[UK-CONTEST] Objectives of NFD?

[Ian White GM3SEK]

GM3YEH wrote:
>>
>>
>> >>  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?
>>
>
>An old mentor of mine, Dave GM2BUD (SK), told me on a number
>of occasions that NFD being a test of the ability to operate under emergency
>conditions was a myth imported from the USA.  He maintained that this was
>not an original aim of our RSGB NFD when it started.  I've never seen hard
>evidence to confirm or deny this - but I would be rather surprised if it
>turned out that Dave was mistaken on this point.  Anyone out there with a
>good NFD historical library to consult?
>

Most definitely it is time to think again about NFD, but the only place 
we can start from is here and now.

History - either real or imagined - won't get us anywhere. If we want an 
"emergency portable" style of NFD, it has to be because we want it TODAY 
(or rather, commencing from next year).

The way forward may well be to make the Restricted and Open sections 
more different from each other, going "back to basics" for the 
Restricted (if that turns out to be what a majority want) while making 
the Open more... well, open.

Anyway, that debate is for next week and beyond. For everyone who is out 
this weekend, GL and clear sailing!


-- 

73 from Ian GM3SEK
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek