7. What contributions do you feel the contest community makes to the overall amateur radio community?

• Utilizes the Bands!! If bands not used we are going to lose them
• Improvement of your operation abilities, of your station's effectiveness reflects on all amateur radio operators, even those who are not contesting.
• We drive the state of the art forward in transceivers and antennas. There is a lot of money spent by contesters and OEMs know that there is a marketplace for a piece of equipment that represents a new level in performance. Also, operating skill levels are improved through operating in "battle" conditions.
• They keep the bands active, help develop equipment and antennas, bring new comers into the hobby
• I drives activity on the air and assists in protecting our allocated bands.
• Improved station design and operator expertise means better operations setting a good example in efficiency. Improved ability to handle traffic in times of emergency is another benefit.
• I think contests are very important to show real propagation (just go on a contest on a weekend and will find stations on 21 Mhz and 28 Mhz bands this days are silent )
• Increased use of assigned freq. and National recognition
• Gets or keeps many people interested in ham radio. For example, I got my license specifically because of contesting.
• Gives a reason to have activity and use our frequencies
• A contest station in operation will sometimes bring in more interest from newer hams after they see/hear a contest station . Field Day is an example of that.
• The worldwide contests generate traffic from all over the world proving communication paths that are available at the time of the contest encouraging other amateurs to use these bands that they may otherwise feel are not usable for DX communications.
• Testing of logging and other computer software in close proximity to max legal power rf output. Skill in communicating during crowded band conditions.
• A great deal, as contesting appeals to amateurs with competitive instincts. Contesting also provides a captured population of eager communicators permitting excellent horizontal assessment of self-communication capacity in different bands and modes.
• Contesting definitely activates the airwaves, as well as providing for some sport in the hobby, which in turn gives more than just "chatting" as an option.
• Most Contesters are more at ease on the air and as a result probably able to function at a higher level when in a crises.
• I don't know if the contest community makes any measurable contribution to the amateur community. Perhaps Field Day participation demonstrates the radio amateurs ability to provide emergency communications on demand.
• Significant. Generally at the leading edge of applying technology to their stations. Which in itself flows through to the general community.
• I think it's a positive impact. When the bands come alive during a major contest it's great to see how propagation works. Also, it's good for the business element of the hobby as it helps manufacturers produce better equipment. For my very very small station it also let's me work more DX than I normally would be able to.
• Help in community events - parades, charity races ( Run for the Cure etc.)
• Lots. Just listen to the bands on a contest weekend, otherwise its just a few ragchewers.
• Contests give many stations incentive to keep their stations active, in good working order, and -- in my case -- better able to communicate with other stations in a wide variety of conditions and modes. A good contest operator is usually a good, knowledgeable radio operator. This improves the overall skill level of the amateur community.
• I was recently listening to a radio program where a ham called into the show. He mentioned his hobby. He said his interest had been spiked again via contesting. In an age when many of our youth finds interests such as the internet this 17 year old really enjoyed the competitive part of contesting.
• increased activity on bands
• As contesting becomes more popular and more of our new and newly "grandfathered" Hams are encouraged to get involved there will be a synergistic effect leading to more use and activity on our Amateur Radio bands.
• Encourages the creation of stations and training of ops to achieve high accuracy and worldwide reach under challenging conditions.
• Contesting gives a pool of operators with excellent stations that work well and those same operators are good at copying messages correctly under some adverse conditions
• Well I feel that all hams should at least get the experience of contesting no matter how small or limited it is. Many will not like the pace of some of them but the experience will certainly expand their horizons beyond the local QSO's that they have. Others will feel that contesting cuts into their one on one qsos on the weekends.
• operating experience push the equipment envelope strive for station excellence
• Well equipped stations capable of emergency or showcase operation Well experienced operators
• CW contests help retain the skill levels of that mode and contesting leads to the development of new hardware and software that help sustain amateur radio.
• I feel that amateur radio makes a lot of contributions to the community. Example helping during disasters assisting EMO and other services.
• Better and more skilled operators, with a lot of time spent and experience on the bands. Their constant use of the bands help justify authorities keeping the bands for exclusive amateur radio use.
