[UK-CONTEST] GB5HQ

[G3SJJ]

I do see a major problem with this Ed. Firstly the GB5HQ set-up is not 
an RSGB sponsored or lead effort. It probably dates back 10 years or 
more when Chris GM3WOJ used to put on a station, using GB3RS I think. 
 From that beginning it has been developed into a multi-site effort by a 
group of motivated contesters with the eventual Ofcom agreement of 
simultaneous use of the same callsign from several nominated locations.

Whilst most, if not all, hosts and operators are RSGB members, the 
actual connection finishes there as far as I can see. I would guess this 
goes for most HQ stations in other countries also. It is amusing at 
times when say a (Hull) local station calls us and we give "59 RSGB" and 
the guy says "Good to work you people in Potters Bar!"

There seems to be a potential for greater publicity but one of the major 
disadvantages is going to be giving away "commercial secrets" to our 
competitors, which is why all the discussions are taking place on the 
GB5HQ Reflector rather than the UK Contest Reflector. Opening up a 
debate in Radcom or on the UK Contest Reflector is going require giving 
detail which could compromise our efforts. This is nothing to do with 
the RSGB being a secret society.

By the way, I am not a major player in this. I am invited by John G3LZQ 
to join the now established team at his house covering 80 CW and 10 CW. 
I am sure if he wanted to bring on a substitute he would do so, and I 
would be happy to stand aside. John and I have known each other a long 
time, I have operated contests from his QTH, he knows my form and that 
is how selection needs to be in the main. There is some new blood around 
in the teams but as I said before it has to be the choice of the host 
since he is the one that can judge whether an operator will fit in and 
realise the operating aims of that station.

The weakest link of all is not the GB5HQ effort, it is the UK support 
which is well below that of our major competitors.

That is where we need the effort. 12 QSOs per Reflectee would be a nice 
start!!

Chris G3SJJ



Ed - G3SQX wrote:
> I think what Chris (G3SJJ) says about the selection process for GB5HQ 
> stations and operators is sensible, and appears very fair.  However, it 
> would be much more transparent, and a bit of publicity for contesting, if 
> the call for operators and stations were published in RadCom at the 
> beginning of each year.  I know this risks having all kinds of people coming 
> out of the woodwork, but it will help to get rid of the idea that the RSGB 
> is run by a secretive cabal, sometimes half-true.  It would publicise 
> contesting within the UK, which is something we all have an interest in 
> (don't we?), and it might point us in the direction of younger potential 
> contesters who want to know what all the fuss is about.
>
> 73,
>
> Ed, G3SQX
>
>
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