[PaQSO] we have options

[Larry G]

Greetings All
             boy does this get my Dutch up!  First,   I didn't know that 
YAHOO adds a nice little tail to all their messages.  That bothers me but 
then it is "free".  OK.  One down.  Bob and Bill and Mike I think you are 
getting to me.   I am now leaning towards 3 point CW,  if that means 
anything.  Digital 2 points only due to the fact that the rate will not be 
as high as phone or cw.   The records will be rewritten but then again maybe 
those stations will have an interest in regaining them once again and show 
the octane (show me the numbers).  I hear a few heavy moans already....maybe 
you should delete this message right now.
                Computers doing cw.....hmmmm. Well,  I have seen many a cw 
memory keyer at contest stations as well as memory voice keyers (some built 
in to rigs).  As far as code readers go,  they are useless during most 
situations.  I would like to try one with my new rig but even so don't think 
I would waste time with one.   Yes my logging program had a memory cw 
program with it but think of the agony trying to receive serial numbers from 
me with a hand key!!  My kit built 15yr old memory keyer still works great 
but it takes the OM to decode from the sender.  I never claim to be a cw 
contester.  Enough said.
                   Something that needs thought.  With 2 rtty contests over 
the same weekend this needs think tank time.  Finding a weekend with only 
one contest going is impossible.    With DX and Qso Parties on the same 
weekends,  knowing the right exchange to give can get confusing.   I say 
this with authority since I recently became a senior citizen.   A senior 
moment in the middle of an exchange is devastating.   Again,   we have 
options:  same treatment as other modes,  high bands only,   Sunday only.  I 
am sure there are more.   This will divide the hardcore contesters and I 
would wish to lose not one!   Everyone has played a part in making this 
contest.   Without mobiles and rovers  clean sweeps would be very few.    I 
breathe better everytime I work Philly and DelCo.    Digital is another 
option and I don't see big numbers taking advantage of it.   When they see 
the rate is not there,  they will be back on phone/cw.   It is fun to play 
with though when you have time.   As far as computer to computer contesting, 
God Bless Em.   Sounds like too many hours in the think tank.   I have never 
seen one that does it all,  logging and everything without human 
intervention.  It is coming.
                    Now for the part you have been waiting for.  The PAQP is 
a lot of work even when the contest is done.   I do not criticize any 
director or group for improving on the contest.  Keeping it plain and simple 
without spelling everything out,  looking at the rules with reason, and not 
trying to create some fantasy out of a good old boy contest.    If you do 
not try something,  you will never know the results.  You can guess.  But 
you really do not know all the players.   Likely,  there will be little 
change the first year.   People will wait and look at the results first. 
Scores up,  sweeps down.  Will the top stations have to go digital,  perhaps 
not,  but they will have to work harder and longer.   Dang,   the crystal 
ball just went out.
                     I applaud those who go at it single mode.   Your work 
has just gotten harder.  Many times switching modes was the only way to get 
a sweep,  rare counties only on cw or mobile.  The PAQP will not only test 
your equipment,  but now the operator is going to have to make some 
decisions.   I am not going out to capture any records this year (as if that 
was ever a problem!).  But I will not be anchored in CARBON 
County.....weather permitting.  A roving I will go.  I am looking for some 
good totals.  What if they run the contest  left handed only.....now that 
could be interesting.... Even the Grump is smiling on that one.    To those 
who choose not to participate due to change,   your call will be missed from 
my log.   It has been a pleasure working you all these years.

de Larry N3CR
Lehighton Pa
CARBON RADIO