[NLRS] Possible VHF contest rules changes

[Paul Husby]

I was very excited to read the possible rules changes at:

http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-seeks-input-on-initial-vhf-uhf-microwave-contest-rule-changes

Rules changes over the years have mostly been of two types:
1.  Add awards / operator categories in hopes of increasing activity
2.  Tweak perceived inequities (i.e. the Rover debacle)

The current proposal does not seek to change who wins, or how many 
people win.  The goal is to simply increase the likelihood of finding 
signals on the air.

I have operated as SingleOp, MultiOp, and as a single-operator MultiOp.  
Being under the MultiOp rules is much more fun, and the changes would 
open up the best parts to the single-op.  Watching Bruce's dog on the 
APRS map is both helpful and entertaining! Opening up the mic on a 
second radio in my setup lets me feel twice as constructive:  I can get 
no answers on two bands rather than just one!  But also, people could 
run digital on one band while calling SSB on another.  We badly need 
more signals on the air.

There are some points that will cause an uproar.  One is the possibility 
of allowing use of repeaters for announcements (but not making 
contacts).  Some purists will have a fit about allowing self-spotting:  
you could find someone's frequency without doing it on your own.  But 
most people have such good antennas now that finding each other is 
largely a matter of luck.

Please read through the proposal and see what you think, but overall I 
believe it is badly needed.

73
Paul W0UC