[PaQSO] flip the coin

[Larry G]

Greetings...
             would you like to hear from one of your mid 
power stations????   100 watts is not fun when you have a 
mediocre qth and antennas.  For that reason alone,  I see 
the validity of the 80/160m multiplier.    Not everyone can 
put up high full size dipoles.  Shortened dipoles (less than 
half wavelength) do not work well for contests unless the 
other stations are looking for you.   Here,  being a rare 
one is an advantage.
            This is the first year I have operated from my 
new qth with really decent antennas.   In fact,  I had to 
lower them to be effective for the long band conditions and 
then had a blast.   I never did get a 160m antenna loading 
well.   On the bands I was able to hold a frequency which 
tells me things are finally working and will get better.   I 
left room for improvement.  I should make the Top 20 for EPA 
this year in mid power.  There was a year I got beat by a 
rover!!
             I have no desire to go against the QRO 
stations.   I guess QRO makes up for lesser antennas. 
Pre-planning meant a lot but I did not go far enough with my 
antenna plans.   An August 27th( 24th?) storm did not help 
my situation and nearly took me off the air.   I was heard 
well,  so the extra effort was worth it.  I now have 
property for lots of antennas and will have at least one on 
160m next year just in case I change my mind.   With band 
conditions I am fairly happy with my score.   After the 
first hour I was ready to go visit the Amish for the 
weekend.   Without the local competition I would have. 
That 80/160m CW multiplier is important to me,  it is a 
slight edge.   I made sure I was able to do my best there if 
only on 80m this year.   I don't claim to be a CW contester 
but I will be there.   My 40m antennas got the job done but 
75m was the meat and potatoes band this year.
            I would like to see the CW multiplier kept in 
the rules.   Not everyone runs big high full size antennas. 
The QRP multiplier kills me every year (K3NG !!).   Life is 
too short to operate PAQP QRP and make a point.   I don't 
have the patience.   I feel better battling for frequency 
with the QRO boys.    It would be a real contest if everyone 
were limited to the 200 watt level.   Then skill, 
equipment,  antennas, location, and band conditions would be 
a bigger factor.   But why level the playing field??   It is 
PAQP  still the best contest going so why mess with it.
            Word to the offering.....next year Carbon may be 
a rarer county.   I am looking to go multi multi with 
someone....perhaps not in Carbon county.   I am not set up 
for multi multi at this location.   Perhaps Carbon ARC W3HA 
will activate again but I would not count on N3CR in Carbon 
County next year.  I am taking a year off from PAQP single 
op.   Conditions may be somewhat better...but not 
much....time to have a fun PAQP with friends!!!   I am not 
saying kill the QRP multiplier.....but it sure is advantage 
over the mid power people.   Being top mid power station in 
Carbon and TOP 20 Mid Power EPA is important (#21 last 
year!).   I have operated the contest since 1987 and it is 
absolutely the greatest.   Only the logging programs get 
harder.
73s de Larry N3CR
Carbon County