[UK-CONTEST] DX Cluster + FD Contests

[Adrian Rees]

For most Clubs, getting the membership out for a Field Day contest is difficult enough, adding the "complexity" of a Cluster connection may well be the last straw for them.
 
At the moment using a cluster in contests is left, at the discretion of the team / operator. I think that there are enough contests already that allow use of a cluster, and would like to see FD Style contests run without a cluster. I don't think that the decision about whether or not to use a Cluster should be left to the team / operator, it should be in the rules of FD style contests.
 
This would then rely upon the skill of the operator to gain as many multipliers as possible.
 
But, I can see that a number of operators demand a Cluster for FD operations. 
 
So Restricted Section, 100W, no cluster (no operator / team  choice in the matter) simple aerials.
Open Section, anything goes.
 
The simplicity of this type of Restricted Section, may even bring out more entrants, due to the fact the pitch is levelled. 
 
Selling the option of  "cluster use is up to the operator / team, take it or leave it" means that those who have Cluster access, the ability to fully computer control the station, even down to specific hardware, will have an advantage over those who do not. This is all well and good, and there are numerous contests for this, but operating FD style should be pure and simple  Radio. 
 
As an aside, many years ago, I had the priveledge of watching Al, G4CVC, operate SSB FD for Liverpool & DARS. (We won it three years on the trot, and retired). No cluster, just skill.  I think removing the Cluster option (and I am sure someone will now argue that FD is a Multi Op event, and a Cluster is an Op....yawn!) from the restricted section will facilitate more entries in the Restricted Section of FD events, yet leaving the Open Section for the Cluster dependent. 
 
I'll be operating SSB FD this year, Restricted Section, no Cluster. 
 
Adrian Rees MW1LCR