I have heard this complaint for quite a while and agree its a problem,
although I never equated it with the growth of VHF contesting. I now
see that it could.
This should be a simple rule change. Add a footnote to the definition
of single operator that allows entry to a mobile station guided and
operated by a single person and not connected to a antenna structure
considered permanent. Under single op rules, the mobile station would
be allowed to traverse as many grids as the operator wished but could
only contact unique stations once. This could be taken a step further
by adding the same definition to multi-op classes, allowing mobile
operation in a single vehicle by more then one person. The addition
of this simple definition would not affect the current 500 meter fixed
station circle, or whatever the criteria is for a fixed station.
If the mobile op tried to game the rules to benefit fixed station
buddies by operating from various grids while they themselves
attempted to remain classified as a mobile, it would be caught during
log checking and disqualification or reclassification of the mobile
station would be in order.
Jay W9RM
Keith J Morehouse
Managing Partner
Calmesa Partners G.P.
Olathe, CO
On Mon, Jun 15, 2015 at 9:56 PM, James Duffey <jamesduffey@comcast.net> wrote:
> Mike - I guess I was not clear enough in my original response to Pete’s
> lament about mobile operation. Neither Pete nor I are necessarily advocating
> for a new mobile category. Rather he is advocating that mobile stations be
> allowed to enter the contest even if they only go to one grid. They can’t now.
>
> The issue is that there is no category that a mobile station who stays in a
> single grid can enter. The mobile cannot enter as a rover, as the rules
> require that a rover travel to two or more grids. The mobile cannot enter as
> a single op station as that requires that the station to not change locations
> during the contest period outside of an original 500-meter diameter permitted
> circle. So there is no category for the mobile to enter who travels more than
> 500 meters from his original location and stays in one grid. But it can be
> done.
>
> That is the problem. Mobiles should be allowed to enter the contest. With the
> rules written the way they are now, they cannot. A rules change is required.
> That may or may not require a new category, but it does require some action
> on the part of the ARRL contest manager to interpret the current rules so
> that mobiles can enter or on the PSC to direct that rules be written so that
> mobiles can enter or the Ad Hoc committee could make a recommendation. If one
> wants to grow the VHF contests, and one expects that at least part of that
> growth will come from FM operators, then mobiles need a mechanism to enter
> the contest. They cannot now. That is the whole point of Pete’s post, not
> necessarily advocating for a new category. - Duffey KK6MC/r
> --
> KK6MC
> James Duffey
> Cedar Crest NM
>
>
>
>
>
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