1. Jim Aguirre – W7DHC ARRL Northwestern Division Representative
VUAC Update
Jim Aguirre – W7DHC
ARRL Northwestern Division Representative

2. Overview Committee Purpose VUAC Objectives VUAC Membership
Committee Time Frame
VUAC Accomplishments to Date

3. Committee Purpose VHF-UHF Advisory Committee
An ARRL “advisory” body
Reports to Programs & Services Committee
Considers VHF/UHF “contesting” issues
VUAC makes recommendations, not rules

4. Objectives Tasked by P&SC to… VUAC adopted a fourth objective…
“Seek input from VHF/UHF contesting ‘public’”
“Identify important VHF/UHF contest issues”
“Seek a sense of the ‘public’ on those issues”
VUAC adopted a fourth objective…
“To do no harm!”

5. Membership 16 voting members Three PNWVHFS members on VUAC
15 ARRL Division Representatives
Appointed by ARRL Division Directors
Radio Amateurs of Canada (RAC) Liaison
Appointed by RAC
Three PNWVHFS members on VUAC
Gabor Horvath, VE7DXG – RAC Liaison
Len Gwinn, WA6KLK – ARRL Pacific Division
Jim Aguirre, W7DHC – ARRL Northwestern Division

6. Committee Term Three-year appointment Term began June 1, 2006
Term ends May 31, 2009

7. Contesting Issues Rule changes are difficult issues
Differing personal & collective opinions
Different circumstances
Regional differences
Competitive differences
“Perception is reality…to the perceiver!”
Walking in the other person’s shoes!
I have learned a LOT about other perspectives!

8. Reaching Consensus Differing opinions will always exist
Full discussion of the issues is key
PNWVHFS members are “being heard”
Please continue to provide your input
Consensus requires compromise
No “win-lose” outcomes
Looking at the “overall good”
Do no harm!

9. Level the Playing Field?
Rules can’t “level the playing field”
Population density disparities
Geographic differences
Propagation variables

10. Level the Recognition! No rule changes required!
Some ideas for leveling recognition
Split “West Coast” region into “Northwest,” “Southwest”
1st & 2nd place certificates to division leaders - all classes
QST de-emphasize national; emphasize regional scores
Separate regional write-ups in QST by regional writers
Add new classes to attract more participation

11. VUAC Accomplishments EME Contest recommendations adopted
Separate awards for analog, digital, and mixed-mode MHz entries.
All 50, 222, 902 and above 2.3 GHz stations can self-spot CQs, make real-time schedules, use Internet, etc. for coordination.
Single-band entrants can do the same on 144, 432, or 1296 MHz.
New rules in force for 2008 EME Contest

12. VUAC Accomplishments Rover recommendations finalized
Two new rover classes proposed
Limited Rover (any four bands, 200W power limit)
Unlimited Rover (anything goes!)
Traditional Rover class retained
“Observers” allowed…no driving or operating
“Grid Circling” limited
100-contact limit with any other one rover
Rule waived for Unlimited Rover
APRS allowed for call sign & position only
Expanded rover recognition
Divisional 1st, 2nd place certificates each rover class

13. Where to from Here? Review 10 GHz Contest rules?
Review UHF Contest rules?
Review fixed station rules?
Improved recognition for all classes?
What do you want reviewed?

14. 2007 Pacific Northwest VHF+ Conference
VUAC Update
2007 Pacific Northwest VHF+ Conference
September 28-30, 2007
Bend, Oregon