RSGB CW NFD – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

A set of diagrams providing clarification of how the Restricted - Complex Category rules apply to some common antenna configurations is attached here.

(1)  Rule changes in the past two years

NFD provides a range of Sections / Categories offering a progression of features / capabilities from a simple low functionality station to a complex high functionality one, allowing a wide range of types of entrants to put on an entry which best suits their capabilities. Following NFD 2014, concerns were expressed that the progression of features between Sections needed rebalancing: in particular the view was expressed that a competitive entry in the Restricted - Simple Antenna Category would require a station substantially more demanding than that of a traditional Restricted Section entry. Accordingly, the following changes have been made:

• Multiple transceivers will no longer be permitted in the former Restricted - Simple Antenna Category - only a single transceiver will be allowed.
• On site skimmer will no longer be allowed in the former Restricted - Simple Antenna Category.
• As the differentiator between the two Categories in the Restricted Section now goes beyond antennas, the word "Antenna" will be dropped, and these Categories will now be re-designated Restricted - Simple and Restricted - Complex.
• While not related to the above change, since the former Low Power Section now permits a maximum power of 5W (thus complying with the international definition of QRP), the opportunity has been taken to re-designate this Section QRP.

(2)  I understand that beams are not permitted in the Restricted - Complex Category - but what exactly do you mean by a beam in this context?

A good point - all real antennas provide a degree of directivity in some direction or another, but that doesn't make them beams! For the purposes of HF NFD:

·         single element antennas, irrespective of configuration, do not count as beams

·         multi element antennas using parasitic or driven elements as part of their design are regarded as beams.

(3)  In different parts of the rules and FAQs, you use the terms “allowance” and “usage” in relation to of antenna supports and antenna lengths. Are these alternative terms for the same thing?

No. The allowance is the maximum the rules allow you to use (ie. 22m for antenna support and 120m for antenna length). The term “usage” applies to what your FD setup actually uses. So if your antenna setup consisted of 3 doublets of lengths 78m, 19m & 11m, your antenna length usage would be 108m.

(4)  Why must I make Restricted and Low Power Section antennas out of wire? Why can’t I use tubing?

That statement isn’t correct. Antennas do not have to be made out of wire in the following cases:

·         where a metal mast or tower is used as an active part of the antenna system (eg. in the case of a scaffolding mast base fed as a vertical)

·         where a trap vertical is used.

Without the requirement to make Restricted - Complex Category antennas wire based  (except in the case of the exceptions stated above), it would be possible to include a commercial HF beam in the suite of antennas. This would:

·         tend to defeat the objective of encouraging innovation & experimentation

·         disadvantage clubs with limited resources who choose to put on relatively simple entries

·         reduce the differentiation between the Open Section & Restricted - Complex Category of the Restricted Section.

(5)  We’re using scaffolding masts to hold up our antennas. Inevitably there will be some small degree of parasitic radiation from the mastage. Surely that doesn’t mean that the mastage must count towards the overall antenna length usage?

No, provided radiation from the mastage is not an intended part of the antenna system design.

(6)  I’m not quite clear how verticals would contribute to antenna support and antenna length usage – can you clarify please?

The following text and associated diagrams should make this clear:

·         A trap vertical contributes to the antenna length usage, but does not itself contribute to the antenna support usage. If the vertical is mounted at ground level, there is no contribution to the antenna support usage. If it is mounted on top of a mast, the height of the mast contributes to the antenna support usage

·         A stand alone mast fed as a vertical contributes to the antenna length usage, but does not contribute to the antenna support usage unless the mast is also used to support another antenna (eg. via a halyard attached to the mast).

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(7)  Once I’ve got my antenna setup in place, am I allowed to change it during the contest?

For a number of years, some groups have been reducing the length of their doublet (usually by pullable links) once activity on 160m has ceased. This approach is now specifically permitted in all Sections. However, in the Restricted - Complex Category entrants using complex antennas (as defined above), must ensure that all the antennas used during the contest have been constructed from within the overall antenna length allowance.  Thus it would not be acceptable to take down a 100m long doublet and replace it with a separate 50m long doublet (as that, at 150m, would exceed the total antenna length allowance), but shortening an existing 100m doublet to 50m length would be acceptable.   

(8)  Am I allowed to use traps?

Yes. Devices such as traps, loading coils, stubs and phasing lines may be used to change the electrical length of any antenna. Relay switching and mechanical links are also permitted.

(9)  Do such devices contribute to the antenna length allowance?

No. Neither do feeder lengths

(10)  Do the rules relating to transportation of equipment also apply to catering facilities?

No. Neither do they apply to sleeping or sanitary facilities.