Jim noted:
"...I was disappointed by N3TL's email posting on the AMSAT BB today concerning ARRL's VUCC program as it applies to satellite operating..."
As I read it...you were disappointed with the ARRL and not N3TL's questioning. I too worked through Gus Browning and Don Miller...
If the league has a legitimate question...as in the intersections are in a "lake" "ocean" or side of a "shear cliff" they should request documentation from the "DXpeditioner" for some sort of proof...
GPS would be the ultimate, but 360 degrees of pictures from a camera could be the standard. (Next they would want recordings to make sure there aren't any "Ghost" contacts.)
ARRL is not capable of overseeing Satellite contacts and awards...they really don't care about satellites...
VUCC satellite should be an AMSAT function so that those who understand the hobby can judge the hobby!
Roger WA1KAT
----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Danehy" jdanehy@cinci.rr.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 11:58 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] ARRL VUCC
I was disappointed by N3TL's email posting on the AMSAT BB today
concerning ARRL's VUCC program as it applies to satellite operating.
I have been an ARRL member for 55 years. I have VUCC on both 6 meters and
2 meters. I also am on the ARRL DXCC Honor Roll and I have the ARRL #1 Honor Roll plaque for having worked all the DXCC countries. I have been around for awhile. I remember very well the Gus Browning , W4BPD QSLs from places that he never operated from or had permission to operate from. I also remember problems that the league had with Don Miller, W9WNV for the same reason in their DXCC program.
I recently got back on the satellites (was on in 1974 through 1976). In
about 6 weeks I have worked over 130 Grid Squares. My goal is a VUCC on the satellites. Some of those have been Grid Expeditions. Not so certain now that I want to continue to expand my efforts and money (SASE and outgoing postage) only to have the league question the legitimacy of those operations.
Does the ARRL question the "Rovers" that take part in the ARRL VHF
contests ? I am unaware of any of those operations from rare grids being challenged or disallowed. Someone please correct me if I am in error on that opinion.
I had been planning to do some grid expeditions myself. There should be
some communication and understanding by the league that is missing at this time. It is a shame that there is inconsistency and selective application of documentation and confirmation standards of where you were operating from.
Disappointed but not surprised by the ARRL's AD HOC rule enforcement.
Jim W9VNE EM79tb Cincinnati, Ohio _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb