Jim,
I see your point, and I should have clarified that I meant "Sprint" in the
context of a shorter version of the contest. But if "Sprint" seems
inappropriately long for a 24 hour version, I'm certainly not going to
object to another term for it!
I like your ideas for the regional DX 4 - 6 hour sprints in principle,
although I'm not sure how they would neccesarily work out in detail.
Biggest problem, of course, would be finding the right time to schedule
them, if they are indeed to be separate contests. That's certainly
something worth pursuing too.
Let's keep in mind the overall objective here (at least IMHO). We want to
attract casual operators to spend more time during the contests we have and
possibly in additional ones, both to hone our skills as operators and
(bluntly) to keep our bands active. We also should try to do this in the
context of not diminishing or diluting what we have now.
A contest is also, amongst many other things, a test of the operators skill
(both in assembling the station and antennas with whatever resources
available, including limitations imposed by a large variety of factors, and
in using the station and antennas to contact other amateurs as quickly
and/or efficiently as possible with the context of the contest rules).
Providing a means for those with limited time to test their own skill level,
with the opportunity to "win" something (even if it's nothing more than
doing better than they did the last time around under the same or similar
circumstances) furthers the art of radio communications, which strikes me as
a good thing. And isn't that what ultimately it's all about?
73, ron wn3vaw
Some people are only alive because it is illegal to shoot them
(From "The Top 17 Bumper Stickers You Would Like To See")
----- Original Message -----
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:33:28 -0500
From: Jim Idelson <k1ir@designet.com>
To: CQ-Contest Post <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: [CQ-Contest] DX Sprint is a good idea
I liked the WN3VAW "DX Sprint" idea when I read the title of the email. But
I
don't think Ron took the opportunity to step "outside the box" in his
thinking.
24 hours isn't a Sprint. A Sprint is 4 or 6 hours - and it's *really easy*
to
make time for a Sprint.
So, how about a six-hour DX sprint? Call it the Atlantic Challenge [see note
below]. Let's not make it part of the big DX contests. Make it a separate
contest entirely - on a different weekend. Start at 1000z or so, and run
through 1600z. This is the peak run time for stations on either side of the
Atlantic - best opportunity to crank out some high rates. Create all the
usual
categories. Wow, what an opportunity to work out station issues and practice
operating skills in a real-life event! My multi team would love this.
Imagine this . . .
"Honey, remember I've got a big DX contest this weekend? I'm making a major
effort in this one."
"You rotten husband and father! You never spend any time with us anymore!
Another weekend down the tubes!"
"No, honey, the contest starts before you wake up and it's over before
lunch.
What movie would you like to see on Saturday night?"
73,
Jim Idelson K1IR
email k1ir at designet.com
web http://www.designet.com/k1ir
Note: I don't know how to make a six-hour event fair around the world, so I
invented the Atlantic Challenge. Maybe there's a Pacific Challenge, too?
Part
of the Intercontinental Challenge Series?
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