[UK-CONTEST] HF CW Field Day (Chairman, RSGB Contest Committee)

[Rob Harrison]

Something along the lines of " Ok guys we've got a few things wrong, seeing 
as it's only weeks to the contest we'll run with what's originally proposed, 
and at the earliest opportunity we'll re-visit the rules and come back to 
the forum for comments" would have been the an alternative strategy.

Bob G8HGN

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Alan Ibbetson" <alan at g3xaq.net>
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 10:54 PM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] HF CW Field Day (Chairman, RSGB Contest Committee)


> Ed,
>
> As a member one of those groups that Bob Henderson refers to who has
> "spent the last month preparing to be competitive in the Restricted
> section", I am very much hopping mad and spitting feathers at this
> sudden reversal.
>
> We've organised a pair of switched transmit bandpass filters (designed
> as it happens by Bob), built a dual-band LF dipole and diplexer, and we
> were just on the verge of building a relay driven dual-rig aerial
> switch. Then there's the hours of planning, computer modelling, and
> driving across two counties to meet face to face to thrash out a plan to
> make the best of the pre-11th April rules.
>
> Then, seven weeks before the contest, the committee acts on a number of
> comments it has received but not discussed with the rest of the
> community! As the sitcom has it: "I just do not believe it".
>
> I'd like my money back please, for the stuff I've specially built, for
> the fuel I've wasted going to planning meetings for now-redundant rules,
> and for the mental anguish I've suffered today.
>
> To whom do I send the bill, please? To you, Ed?
>
> Alan G3XAQ
>
>
>
>> You will be aware that the rules for HF CW Field Day have recently been
>> changed.  The Contest Committee has received a number of comments, some
>> expressing legitimate concerns.  These were discussed at a recent
>> Contest Committee meeting, and it has been agreed to make a few more
>> modifications.  The main effect will be to reduce the technological and
>> logistical requirements for groups wishing to enter the Restricted
>> sections, while maintaining their challenge and potential for
>> innovation.  This also maintains the clear distinction with the Open
>> Section.
>>
>> Here is a summary of recent changes:
>>
>> 1.    The definition of "Site" now excludes reference to property
>> limits.  Entrants must still move equipment on to the site no sooner
>> than 24 hours ahead of the start, but this no longer includes welfare
>> and accommodation items.
>>
>> 2.    In the Restricted and Low Power sections:
>>
>> (a)   all vertical antennas contribute to both the antenna length and
>> antenna support allowances -- this corrects an anomaly;
>>
>> (b)   antennas may not be higher than 15m, which is within the
>> capabilities of virtually any group;
>>
>> (c)   a muting requirement applies to receivers used -- this brings
>> operation close to "big knob-little knob" mode, and can be implemented
>> with minimum external circuitry.
>>
>> The updated rules can be found at www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2012/rnfd.shtml
>>
>> The FAQ and diagram pages have been updated and made clearer.
>>
>> For any clarification, please email nfd.notify at rsgbcc.org
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Ed Taylor, GW3SQX
>> Chairman, RSGB Contest Committee
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:09:32 +0300
>> From: Bob Henderson<bob.5b4agn at gmail.com>
>> Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] HF CW Field Day
>> To: "Chairman, RSGB Contest Committee"<g3sqx at edtaylor.org>
>> Cc: UK-Contest at contesting.com
>> Message-ID:
>> <CALBVtwErBWKpTTbzxaNAguymp79w-zO+6OwFbm5sJAicnNN76w at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
>>
>> Wow!  What a slap in the face for the intrepid souls who have risen to 
>> the
>> technical challenges presented by the recently published updated FD 
>> rules.
>>
>> Had I spent the last month preparing to be competitive in the Restricted
>> section, I would be hopping mad and spitting featers at this sudden
>> reversal.
>>
>> As it is, I am thoroughly bemused.
>>
>> Bob, G3ZEM, 5B4AGN
>>
>> On 12 April 2012 15:58, Chairman, RSGB Contest 
>> Committee<g3sqx at edtaylor.org
>>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> You will be aware that the rules for HF CW Field Day have recently been
>>> changed.  The Contest Committee has received a number of comments, some
>>> expressing legitimate concerns.  These were discussed at a recent
>>> Contest Committee meeting, and it has been agreed to make a few more
>>> modifications.  The main effect will be to reduce the technological and
>>> logistical requirements for groups wishing to enter the Restricted
>>> sections, while maintaining their challenge and potential for
>>> innovation.  This also maintains the clear distinction with the Open
>>> Section.
>>>
>>> Here is a summary of recent changes:
>>>
>>> 1.    The definition of "Site" now excludes reference to property
>>> limits.  Entrants must still move equipment on to the site no sooner
>>> than 24 hours ahead of the start, but this no longer includes welfare
>>> and accommodation items.
>>>
>>> 2.    In the Restricted and Low Power sections:
>>>
>>> (a)   all vertical antennas contribute to both the antenna length and
>>> antenna support allowances -- this corrects an anomaly;
>>>
>>> (b)   antennas may not be higher than 15m, which is within the
>>> capabilities of virtually any group;
>>>
>>> (c)   a muting requirement applies to receivers used -- this brings
>>> operation close to "big knob-little knob" mode, and can be implemented
>>> with minimum external circuitry.
>>>
>>> The updated rules can be found at 
>>> www.rsgbcc.org/hf/rules/2012/rnfd.shtml
>>>
>>> The FAQ and diagram pages have been updated and made clearer.
>>>
>>> For any clarification, please email nfd.notify at rsgbcc.org
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Ed Taylor, GW3SQX
>>> Chairman, RSGB Contest Committee
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> UK-Contest mailing list
>>> UK-Contest at contesting.com
>>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
>>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> UK-Contest mailing list
>> UK-Contest at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest
>>
>>
>> End of UK-Contest Digest, Vol 112, Issue 17
>> *******************************************
>>
>
> -- 
>
> Alan Ibbetson
> alan at g3xaq.net
> _______________________________________________
> UK-Contest mailing list
> UK-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/uk-contest