Hi folks,

Every year we have the same issue. Folks who want to collect their "100" points for the contest, folks who just want to operate on the satellites, folks who want to use FD for demonstration and education and all the above plus more.

I have never understood why ARRL or whoever made FD a "competitive" thing. FD is so much more. If we (and AMSAT) take the satellites out of the equation (no more points), we can still have fun, educate, show off on FD and more.

Yes, some satellites based on location, pass, time etc will always be congested, others will not. At least the pressure of getting the "100 points" is off and the non-pressure fun/hobby part gets back in the equation. Personally, I don't need "100" points at FD, I like have folks observing, learning and enjoying the hobby and test the equipment. That's my FD spirit. FD is about to get out, working with others, invite the community to see what we are doing, learn how our equipment works etc. Let's start an FD "transformation" and get rid of "points" for satellites :-)

My 2 cents and honest opinion :-)

73, Stefan VE4NSA