[UK-CONTEST] AFS

[Ken Eastty]

Never more so Chris, I see no reason why anyone wouldn't be prepared to 
declare exactly what equipment
they have used and this should be a requirement for all RSGB contests.
It seems to me that anyone claiming to be running 400W from a K3 etc. 
may have something to hide,
I've been waiting to see if anyone had an answer to this but it 
apparently not.

The whole AFS situation laughable, it's like a motor race where a few 
have F1 RBR's, McLaren's etc.
whilst the rest have anything with 3 or 4 wheels, all running in a 
single class without any scrutineers and it seems
in some cases not even on the same track! Can you imagine any other 
'sporting' event where this would be accepted?

When around 2/3 of the entrants only run 100W and have low antennas (but 
not necessarily both together)
perhaps it's time for two sections in AFS, 'Unlimited' where anything 
goes (although as it's not a DX
event the use of QRO is questionable) & restricted (for example 100W 
maximum & antennas no
higher than 40 ft.) AND only open to members of 'proper' clubs.

The number of entrants shows a general decline down from a peak in 2002 
of 271 to 211 this year.
" Where have all the stations gone, is this the end of AFS?" and other 
similar comments.
It's hard to draw any exact comparisons but over the same time it seems 
that the HF NFD entry has
remained fairly constant which tends to indicate that there's something 
wrong with AFS in its present format.
A few years ago 13 CARA  members took part in AFS this year there were 
just 3 of us,
although we have sadly had several members go SK's recently others who 
used to take part in AFS no longer
do so but between 6-10 members now take part in the CC CW events.
Unless some action is taken the numbers taking part in AFS next year may 
well be down even further.

73...

Ken

G3LVP



>> As equipment details form part of the entry submission then all those who
>> declared K3's etc. running 400W should be disqualified, they obviously
>> aren't telling the truth (&  "linear" isn't enough either) why are so many
>> people shy about the equipment that they use?
>>
> A somewhat sweeping statement, Ken, which I hope you don't really mean !
>
> 73
> Chris
> GM3WOJ
>
>
>
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