[UK-CONTEST] SSB Field Day '05

Thu Sep 15 10:26:11 EDT 2005

This is an interesting thread, and I have been following
with interest.
It seems to me that what this is about, is centred on three
points:

1. Multipliers, how the contest station gets to know about
them (callsign, freq etc)
2. How these multipliers are passed to the operator of the
contest station (assuming SSB Field Day Style operations)
3. How fast the relevant band changes / freq changes can
occur.  

I can understand the use of an internal "private cluster".
(IE Someone sets up DX Spider (or similar) with a feed from
the Public Network,(Internet) as well as a feed from the
Private Network (or team spotters, RF Based Packet).
Therefore, the spotters are the rest of the world. The
"Local" or "Team" spotters, check out the the Public Network
Spots, confirm the existance, strength etc (assesing
feasibility of contest station to work them) and re-spot on
the "Private Network".(Reality is that any checked out spots
aren't re transmitted to the public Dx Cluster, thereby
proving the existence of this technique, which lets face it,
is used in other contests, quite legitemately). 

Meanwhile, operator of contest station see's spot, spotted
twice (once by "public spotter", once by team member,
thereby letting the Op know of the feasibility of working
the station, ie its a "live one") then using PC Control of
Rig / Linear, double clicks spotted Freq, Linear and Rig
Re-Tune, Op calls Mult Station, works him, jumps back to
original run freq, and carries on. 

The spotting station could do with a copy of the Op's Log
book in front (well summary sheet) so needed mults can be
spotted straight away. 

Of course all of this is done using PC's (as well as some
creative interpretation of the rules) and could be
replicated using paper (slow) or other network
communications techniques, thereby avoiding the use of a
"private cluster" (Net Send, for example)in fact, because
the rules state "Private Cluster" then using other Computer
Communications Techniques can be legitmised....."not using a
cluster, Guv!"

My own opinion is that an adjustment of the rules is a
better way to go. Perhaps even a third Field Day Category ? 

These would be:

Restricted Section: as is. 

Open Section: as is, but no Assistance whatsoever from
Spotting or Cluster Activities, can use a PC to log, but
thats it. 

Open "Plus" Section: No holes barred, use what you want, as
long as its within the T&C's of your licence, interpret the
rules how you want. 

The Restricted Section and the Open Section would each also
be subject to a 10 minute rule. That is you have to stay on
the band for 10 minutes, and show it in the log. (Can anyone
explian why the 10 minute rule isn't in place or was removed
?)  
The Open Plus Section would not be covered by this. 

The Restricted Section and Open Section, would also require
site registration, so an invigilator could come along and
inspect, at any time during the contest. 
The Open Plus section would not be covered by this. 

As a final couple of thoughts;

The Restricted and Open Sections, ran like this would
encourage operating without the use of "Aids" (DX Cluster
etc) and would probably develop skills in propagation and
operating, similar to the days before we had DX Clusters. 

As contesters we have to realise that there are stations,
that can put out an impressive signal, build a massive score
and justly win. They achieve this by the use of technology,
computing and expertise. Maybe its time these dedicated
contest stations and teams play on their own pitch, in an
"Open Plus" section. 

Perhaps winners of each section, if they win 3 years on the
trot, should retire from that section, for a year or two,
and move to the next section up (or down!) as a challenge
and an inducement for others to have a go for the top.

Adrian Rees (M1LCR)

----- Original Message Follows -----
From: Jim Balls <jim at j1mbo.f9.co.uk>
To: "Uk-Contest at Contesting.Com" <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] SSB Field Day '05
Date: Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:50:51 +0100
> 
> Not sure Nick, would you class a second station with a
> receiver looking  for multipliers by checking the live
> logbook on a remote PC then sending  the information to
> the actual operating station as a private cluster, if  so
> then M0CAM were outside the rules even in the open section
> as Rule  4(e) is for all sections in all RSGB contests.
> 
> I still feel the rules are very vague and some
> clarification should be  made so we are all singing from
> the same hymn book, at the moment its  very flaky!
> 
> Jim
> 
> Nick Lewis wrote:
> 
> >Hi,
> >Isn't it covered by Rule 4(e) in the General Rules,
> rather than the SSB FD >specific rules:
> >"(e) Simultaneous transmissions on more than one
> frequency below 30MHz are >not permitted, but in
> multi-operator / assisted events use of VHF/UHF to >access
> the DX cluster is permitted. Access must be to the public
> cluster >network, private clusters are not permitted."
> >I've no idea when the "private cluster" bit was
> incorporated. >
> >73s
> >Nick
> >MW0JGE
> >
> >  
> >
> >>-----Original Message-----
> >>From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:uk-contest- >>bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> Jim Balls >>Sent: 15 September 2005 09:21
> >>To: Uk-Contest at Contesting.Com
> >>Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] SSB Field Day '05
> >>
> >>Hi Dave,
> >>
> >>Thanks for the reply, I don't see any major changes this
> year, maybe >>they are due for 2006?
> >>
> >>As I read them on the Contest Website, the rules are
> very vague,  maybe >>under the restricted section it
> should be made more clear that only 1 >>station and 1
> antenna may be set up on site within something like a 1/4
> >>mile radius, I know with the ease of current
> communications it could >>still be abused by using a
> remote listening station , maybe even a few >>permanent
> addresses linking to the contest station via RF but at
> least >>it takes away the ability to have a "local" search
> station linked by lan >>and operated by the contest team.
> >>
> >>I can now see how they always managed to get so many
> more mulitpliers >>over us!
> >>
> >>Could this be mentioned at the HF Convention, as I guess
> thats where the >>rules are decided for the contests?
> >>
> >>Dave Lawley wrote:
> >>
> >>    
> >>
> >>>Hi Jim
> >>>
> >>>I believe that's what they mean by rule changes for
> this year. The >>>ability to use cluster has been
> clarified, ruling out what they did in >>>previous years
> which was, at the least, questionable. >>>
> >>>73, Dave G4BUO
> >>>RSGB HF Contests Committee
> >>>
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> >>
> >
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> 
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