[VHFcontesting] 6 & 10 Meter Contest

[Les Rayburn]

I doubt that the ARRL would tamper with the very successful 10 Meter 
Contest it already has. I suspect a mid-summer contest is being 
considered to take advantage of sporadic-e propagation during the 
declining sunspot cycle, but can't confirm that.

A 10 Meter grid based award, similar to VUCC would pay dividends as 
well. It introduces HF operators to the concept of grid hunting, and 
then makes it easier for them to make the transition to 6 Meters (and 
above) later on. If the ARRL established a "Fred Fish" type award for 
working literally every grid square in the U.S., it might spur a lot of 
activity on 10 Meters during the otherwise "null" that usually happens 
during non-peak years.

You might also see some combination 10 Meter & 6 Meter, K5N type 
expeditions from rare grids. With today's HF rig's, it's easy to operate 
both bands. We've already seen a movement of HF operators into 6 
Meters---unfortunately, not many of them seem to be venturing any higher.

Overall, I think treating 10 Meters more like a VHF band makes a lot of 
sense as we move into the non-peak years. Most experts feel that the 
next solar cycle peak will also be a bit of  a dud...so this type of 
action might help ensure the long-term health of both bands.

Sharp thinking out of Newington!


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73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf

6M VUCC #1712
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Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light