10KW? I really doubt it.
With the exception of special efforts like IARU "RadioSport" drill that was run
in the
Pacific Northwest a few seasons ago, none of our contests can be run on a
"level
playing field". (Nobody said it was gonna be fair!)
With that as a given fact, the most consistent winners are going to be those
who can put
together, within the rules, the most effective combination of strategy,
technique,
hardware, and location. In other words, an advantage can be gained by
obtaining a
"high spot" on the field. That "high spot" can be better planning, better
equipment,
better operator(s), or better location, and sometimes better luck.
I think that's as it should be.
Most contest sponsors make a reasonable effort to limit "undue" advantage, and
to
provide a framework for various levels of participation, but in most there is a
top level
(and there should be) which is basically "take no prisoners" such as the
multi-multi. If
you elect to play at that level, be aware you are playing with the pro's.
Better than
anyone else, the pro's understand the rules, and are likely to follow them
scrupulously, if
for no other reason than a violation nullifies all the work and money involved.
If you're gonna play in that league, understand that a $35,000 antenna farm is
within the
rules, and it's gonna toast your pair of 204BA's. In BOTH DIRECTIONS! 10KW or
a
kazillion KW only helps on transmit. Well executed aluminum in the right place
gives you
the dB in both directions. On transmit you're playing ERP, on receive you just
simply
hear better. 100 watts will beat your 1.5KW because of the receive advantage.
That's
the secret at those "unamed" Northeast stations, not 10KW.
de Hans, K0HB
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