Joining Forces - Correspondence With K5QE
Marshall, K5QE, one of the leading Big Gun VHF contesters has drafted a couple of articles about VHF contesting. After reading them through I agree entirely with his stance on VHF contesting in general, as well as the recent development with the ARRL EME Contest rules.
Having been operating VHF (and I mean SSB/CW Es and Weak Signal modes, not FM simplex and repeaters) since 2003, and having operated several VHF+ contests (I won First Place Single Operator, Portable for the Ontario Section in 2008), I find that, not only do I agree with Marshall, I took for granted that this is "how it is." I guess when you throw in competition to the mix people will find a way to dispute and fling mud.
The articles are concerning all VHF operation in general, although highlighted by the recent ARRL action on deleting the Assisted category. In support and validation of the issue of whether or not assistance should be allowed, whether that means scheduling contacts or spotting in real time, I can say that spotting most definitely would help my contest score while operating from EN39 last summer (2008). Having no Internet access and expensive phone service I have no way to utilize "assistance" myself, however the other operators on the bands can. Once the word is out my QSO rate goes up - which is evident in my past trip this summer (just after the ARRL VHF Contest, so I was never in a contest environment). Those of you that read VHFContesting and remember my posts before I left for the trip can attest to the fact that I specifically asked to be posted on the spotting networks. It helps me out and it helps everyone else out.
The fact is this: Different operators have different preferences as to how to "find" contacts, but the definition of what a "contact" is remains the same - both stations must exchange call signs, some type of report (a signal report, grid, what have you), and then both stations must confirm the reception of the report for a contact to be "legal." As long as no information pertaining to the contact is exchanged through other means other than the targeted mode of communication until the contact is complete the contact should count. Whether having assistance to set up the contact or not shouldn't factor in to the equation - a contact must satisfy the above criteria any way you cut it.
I guess I don't understand why this would even be an issue? There are separated categories of competing for a reason - you enter in the category based on your operation. If you want to enter in a non-assisted class then do so. If you want to enter in an assisted class then you should be able to enter in that class as well.
Take this analogy for example: Would you go take part in a fishing competition with a rod and a reel against a trolling boat? No way. You don't stand a chance. You compete with others in your rod and reel class. How about using a depth finder now. Is it fair for the guy using the depth finder to compete in the same class as a guy not using a depth finder? No. That's why there is a separate class. Does it really matter whether you use a depth finder or not? Or fish with a rod and reel or a trolling boat? No. In the end, you are all still catching fish, right?
After corresponding with Marshall I have decided to post the same articles here so you can read them as well. We hope that you believe the same philosophy and will help to address the issue. Understand that the issue of the ARRL deleting the Assisted class of operation affects everyone in the contest, not just the Big Guns and not just the little guys. However, expanding that out to all VHF contesting would be even better.
The following are written by Marshall, K5QE with his authorization and no modification other than reformatting for use here:
Contesting Philosophy.pdf
Proposal to VUAC.pdf
Having been operating VHF (and I mean SSB/CW Es and Weak Signal modes, not FM simplex and repeaters) since 2003, and having operated several VHF+ contests (I won First Place Single Operator, Portable for the Ontario Section in 2008), I find that, not only do I agree with Marshall, I took for granted that this is "how it is." I guess when you throw in competition to the mix people will find a way to dispute and fling mud.
The articles are concerning all VHF operation in general, although highlighted by the recent ARRL action on deleting the Assisted category. In support and validation of the issue of whether or not assistance should be allowed, whether that means scheduling contacts or spotting in real time, I can say that spotting most definitely would help my contest score while operating from EN39 last summer (2008). Having no Internet access and expensive phone service I have no way to utilize "assistance" myself, however the other operators on the bands can. Once the word is out my QSO rate goes up - which is evident in my past trip this summer (just after the ARRL VHF Contest, so I was never in a contest environment). Those of you that read VHFContesting and remember my posts before I left for the trip can attest to the fact that I specifically asked to be posted on the spotting networks. It helps me out and it helps everyone else out.
The fact is this: Different operators have different preferences as to how to "find" contacts, but the definition of what a "contact" is remains the same - both stations must exchange call signs, some type of report (a signal report, grid, what have you), and then both stations must confirm the reception of the report for a contact to be "legal." As long as no information pertaining to the contact is exchanged through other means other than the targeted mode of communication until the contact is complete the contact should count. Whether having assistance to set up the contact or not shouldn't factor in to the equation - a contact must satisfy the above criteria any way you cut it.
I guess I don't understand why this would even be an issue? There are separated categories of competing for a reason - you enter in the category based on your operation. If you want to enter in a non-assisted class then do so. If you want to enter in an assisted class then you should be able to enter in that class as well.
Take this analogy for example: Would you go take part in a fishing competition with a rod and a reel against a trolling boat? No way. You don't stand a chance. You compete with others in your rod and reel class. How about using a depth finder now. Is it fair for the guy using the depth finder to compete in the same class as a guy not using a depth finder? No. That's why there is a separate class. Does it really matter whether you use a depth finder or not? Or fish with a rod and reel or a trolling boat? No. In the end, you are all still catching fish, right?
After corresponding with Marshall I have decided to post the same articles here so you can read them as well. We hope that you believe the same philosophy and will help to address the issue. Understand that the issue of the ARRL deleting the Assisted class of operation affects everyone in the contest, not just the Big Guns and not just the little guys. However, expanding that out to all VHF contesting would be even better.
The following are written by Marshall, K5QE with his authorization and no modification other than reformatting for use here:
Contesting Philosophy.pdf
Proposal to VUAC.pdf
posted by Steve at
11:37 PM
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