[ARDF] Region 2 Rules Request - Q and A

[Bruce]

Since I'm not in R2 my thoughts on GPS technology are irrelevant.

I disagree with the statement that all skill is removed using technology.

Afterall, many use YNG sniffers that significantly aid in the use of a sniffer to get bearings. This technology is considered fine. It also allows a less skilled entry point into the sport,  which is not something to denigrate worth such low numbers competing in R2 & R3.

I also foxhunt. Our car has technology and Gps all over it. Far more than Vadim's sniffer. This doesn't ensure success though ; the core abilities of navigation, interpretation and planning are what is required and still come to the fore. A skilled team with basic equipment can still outperform it (just like an experienced wielder of lo-tech sniffer can in ARDF).

So, it comes down more to a trade-off. Keep it 'pure' in sort of arbitrarily defined way,  or allow *some* innovation that may also allow more participants (and interested technologists). Think STEM.

Cheers,
Bruce

---- Steve Stutman wrote ----

>I think Mike is spot on.
>
>There are many aspects of ARDF, just as there are many facets of HAM radio.
>
>
>Several years back I  had great fun jogging through the Blue Hills in
>Boston with my compass, map clipboard, RX and tape measure ant.
>
>It was my first event and although I found a couple foxes, I, to my
>chagrin, did not win, hihi.
>
>One of the guys who coached me did win because he is very skilled and runs
>fast.
>
>
>Too much automata takes the sport out of Radiosport, I think.
>
>Sort of like self-driving Formula One cars.
>
>Some people might want to watch it, but t'isn't the same.
>
>
>If one wishes to sutomate, why not have course prep drones (UAVs) drop TXs
>and then have competitor drones auto -locate them?
>
>Easily controlled and viewed on phone with FPV.
>
>
>Certainly a competition, but no humans in the actual run.
>
>There are probably some guys in HF CW contests using Skimmers to drive an
>automated station.
>
>Perhaps fun to build, but not Radiosport, IMNSHO.
>
>
>Maybe there is a "traditional" class and an "assisted" class.
>
>Perhaps this has already been discussed.
>
>
>My thanks to all who keep ARDF going here.
>
>My middle-schooler just started running Cross Country.
>
>I think she would like to run an event one of these days.
>
>
>73,
>
>Steve
>
>KL7JT/1
>
>
>
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>On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 7:51 PM, Mike (KA5CVH) Urich <mike at ka5cvh.com>
>wrote:
>
>> On Sun, Sep 24, 2017 at 8:00 AM, Robert Frey <rallenfrey at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> > I thought is was
>> > about using our ardf and orienteering skills. guess I was wrong.
>>
>> Mike wrote
>>
>> While I have not been able to participate to any extent ... I love all
>> forms of direction finding activities whether traditional fox hunts
>> whether in vehicles or on foot and while I haven't done much
>> orienteering since the lymphoma but I still dream about getting back
>> active at some point ... so just take my comments with a grain of
>> salt.
>>
>> As an ARES / PIO person who just went through Harvey and gave numerous
>> interviews with radio stations and the league I emphasized our need
>> for training to the "Lowest Common Denominator" mode communications
>> for EmComm.
>>
>> My thoughts about ARDF fall along the same lines.  I do not have a
>> problem with an app on a phone that will take you back to the start,
>> finish or your vehicle in the event you need it but IMHO these events
>> should be about using our most basic skills to their fullest ... not
>> depending upon any wizardry.  Amateur radio is rapidly becoming a
>> "utility operator" hobby with no basic electronic or RF skills ...
>> just gadgets.
>>
>> The only tools we need are a radio receiver, a map, a compass ... and
>> our BRAIN to process the data.
>>
>> YMMV
>>
>> --
>> Mike Urich KA5CVH
>> http://ka5cvh.com
>>
>> STX ASEC - Training
>> STX: (A)PIC Dist 1 & 14
>> PIO Harris County ARES
>>
>> We may be Volunteers,
>> But we're professional.
>> _______________________________________________
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>> ARDF at kkn.net
>> http://www.kkn.net/mailman/listinfo/ardf
>>
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