VHF contests as a propagation study tool

TitleVHF contests as a propagation study tool
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference2026
AuthorsFrench, J
Conference NameHamSCI Workshop 2026
Date Published03/2026
PublisherHamSCI
Conference LocationNewington, CT
Refereed DesignationNon-Refereed
Full Text

There are 5 major vhf contests and two seasonal VHF and above sprints a year that could be used to provide data across a wide spectrum of frequencies and time frame (the whole year).

In each of these events, there are operators that go out and operate in different grids squares, known as "rovers", which would give more data points to either prove or disprove weather, time of year, and other factors of propagation.

Proposal is to gather this data and study to see if operating actually does benefit depending on the time of the year, weather, location, and amount of power used.