[CQ-Contest] Field Day Rules

[Ed Sawyer]

Thanks Ron.

I don't particularly have a suggestion as to whether SO2R or Multi-Single
techniques are called 1 transmitter or 2 transmitter.  After all, its field
day.

But I believe whoever can re-word the rules should do so to be more clear on
the simple fact of whether 1 operator can in fact operate a 2 transmitter
category under any condition or not.  And secondly, is the old "octopus"
reference really mean today's switching to make sure only one transmission
occurs at a time?  If so, it should be stated as such to give good
direction.

Clear rules would insure that good competition and fairness occurs.

For this contest, I think I will sign 2E to be sure its legit when I do some
SO2R.

Ed  N1UR

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Notarius W3WN [mailto:wn3vaw at verizon.net] 
Sent: Saturday, June 4, 2016 9:03 PM
To: sawyered at earthlink.net; cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: RE: [CQ-Contest] Field Day Rules

Ed:

The rule in question dates back a good many years, to the 1970's if not
earlier.

If memory serves, the purpose of the rule was to prevent a Field Day station
from running two or more stations on the same band/mode at the same time.  

Otherwise, using the mechanical "octopus" lockout system, a station could
have two transmitters on the same band/mode, in different parts of the band
of course, taking turns calling CQ or making contacts; so long as only one
transmitted at a time, it technically wasn't in violation of the rules.

Remember that Field Day is not supposed to be a contest.  Or more correctly
(IMHO) it is more than simply a contest.  But without going into that...

The rule in question predates SO2R as we currently know it, at least as a
wide-spread method of contest operating.  (I am aware that there were a very
few who were operating as what we now know of at SO2R, but it certainly
wasn't as practical or popular for the majority as it is now)

Now, it is clearly much too late to do anything (presuming doing anything is
even warranted) for FD 2016.  

But, if you feel the rule (as written) is out of date, might I humbly
suggest that you come up with a replacement?  Something that would cover
legitimate SO2R operating for a single-op, while also maintaining the intent
of the existing rule in terms of a multi-operator FD station?

73, ron w3wn

-----Original Message-----
From: CQ-Contest [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ed
Sawyer
Sent: Friday, June 03, 2016 6:57 PM
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Field Day Rules

>From the Field Day Rules:

 

"The use of switching systems that allow for lockouts

in order to use multiple transmitters (i.e., an "octopus") in an attempt to
enter a lower-number-of-transmitters

class are prohibited (i.e. using 2 transmitters that can transmit
simultaneously, with two operators, and a lock-out

system and entering class 1A). The use of simulcasting devices which allow a
single operator to key and transmit on more than one transmitter at a time,
is prohibited."

 

"The use of more than one transmitter at the same time on a single band-mode
is prohibited."

 

It is hard to understand what the intent of these rules are.  Is traditional
SO2R operation allowed?  It kind of seems so but is hard to be sure.  

 

Can a "Multi-Single" style system be used which would have a run and second
radio interlocked be used?  It would seem not.  But only because there is
more than one operator?

 

Anyone with an idea or knowledge?

 

73

 

Ed  N1UR

 

 

_______________________________________________
CQ-Contest mailing list
CQ-Contest at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest


---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus