[WIQPmail] Fw: WIQP thoughts

[jeff bechner]

Regarding some of Pete's questions.  Definitely not all mobiles self-spot, as I have never had a computer to put in the minivan, and still do all sending and logging by hand, keyer with no memory for sending, and pen and paper for logging.  Similarily no checking for spots, as nothing to check with, also too busy working.   Usually have either my brother-in-law or son driving, and neither is a ham, so all they can do is drive, unless I happen to be alone, as I was this year.  I would think that if someone in the vehicle was searching for mults or spots, that would put them into the multi-op class.  I would have no problem with changing the minimum QSO's for mobile bonus to 20 or so, even though not everyone is doing computer logging, since with the present level of activity, 20 contacts is not too hard to get.  It would also be good if those who are not in WI would put their state with their call, especially if they are calling CQ, as it is a
 problem for the other out of state operators, which I have had the two years I worked the WIQP as a mobile, but once from OK and once from OH and could only work those who were actually calling from WI. 
 
Thanks again to Lynn and the new team of the WIQP.  I have had a great time in it the many years I have been active in it.  
 
Jeff  W9MSE  
 
  
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Peter E. Beedlow <nn9k at sbcglobal.net>
To: WIQP-mail at warac.org 
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 10:02 AM
Subject: [WIQPmail] WIQP thoughts
  
To the WIQP team,

Thanks for another good "party". And I will gladly join the parade in
saluting Lynn for the excellent job he did with the WIQP. The new team has
some big shoes to fill.

I've been journeying to Wisconsin to operate in the QSO Party for a long
time because it has been a well-run and well attended contest but I do have
some suggestions that I would like the team to consider.
--The rules currently say "Mobiles cannot sit on a county line". Please add
Portables to that and if you decide to add a Rover class, add that also.

--Signing  -  There really are two parts that need to be considered in this
discussion, in-state stations and out-of -state stations. On Phone it's
easy, if you are in-state "CQ WIQP from Adams County or QRZ from Adams
County"works nicely.  If you are from out-of-state "CQ W9XYZ looking for
Wisconsin counties" or something to that effect will do.

On CW it is a different matter. I agree that all mobiles should sign with
their call and county. But I think fixed and portable stations in Wisconsin
should do the same. And it would be helpful if out-of-state stations would
sign with their call and state and here is why -- If I am in Wisconsin and
W9XYZ calls CQ I'll work him for the point and if he happens to also be in
Wisconsin he could be a multiplier. If I am out-of-state I have no idea
where he is and whether I am wasting his time and my time for a contact that
has no value. If I am that same 9 station outside of Wisconsin by signing my
call and state, W9XYZ/IN, it is helpful for everyone. Spend some time
listening to some of the other state QSO parties and you'll hear some savvy
out-of-the-state contest stations doing just that.

--Bonus points - I think the mobile contact bonus is great since it leads to
leads to better communication between the operator and the driver, at least
it did when I was operating mobile. However I think the 12 contact portion
of the rule should be raised to 24 or 25. In the days of paper logging and
definitely before spotting networks existed the 12 contact rule was fine.
Today because of spotting pileups start quicker and getting the extra 12 or
13 contacts should not be a burden. Plus it gives the fixed stations a few
more minutes to snag the mobiles that start out in "rare" counties.

--Contest station information - The WIQP always has been well attended but
it certainly would be helpful to the contest stations in Wisconsin as well
as those from out-of-state to publish a map or a chart of what counties are
going to have activity and whether the activity will be from a fixed,
portable, mobile or ? station.

Now for the fun part! Questions I have questions or maybe more correctly
food for thought!!

--How many mobiles spot themselves as they change counties? Yes, I know it's
frowned upon by the contest community but I bet it is done and maybe the
driver's call was used as the spotter.

--How many mobiles use a "hot spot" and check a cluster for possible
multipliers?

--Does my operating class change if I have a 3rd person in the car that does
nothing but look at spotting networks for multipliers? He/she is not
operating but could be considered to be adding to the operation.

--What is my operating class if I place a remote station in Wisconsin and
then operate from my easy chair in Illinois? (Yes I do have a remote station
but it is not in Wisconsin but I do know of remote stations in Wisconsin?)

--Read the article in the last NCJ about the three guys in the Northwest
that ran a contest from their homes (not in the same community) using a
virtual server in the Amazon cloud for real-time logging. Might be the only
way someone will take the multi-multi-fixed title from W9EAU!

The technology is out there and available for use and I personally feel that
it should be embraced but by the same token contest sponsors need to adapt
adjust contest rules to best allow their contest participants to use that
technology and have fun doing it.
Just my $.05 worth!


Pete, NN9K (One of the K9WM crew)




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