[UK-CONTEST] Comments to RSGB HFCC / Decline in 2m contest activity FAO SJJ

[Adrian Rees]

Hi Chris
Thanks for the email response. 
Of course you are quite correct, in as much as the fisrt Field Days were indeed meant to practice emergency communications in times of disaster, in the post "hot" war years of the early cold war. Indeed the War Department (before it was the MoD) used to fund the likes of the Royal Signals ARS, RAF ARS and RN ARS as it provided a ready pool of trained operators, and this was one of the reasons Amateur Licences were given out without examinations, to ex Service Radio Operators. 
 
Thanks for the info regarding SR2O and SO2V. The method you describe, in using a second VFO, I use at the moment with my 756PII, although it isn't the easiest of things to do ! I am practicing ! I agree regarding the advances in technology, and the required investment in time to learn the techniques, and I can see the value in doing so.
 
Maybe the following structure is closer to what I was talking about:

For example SSB FD:
 
Open Section: As now
 
Restricted Section: As now
 
SOUA (Single Op un assisted): As restricted section, however, only one operator, no cluster, no SO2V or SR2V, max 18 hours operation.(Note: although only one operator, more than one person can assist in building the station, putting masts up etc).
 
SOUA2 As SOUA but only one person does everything.
The thing is, SOUA would attract the club who can only muster one or two operators to run for the whole contest, but does have a few extra pairs of hands. Furthermore its a simple station, and would , I think, attract the newcomers, as they could concentrate on the actual Radio skills.
 
The second Category, SOUA2, may well attract the VHF Backpacker entrant to HF contesting, as the station would be simple, and the challenge would be similar to the backpackers, which is very popular.My point regards cost, is that the newer entrants into the hobby, who we are trying to attract to contesting, would have more than likely gone out and bought a shack in a box type of rig, or bought older type kit. Which may not support SR2V working or be difficult and complex to set up for SO2V etc, which is beyond the operator. 
 
This category is literally a transceiver and log book (paper or computer) aerial system and power supply.A "man pack" in effect.
 
I would also time limit the entrants, ie, If an entrant comes within the top 3 of a section for, say two years, they have to move up to a different section for at least two years. 
 
My own opinion is that some of the categories and rules, in general, favour a style of operating that is complex and demanding to learn for beginners, or those using old kit, therefore considerably reducing the chances of winning. By creating sections that level the playing field, and promote single op entry with simple equiptment I think will foster and develop the skills and interest in contesting. After all, if you enter a competition, you generally want to win, or at least improve you score, year on year, and, we have to get people interested in the first place. 
 
I shall now don my hard hat and fire suit, and await rescue !
73
Adrian MW1LCR
   
-----Original Message-----
From: uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:uk-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Chris G3SJJ
Sent: 11 September 2008 20:29
Cc: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] FW: Comments to RSGB HFCC / Decline in 2m contest activity

Adrian, I think you have a point. Whilst initially Field Days were meant to be group events to ensure that emergency communications could be available in times of national disaster, times and technology have moved on. It is interesting to note that the Low Power Contest in July 40 had 40 entrants and 4 sections, yet last year's SSB FD had 49 entrants and only 2 sections. I don't see why a single op section should not be included.
One thing I would suggest to you though is that SR2O (aka Big Knob Man, Little Knob Man) and SO2V (Single Operator, Two VFO) don't require "a significant spend on hardware" as you suggest. They do however require "time to learn" as you say, but then contesting is just that - learning new techniques to make your operating slicker and more efficient.
Many popular radios now have a 2nd receiver. Those that haven't usually have a 2nd VFO. Indeed I taught myself a basic form of SO2V back in the 1980s using a TS930. CQing on VFO A, pushing VFO B button to identify a potential QSO, back to A to CQ, B to get the callsign, A to CQ etc. 
After several iterations I could determine if I needed the station and then hit VFO B to do it. You can do that on a K2 now. Radios that have a Sub Rx, FT1kMP etc, just make the a bit easier in that you can actually listen to both frequencies at once, but the operating skill is still required and needs to be learnt.
SR2O is exactly the same except the only "significant spend" is a 2nd op, 2nd computer and short Ethernet crossover cable. OK for SSB it will make it easier if you have a SR2O switch box, but this is hardly significant expenditure being a small project box, bit of veroboard, couple of DIL relays, a couple of diodes and some connectors, plus inteconnecting cabling. You would probably have change from a 20 quid note for a pint or two of real ale. We used this at GU4CHY/P last weekend and yes, some of the ops had to learn new skills, but as I say that is what it is all about.
I would go along with your thoughts but stop at ruling out developing new skills. Without that then contesting wouldn't survive.
Chris G3SJJ