Maybe now the moment has come that the committee of the 'Peter Bobek Award'
takes a clear desicion under what circumstances a QSO on 136kHz is valid
(for the award).
I believe that the 3 societies involved (AMRAD, DARC and RSGB) have
sufficient expertise to make a valid decision, taking into account the
'rules' that are used so far in other weak signal domains (EME, MS) and the
specific circumstances of the longwave ham band.
After the recent QSO's of G3LDO, VE1ZZ/ZJ, VA3LK and G3AQC it is most
likely that more transatlantic contacts will happen with the next time.
If we have clear rules then :
1. those who are going for it will know in advance what they have to do
2. painfull discussions afterward will (hopefully) be avoided.

It might be interesting to know that there is a similar chalenge on 144MHz,
the 'Brendan Trohpy', see http://www.irts.ie/brendan.htm

73, Rik  ON7YD

PS : it is my personal opinion that, if it is decided that the past
performances are not considered valid QSO's, some recognition for those who
have set these important steps in the right direction are in order.


At 09:42 20/02/01 +0100, you wrote:

I hope the reflector is a place where everybody can say his word without
being afraid. I would burn myself into exhilaration to celebrate the first
2-way QSO, but the fact that it took so long prevents me from that. After a
big hesitation I must admit that I agree with John.
It doesn't mean that this QSO had no meaning. No doubt it is another step
forward. Congrats to both operators.

73 Petr OK1FIG