[SJDXA] multi-op CQWW WPX SSB & COVID19

Mon Mar 23 22:53:39 EDT 2020

Let me offer an alternative view of the state of affairs we find ourselves at this time.

Contests provide a completely safe indoor activity for all of us who out of necessity must stay away from others, mostly spending time indoors in our own homes.  Most of us have time to kill.  Operating the radio from home fulfills all of the requirements of social distancing and then some.

And from my what I observed last weekend,  a much larger than normal segment of our contesting family (both here and in EU) chose to to be on the air operating in the Russian DX Contest, VA QSO Party and BARTG RTTY contests.  It was really terrific to hear so many old friends having lots of fun.

In person multi-op entries are probably not appropriate (as CQ points out)  given the health risks and government edicts in regard to personal movement.  But operating from home is definitely a wonderful way to spend the many hours of free time.   Consider it stress relief.

My recommendation is get on the air and enjoy the safe entertainment ham radio provides.

Just my opinion.  I'll be sitting here at home next weekend giving out WPX Phone points.

Everyone be safe.

73,

John, W2GD (wishing I were on Aruba as planned this week at P44W)

________________________________
From: sjdxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <sjdxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Peter Treml <yooperpete at gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 10:19 PM
To: N2OO <n2oo at comcast.net>
Cc: South Jersey DX Association <sjdxa at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [SJDXA] multi-op CQWW WPX SSB & COVID19

Bob i agree with you it’s a very reasonable thing to do.
73

B. Peter Treml-K8PT
K8PT at arrl.net
Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 23, 2020, at 6:10 PM, N2OO <n2oo at comcast.net> wrote:

SJDXA members
My opinion. ....

First, here is the recent announcement from the RSGB

The RSGB Contest
______________________________________________________________________

Based on the UK government suggestions to “social distance,” through June this year, multioperator entries will not be accepted in RSGB contests<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BmpQbnQX_DCvEstiI1apq7IPWyyBbvawYik75LgNYX7wISvqda20NT2MEPTG2Pfxy_fKIUvW77Wt80NrUHhJS32QHYJZats_JC7JzgmmM5qgdORsc3yAldgtNDsbugNIiwBVOyGi05ZQOTmkpaQCDciGaXpWXSKj&c=9fmeb5rcDg1Y_ArKEShKiQxYJLrkiX3_0Lka-FhuRX9Bw7BoJJmU8A==&ch=_RWXGLgcvmJtqkxvAk8uHm2pqOGC4lWwcCwMTAe23pxyPcus8qSbEw==>.  Also banned, more than one single op entry from a shared station in the same event.  Operations by family members living at the same QTH are still allowed.  A decision will be made on the IOTA Contest as regards this, in early June.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Here is the official announcement from CQ regarding the upcoming WPX SSB contest this weekend:

Safe Contesting Suggestions from CQ
If you're "sheltering in place" or otherwise stuck at home to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, keep in mind that the CQ World Wide WPX SSB Contest on the weekend of March 28-29 is the perfect way to have some fun and keep connected with the outside world.

However, we want to make sure you practice "safe contesting," especially if you're planning a multi-operator effort.

A few suggestions:
* Consider staying at home and operating single-op (except for family stations)

* Consider remote multi-op with operators "traveling" to your station via the internet instead of in-person (if you're equipped for it and if your ops will all be legal)

* If you're too far along in planning an in-person multi-op operation, please follow "social distancing" recommendations, including:

  *   setting up operating positions at least six feet (two meters) apart;
  *   not sharing microphones/headphones/computer keyboards without first wiping them down with disinfectant wipes;
  *   staggering meal breaks to keep from having everyone together at one time;
  *   not sharing sleeping/napping spots,
  *   not touching your face, and of course,
  *   washing your hands for at least 20 seconds between every contact (well, maybe not quite that often, but you get the idea).

We want all of you not only to enjoy this contest but many more to come as well!

73, stay healthy, and good luck in the contest,
Your friends at CQ

++++++++++++++++++++++

As the DX Editor for CQ, I was not in the loop on this decision (and would not be expected to be) since this is really a “contest” issue. However, after reading both the RSGB announcement and the CQ announcement, I felt strongly that on this one, the RSGB is right and I so advised the folks at CQ of my position.

I fully discourage any multi-operator activity in ANY contests until the virus issue has been resolved.

Contesting is not a reason to disregard your health, no matter the risk level.

73. Bob Schenck, N2OO

Sent from my iPhone

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