[FQP]Mobile Categories

[ku8e at bellsouth.net]

Hi...

I agree 100% with Hal. Plus I don't think we want to encourage people to try to
drive and operate at the same time. I think that's too dangerous. (done that and it's not worth the risk!!)

                    Jeff KU8E

> 
> From: "Hal Offutt" <Hal at japancorporateresearch.com>
> Date: 2003/04/29 Tue PM 11:13:30 EDT
> To: "Florida QSO Party" <fqp at kkn.net>
> Subject: Re: [FQP]Mobile Categories
> 
> Ron, Jim, Tom and Everyone,
> 
> Discussion you want, discussion you get, Ron.  I'm happy that you FCGers
> are willing to consider rule refinements to make the FQP better.
> 
> I studied the current FQP rules and here's my take on this.  The FQP has two
> mobile classes:  "single operator" and "multi operator."  If my
> understanding is correct, both categories permit two bodies in the car and
> allow someone to operate and someone else to drive. The only real difference
> is that in the "multi operator" category, the ops get to switch off.  In
> terms of competition, these two styles of mobile operating are essentially
> the same:  both have a devoted driver and a devoted operator.  In two ten
> hour contests like the FQP, operator fatigue is not a major factor, so it is
> fully conceivable that under the current rules, a "single operator" could
> beat a "multi operator."
> 
> The problem is that these two categories provide no place for the operator
> who either likes to do everything by him/herself or can't find a driver and
> has no choice but to go out on his/her own.  If these folks have to compete
> against mobiles who have full time drivers, it is, as Tom points out, very
> unfair.
> 
> I would argue that in mobile contesting, the major distinction is whether
> there is one person in the car or more than one person in the car, not
> whether there is only one radio op or more than one radio op.  If you are
> to have two categories (which the FQP justifiably has), I think it makes
> sense to separate them in this fashion.
> 
> Therefore, I would suggest that the current "single operator" category be
> defined as Tom suggests:  one person doing everything.  I'm am not
> suggesting the creation of a new category, just a refinement in the
> definition of the current "single operator" category. That's pretty much
> what it is anyway, from what I can see.
> 
> Solo mobiling is a learned skill very much like SO2R.  It takes a lot of
> experience to get good at it.  Some ops never feel that they can drive and
> operate so they minimize their driving and spend most of the contest parked
> somewhere.  They will usually hang out near four county intersections and
> try to work all the bands and modes before moving into the next county.  (In
> last year's PAQP, by design I only drove 140 miles during the 22 hour
> contest.)  Others drive and operate mostly on back roads where there is
> little traffic and record everything on tape recorders, voice recorders, or
> whatever.  The solution you come up with is part of your own operating
> technique and your bag of tricks.  Obviously safety is an issue, as it is
> with multi operators.  Mobiles should be required to obey the speed limits
> and other traffic rules and always put safety first.
> 
> I hope this adds something to the discussion.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Hal W1NN
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ron Wetjen" <wd4ahz at gte.net>
> To: "Florida QSO Party" <fqp at kkn.net>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2003 7:47 PM
> Subject: Re: [FQP]Mobile Categories
> 
> 
> > Tom Horton wrote:
> >
> > >  As an old county hunter mobiler like Charlie and Ed (KN4Y), I totally
> > > agree with you!
> > > Single operator meaans just that, in my opinion.
> >
> > What you want is a distinction/clarification between single op/single
> > driver ... and single op/with driver?
> >
> > I don't know how many actually do single op/with driver ... but this
> > hasn't come up before.  (I think there may have been a couple rare
> > instances in the past.)
> >
> > If it's something that needs to be addressed, share your thoughts!
> > We're open and willing to discuss changes and clarifications to the
> > rules ... and any proposed changes are carefully considered, and
> > discussed among FCG members, before a decision is made.
> >
> > This is "our" QSO Party - both the Florida guys AND the out-of-staters
> > who keep coming back and supporting it ... so what ever makes it fair,
> > equitable, and enjoyable for EVERYONE is our main goal and objective.
> >
> > Let the discussions begin ...
> >
> > Ron
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > FQP mailing list
> > FQP at kkn.net
> > http://kkn.net/mailman/listinfo/fqp
> >
> 
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