[UK-CONTEST] NFD

[Paul O'Kane]

On 02/06/2011 10:44, Andy Cowley wrote:

> This is _NOT_ a change in the rules. It is a clarification of the existing rules.
> Packet radio communications are specifically allowed, so external spotting aids
> are allowed. Self spotting is banned. So Skimmer and RBN and DX cluster are allowed.

I have had the impression, however naive it may be,
that the main objective of NFD was to demonstrate
the absolute independence of amateur radio as a
communications medium.

 From the 2011 RSGB Yearbook - "Field days were
originally intended to test the ability of amateur
radio groups to operate under emergency conditions,
using temporary stations and portable power sources,
as might be necessary after a natural disaster."

Has anything changed?  If so, what are the present
objectives of NFD?

If the use of power utilities is prohibited, it
seems incongruous, if not plain daft, that the use
of communications utilities is permitted.

That covers "packet radio" and the RBN which require
the internet, a communications utility.  But what
about Skimmer?  Again, it seems incongruous to
permit multi-channel CW decoders, or any decoder,
in a supposedly CW contest.

The fact that others are using Skimmer and the
internet is no excuse - lemmings and sheep come
to mind.

73,
Paul EI5DI