• Intensive usage of spectrum allocated to hams. Albeit for a short period of time (48 hr or less). Tests our skills which might come in handy in case of emergency A "tool" to assert the reliability of our equipment
• Provides contesters a means to continually "practice", maintain and enhance ones skills.
• Helps to improve weak signal signal operatons. Opens up access to DX countries. Improves operator capability under QRM
• Contesters are for sure TOP radio operator and good technician. They are always ready to help others in any ways, contests, network and emergency communications. They are giving a good image of radio amateur.
• Optimized radio operation world wide. Better radio gear and increase in electronic research by manufacturers.
• new prefix for collector
• Improved operator efficiency at a time when standards have declined Ability to hear weak sigs a test of skill Better understanding of propagation Greater enthusiasm for the hobby among young people --- in countries like China, where I have operated contests from, high school students are in awe at contest skills and come in to club stations to watch and learn
• The proof of skill & often how simple antennas works well
• 1) The biggest stations at the top of amateur technologie are contest stations. Then, the contest brings to amateur community the same thing that the competition brings to any sport community as for exemple the F1 for the automotive industry: improvement of technologie, practice and test of new products. 2) The contest is often the occasion of rare countries/places activations for the profit of everyone. 3) The contest can be a team sport allowing to involve beginners
• Activity, activity, activity...
• Contesters are usually good operators and communicators. They have to work under much less than idea conditions. Their stations are modern and well equipped. Because of the competivness these amateurs stay up to date on the latest developments and equipment and tend to be be more aware of propogation, They tend to push the development of antenna ,transciever & computer equipment for the amateur. The contest community brings many stations on the air to satisfy other branches of the hobby.
• Note"Contesting show be regulated to certain portions of the amateur radio bands. But over all it does keep the bands active
• The contest community encourages greater response from hams worldwide, provides more opportunities to use all areas of the spectrum, and demonstrates to new hams the potential of the hobby in global communications. It also shows how improving your antennas and setup can better your opportunity to reach out and get more value from the hobby.
• Provide DX hunters access to new prefixes, foster growth in use of the bands, foster fellowship among contesters
• Improved station design and operator capabilities result in better day to day operations setting a good example in efficiency. Improved ability to handle traffic also results which can be a huge asset in times of emergency.
• Contesting fully utilizes the ham bands on contest weekends in the given mode, proving we actually use the allocation we have been granted. I have been contacted many times as I become better know as a contester by other contesters (all over the world) with friendly greetings and helpful info on station set up etc. again proving the overall ideals of ham radio
• It keeps the bands active and alive even in low sunspot times. Example is 10 meters, you do not hear anything for weeks, but during a contest it is almost always that a signal is heard.
• They push the state of the art in dealing with QRM, station automation
• The contest community keeps the bands active, pushes manufactures to continuously improve product, encourage excellent operating skills and encourages international understanding amongst peoples.
• Gets lots of stations on the air that would otherwsie be dormant and not ready for emergency communications situations.
• Adds to the fun of contesting while creating no licensing problems or regulatory confusion.
• I think we help push the development envelope a little, which results in the production of better, more competitive equipment and accessories. In that way, we support the ham radio industry.
• Contesters are among the most active amateurs, not only on the air but also in amateur radio clubs, the RAC, etc. Without contesters, it seems likely that some bands and modes would be almost dormant, which risks losing them and thus losing the ability to use them when needed. The existence of the contesting community is a significant driver for equipment manufacturers, which also helps all hams.
• Keeps the bands hopping. Often get to work DX in countries that are not often heard otherwise. Often get qsl cards from contests contacts.
• Tick off anyone that doesn't enjoy contesting. They certainly use the bands that would sit there idle
• Promotes us of activity on band less we lose them to industry. Sharpens skills copying and receiving accuracy, speed, stamina all of which may be important is amateurs volunteer or are called upon to perform duties in civil service. Promotes country and region in world radio events.
• Improves operating skills and equipment. Generates a feeling of camaraderie with amateur radio operators in other countries.
