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Re: [VHFcontesting] [VHF] [amsat-bb] 5 Band VUCC Award

To: Les Rayburn <les@highnoonfilm.com>, vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu, AMSAT BB <amsat-bb@amsat.org>, Bruce <kk5do@amsat.org>, Greg Sarratt W4OZK <w4ozk@arrl.org>, VHF Contesting Reflector <vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] [VHF] [amsat-bb] 5 Band VUCC Award
From: w5zn@w5zn.org
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 11:13:16 +0000
List-post: <mailto:vhfcontesting@contesting.com>
A 5-Band VUCC award would be nice however I'm not sure it would increase activity on the bands beyond an individual's current effort of achieving a VUCC award on each band that currently exists. What advantage/incentive does it offer beyond having five separate VUCC awards? When the 5-Band DXCC award was created individual band DXCC Awards were not available as they are today.

Speaking just strictly from my personal situation, I have 11 single band VUCC awards (50 MHz thru 24 GHz). If a 5-Band VUCC award became available I would simply submit my existing individual award credits for a 5-Band award without getting on the air. If the award required an individual to start from scratch to achieve a 5-Band VUCC I have to confess I have absolutely no desire to get on the air and pursue that all over again and would not do so. From my normal operating perspective (and I realize those of you who know me would not certify me as being "normal") it would do nothing to increase my on-the-air activity.

What would stimulate me to get on the air more outside of a contest weekend is something John, AF5CC, mentions below. A VUCC Challenge Award similar to the DXCC Challenge Award where total grid count on all bands would come in to play.

Please do not read my comments as poo-pooing a 5-Band VUCC award. I believe it would be very nice. I just do not see how it would stimulate and increase activity since single band awards are already available.

73 Joel W5ZN



On 2019-04-22 17:23, John Geiger wrote:
An idea I have been kicking around would be a VUCC challenge, like the DXCC Challenge on HF, 160, and 6 meters. You add together your grid totals from all VHF and UHF bands, and include satellites, and the higher score each
year would get a trophy.  This should get people interested in adding
additional bands to their setup.

There could be a plaque issued when you reach some level of grid totals. For the DXCC Challenge is it 1000 band countries, with endorsements being added to that at specific levels. May 500 band grids would be the plaque level. I think that there should be some stipulation added that you must have worked say 20 grids on 3 different bands to get the initial plaque.
This would keep someone from getting the initial plaque just by using 6
meters or the satellites. I love 6 meters and the satellites, but doing it on 1 band would kind of violate the spirit of the award. Also, for the DXCC
Challenge you would have to use 3 bands minimum to get to 1000 band
countries.  You couldn't do it on just 20 meters.

Any thoughts  on this idea?

73 John AF5CC

On Mon, Apr 22, 2019 at 10:45 AM Les Rayburn via VHF <vhf@w6yx.stanford.edu>
wrote:

Bruce,

Correct. For those of us “Back East”, 6 Meter VUCC and Satellite VUCC are probably the easiest to earn. 2 Meters is certainly achievable especially
using WSJT meteor scatter and EME.

Those in most parts of the West have an advantage on microwave—since high
spots with five grids within range are most plentiful.

222 and 432 are within each of most—especially if we have increased
activity on these bands.

Microwave about 2.3 GHz is tougher but if you’re willing to travel the
five (5) grids required could be worked by yourself and a partner in a
weekend.

For the record, I just achieved my second VUCC. This one on 2 Meters—a
feat that took over a decade to complete. I’m limited to an indoor antenna due to HOA. Closing in on Satellite VUCC which would give me three of the
awards.

Completing 432 would be possible—but likely would require a single Yagi
EME effort from the driveway at night. My HOA will allow portable
operations—but everything has to be back inside when the sun comes up.

That would give me four bands—anything else will require microwave and
travel. A considerable expense. But one that I’d be willing to make if the
reward was not only 10 GHz VUCC but also the new Five Band VUCC Award.

I really hope the ARRL will seriously consider the proposal. If you’re
supportive of it, please contact your Section Manager and let them know.


73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
Maylene, AL
EM63nf
AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member




> On Apr 22, 2019, at 7:52 AM, Bruce <kk5do@amsat.org> wrote:
>
> So, I could do my 100 on satellite, 100 on 6m, then 100 on 2m and  50 on
70cm and be done.
>
> The higher frequencies are impossible from the Houston area as we have
no mountains. Those in mountainous regions have a distinct advantage in the higher frequencies. That is why you see a large group of high frequency use in Europe, East Coast and West Coast. I am not saying it does not present a
challenge everywhere
>
> 73...bruce
>
> On 4/22/2019 1:20 AM, Les Rayburn wrote:
>> Bruce,
>>
>> Thank you for your input. Current VUCC rules would apply:
>>
>> 6 Meters, 2 Meters, and Satellite require 100 grids confirmed.
>> 222 and 432 require 50 grids
>> 902 and 1296 require 25 grids
>> 2304 requires 10 grids
>> All higher bands including 5 GHz, 10Ghz, and laser require only five.
>>
>>
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Les Rayburn, N1LF
>> Maylene, AL
>> EM63nf
>> AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Apr 21, 2019, at 10:07 PM, Bruce <kk5do@amsat.org <mailto:
kk5do@amsat.org>> wrote:
>>>
>>> 100 grids terrestrial on 1296 or 2400.  that is a bit rough.  what 5
bands would it be? 222, 2m, 70cm, 1296 and ??? 2400?
>>>
>>> 73...bruce
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Apr 21, 2019, at 9:50 PM, Les Rayburn via AMSAT-BB <
amsat-bb@amsat.org <mailto:amsat-bb@amsat.org>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Lady & Gentlemen,
>>>
>>> Not certain if my earlier message was received. No reply from anyone
on the distribution list. Here it is again, in case the first one was lost
in cyberspace.
>>>
>>> In an effort to stimulate activity on VHF/UHF bands beyond 70 CM, I’d
like to suggest the creation of a Five Band VUCC (5B VUCC) award that
would                 closely mirror the 5 Band DXCC Award.
>>>
>>> Successful applicants would need to achieve VUCC status on five or
more of the VHF/UHF bands to be eligible for the larger award. A special
certificate and pin could be created to honor recipients.
>>>
>>> My feeling is that this award would encourage greater activity on the
VHF/UHF bands, especially on bands that have less use like 222, 1296, and higher microwave bands. This increased activity encourages the sale of more gear, helps protect our spectrum from commercial interests, and advances
the state of the radio art.
>>>
>>> Please let me know if you think this idea has any merit, or what I
could do to help support the creation of the new award. As always, grateful
for your service to the hobby.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Les Rayburn, N1LF
>>> 121 Mayfair Park
>>> Maylene, AL 35114
>>> EM63nf
>>> AMSAT #38965, ARRL Life Member, CVHS Life Member, SVHF Member
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org <mailto:AMSAT-BB@amsat.org>. AMSAT-NA
makes this open forum available
>>> to all interested persons worldwide without requiring membership.
Opinions                 expressed
>>> are solely those of the author, and do not reflect the official views
of AMSAT-NA.
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>>
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Paige, KK5DO
>
> AMSAT Director Contests and Awards
> AMSAT Board Member 2016-2020
>
> ARRL Awards Field Checker (WAS, 5BWAS, VUCC), VE
>
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