WRTC2000
Contest Committee
FAQs No.1
Ljubljana, 28th February 2000
Dear teams,
Below are answers to most frequently asked questions regarding the
competition rules. We will try to answer all received questions at least
once every two weeks. Read carefully and stay tuned.
Q: Is an outboard antenna tuner allowed, especially to reduce the SWR on the
Windom?
A: You may use one, however, the Windoms are easily matched on all bands
with the radio's internal tuner.
Q: With regard to the Windom antenna, clarification of the impedance
expected on the 80m and 40m bands would be appreciated. For example, will
teams need to bring a tuner or will the antenna be close to R50 + j0
unbalanced on both bands?
A: The tuning would vary from one location to another. Radio's internal
tuner should in all cases tune the Windom, if necessary at all. External
tuner is also allowed.
Q: Are multi-band switchable filters allowed?
A: Yes, such filters are allowed. Just take care of the connectors as
described in Communiqué No. 11.
Q: Are CW and SSB contacts equal in point value?
A: There are no points involved here. We simply count number of valid
contacts in each mode, thus eliminating never-ending discussions about the
fair ratio between the two.
Q: With only one transmitter, does the WRTC team have to obey the 10
minute rule in the IARU rules?
A: No, you do not have to obey the 10 minute rule.
Q: When changing the "main" transceiver between the tri-bander and the
Windom, are all teams expected to manually unscrew one coax, and then screw
on the other?
A: Correct, you will all have to do it manually. Why? It is not that we are
a bunch of "stoneaged dynos", refusing to recognize known technical
solutions, but we just want to make it equal to all teams. We strongly
believe that having a cross-over switch (a switch which simultaneously
switches different antennas between the two radios, also called reversing
switch, flip-flop switch ......) when hunting down multipliers and running
quick pile-ups, is a real asset to one who's got it. On the other hand, such
switches are financially out of reach for the Organizer.
However, if you know anybody wishing to supply 53 such switches, we will be
happy to change this rule.
Q: Is it allowed to use 2 computers?
A: Only one computer is allowed.
Q: Will the pile-up tapes consist of real call signs (K1AR, W3LPL, ZS6EZ
etc.), or of phoney ones (XY1ABC etc.)?
A: All calls will be regular amateur-radio call signs.
Q: I've never actually heard a pileup tape. Are there typical recordings
available on the Web that one can use to do some preparation?
A: Yes, similar stuff can be found at
<http://www.contesting.com/kcdxpile.htm>
We are also thinking of up-loading a demo version to our web page.
Q: How long will these both pile-ups take?
A: They are 5 minutes long each, meaning 5 minutes for CW and 5 minutes for
SSB.
Q: How many calls will they consist of?
A: One hundred (100) calls in each mode.
Q: What is the way to log the pile-up calls?
A: At your option. You may use computer or paper and pencil. Just a
suggestion though. I've been using PC for logging for more than 10 years and
can type very fast with all ten fingers, but still found to be much faster
with p&p when listening to the tapes.
Q: What is the purpose of pile-up tapes?
A: Firstly, it's fun and brings something new into WRTC! Secondly, you all
know that it is almost impossible to make all locations and station set-ups
absolutely even. Pile-up tapes are even for everybody and will help
equalizing differences a bit.
Q: Should participants use their own headphones
A: They can, we will advise what connector is needed. Teams are encouraged
to bring as much equipment and accessories as possible. However, the
headphones for reception of pile-up tapes will also be provided on the spot.
Q: Can 2-VFOs rigs be used for the contest?
A: Yes.
Q: All multipliers count once per band mode - e.g. once on 14CW and once
also on 14 SSB?
A: Yes, that is correct.
Q: Are the ITU zones per band mode multipliers - e.g. once on 14CW and once
also on 14 SSB?
A: Yes, that is correct.
Q: Are HQ stations (e.g. DA0HQ, PA0HQ, DF0HQ etc) per band mode multipliers
- e.g. once on 14CW and once also on 14 SSB?
A: Yes, that is correct.
Q: What is an IARU representative?
A: Quoting from QST Magazine, March 1999 issue:
QUOTE "Members of the IARU Administration Council and the three IARU
regional executive committees will send AC, R1, R2 or R3 as appropriate".
UNQUOTE
This means they represent a maximum of 8 multipliers on each band (4 x CW
and 4 x SSB).
Q: Do DXCC countries count in any way as multipliers?
A: No.
Q: Will logging SW be modified to suit WRTC2000 requirements?
A: Yes, K1EA, EI5DI, N6TR and K8CC have promised to modify SW in such way.
Above-mentioned programs will be the only allowed.
Q: What will be disabled in the logging SW?
A: All programs will be same as you are used to except: no band mapping, no
master database (check partial yes) and no control of radio's functions
(band-changing, mode-changing), but you will be able to send CW or SSB.
Q: Can a printer be used (to print out occasional multiplier lists for the
second operator)?
A: Yes, but the teams have to provide one.
Q: If a multi-band band-pass filter unit is allowed, can the filters be
automatically selected by decoding the radio/computer band information, or
must a manual switch be used?
A: Yes, but the radio band info will have to do it, since logging SW will
block such information.
Q: Are Kachina or Pegasus type radios banned as they only work with software
control?
A: No, they are not banned, however you will only have one PC for
everything. The ban is in connection with logging software as described
above.
Q: Are there going to be special call signs as there were in '96?
A: Yes, there will be very special call signs. Stay tuned!
Q: What is really the operating time?
A: You're right! The rules are a bit unclear here. The duration of the
contest is 24 hours and the permitted operating time is 20 hours, because
you have to take 4 hours off.
Q: What is the logic behind the time-off periods, we can all easily operate
24 hours?
A: Thunderstorms frequently develop all over Slovenia in July. If it
happens, you'll have to pull the switch, or risk getting fried! The off
periods give you enough room, not to loose too much because of such
accidental breaks.
Q: Station Setup 2 says: "Radios can not be 'physically' connected. So if
there is a need to hook them together, can we do it with an IR link?
A: Very funny! No, you can not do it. Forget about word "physically". The
radios can not be hooked together. The only "exemption" is grounding of
equipment.
Q: Is it OK to have NA control the DVK from the parallel port?
A: Not familiar with NA, but as long as you use it as a voice keyer only,
it's fine.
Q: What is legal under 'audio accessories'?
A: Microphone, headphones, and speaker. DSP filters or other noise filters
are also fine.
Q: Is it legal to use the sub-receiver?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it legal to enter the frequency on the radio keypad?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it legal to use FT1000MP's shuttle-jog?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the main's supply in Slovenia?
A: We run from 220V/50Hz mains.
Q: For example: If the MAIN station in working with the tri-bander on 10
meters, the second transceiver can be listening on 20 meter and heard a new
multiplier Can in this case second station be used to work the multiplier?
A: Rules are pretty clear here, aren't they. You can not. The second radio
is RX ONLY!
Should you have any more questions please send an e-mail to scc@bit.si or
directly to s53r@hotmail.com. If you wish, you may also contact me at the
below mentioned telephone numbers.
73 Robert Kasca, S53R
WRTC2000 Contest Committee
Tel: ++ 386 65 73 560 (home)
++ 386 61 171 2130 (office)
++ 386 41 504 370 (mobile)
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