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

[Stewart Bryant]

This demonstrates exactly why contest rules should
be developed using an open consultation process
with the amateur community and not developed
in private and handed down on tablets of stone.

Stewart/G3YSX

On 12/04/2012 22:54, Alan Ibbetson wrote:
> 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
>> *******************************************
>>
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