Hi Coy,
I'm actually writing on "business"
(hi)!!
I've read at least two warnings / concerns from
ARRL about DXing on 60M. It all makes perfect sense - and I agree with it
- BUT, the request (in my opinion) is without teeth, will likely
influence only minor behavior changes, and has the potential to REALLY
upset some DXers. Let me explain and make a suggestion.
First, the suggestion: ARRL should decree
right away that 60M is NOT a DX band and, as such, QSOs made will NOT now or in
the future count toward the Challenge or 60M DXCC or anything else from
ARRL. IF AND WHEN THIS CHANGES, ARRL will notify us all that only as of
some future date will QSOs count toward the ARRL DX program.
Now, the explanation. You have surely noticed
that a few heavyweight DXers have begun to show up in the spots on 60.
And, of course, there are many DX commoners also chasing DX there. THEY
ARE COVERING THEIR TAILS so they are not behind if and when 60M is added to the
Challenge list. I cannot blame them. If left alone, they will
continue to (carefully) chase DX and rack up the countries. Suppose some
ham DOES take ARRL's request seriously and does NOT use 60M for DXing.
They are going to be madder than $%^&* if ARRL later does allow DX QSOs
being made now to count. If that were to happen, I could not blame them
for being mad.
Since I am writing to you in your capacity as a BoD
member, feel free to send this input along to whomever - if you think it
represents a rational line of thought.
73 Ken K5KC