Reflectees Majority of the nay sayers are northern hemisphere upper tier stations who can work all the DX they want on their run QRG with a quick pounce to pick up a multiplier. The fact that the CQWW is a world wide contest seems to have been lost.
The value of a window is apparent for our friends south of the equator. To appreciate their predicament just imagine what we would be faced with if the premier 160m contests were held in July and August. Our participation and scores would collapse. A window allows FO8, VK, ZL, ZS etc. etc. to participate under summertime condx and establish a run frequency of their own, make many more QSOs and enjoy the contest more to the benefit of all of us. Now with few exceptions they are reduced to S & P and hoping a run station can hear them. Also our 2nd tier stations and little pistols could then work more DX to the south. In my view a little pistol that makes 100 contacts is every bit as important as a big gun that wins his zone year after year. Obviously as the rule is written in the ARRL contest (nil in CQWW) the term "Intercontinental QSOs" leaves the window open for full time running by W/VE or Euro. The rule must be revised. Whatever when/if the rule is changed some participants will be unhappy. Today's transceivers permit run frequencies separated by only 250-300 Hz. The band has more room than ever before. A 5 kHz window will not be missed. And if there still isn't enough room as Gary K9AY sez improve your game. Make that antenna match from 1800-1900 kHz or beyond. In my view ARRL should rewrite the rule and make window compliance mandatory and CQ should re-establish the window and do the same. In addition to scrutinizing computer logs for SO/SOA violators determining that a station improperly used the window for running would be even simpler. The penalty - just invalidate the QSOs and rescore. That would be the end of window violations by any serious contester. The fact that 99% of big guns do not run in the window is a tacit admission that the window exists and has some good purpose. Good Luck in the Contest Pres, N6SS ____________________________________________________________ Share photos & screenshots in seconds... TRY FREE IM TOOLPACK at http://www.imtoolpack.com/default.aspx?rc=if1 Works in all emails, instant messengers, blogs, forums and social networks. _______________________________________________ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK