[Rover] Stupid Categories [was:Are you ready for the January SS??]

[Phil Lefever]

At 02:28 PM 12/13/2003, you wrote:
>Folks,
>The wrong thing to do is create ANY category that restricts the number of=
=20
>bands
>one may use to compete with.  U-s-e i-t o-r l-o-s-e i-t.  This is absolute
>truth.  Don't sell the entire hobby away because you can't/won't address=
 the
>multiband issue for your own station.
>
>While I'm on the topic...the wrong thing to do is create ANY category based=
 on
>RF output (it's too late, but it's still the wrong thing to=20
>do).  300-watts into
>a Create L-P beam means Single-Op High Power in today's world.  160-watts=
 into
>4x M^2 18xxx isn't...but will SPANK the aforementioned Single-Op High Power
>station.  RF Output is NOT a way to equalize participants.

Very true, but addressing the antenna system would be difficult at best for
the contest division. Output power is easy and clear cut. Also this means=
 that
it is in the advantage for the amateur to make his/her own antenna system
better and not be bumped from the low power category unless they buy=20
amplifiers.

If I might generalize I feel that high power vs low power is fair. A person=
=20
that
enters as high power with a great antenna system has the potential to blow=
 away
a person operating high power with a poor antenna system. The same is true=
=20
in the
low power category.

As with any competition too much handicapping takes away the=20
competitiveness. Then
what is the point? If I win my class every time due to lack of competition=
=20
will I
attempt to better either my station or my operating skills? Several of the=
=20
modern
auto racing series have tried to "level the field" and in my opinion have=20
ruined
the ultimate goal of racing in the first place, to improve the breed....=20
Look at
NASCAR, they are still driving 70's technology around in circles ;) (Any=
 NASCAR
fan flames please do it off list!)

The one category that I believe SHOULD be added is a low power _FM only_=20
class. I
feel this would be a great stepping stone to get the FM radio owners=
 involved
with the VHF/UHF contests. This, if promoted right could help draw in a lot=
 of
new operators. As you said use it or lose it!

73

Phil

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phil Lefever    KB=D8NES                          Twin Cities Repeater Club
kb0nes@tcrc.org                                 Burnsville,MN