[PaQSO] Rovers vs. Mobiles

[jimk8mr--- via PaQSO]

Hi Tom,


Yes, the distinction between a mobile antenna and a full size antenna is huge. As in 2-3 S-units on 40 meters.  And perhaps more on 80 (I've had one real world test with my "33 Foot Hamstick on 80, using a loading coil to get it reasonably resonant). 


While on CW there are a goodly number of experienced contest ops who are used to listening for and to relatively weak signals, on SSB there are a lot of people who simply are not used to that, and therefore aren't likely to work a mobile. Or even if he can hear you, you are guaranteed to be the last person in the pileup to work him. Plus an SSB op with a mobile antenna gets pushed around a lot by other stations, including those not in the contest.

I'm willing to provide more info/photos on my antenna for those who might be interested. It takes perhaps five minutes to put up or take down. I'd suggest that if one is operating only while parked, he would have much better results with such a fixed antenna and a bit less operating time.


I am very leery of a category for mobiles without a driver. I'd never want to have to testify before a judge or jury about why we sponsored an event with a category that forbade an operator from having somebody drive for him, thereby tempting or expecting him to operate while driving in a very distracted manner.




73  -  Jim  K8MR 



-----Original Message-----
From: n2cu <n2cu at roadrunner.com>
To: paqso <paqso at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Fri, Sep 25, 2015 8:17 am
Subject: [PaQSO] Rovers vs. Mobiles


As a "carpetbagger", I'd like to throw in my opinion (everyone has one, you
know). I like the rover and mobile requirements just the way they are. If a
rover wants to operate between stops, enter the mobile category instead.
Otherwise the only distinction between the two is the type of antenna you can
use. Is that enough of a distinction? Everyone wants to be loud, but you don't
need portable antennas to work lots of stations. Make your mobile antenna system
efficient and you will be heard. Plus, change counties often and stations will
be looking for you. 

I have only been mobile contesting for 4 or 5 years, but
have done well as a single-op with no driver. That means I miss a lot of QSOs
during driving time between counties. Maybe bonus points could be added for
every mile driven between stops. Just kidding...


73,
Tom N2CU <>< (N2CU/m
in the PA and NY QSO parties)

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