[CQ-Contest] FD observations and suggestion

[Guy Molinari]

I think this is one of those arguments where everyone is right.

1)  The charter for the Amateur Service includes (among other things), 
creating a pool of trained radio operators who can assist during times of 
emergency.   The goal of FD seems to be in line with this.

2)  Contesting helps build the necessary operating skills.  It's not enough 
just to set up the equipment under adverse conditions.   You actually have 
to operate.

3)  The secondary (yet critically important) aspect of FD is to have fun.  
This helps recruit new blood into ham radio.   The problem is that each of 
us has a different definition of what fun is.   In my club, there is a group 
of hard core contesters.   Fun is defined as "getting a rate fix" (pardon 
the druggie humour).   Even these guys (myself included) enjoy the social 
aspects of this.  Another group sees the whole event as an opportunity to 
socialize with family and friends in a ham radio club setting.  This 
involves eating, sitting around the campfire, trying out a new unfamiliar 
mode, whatever.

IMHO, a good club should meet all of these needs, but there are clubs that 
specialize as well.   There are a number of large contesting clubs in every 
corner of this country and large parts of the world.  These specialized 
clubs (at least the larger ones) host a FD effort.

The Mike and Key club here in Seattle is a large vibrant club that meets a 
broad range of needs.  There is plenty of good natured ribbing (hard core CW 
contester types vs. laid back SSB guys).

I don't think the D class folks should be excluded, but I do think that 
there should be an INCENTIVE for getting out in the field.   IMHO, it 
probably is bad form to run if you are D class, but if you are in the field 
you probably should run most of the time anyway.

It's all good.

73 - Guy, N7ZG




>From: n4gi at tampabay.rr.com
>To: cq-contest at contesting.com
>Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] FD observations and suggestion
>Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006 10:22:47 -0400
>
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Kelly Taylor <ve4xt at mts.net>
>
> > I can't help but think that maybe it's just us who sees FD as an
> > opportunity
> > for some serious contesting.
>
>Where I am, I think several of the local clubs frown upon "corntester"
>field day attendance.  Some have resorted to doing "secret field day"
>where the final location is only released to "invitees" on the day of
>the event!  Good way to thwart contesters??  There are still some good
>groups, you just have to find them.
>
>73,
>Blake N4GI
>
>
>
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