[EIDXA] Contesting After BPL

[Jim Spencer]

This BPL makes it hard for me to sleep.  The other night I had a dream of a
new contesting program I could offer called VirtualContest.  It has all of
the features of the best contest logging programs but it also replaces the
radios, antennas, propagation, etc.  You just need my software,
VirtualContest, a computer and a good Internet connection.  Contests will be
run in much the same way as they are today but after BPL the ether will be
just too unreliable.  The Internet being the only connection needed will
allow those who live in apartments or with restrictive covenants full access
to this exciting part of the hobby, just like the big boys.  Perhaps we can
option the software to provide a bias giving you more equivalent antenna
height, number of elements and etc. for a fee.  If you can afford the
software, you too can have a Big Gun station. I could also charge extra
depending on location.  A Midwest location would be very economical, even
one with stacked beams at 200'.  While a prime New England QTH would be very
pricey.  Of course you could actually win a contest from there.  More
details will follow.

73,  Jim  W0SR