RadioSport History | Chatting Up With N6AA

I enjoyed our hamfest in Santa Maria, California this morning and my opportunity to chat up with Richard Norton, N6AA.

We talked about what it takes to move to the next level and he shared a few stories about his 9Y4VT operation as well. The key to successful RadioSport, according to N6AA, is operate as much as possible, guest operate where possible, and call CQ alot even if one is low power, low profile.

Richard mentioned both the art and science of the game will surely follow as one pursues a Box score. I wanted to listen for hours however his duties were first given the hamfest, perhaps, next time N6AA will continue recounting his adventures to 40 zones stretching across the globe.

73 from the shack relaxation zone.

P.S. I purchased a Palomar R-X Noise Bridge and a 2009 ARRL Periodicals CD-ROM with QST, QEX, and the National Contest Journal.

3830 Claimed Scores | NS Summer Ladder VIII | Low Power

Atlantic Single Operator.

• NO3M | 51 Qs | 38 Mults | 1,938 Points [NCC].
• N4AF | 54 Qs | 35 Mults | 1,890 Points [PVRC].
• K4BAI | 51 Qs | 35 Mults | 1,785 Points [SECC].

n = 11 scores submitted in this division.

East Central Single Operator.

• K9BGL | 54 Qs | 40 Mults | 2,160 Points [SMC].
• N8EA | 54 Qs | 38 Mults | 2,052 Points [MRRC].
• K8MM | 51 Qs | 38 Mults | 1,938 Points [MRRC].

n = 12 scores submitted in this division.

West Central Single Operator.

• WD0T (@KD0S) | 48 Qs | 37 Mults | 1,776 Points.
• N3BB | 45 Qs | 34 Mults | 1,530 Points [CTDXCC].
• K0AD | 44 Qs | 28 Mults | 1,232 Points [MWA].

n = 9 scores submitted in this division.

West Single Operator.

• W7OM | 44 Qs | 28 Mults | 1,232 Points [WWDXC].
• W7WHY | 33 Qs | 23 Mults | 759 Points [WVDXC].
• NG7M | 29 Qs | 18 Mults | 522 Points [Utah Contest Club].

n = 5 scores submitted in this division.

NCCC in CA/NV Single Operator.

• N6RO | 49 Qs | 35 Mults | 1,715 Points.
• K6VVA | 47 Qs | 34 Mults | 1,598 Points.
• N3ZZ | 44 Qs | 32 Mults | 1,408 Points.

n = 6 scores submitted in this division.

The fastest 30 minutes in RadioSport is anyone's game and K9BGL logged a surprise upset victory for the Society of Midwest Contesters. An accomplishment well executed given the string of N3BB wins on the ionospheric court. The tower whom looms large won 6 out of 8 events before NO3M and K9BGL posted their victories.

The Mad River Radio Club posted two and three within their division but the clock is running on the fastest 30 minutes in RadioSport.

Contest on.

IARU HF World Championship

The IARU HF World Championship is one of my favorite summer RadioSport events. The game is well positioned for phenomenal success given new media tools and its global reach perhaps might I say, this is the World Cup for RadioSport?

However, has leadership recognized its potential for publicizing ham radio while creating a venue for the world to watch? Instead, a world wide network of headquarter stations, cannot compete. What good is competition without results?

Meet A Challenge With Vision.
I do not agree with the elimination of headquarter scores. RadioSport at the international level has a problem in need of a reasonable solution. Elimination is a one-sided, arbitrary decision and the consequences reach far into the future. Perhaps, it is time for our international RadioSport community, to see this as an opportunity and meet the challenge with all its resources?

My favorite comment and one that is most reasonable was written by John Crovelli, W2GD/P40W who stated, "Eliminating national cheerleading and bring the HQ stations back into the competition, can be accomplished easily. Assign ZERO points to in-country QSOs made by HQ stations. The potential for abuse is eliminated."

New Media Shaping Our World.
Toby, DH1TW examines the problem while demonstrating the reach of today's new media and its capacity to shape our conversation. His campaign started with his blog, a tweet, then a survey...

• Survey on ARRL's IARU Contest Decisions.

If, the game is moving to the next level of elite competition, one for the elite competitor then meet this challenge with resources and bold vision. I'm looking forward to participating in the IARU HF World Championship this summer.

73 from the shack relaxation zone.