06th
June 2000Dear 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.
WRTC2000 Contest Committee
06th
June 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: 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!
Q: Is it okay to use headphone
splitters to allow both ops to listen to the same radio?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it legal to have a backup
computer?
A: You may bring one, but it is not allowed to use it in any matter. However, we had a
special request from one of the team members, who is writing for one of the ham
radio magazines. He wants to use another computer only to take notes about the competition
on the spot and directly into computer. We will allow him to do so, however station
Referee will monitor the situation.
Q: By allowing check partial, that
means only checking calls previously worked in the WRTC contest, correct?
A: Yes, correct.
Q: What about 12 VDC supplies? Do we
have to bring our own?
A: I would suggest so. While 12VDC supply is regularly available at all locations, I'd
bring my own to be on a safe side
Q: What is the policy about replacement
operator in case one from original team is unable to attend because of sickness or other
reasons/problems?
A: You may have a replacement operator for above mentioned reasons. You may even bring one
with you, certainly at your expense. However, make sure that
such operator will fulfill all selection requirements explained in previous Communiqués
(country of citizenship, continent, club membership.....).
Q: Is it okay to have two (2) keyboards
connected to the logging computer?
A: Yes, it is allowed. Same goes for 2nd monitor, if you wish to use it.
There were lots of Qs about different audio splitting/mixing devices
posted in the last days. I will make it clear once again, although this has been answered
before.
The two radios may not be physically connected in any other way but:
- through grounding
- through reversing antenna switch now provided by
the Organizer (no team provided devices allowed).
Thus meaning:
- Audio splitting/mixing boxes are fine as long as they are connected ONLY to one radio. I
will quote original rules again:
Audio: Teams are allowed to listen via speakers or headphones. A "Y" type
1/4" connector is plugged into "phones" socket on the MAIN transceiver. One
input on the "Y" connector is strictly reserved for the station Referee.
All audio accessories (except for the Referee's headphones and "Y" connector),
if wanted, must be provided by the teams.
I believe that the above rule is more than clear.
Q: Different noise reducers use
noise antenna. Are any other antennas, but the ones provided by the Organizer, allowed?
A: No, you will only be allowed to use antennas provided by the Organizer and that is a
3el tri-bander and a Windom.
Q: Can we reposition the antennas at
the locations?
A: Antennas will be installed and tested prior to the competition, so we will not allow
any repositioning. Installation/configuration will be as equal as possible on all
locations.
Q: Can the WRTC Committee provide
information about grounding at the stations?
A: A good ground system will be installed on all locations. Grounding straps will be
available. However, you may also bring your own.
Q: Some radios use the internal tuner
for receive. Can we use the built-in antenna tuner on the 2nd radio?
A: Yes, you can. This is the only TX allowed from the 2nd radio. But remember, no
microphone, no keyer or PC hooked to the 2nd radio.
Q: Are there going to be any recent S5
logs from IARU available to us ahead of time?
A: Yes, we will upload logs from previous IARU contests soonest. A WRTC type operation
(S50HQ) had been run last year. This log will also be available.
Q: Do I understand the agenda correctly
that we head out to the site on Friday and return to Bled on Sunday?
A: That is correct. All teams will leave Bled on Friday and return on Sunday, allowing
them enough time to get their setup ready and familiarize with the location.
Q: Do we have to fill the calls
received during pile-up tests into a computer afterwards?
A: Yes, you will have to enter the calls into PC and load it to floppy. Referee will
collect the floppy and your hand-written copy. You will have 15
minutes to enter the calls after the test. However, you may also receive directly on the
keyboard.
Q: Are the teams allowed to listen to
any radio during off-times?
A: You are allowed to listen to any radio during off-times. However, you may not transmit.
This is also definition of the off period. The off period must
be verified by the Referee.
Q: Are we allowed to use telephones,
internet or packet during the contest period?
A: Use of mentioned means by the team members during contest period is NOT allowed, except
for emergency. Some locations are equipped with telephones
and some not, but there will be at least a GSM telephone at each location.
Q: Are schedules arranged prior to the
contest allowed?
A: No pre-contest schedules are allowed. You can make schedules during the contest.
Referees will monitor your operation.
Q: When are we going to learn our WRTC
call-sign?
A: The station Referee will let you know your call shortly before the contest. We haven't
decided yet exactly how long, but it will be 5-10
minutes before the rock'n'roll starts.
Q: Are teams allowed to use any
language they wish?
A: Yes they are, but must not identify themselves by names or call-signs they hold
out of WRTC. For most of us, let say Japanese, is a big black
hole, but guys let's play a bit of ham-spirit here!
Q: What are the Referees going to do?
A: Referees will monitor team's activity, they will verify off-periods and must be present
all the time (sorry, no sleeping). On the other hand, if the
team and Referee take a rest during the off period, it will be team's responsibility to
wake up the Referee. But remember, he has to verify the
off periods.
Q: What is an off period?
A: As stated in the rules, this is a period of no less than 60 minutes in which the team
does not make a contact. You are obliged to take 4 hours off
in maximum 3 periods. The teams, which will not do so, will be disqualified.
Q: If we operate all 24 hours, what are
you going to do - cancel the last 4 hours?
A: No, you will be disqualified, so you better take a good care about the off periods.
Q: Does starting later than 12Z, or
ending before 12Z mean an off period?
A: Yes, as long as it is longer than 60 minutes. Any period in the log, shorter than 60
minutes, counts as operating time.
Q: Can we get some sort of official
"letter of invitation" from the WRTC committee? That might be of help when
crossing borders with tons of radio
equipment. WRTC-1996 provided such a letter, it was helpful for
some.
A: Most definitely so. Just let us know and we will fax/mail it to you. On the other hand,
we are making special arrangements with customs to ease your
way through.
Q: Can you publicize some ways to
contact some of the WRTC organizers while we are on-route the week before? For example, if
we run into problems, need
some questions answered, etc. Phone numbers, pager numbers, etc?
A: For the time being, my telephone numbers below are just fine (please always use my
mobile number). We will also announce some other number later.
Q: Will the hotel where we are staying
have internet access?
A: You will have Internet access all the time, while in the hotel.
Q What are common payment methods?
A: Everything is fine, from traveler's checks to credit cards - and yes, cash!
Q: Please verify that we are to select
one team member to do the CW pileup and one to do the SSB pileup.
A: Yes, that is right. However, only one operator can do both pile-up tapes, if so decided
by the team.
Q: Since you can listen during
the off time, I assume you can also update paper multiplier sheets, etc, from the
computer? Can you go back in the
computer log and fix errors that you have noted on paper
while operating during the off time?
A: You can certainly do so.
Q: What should we plan for food during
the contest?
A: We are taking care of your basic needs. MREs (meal ready to eat) will be delivered to
you, but any extras you have to take care of yourself.
Q: Are there stores in the area to get
supplies?
A: At your option. InterSpar, Leclerc, McDonalds, Diary Queen ........................
Q: Will we be driving our own vehicles
to the operating site, or taking some sort of group transportation like a bus and getting
dropped off?
A: You will be transported to the location. Guys, this is our problem.
Q: Is it OK to have a box to switch my
headphones between the two receivers within my FT1000MP and to share that with my team
mate, as long as there is
no connection to the second radio?
A: That is fine with us.
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)