I doubt that the ARRL would tamper with the very successful 10 Meter
Contest it already has. I suspect a mid-summer contest is being
considered to take advantage of sporadic-e propagation during the
declining sunspot cycle, but can't confirm that.
A 10 Meter grid based award, similar to VUCC would pay dividends as
well. It introduces HF operators to the concept of grid hunting, and
then makes it easier for them to make the transition to 6 Meters (and
above) later on. If the ARRL established a "Fred Fish" type award for
working literally every grid square in the U.S., it might spur a lot of
activity on 10 Meters during the otherwise "null" that usually happens
during non-peak years.
You might also see some combination 10 Meter & 6 Meter, K5N type
expeditions from rare grids. With today's HF rig's, it's easy to operate
both bands. We've already seen a movement of HF operators into 6
Meters---unfortunately, not many of them seem to be venturing any higher.
Overall, I think treating 10 Meters more like a VHF band makes a lot of
sense as we move into the non-peak years. Most experts feel that the
next solar cycle peak will also be a bit of a dud...so this type of
action might help ensure the long-term health of both bands.
Sharp thinking out of Newington!
--
--
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114
EM63nf
6M VUCC #1712
AMSAT #38965
Grid Bandits #222
Southeastern VHF Society
Central States VHF Society Life Member
Six Club #2484
Active on 6 Meters thru 1296, 10GHz & Light
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