[VHFcontesting] Suggestion for the ARRL June VHF contest

[k3sk at buckwalter.co]

I have also voiced my concerns to the ARRL and made a proposal.   I disagree with the 3 contacts per station idea in that most guys will work someone, then say switch to the next mode and then the next.  Working all 3 back to back on the same frequency.   I believe one contact per station per band is sufficient.    My proposal is related to assigning points to provide an incentive to work other modes besides digital (FT8) when propagation permits it.   

Make any digital contact worth less than CW or SSB.  An example for 6 meters is :   

Digital Contact (no cross mode)  = 1 point
SSB 2 points
CW 3 points  
CW/SSB Cross mode 3 points

Then increase the point amounts proportionately for the higher bands.   Multipliers remain the same as they are now.  

de K3SK
FM07



-----Original Message-----
From: Mark, K5AM <k5am at zianet.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 6:59 PM
To: vhfcontesting at contesting.com
Subject: [VHFcontesting] Suggestion for the ARRL June VHF contest


Suggestion for the ARRL June VHF contest

Recently introduced digital modes have resulted in a major change in the way contesters have operated in the June VHF contest. A wide spectrum of opinions have been expressed on the various e-mail lists. Many operators are concerned for the long-term health of VHF contesting. To what is considered by some to be a serious problem, there is a feasible solution.

On HF (for example, Sweepstakes and DX) ARRL has had separate contests for CW, SSB, RTTY, and recently Digital. However, VHF has been slighted, like a neglected child, with ARRL providing only combined-mode contests.
This inexplicable situation is easily corrected.

Suggestion for an ARRL June VHF contest series.
1. Three separate contests will be held, on the first three weekends in June.
2. Each of the three contests will be conducted using a single mode.
3. In 2023, the sequence of modes will be SSB, Digital, CW.
In subsequent years, the modes will be rotated.

Notes.
1. The September and January VHF contests can be considered later, after an experimental three contest series in June 2023.
2. As with any proposed scheme, there are obvious pros and cons; the challenge for operators is to balance individual circumstances with VHF contesting in general, and the long-term picture.

73,

Mark, K5AM
https://www.zianet.com/k5am/