[NLRS] -- LONG -- Re: ARRL VHF contest power limits

[Donn - WA2VOI/0]

Thanks for the chance to comment on this, Jon.

The development of multiple categories has been a good thing.  It "levels the
playing field," and I believe that it has increased participation.  Frankly, the
more important of these is the increased participation.

If I recall correctly, the low power limits have changed slightly over the years
to their current limits.  I also believe that the change(s) have been technology
driven; i.e., they're where they are to include commonly available equipment.
Ten+ years ago, the common VHF transverter ran <50 or so watts on 6 and 2m, 25
watts on 222 and 432MHz, and 10 watts on 1296 MHz.  (At least that's what my
FT-736 runs.  Others were similar, although most transverters did not include
222 MHz.)  The common "brick" amplifier for 2m was (is ?) 25 in and 160w out.
Similarly for 6m.  Bricks for 222 and 432 MHz were slightly different; 10 watts
in and 100 to 120 watts out, which was a better match to the available
transverters.  There were few (if any) "consumer-type" amplifiers for 1296 MHz.
I don't recall ANY commerical equipment for 902 MHz or any of the microwave
bands.

Power amplifiers for anything above these power levels tended to be tube types.
While there certainly were commerical units available (such as Henry, etc.) many
were homebrew.  Power at almost any level above 10 watts at 902 and above was
also tube-based and almost always homebrew or converted surplus.  In any case,
POWER WAS EXPENSIVE, either in terms of dollars or technical knowledge or both.
Placing the SOLP category limits where they currently are allowed the average
VHF'er to particiate meaningfully in a contest with other like-equiped stations
and NOT with those who had spent many dollars or had been able to build large
tube amplifiers and power supplies.

Today, technology has progressed to the point where solid-state devices are
available for power well beyond the 10 watt "low power" limit on 902 and up.
(This is also true on all bands 6m thru 432MHz, but it is much more noticable,
and has a much greater impact on the bands 902 and up.)  Mitsubishi MOSFET power
modules are available at reasonable prices that priovide 30+ watts on 902 and
1296MHz.  These are commerically available in assembled transverters,
transverter kits and as stand-alone power amplifiers.  (Downeast Microwave is
one source of transverters and amplifiers.)  Using these transverters is no more
complicated than using a 2m transverter on and HF rig, or adding a "brick"
amplifier to a transceiver.  In a similar fashion, solid-state devices are
available that permit homebrew amplifiers for 1296MHz in the 200w range for
about $1.50 per watt... not much different than the price for a similar "brick"
for 2m or 432 MHz.

Surplus equipment for 2304 and 3456 MHz is, and has been available for some
time, that permits powers of 30 to 80 watts running on 24 volts DC.  Yes, some
technical skill is required for modification, but generally not much more than
the ability to solder and follow directions.

The point of all this is that "readily available" equipment is now available
that significantly exceeds the SOLP limits on 902 and above of 10w PEP.  It is
not necessarily easy, nor in some cases maybe not possible, to "turn down" to
power to the 10w level.  This therefore provides the would-be contester with
three choices:  1) BE FORCED into the SOHP class, where she stands no chance of
being competitive;  2)  stay in the SOLP class and NOT OPERATE on the band(s)
where the power exceeds the 10 w limit;  3) NOT OPERATE AT ALL.

NONE OF THESE CHOICES IS ACCEPTABLE as all lead to reduced
participation, either immediately  (choice 3) or as a cumulative effect (choices
1 and 2, due to reduced competitivness and increased frustration).

The SOLUTION is to adjust the SOLP limits TO REFLECT THE CURRENT STATE
of the art.  6m and 2m limits of 200w PEP are perfectly reasonable.  222 and
432MHz could usefully be raised to 150w PEP.  The limit for 902 and above
REQUIRES adjustment.  A limit of 50w PEP for 902 and 1296MHz is appropriate
given today's technology.  The 10w limit for the remaing bands seems to be
appropriate given the cost and difficulty of getting power there.  Also, the
"average VHF'er" is not really likely to be operating above 1296MHz.

Thanks again for the chance to talk about this.

73 Donn
WA2VOI/0






----- Original Message ----- 
From: <w0zq at aol.com>
To: <nlrs at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, June 07, 2010 5:42 PM
Subject: [NLRS] ARRL VHF contest power limits


>
>
>
> Hello NLRS land
>
> For years, the single operator low power category in ARRL VHF contests has
> been defined as not exceeding 200 watts PEP on 50 MHz and 144 MHz, 100 watts
> PEP on 222 MHz and 432 MHz, and 10 watts PEP on 902 MHz and above.   If you
> exceed these power levels on any one band, you are in the high power category.
>
> Should this rule be changed, and if so, to what.
>
> Please comment to me directly and I will summarize them for the reflector as a
> whole in a few days.
>
> 73, Jon
> W0ZQ
> Dakota VUAC Rep.
>
>
>
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