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

[James Duffey]

Well, I ignored this when it first came up because as a rover I like to see people run as much effective radiated power as they can. It makes working them easier from the rover, which is usually average to slightly below average when it comes to other signals on the band. I like those big stations with 1.5KW and lots of aluminum. And there is no power restriction for rovers. Just what the wallet will bear. 

But I think it makes sense to start thinking of contest categories in terms of effective radiated power and height above average ground. That is what really determines the effectiveness of a station at VHF under unenhanced conditions. So perhaps effective radiated power, that is transmitter power, minus transmission line loss times antenna gain, perhaps multiplied by the square root of height above average terrain would make a good parameter to categorize stations with. Or some other set of parameters indicative of radiated power at low angles of radiation.

This would more accurately reflect where power really matters: To good antennas up high. - Duffey


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James Duffey KK6MC
DM65tc
Cedar Crest NM