[NLRS] 10gig contest, Sisseton analysis

[jcplatt1 at mmm.com]

We continue to have a good discussion around what to do for the 10gig
contest ..... whether we return to the NS/UP for the first weekend, or do
Sisseton on both weekends.    Here are the pros/cons that I see so far.
Please add to this list as you see fit.


Plan A - NS/UP for the first weekend, Sisseton for the second weekend :

Pro's:
*  Many people like the north shore and vacation like aspect .... its a
contest/vacation.
*  We are familiar with all the stops.
*  Lake propagation can be fantastic, it can also be stinko (cold, wind,
wet)
*  Easier for the VE's and perhaps W8/W9's to join us.
*  We have some unconquered paths that challenge us.

Con's:
*  UP guys have to travel a long ways.
*  On the NS side its a fair amount of traveling for (about) 11 stops.
Too many tree's and private property.
*  We've done it before
*  Traffic can slow us down (NS side) especially on the return flow on
Sunday.
*  Liaison continues to be a problem.  Cell phones don't work, and our luck
on HF and 2m has been poor.
*  I think we have come close to maxing out the number of contest points
available .... it would be hard to improve.


Plan B - Sisseton for both weekends :

Pro's
*  Both Sisseton and any other end is closer to the Twin Cites (Sisseton is
4 and 1/2 hrs) than is the UP and most of the NS too.
*  Those who can not stray far from home (Twin Cities) may be able to
participate.   Being closer to home, those who want/need to bail whenever
can do so.
*  Many many many more stops available for the roving end.    Drive ten
miles and stop.
*  Better potential for active liaison with cell phone coverage.  (Not
perfect, but much better than NS/UP)
*  I believe we could generate much higher scores simply due to more stops
available.    With proper planning, we could win this, and wouldn't that
open up some eyes.
*  We have two spots in Sisseton (Sat and Sunday locations).   There are
most like other possibilities too.
*  We can modulate the distance between the two ends depending on
conditions and the users desire to use SSB vs CW.   Can't do this on the
Lake.
*  More lodging resources (compared to UP/NS) for Sat night stay overs
when/where needed.

Con's
*  No Lake Superior vacation .... you gotta love sugar beets and soy beans
and the joy of 10gigs.
*  No (potentially) fun propagation over the lake.
*  Harder for the VE's, W8/W9 to join us.
*  I've been to the Sisseton area several times and demonstrated what is
workable, and we did some good work from there during the second weekend
last year (best DX was over 340km which exceeded the NS/UP best DX), but we
have not done an all (NS/UP like) effort .... perhaps its overrated and
would be a bust.


Right now I'm leaning towards doing Sisseton for both weekends.     If we
were to make this decision, we would then turn to putting together the two
weekend plan (Aug and Sept weekends).    At the same time, I will go where
the group goes and can be talked into doing the NS/UP again too ..... like
others have indicated, have dish, will travel.

My vote is for Plan B, Sisseton for both weekends.    We have some time to
talk this through, but if we want to do the NS/UP expedition we do need to
get moving on reservations .... that is part of the push here.    Any
reservations for the Sisseton area should not be a problem.

73, Jon
W0ZQ