[Hallicrafters] RE:Contests/kCertificates/Lunacy

[David L. Thompson]

Most contests do try and limit operation to certain segments.  Only the ARRL
Field Day takes most of the bands.  Most state QSO parties limit 40 SSB
operation to 7150 to 7250 with most between 7175 and 7230.  AT night its
hard to find a clear frequency so there is usually a fight over the few
clear frequencies contest or not.

State QSO parties are run by a club in the state.  ARRL only sponsors a few
contests each year.  Unfortunately for nets and rag chewers the popularity
of state QSO parties has grown dramatically the biggest being the
California, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania Parties.  Contests often step
on each other too.  I always try to work a few YLs in the YL/OM but the last
few years the SSB Sprints cover them up on say 7240 or 14260 to 280.

Whether we like it or not contests are one of the fastest growing segments
not only here but worldwide.   But use it to your advantage.  With 500 watts
and an L made from ladderline you can work all 50 states and 25 countries
with almost no effort on 160 during either the ARRL or CQ 160 CW.  Now with
Log Book of the World you can add DXCC countries on almost any band during a
contest without the expense of QSLs ($$$, postage, IRCs et al).

I worry about Dxpeditions who cover 20 to 50 kcs (CW or SSB) when they are
on a band.   I have lost several QSOs when some rare one came up and took my
frequency.  But I smile and either join the crowd or move.

73 Dave K4JRB

> I don't contest so forgive me if I present an over-simplified answer.
> Why can't contesting be restricted to particular band segments.  All
> that would be required would be for the contest organizer/sponser to not
> give credit for operation outside of the specified band segments.  This
> would allow non-contesters to operate unimpeded.  If all contesting were
> restricted to specified band segments then nets could either be set up
> to always operate in the non-contest segment or move as necessary.
>
> Undeniably the ARRL has some weight that might be used to sway clubs and
> other contest sponsors into complience with this potential facet of band
> plans.
>
> Maybe, if the ARRL were presented with a possible solution they would be
> more receptive to negative comments.  Then again, I may not be the one
> to comment since I am not an ARRL member as their interests don't often
> match up with mine.
>
> Greg Schindler
> KD6HGF
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