[NLRS] Re: VHF contesting surveys...roving (rovering :-) )

[Duane Grotophorst]

--- Bruce Richardson <w9fz@ix.netcom.com> wrote:

> By the way, neither old or new rules
> dissuade "grid circling" or
> "dog packing" behavior.  While I don't think that
> behavior helps our fixed
> stations very much, I can't think of a way to
> prohibit the behavior without
> impacting other good rover behaviors.  So I don't
> worry about prohibiting it
> anymore. 

One key point to my survey response is adding a
distance based scoring point variable. In its simplest
form by using all 6 grid digits (mults to remain 4
digit), and computing distances based on that. This
alone will remove much of the advantages close range
behaviors like "grid circling" or "dog packing",
without having to actually "ban" either practice. I
think it would also tend encourage activating
rare/distant grids more by the rover gang (pack?).

Admittedly the two big downsides to the 6 digit
exchange is that it will make real time score
tracking/calculating next to impossible unless you are
using an updated computer logging program. The ARRL
computer log checking process could easily be made to
deal with it though. And two it would add a big burden
on rovers who would then need to determine their
actual position very accurately, especially so for the
run and gunners.

 
> I must admit that I'm at a bit of a loss on how to
> draw in new members to
> VHF Contesting.  

The only major thing I can think of that may help is
having a FM only category. I think this could kind of
rekindle the activity levels and log submission
experiences back of the 60's when 6&2M AM were
a-buzzing with Heath Lunch Boxes, Cleggs and the like.
Given the multitude of all mode all band radios out
there these last few years it is a bit of mystery why
we don't hear more of them on VHF/UHF SSB and CW.
Perhaps a taste of VHF contesting on FM could plant
the contesting seed in many.

Duane
N9DG
EN53bj



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