I continue to be impressed by the Field Day activity that occurs every
year on the bands. It truly shows ham radio is alive and well to
witness it on the air. I was on for approximately 18 hours and workd
almost 2000 Qs about 50/50 CW and SSB from the home station here using
the Special Event call W1C. Top SSB rate on the 10 min meter was 240!
and had a few 140+ hours on SSB and 110+ hours on CW.
I would not advocate changing the scoring of Field Day because I don't
believe that is the point to turn it into a more "normal" contest. I
don't think it would affect more than 1% of the participants to do so.
However, I do feel strongly that there is a missing element that would
affect A LOT of participants. Based on lots of comments made about the
states. Both in write-ups and on the air, people are WELL AWARE of what
states or sections they have worked. I had a number of people say
"thanks for Vermont...we are seeing how many states we work". Well, why
not add that as a 100 point bonus. Maybe even have an online printable
certificate. It wouldn't change the event at all but would drive more
participation with a purpose.
One thing that it would change is to give the "hot dog and a few Qs"
crowd (probably more than half the stations on) a much more acheivable
goal that doesn't make them do something they are not comfortable
with..CQing and running. And it should increase the fun of those that
do want to make it more like a contest.
I worked 75 sections, 49 US States, and was missing 2 Canadian
Provinces. Surprisingly, NNY, an adjacent section was not worked.
What's up with that?
If you don't think that this group would chase states for 100 points,
think again. Take a look at how much work is put into the one satellite
or battery operated power Q for a simple 100 point bonus. By the way,
kids and women seem to have a disproportion interest in chasing
states...another great demographic reason to consider this.
Field Day is such a great opportunity to expose people to many aspects
of radio...antennas and feedlines, propagation, contesting, the list is
endless. Lets add chasing states to the mix.
73
Ed N1UR/W1C
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