[UK-CONTEST] Some thoughts on Cabrillo, the world, the universe & everything ..

[G3SJJ]

Apologies but Outlook doesn't appear to differentiate between the original
e-mail and my replies, ie it won't put in those little arrows!
Sorry its long, but so was Don's!


[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Donald Field
Subect: [UK-CONTEST] Some thoughts on Cabrillo, the world, the universe
& everything ..

A few observations on the recent discussion

1. Chris G3SJJ says the HFCC has changed the rules and that it is necessary
for THEM to get Cabrillo implemented by software authors. Apart from the
fact that I never saw THEM gettting RSGB format adopted by software authors
when Chris was HFCC Chairman (other than SD, but that was largely through
Paul's initiative), the fact is THEY are doing exactly that (and Clive, no,
it's not a secret). Paul EI5DI has mentioned that he has been working
closely with HFCC to implement Cabrillo for RSGB contests.

SJJ Comment - You're probably correct Don, obviously it was discussed. I
seem to remember ADIF coming along and overtaking this. Good to see there is
some action though and I would applaud that. The point I was making was that
the inference seemed to be that either it was up to me to contact to writers
or that I should purchase and then learn to use SD.

2. Having said this, the issue really isn't as big as some of you are making
out. Most contests require some or all of the following to be exchanged:
RS(T), Serial Number, Other (Post Code, IOTA, Canton, State, etc.). So, for
example, with AFS, BERU, and others, you can, as Tim M0BEW points out, use a
serial number format from Writelog, CT, etc. (for example, CQ WPX) and
you'll be 99% of the way there, only having to edit the header (the
equivalent of the old cover sheet). Yes, the HFCC is recommending an "ideal"
Cabrillo format for each contest, but even a "close to ideal" would be way
better than the mish-mash of logs which arrive currently. The one
significant decision which has been made (in close dialogue with Trey N5KO,
who devised Cabrillo in the first place) is to recommend dummy data (dashes)
where there is no data item to go in the field. For example, in 1.8MHz, if
you work a non-UK station, then ideally you should put dashes in the "Postal
Area" field. This makes life much easier for the adjudicator when parsing
the data into, say, a spreadsheet or database for checking purposes. G3SJJ
keeps mentioning the Club Calls Contest. As far as I am aware, this is the
ONLY RSGB event that doesn't fall reasonably neatly into the pattern (how
did you require Club Calls logs submitted electronically when you were
Chairman Chris?).

SJJ Comment - My original view was just that, ie carry on as before, except
put details in the header. It was Paul who said :
....You may be satisfied, but you are wrong.  The programs you
....mention do not fully support RSGB contests with dustrict codes.
> 1 - I should not have to contact the software writer and
> 2 - I should not have to modify the file.
....Unfortunately, you will have to do one or the other.

Ref Club Calls, electronic submission for this one was never really tackled.
I guess we should have talked straight and said just send in a paper log!
The reason I mentioned it was because I was quite surprised to see a
Cabrillo format listed. We all seem to be hung up on the idea that we must
use cumputers to enter and adjudicate all contests. I would not even
entertain the thought of fully computerised operating in this contest. It is
a fun event and one that lends itself well to encourgaing beginners.
Certainly use SD/NA/CT/WL/TR to log the callsign and produce the serial
number, then write the club name on a paper log sheet. Once typed into
Excel, the listing can be used in subsequent years. Likewise with
adjudication, it's not a big contest, particularly with the reduced entry
level compared with some year ago.


3. Chris G3SJJ has asked at least three times about exactly what is checked.
This is curious, as Chris knows the answer himself

SJJ Comment - That's just the point Don. I don't know. The original checking
software was written by G3VHB about 8 years ago. It was DOS based and used
DB4 files. I think Ian G3TMA ran a few IOTA logs though it back in about
1996 or 97, but really after that the contest had really outgrown it. Dave's
explanations is really great

.4.  The rule change in IOTA about allowing simultaneous operation by the
mult. station (leading to the problem) is one brought in by
G3SJJ when he was IOTA Contest Manager. As G4BUO says, I am not aware of it
being a problem in other RSGB contests.

SJJ - (BTW I wasn't IOTA Contest Manager, but that is another story!) My
recollection is that the rule about only one transmission was considered by
entrants and committee as unworkable. You have to be able to call the new
mult when he is listening. At GU8D we haven't really experienced any great
problems, but on the other hand I think we have been a bit niave. I will be
corresponding privately with Don on this matter.


I am not an HFCC member and in the past have, like some of you, been
critical of the HFCC. Since taking on the IOTA Contest I have had some
insight into what the HFCC is doing, and I see a number of very positive
developments:

1. To start with log formats, in the past the HFCC accepted RSGB format,
ADIF, CT .RES, etc. This was confusing for all concerned. The move to
Cabrillo is a clear signal and in a year or two, as some have rightly said,
we'll wonder what all the fuss was about.

SJJ comment - Probably so, VHB even said he could accept word-processor
files initially! ADIF certainly confused the issue.

2. The current HFCC inherited a contests program which was a mish-mash with
no clear mission (i.e. no answer to the question "what are RSGB contests
trying to achieve, which other contests don't address?"). While it may not
be to universal agreement, some courageous moves have been made to
rationalise that program.

SJJ comment - Agree, Ed SQX and myself tried in numerous occasions to
rationalise the program, without success. We only need 3 or possibly 4 well
thought out contests.

3. The trophies program was a mess, run by the dead rather than the living.
I kid you not - most trophies are donated by clubs after a member has died
(in memoriam), and the HFCC has had little say in what they are used for.
HFCC is now attempting to identify gaps in the trophies program, and go
looking for sponsors. To my mind a very big step forward.

SJJ Comment - Absolutely true. There was also the time when a (late)
president decided to have all trpohies retained at HQ, just like they do at
my golf club, boyo, down in the valleys. I was most unpopular (nothing
changes) when I threatend to withdraw HFCC from the HF convention. It
worked!

4. Certificates were tired and outdated. New designs have been produced and
will be appearing shortly I believe.

SJJ comment - Excellent news. Don BJ kindly used his influence whilst at
ICL, but a new design now would really help.

5. HFCC has been wrestling with RSGB management about results publication.

SJJ comment - Doesn't sound as though this one has changed much. Dave BUO
and myself have spent a lot of time and energy on this one over the years.
Without those efforts, the coverage in Radcom would be even less than it is
now and possibily listings would only contain the top ten or so!

6. A lot of technological progress has been made on log submission,
checking, etc. Expect this to be extended even further, for example with
submission via a Web page, making it possible to have almost instant and
automatic lists of claimed scores.

SJJ comment - Excellent news, but just a thought, if we are submitting
Cabrillo, we don't need to work out our claimed score?

Of course, this all relies on human beings. I have the advantage of no
longer having to work for a living, but most of the volunteers still have
jobs and, often, young families.  Any of you who have done this sort of work
in the past will know it's a thankless task. Write them a letter of support,
or buy them a drink when you next see them!

SJJ Comment- Agreed and I'll buy a round for sure. Thanks guys

Chris G3SJJ