• Ask Dave, K1ZZ. I wish RAC has a president who is also an active contester.
• contests tend to very much increase the use of our bands at a time when either you use it or lose it , like the portion of our 220 band.
• Improves ones cw skill, activates the bands to hopefully show use so they are not taken over by commercial outfits.
• Contesting provides a training ground for speed and efficiency in operating and an impetus to station improvement.
• Developes operating skills Creates relationships worldwide Keeps the frequencies in use
• Gives a better propagation use with the extra band activity
• Contesters are the most active and well disciplined group of the amateur community. They are practicing their skills regularly, keep their equipment in top shape from week(end) to week(end). Usually they are the ones to go on DX-peditions, to activate rare countries. Top contesters are well known and well respected internationally. They keep our bands active on a regular base and often they contribute to technical innovations, give valuable feedback to equipment manufacturers.
• Keep allocated frequencies busy. Creates good will between countries and better understanding of other cultures.
• Getting the most out of rigs, antennas and propagation takes practice. Contests are often explorations of the boundaries of every element of system performance.
• Contests assist in improving operator skill.
• Excellence in operating skills and equipment
• Continual upgrading of skills in station design (ergonomics, antennas, rigs, switching, computerization) and continued support of CW
• The contest community is frequently on the leading edge of technological developments in amateur radio. The competitive nature of contesting encourages amateur radio operators to continue to improve their stations and develop new skills. Its also an informal training ground for new amateurs.
• Contest operating is by far the best preparation for emergency communications when there is a real need to communicate in difficult circumstances. Operator skills and station preparedness are best tested in the contest environment.
• Contesting helps to develop: operating skills and proficiency; maximum use of the permissable amateur radio frequency allocations; development of an improved amateur radio station; promotion of good operating practices.
• Contesters are a special breed. I like to think of it as a special group of amateurs that meet periodically to enjoy the competition. Contesters create a special bond among other contest amateurs. I feel like we are very good friends, especially those that QSL. A way to meet more often than having a QSO once and never meeting agn.
• Canadians would finally have a possibility to compete having shorter callsigns as many of other countries already have that possibility in place and use as an advantage.
• It helps to keep radio operators active and interested.
• Same as NHL teams make to amateur hockey in Canada
• First and most importantly is the fact that the bands are being used. Contesting also helps individual operators hone their operating skills. Most contesters are very concerned about their emissions ie. clean signals, good resonant antennas, good cooperation with neighbours to help ensure that our signals are not causing interference to others. We usually put up towers and in doing so we help to ensure that we don't lose the right to erect antenna support structures.
• Contesters are the best operators...in speed, clarity and accuracy of copying information. Contesters are used to copying signals under marginal conditions and could help to provide emergency communications in difficult circumstances, if called upon in time os disaster. Contesters generally have their stations working to the best standards to improve their competiveness. Contesters are always striving to improve their equipment and operational skills.
• we get on the air several times a year and thus remain active. my club enjoys seeing their members scores in the publications and it encourages other to do so
• 1. Provides activity which is often sadly lacking; 2. Provides technical innovation - which really ought to be the main reason for holding an amateur licence; 3. Provides a bond between competitors - even though each is trying to win; 4. In the unlikely event that officialdom is listening to our bands, shows them that they are actually used.
• Contesting allows the more competitive operators an out let. It helps produce more efficient operators that have the ability to move and process information quickly
• Lots, keeps the bands active i.e. 10 meters.
• Absolutely NOTHING unless there is a BUCK to be made.
• purely for interest
• Obviously, contesters keep band activity high and they bring out sometimes rare or hard to get DX stations. The other advantage is the perfecting of operating skills for the participants especially in CW mode. We need band activity to retain our frequencies.
• Contester are generally very active in all aspects of the amateur radio service and are often key resources for mentoring new amateur radio enthusiasts. As well, their activities typically span more then contesting with many of the contesting community giving back to all aspects of the amateur radio community and public activities.
• It is an excellent training ground to improve communications skills.
• Contesters can tend to have better stations to help improve their chances of making contacts.
