Problem: It is hard to run the bands on the digital modes efficiently compared to voice/CW. On voice you ask what bands the station has, then agree to band hop with confirmation immediately (the negotiation takes only several seconds). 222 and higher are bands that typically follow contacts made on the major bands like 2M and 6M.
Band hopping using macro messages on digital modes is clumsy and lengthy with confirmation rare, taking more time if you try. Look how many people have 432 capability (any mode) then look at how few contacts are recorded relative to lower bands. Suggestion: I think developing a standardized efficient band hopping mechanism for use in digital mode contesting (mostly VHF?) would be a significant improvement. I do not know what that mechanism looks like for these random band running events. Maybe the standard 73 message can be exchanged for 73 plus a bitmap of the bands available, translated into a readable text by WSJTX. Could be a standardized macro message that when spotted, raises a pop up dialog offering to change bands. One of the bands could be marked as the next or suggested next band. Will take some creative thought. Benefit: Such a capability would surely lead to higher contest scores and increased utilization of the higher bands. Use of web pages and emails do not address the great quantity of random contacts which is the nature of most non-EME/MS contesting. Mike K7MDL EL87sm & CN88sf
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