I think the perception that most contesters have big KW stations and have
multiple towers with stacked monobanders. That is not the case. I'm sure the
majority are in the same situation as me and are in the tribander and wires
only class. (or lower)
Just think if you are trying to build yourself a modest SO2R contest station
today:
2 HF radios - $4000
2 Amps - $4000
Tower and associated hardware (guys, rotor, cable etc..)- $2000
Antennas - Something like a TH7 , F12 - $1000
Other stuff (SO2R boxes, keyers, headphones, mics, etc... - $500
This all adds up to over $10,000 - hardly within the budget of someone just out
of college or
raising a family. Plus you haven't even come close to the level of your typical
big M/M
or M/S station. Many of the big station owners are resourceful and can save
some $$ but it's still
a huge monetary commitment to put together a competitive station.
Being an auto racing fan I see similarities between it and contests. Have you
ever have watched the 24 Hours of Lemans or 12 Hours of Sebring? (for you FCG
guys) You see all different types of cars all in the same race. (kind of like a
contest, with stations having different levels of hardware) They all have
different type engines and technology. The top cars (i.e Big Guns and fastest
and most expensive) run probably 10 mph quicker then the lowest class. (Me ??)
But in the end they classify everyone into classes based on their equipment.
I think more classifications in a contest based on the type of station you run
would promote more activity. How much power you run is a bad choice. Even if I
run a KW and tribander in most cases I'm not going to be able to compete
against another station with monobanders and a KW. Maybe add some " LP and
wires only" or similar classes for those that are just starting out in
contesting.
Those of you sponsoring contests- listen to the feedback of those who operate
your contest and create a new class if the demand is there. You are not
"dumbing" down the results like many have claimed in the past.
If you are a big station owner invite that "up and coming young contester" in
your area to your station and get them hooked. When mentoring them stress to
them to always act like they are Big Gun when operating, no matter what type of
station they are operating from. Also, make them understand their limitations.
You aren't going to get the same results from your small station at home. That
shouldn't stop you from still having fun in contesting. You don't have to be
the overall winner of a contest to have fun. Set a goal like making top ten LP
in SS or maybe a Sprint..
As contesters we need to look to the future. If we don't our hobby is going to
die...
Jeff KU8E
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