[UK-CONTEST] Consultation - NFD

[Colin Potter]

Hi all contesters,

CW-only NFD dates back to the beginnings of amateur radio and SSB field day
is an enjoyable and logical extension. One problem is that it clashes with
the 144MHz Trophy, an RSGB VHF flagship contest coinciding with the IARU
contest and where skilled operators dig signals out of the noise for a
modest score rate but where meaningful reports are given and a locator that
must be accurate to count towards the score! There is therefore a conflict
for clubs and, with the bias towards elderly club members, this may result
in reduced participation in both 24h duration contests.

I therefore suggest, similar to the recent 21/28MHz contest changes, that
the SSB and CW sections are combined, (with harmonised antenna rules) but,
in this case, over the same (NFD) weekend.. The CW "shift" could be from
1500z to 2300z Saturday with SSB on the Sunday from 0700z till 1500z. The
change should increase the QSO rate to levels to challenge even the best
operators. It would however remove the need for overnight operating and I am
sure more clubs would participate with SSB (or CW) alone but hopefully with
both modes. The splitting of a contest weekend is not without precedent as
VHF field day has 6m on the Saturday and 4m on Sunday, so easing the
logistics considerably. This arrangement would then also allow clubs to put
on a station, however modest, for the September 144MHz Trophy.

Whether an open section is needed for HF FD is obviously open to debate but
I do favour G4FKA's sentiments in that the traditions of amateur radio
should be upheld and its useful background of training in putting on a field
station, ostensibly for an emergency. This would imply no clusters,
simplicity, and I would add that meaningful reports could be given. We do
not question other traditional amateur activities that continue being
supported so why not a more traditional NFD? There are plenty of other
contests in the year with rapid fire QSO rates and minimal exchange for the
ambitious.

I would just like to add that I am keen on contests of ALL kinds.

GL 73 Colin Potter M0DDT.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <g4fka at aol.com>
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 4:22 PM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] Consultation - NFD


> Lots of debate so far.
>
> Has it all got too complex I ask? In the late 1940s/early 1950s (long
before
> me I hasten to add!) there was an A and B station per group, one  single
> element wire antenna per station with both length and height limits, and
5w DC
> input maximum power. One section, one set of rules. Station calls and
locations
> were published in advance and folks seemed proud to represent their  town
or
> area.
>
> 50 groups entered in 2006. Over 120 groups entered in 1950. So today's
quiz
> question is, which NFD format was more popular?
>
> NFD is the one opportunity we have to go back to the basics of setting up
> and operating a field day station. There are 51 other weekends a year to
fry the
>  ionosphere and wreck our towers!
>
> Geoff G4FKA
>
>
>
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>
>
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