Hi Bob,
I enjoyed the contest very much. Before the contest I read through the rules and didn't quite get them, and I have studied them again since completing the contest and having uploaded my log. I thought I’d give you the opportunity to read this first.
The Rules as published actually disadvantage Low Power - 100W stations with Yagi's and wire dipoles.
Every other group has ‘no antenna restrictions’ except LP, it is not fair;
(a) and (b) HP with no antenna restrictions
(c) Worldwide Remote no antenna restrictions
(f) and (g) QRP with no antenna restrictions
(h Multi-op's with no antenna restrictions
(i) HQ stations with no antenna restrictions
The group missing here, in order to have a level playing field, is LP with no antenna restrictions.
By all means keep (d) and (e) Restricted, Single Op 100W - single element antennas, this suits dxpeditions like 3B8XF etc. just like in IOTA.
As I say everyone has a 'no antenna restriction' apart from 100W/LP stations like me, and it doesn't make sense and there is no logical reason.
I run 100W and I have a Hexbeam at 38ft. I would describe the hexbeam as modest, (i.e. it is not a Force 12 C31XR) but it does have 2 wire elements. So instead of entering LP with no antenna restrictions, I can’t enter restricted 100W as I have 2 elements so I have had to enter Open, Single Operator, Unassisted, 24 hour HP with no antenna restrictions. This is ridiculous as I am up against everyone running maximum power with antenna farms. It's no coincidence that VY2ZM is top of my section.
I think in the past there may have been a LP with no antenna restrictions and it got confused with the restricted 100W and maybe got accidentally deleted.
This is such a shame as it makes the competition inherently unfair. It could be fixed before the log upload deadline giving everyone who is compromised like me the chance to go into the LP with no antenna restrictions, 12hr or 24hr, unassisted or assisted.
Oddly enough 3830 Contest site does feature a LP section.
I have suggestion below;
Insert following;
(J)Open, Single Operator, Unassisted – 12-Hour or 24-Hour – 100W maximum, no antenna restrictions.
(k) Open, Single Operator, Assisted – 12-Hour or 24-Hour – 100W maximum, no antenna restrictions.
Existing
(a) Open, Single Operator, Unassisted - 12-hour or 24-hour - Maximum legal power - no antenna restrictions.
(b) Open, Single Operator, Assisted - 12-hour or 24-hour - Maximum legal power - no antenna restrictions.
(c) Open, World-wide remote activation of a Commonwealth Call area, Single or multi-operator. Assisted - 12-hour or 24-hour - Maximum legal power - no antenna restrictions.
(d) Restricted, Single Operator, Unassisted - 12-hour or 24-hour - 100W maximum - single element antennas.
(e) Restricted, Single Operator, Assisted - 12-hour or 24-hour - 100W maximum - single element antennas.
(f) QRP, Single Operator, Unassisted - 24 hour only - 5W maximum - no antenna restrictions.
(g) QRP, Single Operator, Assisted - 24 hour only - 5W maximum - no antenna restrictions.
(h) Multi-operator - Assisted - 24 hour only - Maximum legal power - no antenna restrictions.
(i) HQ stations - Multi-operator - Assisted - 24 hour only - Maximum legal power - no antenna restrictions.
Thanks for all you do towards this great contest.
73 Rich GW4BVJ/MW6M
