[PaQSO] PAQSO Party Changes

[Bob Crossland]

And I think Bill has hit the nail right on the head.  

It's going to take some time for the digital modes to become anything
close to resembling a popular mode of operation in the PaQP, and I just
can't imagine that we're going to get flooded with RTTY signals on 40
meters in 2006.  And without at least giving it a try to see what
happens, I find it so very hard to believe that some of our most
popular, and immensely respected operators of this contest, are pulling
out just because of a fear that the bands are going to become inundated
with RTTY signals, and there will be no room to operate CW.

While I welcome the attempt to increase activity by adding the digital
modes, I really doubt we're going to see a mass exodus of CW and SSB
operators to the digital side.  Personally, I'm looking at the digital
mode as somewhere to go on Sunday, when the rates take their normal nose
dives, and I won't be expecting anything close to 30 or 40 per hour on
the rate meter.    

So before we all get too excited and start looking for other contests to
work on the 2nd full weekend in October, let's see what comes of this
new idea and take our best shots at working with it.

Bob, N3FR   




-----Original Message-----
From: paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:paqso-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill G. K3SV
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 11:07 PM
To: paqso at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [PaQSO] PAQSO Party Changes

I don't have a real problem with changing the rules to get more
interest, although I don't see any need to generate more interest. 
Consider the fact that the PAQSO Party is one (if not the number one)
QSO party that has stood the test of time.

Possibly the most active QSO party with maybe a close runner being the
CAL QSO Party (and maybe they would be number one). I've always
considered the CAL party as the "sister" party to the PA QSO party
because of the level of activity and the contest dates. When you look at
the CAL party rules, they are concise and straight forward, not alot of
"frills" just basic rules for a competitive contest. CW and Phone, keep
it simple, it ain't broke, don't fix it approach.

I suspect someone will sponsor a trophy or plaque for the digital modes
and someone will claim the prize, that said, no harm done. If you're
equipped to run RTTY, you can run 100 per hour, not quite up to the CW
or phone rates, but 100 per hour is not hard to do if the stations are
calling you. I doubt that 10 per hour will hit many operators rate
meter. If you look at top operators QSO totals, they won't have much
time or incentive to check the digital modes for big numbers of "fresh
meat" as it's called.

Will I stop operating the QSO party, nope, I really look forward to it. 
I'll operate CW only, or Phone and CW and have fun with everyone else
that weekend. I support the sponsors and the club that runs the Party,
and if the log checkers and bean counters want to keep track of the
added classes and entry categories....more power to 'em. Having scored
and judged contests, I don't envy the task.

I think the QSO Party has a life of it's own and will live on for many,
many years.  73 Bill _______________________________________________
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