I guess that's a matter of perspective.
I looked back at all my contest logs since the Analog Category started.
They revealed that SSB-CW activity has remained pretty much the same
now as it was 3 or 4 years ago. Activity is dependent on band conditions
more than any other factor. I would also go as far to say that one's
location, station capability, operator skill and patience are much
bigger determining factors than just saying the contest rules are to blame.
Everyone's using those same rules so it's a level playing field.
What's really happening IMO is there are operators that just don't
want to struggle straining to hear weak signals in the noise for hours.
They prefer to stay on FT8 and let the computer pull out the signal.
By the same token, when band conditions are poor, more people
move to FT8 sooner because their analog CQ's are going unanswered.
Because the software can decode weaker signals in the noise than
most humans can perceive, the weakest FT8 CQ's get answered.
Why walk 3 miles to the srore in the rain when you can take yoir car there ?
Then again, if it's a sunny day it might be nice to go for a walk.
Just my 2 cents, I've done both many times.
73 Ron WZ1V
----- Original Message -----
From: CHRIS FAGAS via NEWSVHF <newsvhf@mailman.qth.net>
To:
Cc: vhfcontesting@contesting.com, newsvhf@mailman.qth.net
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:00:12 -0400
Subject: [NEWSVHF] WB2VVV 144 MHz Spring Sprint
>
> 144 MHz Spring Sprint - 2025
>
> Call: WB2VVV
> Operator(s): WB2VVV
> Station: WB2VVV
>
> Class: Single Op LP
> QTH: FN41
> Operating Time (hrs): 1.1
>
> Summary:
> Total: QSOs = 21 Mults = 10 Total Score = 210
>
> Club: North East Weak Signal Group
>
> Comments:
>
> Operated ANALOG ONLY with LOW POWER for a little over an hour from my Rhode
> Island FN41cr QTH. Made 21 QSOs and worked 10 different Grids.
>
> I really like the way CQ has split their VHF contest into 2 dates, one for
> ANALOG and one for DIGITAL, and I look forward to operating on the ANALOG
> date -
> when everyone operating will be operating ANALOG. OTOH, ARRL has created an
> ANALOG ONLY category within its three VHF contests, but this does not boost
> ANALOG activity one bit. Instead we are watching the ANALOG activity drop
> every
> contest. Presumably DIGITAL activity is increasing, but I wouldn't know as I
> have
> no interest in DIGITAL modes.
>
>
> Posted using 3830 Score Submittal Forms at: http://www.3830scores.com/
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>
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