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

Mistake by ARRL: Eliminated Assisted Class in EME Contest

Those of you who read my blog know I operate VHF. I have done some roving in the ARRL VHF Contests, put EN39 on the air, etc. In fact, I am planning on doing some more roving coming up in the September contest (but don't hold me to that - I don't know if it will be possible yet, but I surely hope so!)

It has come to my attention that the ARRL has eliminated the Assisted class in the EME contest this year. For those that are not familiar, the Assisted class allows for spotting - via phone, Internet, whatever. It is essentially scheduling contacts with other operators.

Also, for those who may be unfamiliar, it is common for stations to schedule contacts via other means in weak-signal operations. By "weak-signal" I mean modes like Meteor Scatter, Moon Bounce (EME), Long Haul Tropo, Trans-Equatorial, etc. These are highly specialized modes of propagation in which normal radio communications are not easily used and which require specialized gear.

For the weakest modes of them all - Meteor Scatter and Moon Bounce - it is typical to contact stations where the signals on both sides are below the noise floor. This means the signals are inaudible. The way this is done is with digital modes - such as those associated with K1JT's software suite WSJT. The computer is the ear behind the radio and picks apart the noise for signals that we can not physically hear.

Because there is a high population of small stations that, under the conditions of scheduling contacts, can in return get contacts (exchanging the necessary information - call signs and exchange) through these weak signal modes, and who otherwise would not be able to make such contacts and be able to participate in the contest scene, the ARRL has gone against what they stand for - promoting the use of amateur radio and encouraging people to do more with it.

The argument can be said that scheduling contacts is "cheating." However, under the original conditions the Assisted class was specifically set up for these circumstances in the first place. By taking the Assisted class out of the competition the ability for stations to compete - and the majority of them - is cut off.

Thus, the ARRL made a bad choice.

If you are a VHF operator and have any interest in the EME contests, write to the ARRL contest branch and let them know of their mistake - contests@arrl.org.

As a result of the ARRL's choice several big-gun stations are protesting and will be QRT in this year's contest - K5QE for example.