[Elecraft] RE: ARRL November Sweepstakes CW

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Kurt, AE6UJ wrote:

I'm a pretty new operator (a few months), and I was
really put off this weekend by the sweepstakes. 
"Noise" from one side of the band to the other...not a
ragchew to be found.  I'm very glad it doesn't happen
that often...or I probably would have found a
different hobby...really.  

------------------------------------------------------

That's what the so-called "WARC" bands (30, 17 and 12 meters) are for! To
me, keeping contests off of those bands was one of the best decisions ever
made. I have nothing against contesting or contesters, but it's really nice
to have a 'safe haven' for a little casual operating - especially now that
there are so many contests on the calendar.

Back in the 60's I got a smile when I started to seeing contesting called
"radiosporting" - mostly in Russian and European magazines. Shoot, up until
then I thought my staying up all night at the key to help the club roll up
our Field Day score was simply insanity. 

It's certainly a popular activity. Some operators are those who use them to
help build ever more automatic exchange systems. That's an interesting
technical challenge all its own, although many contesters think it's
cheating. But then, I can recall when I got my 35 wpm CW proficiency ticket
the only "high tech" means of copying the text in real time was on a mill
(typewriter). Now, of course, you can get solid copy at almost any speed
with the right software. 

Times change, but certain values don't. There are still those for whom
operating is a good rag chew, a bit of casual DX-ing or checking into a net.
Next time you get wall-to-wall bedlam on the bands, come visit on 30 meters.
That's where I'm hanging out. There's no rules against nets like the ECN
meeting on 30 meters either.  

Ron AC7AC