[Fourlanders] Rover Rules Changes

Thu Dec 20 15:54:19 EST 2007

Sure, I'll be the APRS "band captain".

The more I think about this, the more possibilities appear.  For example, how nice it will be not to have to guess about beam headings.  

Of course, to provide the same utility to those trying to work us, we would have to  transmit occasionally.  However, due to the proximity of a good digipeater, we would not have to use much power at all.  With a small Yagi, we could probably get by on half a watt or less.

Now, it would be nice to have APRS data available on the network, and visible at each operating position.  While I don't have an answer for that one, I'm sure it is out there.  If anyone knows of something, I'd love to hear it.  I'm sure there is an APRS program that is capable of acting as a server.

W4SKI

Jim Worsham <wa4kxy at bellsouth.net> wrote: Sounds like some great stuff to me.  Does someone want to volunteer to be
APRS "band captain" for next year?  I will have my hands full with some
planned 6 meter station improvements.

73
Jim, W4KXY

-----Original Message-----
From: fourlanders-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:fourlanders-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Rogers, Ron
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 4:49 PM
To: Paul Yeager, ABR(R), REALTOR(R); fourlanders at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Fourlanders] Rover Rules Changes

We won't need to receive 144.39 APRS directly. What we WILL need to take
advantage of this is a reliable internet connection link to be able to get 

into www.findu.com  or http://www.wulfden.org/APRSQuery.shtml to keep tabs
on where the rovers are.

But, if this APRS beaconing for rovers works out, we might also consider
running a portable digipeater from the contest site to further enable
relaying of rover APRS signals to enhance their ability into an internet
gateway for more reliable updates and longer range of APRS coverage for
them.  

If some of you Four Landers have never used these web sites to explore APRS
positioning of amateur stations, try clicking on
http://www.wulfden.org/APRSQuery.shtml and do a query for KD4K (he beacons
from his WX station) or check to see where N4AC might be at the time.

Ron
WW8RR

________________________________

From: fourlanders-bounces at contesting.com on behalf of Paul Yeager, ABR(R),
REALTOR(R)
Sent: Wed 12/19/2007 3:33 PM
To: fourlanders at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Fourlanders] Rover Rules Changes

Well, if it will help, we can easily set up to receive APRS without adding
any noise to the contest site

W4SKI

"Bruce W. Martin"  wrote: Looks like some interesting
Rover Rule changes for VHF/UHF contesting:

I guess the Grid circlers got their way by adding the "Unlimited Rover"
class. Also, it looks like only lip service to discourage captive rovers.

Good News: APRS is legal as a "Advertising method". Look for little Doggie
ICONS roaming on your APRS map.

Bruce

2.3. Rover: A rover is comprised of no more than two operators that moves
among two or more grid squares during the course of a contest. 
An operator may perform any or all rover functions, but a driver's function
shall be limited to driving the vehicle. Drivers may be switched out during
the event. Any number of observers is also allowed, however observers may
not perform any rover function at any time. Rover vehicles with only one
occupant are allowed to perform all functions listed above.

2.3.1.A rover vehicle may transport only one station using a single call
sign. An exception is provided for in "General Rules for All ARRL Contests"
number 3.5 (Family Rule).

2.3.2.A rover may not operate with more than one call sign.

2.3.3.Rover vehicles must transport all the equipment, power supplies, and
antennas used at each operating site.

2.3.4.Rovers MUST sign "rover" on Phone and /R on CW and digital modes after
their call sign.

2.3.5.All Rovers are encouraged to adopt operating practices that allow as
many stations as possible to contact them.

2.3.6.Rover operators may submit separate logs for single operator (fixed
station) in addition to their rover entries. Rovers submitting a score for
inclusion in a club competition must also include a secondary summary sheet
indicating the portion of the score that counts for the club score if any of
the QSOs submitted take place outside of their club's territory.

2.3.7. Rovers are permitted to use APRS. Rovers using APRS transmit only
their call sign and position. Any multi-op station may access rover APRS
data directly or via the Internet.

2.3.8. A rover may not make more than 100 QSOs with any other one rover.

2.4. Limited Rover. Same as the "Rover" class above, but competes with no
more than any four bands of their own choosing. Output power limits shall be
the same as those defined for the Single Operator Low Power category (2.1.1)

2.5. Unlimited Rover. Same as "Rover" class above, but Unlimited Rovers may
use more than two operators and are exempt from rules 2.3.3 and 2.3.8.

--
Bruce W. Martin, KQ4TV
8749 Lebanon Rd.
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
36 13.990N 086 28.220W
EM66sf

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Paul Yeager, ABRR, REALTORR/Broker
Accredited Buyer Representative
Mountain Fever Real Estate
828 400 9442 (cell)
828 926 2545
888 926 2545
828 926 3860 (fax)
paul at mtnlist.com
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What is ABRR?  Find out at http://www.rebac.org 
_______________________________________________
Fourlanders mailing list
Fourlanders at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/fourlanders

_______________________________________________
Fourlanders mailing list
Fourlanders at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/fourlanders

Paul Yeager, ABR®, REALTOR®/Broker
Accredited Buyer Representative
Mountain Fever Real Estate
828 400 9442 (cell)
828 926 2545
888 926 2545
828 926 3860 (fax)
paul at mtnlist.com
www.mtnlist.com

What is ABR®?  Find out at http://www.rebac.org