Download complete description, rules, and entry form (Word document)

Portable Radio Contest

Background

Emergency communications requires portable equipment that can be brought into position and made quickly operational. The effectiveness of this equipment is a combination of ease/speed of deployment, the capabilities (bands/modes/power) and the skills of the operator to make the system reliably perform under less-than-ideal conditions (wind/rain/cold/heat). A well designed portable package will offer power versatility, multiple antenna options and be simple to operate. Ideally, these system could be left at critical locations and be made functional by the first available operator although it is likely more sophisticated features may require special training. In an effort to encourage amateur radio creativity and preparedness, a “contest” format has been created to allow hams to display their results. Although many of these packages will be designed to solve specific needs, there should be some common areas that can be judged. Ideally, each designer will see features in other designs they will want to incorporate in future revisions and spectators will be encouraged to design and build their own.

Rules

All units should be on display throughout the duration of Communication Academy to allow time for all attendees to view them and vote. Although all entries should allow power input from batteries or AC mains, power supplies and batteries need not be displayed unless they are integrated or part of the portable system. Similarly, antenna systems need not be displayed unless they are integrated with the package.

Photos of the unit deployed in the field, feature descriptions and construction notes are encouraged but be aware space will be limited. A single or two page “flyer” would be ideal. Any included documentation should have the name and callsign of the entrant, the goal of the project, a description of how it meets the judging criteria below and any other interesting project notes (such as package cost, time to build, etc).

Ballots will be accepted from attendees until end of day Saturday to allow tabulation and a prize to be awarded by the lunch on Sunday. Overall scoring will be weighted 50% from the attendees and 50% from three judges chosen from the amateur community. Attendees can score up to two entries and the judges will vote on all submissions.

Scoring will be a 1-10 scale in the following categories:

• Capabilities vs. size/weight of package: It is simple to add features and functionality by increasing the size and weight of the package. The goal should be to optimize the combination.
• Ease of deployment and use: How easily can the package be transported into place, powered, wired to antennas and operated by a novice operator?
• Clever features and design: Ham radio operators pride themselves on being resourceful. How well has the designer accomplished the design goal?
• Professional construction and layout: The packaging should be attractive and neat with dressed cabling and clear color coding. Are details such as mike clips included?
• Robust design: Will the package withstand the rigors of transport to a potentially hostile environment? Will it and the equipment operate in heat, cold, wind and rain?

Icom has generously offered an IC-2200 2m mobile radio as the grand prize. Final standings will be announced Sunday and the Icom IC-2200 will be awarded at that time. The winner need not be present.

Entry Form

The entry form is supplied in the Word file that you download. This form has two pages. The first page is contact information for the organizers; the second contains details about the project for attendees. The entry form can be submitted via email to kbellar -@- earthlink.net or delivered in person the morning of the event. Direct questions to Scott Honaker at n7ss -@- arrl.net.

Download complete description, rules, and entry form (Word document)