An offshoot of Awards and Definitions would be a contest. I realize that "contests" are anathema to some, but the ones I am familiar with are more organized "comparisons" than cut-throat competitions. Since 1999, crystal radio nuts, including yours truly, have a yearly "contest" over two winter weeks, wherein logs are kept and submitted. Two broad categories entail scoring methods which either compile power and distance or total number of stations. There are various contest categories of sets, antennas, etc. which determine classes. We used to submit prizes that were often steered towards young participants. Now, we give certificates. The contest group (Bama Group www.crystalradio.us ) has expanded the contests to include a one active device contest and a couple of weekend sprints. One entrant from NE, logged 170 MW stations with his xtl set this October on one weekend. It takes me the full two weeks winter contest to log over 150 with my xtl set.
The weekend "sprint" format would be perfect for ultra-light contesting. It would also simplify things if the "sprint" had a $15 +/- entrance fee (paid to a vendor for purchase of an SRF59) and the contest was limited to a four to six hour listening period ( choice of participants) from Friday night 0000 UTC to 1200UTC Monday. This balances out West versus East Coast issues. Two categories of entrants: Hobby: barefoot, unmodified SRF59. Open: Any combination of SRF59s using whatever the entrant is capable of hooking up to or through the rx, antenna wise, amp wise, dsp, etc.. Any and all electronic modifications to the rx is permitted. In either category, a second rx may be used for frequency id or spotting as long as the transmission can be heard on the UL. If the signal fades in the UL but remains audible in the spotter rx, the id is still good. The previous suggestions of contest categories are excellent: 50kW or more DX, 5kW, best miles per watt station, DX stations over 1000 miles, countries, and total station count. Prizes limited to "Attagirl/Attaboy". We can avoid the "log jam" of the xtl radio contest by avoiding the scoring formula. Why limit it to the SRF59? 1) cost 2) I have one (actually several. Family secret as to exact #) 3) cost and performance 4) everyone (or so it seems) seems to have one thanks to Gary, the Johnny Appleseed of the SRF59. Aside from the camaraderie (misery loves company), another benefit of the xtl radio contests has been the development of superior xtl radios resulting from the sharing of technique and set design. With everyone listening at the same time, we easily see what works and what doesn't. (Aside from qth differences which is the ultimate aid to dxing.) Deadlines tend to accelerate development. Contest dates are deadlines in that regard. Contesting would possibly do the same for the little radio that could, the SRF59, which begs to be "modded" to the max. Regardless whether or not contests take place, some of the above could be considered for any Records/Definitions of Ultralight performance criteria. Gil _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list [email protected] http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: [email protected]
