I've been reading all this since it started. I'd like to share a few thoughts,
perhaps get some flammage (no sweat, I'm a fireman and used to it).
I think Bill K4XS ' last post was right on the money.
I don't know of anyone that started out as a big gun. I remember reading
articles whenI started back in the late 70's about how the Big Guns on the east
coast built their stations. (scrounging, begging, etc. Get enough parts, put it
up. Repeat the process, etc) The amount of money (even at surplus is
staggering) Then add the real estate to hold the ant farm. Not all of these
guys are rich. I remember one of the guys (forget name and call right now, and
I'm not at home) worked for the US Postal Service. Don't know of anyone there
that's considered rich.
Entry Classes, etc: There are too many now. Some contests have classes of
tribander/single element 40 . Who can police this? Only the guy running the
station. How many guys are running the F-12's with seperate feedlines and 2 ele
on 40, and go for the above class? I know of more than a few. We have gotten
so far away from what this hobby was 20+ years ago as far as ethics, and "what
about me" comments that it's tiring. Currently I have a G5RV at 25 feet and
preparing to battle a village for a tower. Will it work? I don't know. Will
I move if it doesn't go my way? Can't right now. It's called dealing with it,
and making the best of it with what you've got. Even with 70 ft and a couple
yagi's will not make me a big gun. I'm currently set for SO2R, but haven't
tried it in a contest yet. Still fumbling around. Yes, it is complicated, and
some will do better with it than others. That's called Effort.
There have been posts about joining a contest club and getting hooked up with a
M/M team/station. Great Idea! How about trying (if money/time allows) to be
DX during a contest? I was blessed with this opportunity 3 times in the last
1.5 years going to Antigua at V26DX for 2003 WW SSB and 2004 ARRL DX SSB.
Recently this past CQWW SSB I was invited to go to V26B since V26DX is
currently without a home. An awesome time. V26B is a true M/M setup. First
time ever I sat "under a stack", and is something I'll truly remember. If you
can't put up ant's, there are options. Going to the Carribean is a bit pricey
to most..... but it is an option, and the pile-ups are darn near around the
clock
It would be nice if the "I need an entry class because of this, or because I
don't have that" would stop sometime soon. I think they are of no use... If
you truly believe we need more classes, I think the bandwidth would be better
served contacting the contest sponsors and see what they have to say. I wonder
how many prospective contesters have run away from the thought of jumping into
contesting after reading this reflector the past couple weeks........
73 and Happy Holidays,
Zig - KM9M
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