[VHFcontesting] Time to Change VUCC Rules?

[Les Rayburn]

Ken, 

I doubt that any card checker would rule contacts made using high power LED arrays, which are the state of the art in optical communications as “ineligible” for award credit. But under the current rules, Lasers are the only type of emitter allowed above 300 Ghz. 

It’s strictly a formality, but I do believe the rules for VUCC credit should be brought into agreement with the current (recently changed) rules for ARRL VHF/UHF Contests (where LED’s are allowed) 

73,

Les N1LF



From: Ken Alexander 
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 7:27 PM
To: VHF Contesting Reflector ; Les Rayburn 
Subject: Re: [VHFcontesting] Time to Change VUCC Rules?

Hi Les,

So far, I don't see what the problem is.  What exactly is it that you think is going to be ruled ineligible, and why?

73,

Ken Alexander
VE3HLS



--- On Mon, 11/22/10, Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com> wrote:

> From: Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com>
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] Time to Change VUCC Rules?
> To: "VHF Contesting Reflector" <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>, vhf at w6yx.stanford.edu
> Date: Monday, November 22, 2010, 10:18 PM
> Considering the recent rules changes
> for ARRL VHF/UHF Contest regarding optical communications,
> isn’t it time to also change the VUCC Award credits to
> better reflect the current thinking (and state of the art
> for free space optical communications?)
> 
> Currently, the VUCC Rules define this frequency range as
> “Laser 300Ghz and above”. While the ARRL VHF/UHF Contest
> rules define these contacts as: 
> 
> Above 300 GHz, contacts are permitted for contest credit
> only between licensed amateurs using mono-chromatic signal
> sources (for example, laser and LED) and employing at least
> one stage of electronic detection on receive.  Laser
> usage is restricted to ANSI Z136 Class I, II, IIa, and IIIa
> (i.e.; output power is less than 5 mW).
> 
> A handful of amateurs are currently working to develop
> optical “transverters” that would work with IF rigs like
> the FT-817 and others on full-fledged transceivers that
> utilize one LED as both emitter and detector, which greatly
> simplifies mechanical design and aiming. It would be a shame
> to see these advances be ruled ineligible for VUCC credit. 
> 
> How about it, Newington? 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Les Rayburn, N1LF
> EM63nf
> 
> P.S. How do I order a VUCC lapel pin? I didn’t get one
> with my certificate, but I’d really like one. 
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