[PVRCNC] Final sentiments on "the issue"

[NX9T at aol.com]

Thanks to all who have engaged this topic.  I agree that SO1R v SO2R  is a 
non-issue.  That really wasn't my issue even though it probably wound  up 
sounding that way.  My issue,  simply put, is the vast expanse that  the SO category 
encompasses.  It pits the attic dipole user against the  station utilizing 
multiple 200 foot towers, several monobanders, etc... Yes,  this is an extreme 
example...but it is reality.  We have many great minds  in contesting.  If they 
were motivated to do so, some simple categories  could be developed to break 
up the current "free for all" category in to 2 or  3  realistic groupings.  
Seems reasonable to have similarly equipped  stations competing against each 
other at whatever level they fall in.  Of  course it wouldn't be perfect, but 
wouldn't it be better? Surely all  the contest logging and software used by 
contest sponsors could accommodate any  changes without much difficulty.
 
We as a group often speak of the need to bring in new contesters, motivate  
those who are out there now, etc...  Would not this type of system be  better 
for that?  It could offer realistic opportunities for the  smaller tier 
stations to "win something."   That would have to  motivating to many..wouldn't it?
 
I have great respect for those who have chosen to build up the super  
stations.  I have even more respect for those super operators that can make  winning 
scores happen from any station.  I in no way want to seem  disrespectful.  
It's not that at all.  It's a systemic issue...not a  personal one.  I, like 
probably many of you, stand amazed at what others  are doing with towers, 
antennas, radios interfacing, building "contest houses,"  etc...
 
Thanks again.  I am glad to be part of PVRC, enjoy  contesting/operating, and 
look forward to running in to many of you on the  bands.  Based on the public 
responses posted, it appears I'm in the  minority on this issue.  That's ok.  
 
73, 
jeff NX9T
qsl.net/nx9t 
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K3ZO wrote:
"Like Bob I operate contests because I enjoy them. I retired in  1988
from my working career so why would I want to make myself work  again
on my own time?   I have never used SO2R and have no plans to  do so
because I don't think it  would be any fun.  In fact I don't  even
connect the rig to the computer.  I still prefer to do all the  sending
myself (with CQ's called by my electronic keyer).  Call me  old
fashioned, but I like what I do and am comfortable with it.

At the  same time I have no complaint about others using SO2R and
continuing to  develop and modernize the art of contesting.  That's
what's called  progress and that's what keeps the world going 'round. 
And I have never been  in favor of creating yet another category to
separate "SO1R" from SO2R.   My attitude toward my competitors has
always been: "Do what you want, I don't  care, I'll still hang in there
doing things my way."

And if you pick  your spots you can still do OK as long as you have an
antenna farm like mine,  with beams for all bands 80 thru 2 meters
except the WARC bands where they  don't allow contesting.   For example
as far as I can tell if I  read the results right I was first place in
the USA in the 2005 IARU contest  in the mixed mode category.  Of
course the real hotshots chose the CW  only category which gave me a
break!

My big problem lately is in  holding the antenna farm together as
lightning gets worse and elements  age.  Mike, W3MC with assistance
from Tom, K3TW went a long way toward  getting me back in shape
Saturday by fixing my Telrex rotor on the 40 meter  and VHF beams, 
repairing my 80 meter sloper, repairing my 20 meter quad, and  getting
the indicator on the quad rotor to show me where the antennas  are
pointed once again.  Remaining is an attempt to find out what's  wrong
with the feedline on my 80 meter beam.

When you have 18 antennas  on three towers, repairs are almost an everyday 
event.

Meanwhile Bruce,  W3BP has all three of my Ten-Tec Titans back in shape
and I'll pick them up  Thursday, allowing the venerable SB-220 to go
back into the  bullpen.

Now all that needs repair is the chief op.,  but I'm afraid  that's a
lost cause!

73, Fred,  K3ZO"