ARRL Field Day: Is it a Contest or Not? The Contest Crew Opines

If people enjoy participating in field day (or contests), by all means go for it. I think it is unnecessary for hams to speak out against other hams
who enjoy the activity. To each his own!

 

Does it matter? I enjoy it every year either way lol

 

I like Field Day as a test of the battle of the modes-

Every year so far, CW has obtained the highest number of QSO's I've worked in. This year was no different. But the Data modes are edging up closer and closer to what I can do with CW. I don't see this as a bad thing- we are seeing more participants and more efficient operation with the various digital modes. I would not at all be upset if the data guys outperformed what I can do with CW. I'm not just going to make it easy going..

 

Only thing outdoors at my Alabama QTH in the June heat and humidity that's operating a contest is my air conditioner.

 

My first Field Day I sent about that speed with a straight key, and the stations called had no problem with it.

The next FD the code speed was up to about 20. Still a straight key. Even with my rotten sending they got my call and exchange the first time.

Now its 20 wpm plus with an automatic keyer.

 

NO, NO, NO.....don't ever think you are not a good operator because your code speed is 7 wpm.
Don't worry about what the other operators speed. You are doing just fine?

 

N2EY, thanks for posting the rules back when ARRL sections was a multiplier. Wish the ARRL would restore that rule! But maybe that would make it a contest... :-/

David, K2WPM

 

There is virtually nothing that Ham Radio ops won't argue about.

 

If that's all you have is an EFHW, then I say go for it and make tons of QSOs! With knowledge of long wire radiation patterns and the effect of height above ground, one can make the most of even a modest EFHW installation. Work NVIS on 40 for those local states and then hop over to 20-15-10 for some gain to go further!

 

Preach!

 

Kewell story bro.

 

You are totally wrong there!

Martin G8FXC

 

Meaning?

 

If you haven't yet, take a look at some of the Contest Crew videos linked on this site and/or Contest University.

You may notice certain antenna types missing from the active stations.

The OP asks or narrates depending on POV "Is it or is it not a contest".

That's one way of telling.


Stolen from American Heritage U:

contest /kŏn′tĕst″/
noun

1. A struggle for superiority or victory between rivals.
   "England's contest with Spain for domination of the seas."
2. A competition, especially one in which entrants perform separately and are rated by judges.
   "a spelling contest."

intransitive verb
To compete or strive for; struggle to gain or control.

END of stolen text.

Minimalist stuff can be a lot of fun and education also but that really is another thread.

 

You mean like reals hams don't use FT8 or the CW requirement or SDR's or QSO' via the Internet.....stuff like that?