• Adds to the learning of how to operate under difficult circumstances. Provides for good skill development.
• Contesters are usually on the edge of development of new techniques and also lead the development of some (mainly accessories) equipment. Contesters keep the bands active. (The use it or use syndrome)
• Contest operators support local Amateur radio activities, typically in my local because of keen interest and motivation which pulls others into the hobby in general. Contest stations are active, which is important to the hobby in an overall context.
• Quite frankly I feel there are far to many contests. The WA7BNM Contest Calendar lists 32 for the month of March alone...all over weekends! Great for the retired if interested in that sort of thing but not so good for the working stiff who only has weekends to get on the air. On the other hand I do recognize contesters have contributed much to state of the art equipment/mode developement.
• Provides opportunity for all amateurs to get on the air. Don't have to ragchew - contacts are fast and easy. Opportunity for small stations and casual operators to work dx. Practice operating skills and learn new skills.
• Makes award collecting (DXCC, WAS etc.) easier for all, including non-contesters
• I believe that radio competition is the highest skill that a radio amateur can achieve and contributes to the true spirit of ham radio.
• Contesting brings a lot more activity to the bands and allows for the opportunity to work a lot more DX in a shorter amount of time. Many DX stations are actively only during contests. Contesting also demands that we optimize our stations and improve our operating techniques. It also pushes hams to put up antennas for more bands and try out new things.
• While some stay off the air during contests, I believe many, many more become active.
• Radio contesting is currently the most vibrand and growing aspect of amateur radio...
• The contest community keeps the bands alive on weekends. It is the time most stations use to check how well their station works. It is amazing how may little problems can show themselves during the demand of high use contest operation. Most technical advances in antennas and transceivers and computer control are developed to make contest stations more efficient...not for better ragchewing.
• It would make our bands more active, I am afraid if we loose the contest, activity would get less and less.
• a valuable mentoring resource for newer amateurs, both on a technical level and operating skills. Present Canada to the amateur radio world in a favourable and professional image.
• Keeps new technology on antenna designs, computer logging and activity on normally unused portions of bands that will keep our bands for amateur use.
• drives the development of new ideas, product development and the buying power of amateur radio related products.
• Contest operators have excellent skills usually on both phone and CW. This can be very helpful in emergency situations such as the Edmonton tornado.
• Supports honing of operation skills which makes for better operators. Keeps the airwaves alive and being used to the utmost. Shows the overall radio community how world participation keeps the sport alive. Adds to overall excitement to the amateur radio community.
• It increases band occupancy particularly on 160 and 10 at all phases of the solar cycle; it improves operator competency; it increases the number of DX stations available at optimum times
• Amateur radio does not have the "homebrew" interests that once was foremost in our hobby. There are exceptions and contesters and a primary exception. Competitive contesters work hard at optimizing their station particularly in the areas of antenna design and construction, software design and equipment enhancements. These developments are shared with other amateurs who use the ideas and expand on them. Contesters and contest stations are also serious training grounds for new operators.
• Operating in a contest is GOOD radio experience! Keeping the flow of contacts running at high hourly rates makes you a better operator. The net result is contest work is and should be part of every radio operators skill set. Every radio operator should want to improve their skills on on-air.
• Keeps clubs together when they participate as a club.
• The CW contest community is one of the last places where you can find skilled CW operators on the planet. There aren't many of us left who still maintain this link with amateur radio history or indeed with communications history. CW contest operators are among the surviving few who have what amounts to a digital interface in the brain.
• Increases activity on the HF bands in particular by sparking a sense of competition amongst the ham radio community,
• Contesters have driven many technical developments in equipment design. Better receivers, transmitters, antennas etc. Dxers benefit by having rare countries activated for contests. If it wasn't for contesters keeping the bands fully occupied during contests, the commercial interests would probably been given most of the amateur allocations.
• Hones quickness in handling information, improves listening abilities in rough conditions. Creates competitiveness amongst clubs and individuals.
• I think the contest community generally are more likely to upgrade and make use of more contests and modes. The use of digital modes in particular seems to interest younger people in the hobby.
