[SixClub] ARRL Proposes Changes to VHF+ Contests

[R Johnson]

The ARRL proposes changes to VHF+ contests.
Posted sometime yesterday, 2/26/04, at www.arrl.org/news/features/2004/02/26/2/ .

Major Points:
1) Changes in the rover rules 

2) QSO point changes 

3) June VHF QSO Party 50-1296 only 

4) New categories in Jan/Jun/Sep 

5) Expanded Microwave contest based on 10 GHz Cumulative-UHF contest dropped. 


I'm still reading it and trying to decide in my own mind the pros and cons of
each point.

*********** MY thoughts (so far) **************

1) Changes in the rover rules:

This point has been a major bone of contention as long as I can remember and is
sure to raise much comment.  As far as I can see it is an East Coast/West Coast
and Club/Non-Club issue. Right now I have no firm opinion, other than it is a
morass of dispute. I will try and figure out where I stand on this issue, like
I've been trying to do for 20 years.

2) QSO point changes:
I don't like removing the "Band Advantage" i.e. more points per QSO on the higher
bands and replacing it with a flat "2 Points/QSO" for your Grid and Adjacent Grid
and "3 Points/QSO" for all other Grids.

I still feel that it is harder to make a 1296 QSO than a 6M QSO and the operator
should be rewarded with more points.

I don't like putting distance into the equation. If the ARRL wants to eliminate
additional points for high band QSO's then why give more points for distant Grids.

Another point is that all Logging programs will need to be rewritten, NOT a trivial
matter. 

3) June VHF QSO Party 50-1296 only:

My initial reaction on limiting the June contest to 50 - 1296 that is a good move
in terms of reducing what I call "Band Dilution" where we now have 50 - Light and
to many operators are not operating as much on the lower bands (50 - 432).
This would help increase apparent activity for the new comer and help reduce the
"Dead Band" effect some of the have complained of. We need to get more operators
interested in VHF contesting !!!

My thinking was the AUG UHF contest would be able pick up the operations above 1296
a few weeks later and show more activity/support in that contest.
However the ARRL wants to kill off the AUG VHF Contest. Bad Move ARRL !!!

4) New categories in Jan/Jun/Sep:
Still thinking !!! Too many points lumped together that require separate comments.

5) Expanded Microwave contest based on 10 GHz Cumulative-UHF contest dropped. 
Still thinking !!! Too many points lumped together that require separate comments.

Go to the ARRL site and read the complete proposal and then form your own opinions.

One thing I would like to see is a return of the VUAC (VHF/UHF Advisory Committee)
that the League killed off in the early 90's.  I don't care for the CAC, which is
composed mostly HF oriented members. I still feel that VHF/UHF oriented members
would better represent our interests.
Tom Kirby, W1EJ was one of the last VUAC members I remember and always did an
outstanding job for the VHF+ community and NEWS Club.

73
Bob, K1VU