[PaQSO] Irrational Thoughts From A Mobile

[wa3eop]

Hi Gang, just a couple thoughts from a mobile operator.

I made 434 mobile qsos this year so consider myself at least an active
participant in this years party. Although technically a Marylander, I do
belong to one Pannsylvania Club, the Cumberland Valley ARC of Chambersburg
PA and am a past Vice President. My mother was from PA so I'm at least part
Pennsylvanian - Hi.

Here are my thoughts on a couple threads.  Its interesting that someone
thinks they could guarantee a fixed station or a fixed portable in all 67
counties. But if it were guaranteeable, who would need the mobiles? What
would be nice would be for the qso party website to list the counties that
were guaranteed to have a full time or close to full time representation for
the test. That way, if there were counties left to be activated, the mobiles
and or rovers would know where to plan to be to supplement the unlisted
counties.

I myself plan to reduce my mobile operation to 2 or 3 counties per day next
year. For one thing it cuts down on the driving time lost due to mileage and
will somewhat reduce the gas consumption depending on the distance between
operating spots. I do think that 4 or 5 hours from a spot as a mobile should
give most stations time to find the mobile or for the mobile to find you.

I know that one of my extended spots next year will be back to Cumberland
County. I made 100 QSOs there this year from the mobile and could have made
a whole lot more if I hadn't pre-announced I'd be in other counties so had
to hit the road.

My other comment is for those of you suffering already from contest
withdrawal symptoms. Why not, instead of a mini qso party, stage a multi
state one day qso party in the spring. Maybe a mid-atlantic test that
includes Delaware, PA, MD, WV and or VA. Wow think of the state multipliers
if counties were used. No other state multipliers or DX multipliers. Other
states could be worked for points but the only multipliers would come from
the participating states. No plaques awarded but Certificates to the top
score from each state and to a county winners in each state if they had an
abritrary amount of qsos say 25 or 50 from their county. Certificates would
only go to stations who send SASE withn their entry to keep down
administrative expenses.  As Chairman of the MDC Party, I have some
experience with what I'm thinking about.  I think this could be doable.  The
MID-ATLANTIC QSO PARTY.

And now its time for your comments!

Page Pyne  WA3EOP