• It generates activity on the bands
• Sharpens the Operating Skills of the Various Operators
• We probably contribute the most to the use of the HF bands. They are otherwise not as well used as they should be. The international flavour of the contests and the competitive nature of contesting adds greatly to the fun of amateur radio.
• I believe contesting does improve operator skills in terms of listening to get the right information, the passing of information and of course many contesters are always pushing the technical limits of station improvements.
• Contesting brings competitiveness to operating a person's station. There is a comaraderie amongst contesters as you tend to hear familiar call sign the more one operates. I look forward to contests and doing my best in them as conditions and health will allow.
• I think that the contest community contributes a great deal to the amateur community. Most contesters that I know are dedicated to the hobby by experimenting with various antenna configurations and communication modes. In addition they have demonstrated an eagerness to share their knowledge with others including younger amateurs.
• Radio sports makes amateur radio more visible & attracts professional people (engineers & technicians ect.) to amateur radio. It could be compared to other equipment included sports like auto racing. Contest results provide a measure of a radio station's performance ability.
• Contesters are among the most active operators in Ham Radio today. I suspect they spend the most money on equipment and help keep the industry healthy. Contesters are innovators when it comes to antennas, computers and operating procedures and are constantly pushing the envelope in attempting to do better. Many contesters provide their stations for others to use. Some are also very prolific at documenting their activities in articles and web sites.
• Those who are good ops can show other hams, newer hams in particular, how to operate properly, especially while under duress (contest pileups).
• We show that we can get a large amount of stations on that could communicate internationally in an emergency.
• We are better operators in general because we have more on air time and more skills at propagation predictions, etc. In addition we generally have the best radio gear and equipment. Most contesters I know have excellent gear and maintain it for the next contest to come. Same with Dxers... Casual operators don't have the skills of true contesters.
• Keeps operating skills sharp, develops traffic-passing and logging skills.
• Fun to have new thing in ham radio, i am not a big contester but i like contest ,it is a really good place to practice cw and others it is a place where you can meet good operator with good station, dx is always somewhere ,chance to work dx and local are very good for the small station ,even a the bottom of the solar cycle there is 24 hours a day activities on some bands, also a nice place to evaluated new antenna.
• The enthusiasm of contesters is infectious and can encourage more Amateurs to try other aspects of the hobby. Contesters are supporters of RAC in large numbers, thus directly helping to sustain all aspects of the hobby.
• Avid contesters keep the bands occupied which helps ensure spectrum for the amateur community as a whole. They also demand better equipment, which means better equipment in general for the casual operator.
• Contesting is a great aspect of amateur radio as it helps: 1.) To develop high speed operating skills; 2.) Helps to develop knowledge of newer technologies including software and computers essential for todays contests. 3) To elevate the profile of the geographic area the contesters are operating from 4.) To create growth of sales of ham eqpt as owners strive to improve their stations 5.) Foster the competitive spirit in the ham community.
• Contesters develop profound knowledge of antennas, propagation, EMC resolution and station construction that can be transferred to other Amateurs. Contesters are very enthusiastic people, and can help encourage other Amateurs try new things and learn more about radio generally.
• Contesting allows operators to sharpen their operating skills which would be useful if an emergency were to occur. Skills such as rapidly passing traffic are best practiced in contests.
• Contesters develop profound knowledge of antennas, propagation, EMC resolution and station construction that can be transferred to other Amateurs. Contesters are very enthusiastic people, and can help encourage other Amateurs try new things and learn more about radio generally.
• Contest operation teaches operators to listen closely to what is said for details. Operators learn efficient communication methods. In addition to operating skill, contest operation tends to make operators develop their stations for best performance. This means that the overall amateur community is better prepared in the event of disaster or emergency.
• I think contesters are a resourceful lot who improve operating skills and tactics,antenna systems and international relations through contesting.
• I think it provides operators with skills to operate efficiently and effectively under difficult conditions such as QRM and QRN. Therefore, under emergency circumstances, they are better able to deal with conditions that the average operator MIGHT not be able perform in.