(Note: I had formatting problems between my word processor and AOL, sorry
for the inconvenience)
Topic for the upcoming NCJ issue: Station Sharing, More Fun Per Buck?
There are many challenges that are changing the face of Ham Radio contesting
today. Some are sociological challenges, such as the urbanization of
America, along with many covenants and restrictions, that have forced the
most competitive of us to relocate to the country. Other challenges are
related
to the pace of life that we lead, such as our hectic work schedules in the
competitive
marketplace, which have eaten into our precious free time. Other
challenges are
economic, many of us face finances that are stretched to the point that
our
ham radio dreams take a back burner to family expenses, not to mention
college
expenses for our kids.
This all seems to be a growing vortex of issues that may drive fundamental
changes in
the way we operate contests. If youâve been following the reflectors
lately,
youâve probably seen a lot of talk about âleveling the playing fieldâ
and
having categories for the 48 hour contests that may include shorter
operating periods, such as 24 or 36 hour entries.
With your help, this upcoming NCJ issueâs Contesting on a Budget column
will explore what I refer to âstation sharingâ. This is something like
multioping, except under separate callsigns. For example, the 30 hours of
Sweepstakes could be divided into two 12 (or even 15) hour contests, each
under a separate callsign. The advantage is that new callsigns generate
more
activity, allow internal competition on a truly level playing field (from
the same
station), and afford the overall contest a faster-paced competition that
demands less of our individual precious time and resources.
There are some very interesting combinations and permutations of this
concept. In CQWW, for example, a multi-multi station could host two
competing teams under different callsigns, each operating 24 hours.
Fresh callsign, fresh blood, fresh contest, fun and friendly competition!
A crazy idea? Not so, says Tom, K5RC, who has hosted a station-sharing
effort for Sweepstakes over the past three years. According to Tom, this
has breathed new life into the contest scene from his station, and has
proven
to be great fun. This has also been a topic of discussion recently
within NCCC.
They call it HMO, Highly Motivated Operators.
I see this concept as a possible way of increasing activity and perhaps a
more productive use of resources, but Iâd like your thoughts, please:
Is this a viable concept from a practical and economic standpoint?
Would you support rule changes in major contests to facilitate this type
of
operation?
Would you be more likely to participate if you could operate a portion of
a
contest either under your callsign, or with a group under a separate
callsign?
What contests might be the best candidates for station sharing competition?
Any other thoughts and ideas are appreciated.
Iâd appreciate your inputs by Friday, the 20th. Thanks in advance!
Paul, K5AF
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