[VHFcontesting] Re: Multiop Rover???

[Eric Smith]

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 02:01:55 -0700
 "Eric Smith" <kb7dqh at donobi.net> wrote:
> With all the talk of late about rule changes, captives,
> circlers, etc... just to throw a monkey wrench into the
> works-- what about multiop rovers?
> 
> Hmmmm... HUH? Multioperator Rover? What the heck?
> 
> YUP!  I propose a station category which would remove the
> limit on the number of persons
> (currently at two) who can participate together as a
> rover
> station. OR, the limitation on the number of locations a
> multioperator station can operate from during a
> contest...
> or something like that.
> 
> I am currently working on (the first?) vehicle designed
> to
> support such an operation.
> 
> It consists of a 33 foot long Bus which would be equipped
> with 4 operating positions, two telescoping masts
> (running
> thru the roof) and possibly a rear mounted tower to be
> used
> for larger antennas to be installed at fixed operating
> points.
> 
> The front mast would support the 6 meter band and 2 meter
> band Yagis, both 12 feet long.
> The rear mast would support Yagis and loopers for 222,
> 432,
> 903 and 1296 Mhz, up to 16 feet in length, with enough
> space to prevent rotation collisions, and keep the
> antennas
> from overhanging the bumpers.  Retracted height of the
> masts would permit non-overheight vehicluar operation of
> all antennas, fixed in the forward or rearward direction.
> 
> Microwave equipment would be deployed as necessary from
> the
> rear of the Bus to make those contacts.  With small horn
> antennas, pointing out the rear windows may be sufficient
> for most such contacts, when the weather would preclude
> setting the gear up outside.
> 
> Two bunks would be installed between the right two
> operating points, and a "dining" table opposite the
> bunks,
> between the other two operating positions, which could be
> lowered to provide yet another berthing space. 
> 
> Such an operation conceivably could operate for extended
> periods of time on the road, minimizing the requirement
> to
> end operations at night, facilitating a huge number of
> grids activated. No longer would multiop fixed or
> portable
> stations have to coordinate contacts with such a rover,
> the
> contacts could be made simultaneously on the several
> bands,
> freeing up valuable operating time needed by rovers to
> work
> everyone else on the frequencies.  This would maximize
> the
> number of stations a rover could contact from any given
> operating point. No longer would single operators have to
> patiently wait for a rover to change bands, with the
> possible exception of microwave.  
> 
> My particular setup would provide for a 6 meter operating
> position, a two meter operating position, a 222/432
> operating position, and 903/1206 operating position.  In
> general, the driver would operate the 2304+ bands when
> the
> rover vehicle has stopped at a point which would provide
> good propagation for those frequencies.
> 
> Sufficient space is available to install bandpass and
> notch
> cavities as required to minimize crossband desense and
> other interference related to the close proximity of the
> equipment and antennas.
> 
> Sound like an interesting project?
> 
> Eric
> KB7DQH
>