[VHFcontesting] FT8 contesting

[Herb Krumich]

I just read the ARRL article about the September VHF contestWhat a great job, Jon and Jeff did in the write-up.For my two cents, here goes.FT8 might be the death of VHF contesting. Including myself, I really enjoyoperating the mode. Especially on the crowded low bandsBut if the number of operators continue to grow using the mode, I pity themulti op stations and rovers. While making the contacts on FT8, there isno way of asking to switch bands. You might never find that station again.The amount of work setting up portable stations, is tremendous.Perhaps a certain amount of time a station can operate digital modes in a contestmight be a way to combat the problem.But believe me, if nothing is done, inspired VHF operators will go bythe waysideSome might say I'm crazy and out of touch. But the decline of VHF contesting has beenmassive in a very short period of years.73Herb K2LNS