10-03-2017, 07:31 AM
The USA Rules quoted are very different to what we currently use -
While they are grid based the value of different grids is much higher.
As each grid is a true multiplier and that the QSO points per band are tallied and then multiply by the grids worked.
If the grid multiplier was only allowed once on all bands then the effect would be something like - new grid (4 character) times points total say 250 becomes very important to nail that extra grid. A VK3 station around Melbourne could grab the local grids and Melbourne is a fortunate junction by only allowing the grid once then the maximum extra advantage would be 6 grids, in the case that the grids only counted once.
But if the grid multiplier is allowed on all bands then location advantage becomes ridiculous.
Having spent many hours on this and opposing the changes, mainly due to two other contests being distance based, it is very interesting that it has not been adopted.
My thoughts have always been a combination of both which can be acheived easilly with logging software.
Stealing from the ARRL
5.1. QSO points:
5.1.1. Count one point for each complete 50- or 144-MHz QSO.
5.1.2. Count two points for each 222- or 432-MHz QSO.
5.1.3. Count three points for each 902- or 1296-MHz QSO.
5.1.4. Count four points for each 2.3-GHz (or higher) QSO.
5.2. Multiplier: The total number of different grid squares worked per band. Each 2 degrees X 1 degree grid square counts as one multiplier on each band it is worked.
Adding Distance based points from a points per km basis
5.3. Final score: Multiply the total number of QSO points (including distance points) from all bands operated by the total number of multipliers for final score.
The Title Field Day should be replaced by Activity Day and all stations lumped together rather than the every ones a winner stance.
Single op Multi op and various times modes remain but no different scoring for a Single op at home and one in the bush - Rovers still have an OWN category.
While they are grid based the value of different grids is much higher.
As each grid is a true multiplier and that the QSO points per band are tallied and then multiply by the grids worked.
If the grid multiplier was only allowed once on all bands then the effect would be something like - new grid (4 character) times points total say 250 becomes very important to nail that extra grid. A VK3 station around Melbourne could grab the local grids and Melbourne is a fortunate junction by only allowing the grid once then the maximum extra advantage would be 6 grids, in the case that the grids only counted once.
But if the grid multiplier is allowed on all bands then location advantage becomes ridiculous.
Having spent many hours on this and opposing the changes, mainly due to two other contests being distance based, it is very interesting that it has not been adopted.
My thoughts have always been a combination of both which can be acheived easilly with logging software.
Stealing from the ARRL
5.1. QSO points:
5.1.1. Count one point for each complete 50- or 144-MHz QSO.
5.1.2. Count two points for each 222- or 432-MHz QSO.
5.1.3. Count three points for each 902- or 1296-MHz QSO.
5.1.4. Count four points for each 2.3-GHz (or higher) QSO.
5.2. Multiplier: The total number of different grid squares worked per band. Each 2 degrees X 1 degree grid square counts as one multiplier on each band it is worked.
Adding Distance based points from a points per km basis
5.3. Final score: Multiply the total number of QSO points (including distance points) from all bands operated by the total number of multipliers for final score.
The Title Field Day should be replaced by Activity Day and all stations lumped together rather than the every ones a winner stance.
Single op Multi op and various times modes remain but no different scoring for a Single op at home and one in the bush - Rovers still have an OWN category.