The wording of the rule, for Class A stations, from
http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2013/2013%20Rules.pdf is :
"To be listed as Class A, all contacts must be
made with transmitter(s) and receiver(s) operating independent of
commercial power mains."
I have never interpreted this to mean that computers, lights and other
non-transmitters and non-receivers must be operated independently from
commercial power mains.
Looking forward to my 41st Field Day.
73,
Steve, N2IC
On 05/15/2013 12:18 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:
Maybe not. If the computer is connected to the radio and directly controls it
(such as telling it to send CQ or the exchange), then it becomes part of the
radio and should be included on the radio power system. If you want to run the
computer from mains power, do not connect it to the radio.
Power meters (output power and SWR) generally don't need power if you use the
old-fashioned ones with meter. If they need dc power to run the display, then
they, too, are part of the radio and should be powered from the radio supply.
In the WVARA AB efforts we are very careful as to what gets run from battery
and what doesn't. Fans (during the day) are just about the only thing that
doesn't get battery power. We operate from a nature preserve, and there is
nothing but the batteries we provide between sundown and sunup (no generators
allowed in the preserve during that time period). Non-radio items (normally
just lighting at night, may also include a small fan) is generally run from
non-radio batteries.
In general, though, if it is something that controls the radio, it runs on the battery
supply. That includes the radio, auto tuners, power / SWR meters, control computers,
antenna switchers, keyers, and the like. In a "real" emergency, these _would_
be powered by the emergency supply. And yes, a computer might be in use for these things
at time. Keeping a record of passed emergency traffic is awfully important.
Jack Brindle, W6FB
Sent from my iPad
On May 15, 2013, at 4:40 AM, Aldewey@aol.com wrote:
Technically, only the rigs need to be on emergency power in the Class A
category. All other items (i.e lights, computer, etc.) can be on commercial
mains.
73,
AL, K0AD
In a message dated 5/15/2013 6:04:42 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
jeff@ac0c.com writes:
The FD rules specify the rig must be run from a power source other than
mains.
But how would station accessories (like a power meter used to ensure QRP
power compliance, for example) or non-station gear (lighting, computer, etc)
treated?
I can see it either way. However, it seems to me that in a real
emergency, the only thing that counts is power to the rig. Anything a guy
brings to
facilitate contest scoring (computers), personal comfort (electric seat
warmer) or whatever would not be there in an emergency and I expect is not
considered “rig”.
73/jeff/ac0c
www.ac0c.com
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
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