[UK-CONTEST] VHF-NFD Fixed Stations

[Pete Lindsay]

As the original instigator, rule maker, or whatever you would like to call
me, of this section I would like to set out what the committee was trying to
achieve.

The event is a Field Day contest, the idea is to encourage groups to set up
a portable station operational on a number of different VHF/UHF bands, set
up within 24 hours of the contests and using only equipment taken with them,
including power generation. It is therefore a unique event in the calendar.
It is not aimed at fixed station entrants. That said, we did see a possible
way in which fixed stations could be encouraged to join in the fun and come
on during the weekend and try a new section. One that needs *different
skills*. We published a list of registered NFD stations and the folks at
home can see how many they can find and work on each band.  We had two aims
in doing this. Firstly to increase activity and secondly to encourage those
that did come on from home to see what the contest was all about and maybe
go one step further next time and join a group, or even create a new group
and go out portable. The section is a "sweepers" section, so no you can't
call CQ, the skill is in finding the stations to call, not in running 1kw
and waiting for the portables to find you. To say it's bonkers is a bit like
saying that not being able to run in a sprint event is bonkers. Does that
mean we don't want the high power big guns to come on during contest, of
course we do, but they probably would do anyway. Do we want casual stations
"giving points away" who are not interested in the new section to come on,
again, yes we do!

This section was in some ways an experiment, to try something new, so we are
very happy to receive feedback. If you can't find the email address on the
home page of the VHF web site, then send them to me. Will we be looking at
changing this section for next year, maybe adding a QRP section, or some
other variation, yes of course if there is enough interest. Will we be
allowing entrants in a sweepers section to call CQ - no of course not. If
you want to call CQ, no problem, just go out /P and have see how much fun it
can be!

Finally, did it make a difference to activity levels, well I can only give
my personal point of view operating at EI9E/P, where UK activity definitely
seemed to be up on previous years, something we all want don't we? Also we
received a number of calls from people saying "ah, have been looking for
you...", these are the guys who took the rules in the spirit they were meant
and showed you can have fun without calling CQ.



Pete, G4CLA vice-chairman RSGB CC

2009/7/9 Andy Swiffin <a.l.swiffin at dundee.ac.uk>

>  >>> On 09/07/2009 at 14:39, in message <c66.571cc692.37874cfe at aol.com>,
> <G3RAU at aol.com> wrote:
>
> >   So, in my view, fxd  stns should be
> > encouraged to operate without restrictions &  provide extra Qs for the /P
> > guys, but that's all, no prizes, no awards,  & check logs only. Doing
> that
> > stops any danger of fxd stns "winning" or  trying to dominate the
> contest.
>
> I disagree.
>
> There is no danger of fixed stations "wining" they're in their own little
> category and can only compete amongst themselves.
>
> It was a forward thinking idea - to give those who for whatever reason
> weren't able to go out portable on their own or with a group a way of making
> a more active participation.
>
> The category was a great idea, however the no cqing and 100W rule ruins it
> by yet again putting at an advantage those in IO91 and environs and totally
> disadvantages those on the peripheries of the country.    (just like the M2
> mults in NAC).
>
> Andy
> gm8oeg
>
>
> The University of Dundee is a registered Scottish charity, No: SC015096
> _______________________________________________
> UK-Contest mailing list
> UK-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
>
>