[RMVHF] Possible solution

[Jim W0EEA]

Glenn (KØBO) wrote:

>
> One of the things that I'm still a bit confused about is if I could 
> enjoy being a part of the contest by making QSOs and simply logging 
> them in my station log or must I submit them to the contesting agency 
> for fear of wasting other serious operator's time logging a bogus 
> contact if I don't submit my logs?
>
> Thank you for your time.
>
> Glenn Valenta   K0BO

Hi Glenn,

First of all there is no obligation on your part to submit a log to a 
contest sponsor.  If you are not going to work enough people in a 
contest to make an entry in the contest worth your while (and how many 
that may be is entirely up to you) then you don't have to.  Here's what 
you should consider in making the decision:  it is simpler, easier,  and 
faster not to.  The contacts all count for QSLs,  etc.  If it is your 
personal stats you are trying to make better than you are in fine shape 
not submitting a log.  Another reason not to submit a log is that you 
don't have to obey the rules for the contest-  you only have to obey the 
applicable laws and FCC regs.  Getting involved for a while without 
getting bogged down in learning the rules can help you learn what its 
all about.  When you get serious enough to want to enter, then you can 
learn the rules and figure out just how you want to compete.

Most sponsors don't throw out QSOs because your call is 'unique.'  But 
you might want to work more than one or two people when you do get on so 
your call is likely to appear in more than one submitted log. 

On the other hand the sponsor wants you to submit a log because they 
like to see participation.  Taking the recent UHF contest as an 
example,  the sponsor strongly considered dropping that contest because 
they weren't getting enough logs. 

The other entrants would like to see you submit a log because it gives 
the sponsor something to check their logs against.  Of course that 
carries with it an obligation to try to get everthing right that goes in 
the log-  but you are doing that anyway, right?

The best reason to submit a log is to have your own accomplishments 
recognized.  You don't have to think you are going to win to do that.  
But as you improve your abilities you can watch your score improve too.

The biggest block to sending a log in for a newcomer is the Cabrillo log 
requirement.  Many regular logging programs won't yield Cabrillo logs.  
So you have to decide if you are going to use a conversion program (ADIF 
-> Cab) or get a contest logging program that will give you Cabrillo.  
Both can be had on the net without a significant cash outlay. 

The important thing is to have fun.  See you on the air.

73,

Jim   W0EEA   DM79vh