[VHFcontesting] FT8 contesting

[Zack Widup]

I probably won't be using FT8 in the near future. I don't even take a
computer with me. If the VHF contests turn into mainly FT8 contests,
I'll have to bow out.

I mainly enter as a Single Op (QRP) Portable. I take 9 or 10 bands
with me. I have tried using my laptop and it's just too much of a
power drain on the battery in addition to all the gear. I am kind of
low on funds at this moment and can't afford another different
computer. So I'll probably continue logging on paper, at least for
this year.

I placed second in the nation for the QRP Portable category in the
September 2017 VHF contest, missing first place by 64 points. If I'd
only squeezed in a couple more QSO's ... :-)

73, Zack W9SZ


On Thu, Feb 1, 2018 at 6:16 PM, Herb Krumich via VHFcontesting
<vhfcontesting at contesting.com> wrote:
> 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
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