[PaQSO] Rule Changes?

[Jim]

With one PAQP under the new administration wrapped up, and with quite a while to go before the next one, are any rule changes being considered for 2019?

In particular, I’d urge going to a one day event, on Saturday. As a PAQP mobile, the present two day format is very inhospitable. It involves trying to reach a planned destination at 1 AM, get unpacked, unwound, get to sleep, and then get up on very short rest to be on the road at 9 AM for day two. I’ve done it several times, and am never planning to do both days again.

I’ve never done a portable expedition to a rare county, but I’d think that ending the contest about the time the sun is setting on Sunday, to tear down in the dark, and then head home is not very appealing either. Much better to shut down at midnight or 1AM, crack open a beer, and then tear down the next day to drive home in the daylight and get back at a reasonable hour. And maybe even to then get to watch the Steelers or Eagles without interruption :-)  .

And I don’t think people at home enjoy the slow rates on Sunday after all the serious guys have been worked, and it becomes a matter of finding casual operators who aren’t really involved with the party.

And I think everybody would like not tying up an entire weekend.

I’ve spoken with a number of contesters active in PAQP and other state QSO parties, including other mobile ops, and all seem to agree that a single day format is much preferable.

I hope the committee will give consideration to this idea.


73  -  Jim    K8MR