[UK-CONTEST] Commonwealth 2004

[Mike Farmer]

I accept the need for a more level playing field but I do not think this is
really the way forward and it will level the playing field at one point and
put it uphill at another.

The Antenna restrictions used by the RSGB are (in my opinion) counter
productive as they prevent station performance improvements through better
antennas. They are (in my view) detrimental to one of the fundamental object
of Amateur Radio that is to use the lowest power possible to make your
contact.

Over a period of time (before and post computer logging) I have commented on
the need for the Antenna restrictions and, as my contest station (100w to a
tribander and dipole) now has to compete against stations using the full
legal limit (and some!!!!) I have given up taking part in contest which
restrict antennas.

My suggestion is have meaningful power limits i.e. 10w and down, 100watts
and down, 200 watts and down
For the real QRP boys then 5 watts and down is a option in these days of
computer scoring it cannot be a difficult thing to introduce.

73 all
Mike
G3VAO

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dave Sergeant" <dsergeant at btinternet.com>
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 10:26 AM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Commonwealth 2004


> On 17 Mar 2004 at 7:40, G3WPH wrote:
>
> > I have already seen one comment on the reflector that with a modest
> > station like mine you are only competing against yourself - a
> > sentiment I share. This does not have to be the case and consequently
> > this year I will be suggesting the inclusion of an additional
> > restricted section for modest stations - something like 100 watts and
> > single element antennas restricted in height to 15 metres.  I seem to
> > remember that the old RSGB 7MHz contest had such a section and the
> > RSGB 21/28 MHz contests still do.  I'm interested in the thoughts of
> > others on this reflector -a good idea or not?
>
> I was not going to bore you all with my entry of 40 QSOs and not a
> single VK/ZL in sight..... QRP entry, K2 at 5W into my 60ft long
> wire.
>
> I repeat however the comment I put on my enty both last year and
> this, that there should be something more than just a difference
> between 12 and 24 hours operating between the open and restricted
> sections. Last year I did not keep tabs on the time and ended up in
> the open section, this year I made sure I kept as restricted.
> Operating QRP meant I spent more time trying to work people and I
> needed all the time I could get and yet I was competing with the
> 400W/beam stations, something not quite fair!
>
> I would suggest the restricted section is indeed low power/restricted
> antennas similar to the NFD rules. Whether that is 10W or 100W or
> maybe a new Low Power section is for the committee to decide, but it
> may encourage more participation from the less well equipped stations
> (some of whom see this contest as 'boring').
>
> For what I did manage to work (including 5Z4DZ on 20m and very nearly
> also on 40m) I certainly enjoyed the weekend - but more as an
> opportunity to grab some new 2004 slots than a serious hope of
> winning...
>
> 73 Dave G3YMC
>
> dave at davesergeant.com
> http://www.davesergeant.com
>
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