[Fwd: ARRL VLF Awards]

[Stan]

Stan wrote:
> 
> As a accredited ARRL award manager for VUCC, WAS and DXCC, I am
> trying to determine how the ARRL VLF operating awards would best be
> established, and structured.
> 
> To date I have heard no talk on any proposed VLF operating awards.
> 
> Of course, we all know that operating awards should encourage activity
> and recognize operating skills and performance.
> 
> For Worked All States, there is no question that there should be
> a VLF-WAS. It will probably be as difficult as on 6M or 2M using
> terrestrial propagation modes, but achievable.
> 
> Another alternative is a 1/2 award for working (and confirming)
> 25 states with endorsements in increments of 5.
> 
> For The DX Century Club (DXCC), there should also be a VLF-DXCC
> awards to recognize performance on this band.
> This VLF DXCC may be as difficult as a 222 MHz DXCC.
> 
> Possibly a 1/2 DXCC award for working 50 countries or even possibly
> a 1/4 DXCC award for working 25 countries (entities).
> Endorsements in increments of 5 could be reasonable.
> 
> For the VHF/UHF Century Club (VUCC), some people would argue that
> this award program would be totally inappropriate because of the
> frequency range, but I suggest that the grid square counting scheme
> has much merit. True weak signal techniques are also common to the
> both operators of VLF and VHF/UHF.
> 
> Possibly a VLFCC, VLF Century Club award program, counting grids
> confirmed is reasonable. 25 grids for the basic award and endorsements
> for 5 after that. Basis 4 digit grids would apply but possibly a
> grid field (2 letter grid) award would also be workable
> 
> Possibly a 1X Award for one way or cross band contacts should be
> included.
> 
> I believe that we need the ARRL Board of Directors to establish a
> VLF advisory committee (VLAC) to look at VLF award programs as well as
> other VLF issues. Possibly this has already happened,
> but I have not heard about it.
> 
> If and when we receive FCC allocation of 136 KHz and 160 to 190 KHz,
> should they be considered one band or 2 VLF bands ?
> 
> What are your thoughts ?
> 
> Stan, WA1ECF     AMRAD Life Member,     Cape Cod, MA     FN41sr