free space optical communications?)

Currently, the VUCC Rules define this frequency range as “Laser 300Ghz and above”. While the ARRL VHF/UHF Contest rules define these contacts as: 

Above 300 GHz, contacts are permitted for contest credit only between licensed amateurs using mono-chromatic signal sources (for example, laser and LED) and employing at least one stage of electronic detection on receive.  Laser usage is restricted to ANSI Z136 Class I, II, IIa, and IIIa (i.e.; output power is less than 5 mW).

A handful of amateurs are currently working to develop optical “transverters” that would work with IF rigs like the FT-817 and others on full-fledged transceivers that utilize one LED as both emitter and detector, which greatly simplifies mechanical design and aiming. It would be a shame to see these advances be ruled ineligible for VUCC credit. 

How about it, Newington? 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf

P.S. How do I order a VUCC lapel pin? I didn’t get one with my certificate, but I’d really like one.