[UK-CONTEST] Top Band 4 Square and SSBNFD

[ADRIAN REES]

Hi all
Couple of things:
 
Thanks to all those who replied, on and off list, with requests for help regarding Top Band 4 Squares. I have modelled the installation and whilst the "nested" 3.5MHz 4 Square only exhibits slight lobe distortion because of the close proximity of the towers (slightly flatter main lobe sides, maybe 0.2dB loss of gain and 1-2dB loss in F/B) the Top Band one is, well, crawling along, with some quite significant interaction with all the metal work around, resulting in little or no F/B (maybe F/B Ratio of 2dB !) Gain of 1.2dB although take off angle is ok at 22 / 24 Degrees.Some more modelling and analysis required here. 
 
The other thing is the use of the "Big Knob / Little Knob" technique, in the restricted section of SSB FD. This  is a really clever design interpretation of the rules, and it explains a few things heard on air. It would also be an extremely useful technique in other contests for working mults.
 
However, (and not wishing to cause a riot and all that),  it is an interpretation of the rules for SSB FD but is it in the spirit of the contest ? I'm not sure. I know Rules is Rules, but if we are "Gentlemen Contesters" is this Gentlemenly Tactics ? 
 
I'll go and put on the Flak Jacket and Hard Hat...
 
 
73