[ARDF] Region 2 Rules Request - Q and A

[Charles Scharlau]

GPS is capable of providing more than just the "ability to guide the
competitor towards where bearings cross". Though I think that, by
definition, guiding a competitor toward a particular location is
navigation assistance. One advertised "GPS-enhanced receiver" feature
I've heard of is the ability to measure the distance between a point
(set with a button press?) and one's current position. This also would
seem to fall under the definition of navigation assistance - ask any
orienteer about the navigation skill of estimating distance based on
step count and map location.

But we should not be focusing on technology and devices, instead we
should be focusing on functionality. For instance, few would find
fault with recording one's track for post-competition analysis. In
fact, such use of GPS can be instructive for learning navigation
skills. So why ban all use of GPS? Let's look instead at what
navigation features/functionality should be allowed; which is a much
shorter list than trying to list all the features that should be
banned.

Traditionally ARDF has consisted of the following tool-provided
navigation functionality:

Course Map
Compass Direction
Radio Signal Direction
Radio Signal Strength
Radio Signal Demodulation (not sure if navigation assistance has ever
been derived from this or not - but most receivers provide it since it
is necessary for determining which transmitter is being received.)

I think that is a complete list. Each of those functions could be
provided by various underlying technologies. I argue that if the tools
carried by a competitor provide no more than those functions, then we
shouldn't care what underlying technology he/she is using. I would
argue further, that we should encourage innovation, and that the rules
should permit innovation lest the sport lose all relevance
technologically.

But we should think carefully before we add new functionality to that
list, since doing so has an effect on the fundamental nature of the
sport.

73,
Charles
NZ0I



On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 9:00 AM, Robert Frey <rallenfrey at gmail.com> wrote:
> Yes and interesting that it was not presented to the organizers for
> consideration as to if it would be of an unfair advantage.  We have survived
> for 20 years without the sudden need for gps etc. I thought is was about
> using our ardf and orienteering skills. guess I was wrong.
>
> I for one, as little as it matters, am not in favor of adding these devices
> to any revised Region ll rules. I made a start on creating something for
> region II for our event. they were obviously not official. I expect that
> with the current system it will take considerable time to get this done.
>
> Bob, WA6EZV
>
> On Sep 23, 2017 11:09 PM, "Gerald Boyd" <wb8wfk at covad.net> wrote:
>>
>> Charles.
>>
>> Just a FYI
>>
>> I saw Vadim 80 meter receiver at the championships and it had a GPS patch
>> antenna on it.
>> I wonder what magic software he is running in the background?
>>
>> Since this device has been used in USA championships without any
>> opposition
>> I think this opens the door on the digital devices questions.
>>
>> It's a receiver with some type of GPS enabled imbedded processor
>> application
>> being used in national and a region 2  championships. I wonder what the
>> hidden features are. Does it give any navigation guidance?
>>
>> Pandora's box is now open.
>>
>> Dale, Joe this needs addressed.
>>
>> Jerry
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: ardf-bounces at kkn.net [mailto:ardf-bounces at kkn.net] On Behalf Of
>> Charles Scharlau
>> Sent: Tuesday, September 19, 2017 11:54 AM
>> To: comments at ardf-r2.org; k0ov at homingin.com; Dale Hunt <wb6byu at arrl.net>;
>> ardf at kkn.net
>> Subject: [ARDF] Region 2 Rules Request - Q and A
>>
>> To address any confusion regarding the request for Region 2 ARDF rules
>> that
>> include provisions for the use of approved apps in smartphones and similar
>> devices, I've created a list of "should-be-asked
>> questions":
>>
>> http://openardf.org/index.php/2017/07/30/smartphones-in-ardf-sbaq/
>>
>> Comments, questions, and suggestions can be made within that blog.
>> Just scroll down to "Leave a Reply" to post your comment. There is no need
>> to reply using email.
>>
>> I urge the Region 2 ARDF leadership to address this request with an open
>> mind, and a sense of urgency.
>>
>> 73,
>> Charles
>> NZ0I
>> _______________________________________________
>> ARDF mailing list
>> ARDF at kkn.net
>> http://www.kkn.net/mailman/listinfo/ardf
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> ARDF mailing list
>> ARDF at kkn.net
>> http://www.kkn.net/mailman/listinfo/ardf