Howdy Folks,
Here's the FYBO FAQ - Everything you never wanted to know
about FYBO. :-) I'll ask ScQRPion Bob to place it on his
webpage for easy access.
I'll be snow-camping very soon (giving my FYBO gear a trial
run) so if you happen to hear my frozen fist on the air
signing AB7TT/QRP/P, please send some RF my way to warm me
up. :-) Hope my ZM-2 tuner shows up in time for the trial
run!
Cheers de AB7TT,
-Joe, vole@primenet.com, AZ ScQRPions (Phoenix)
"Ricola!" -- Pinky and the Brain
========---------------------------========
======== FYBO FAQ v1.0 (1/4/98) ========
========---------------------------========
by the AZ ScQRPions
*** SAFETY FIRST ****
PLEASE RESPECT THE WX AND YOUR OWN LIMITATIONS!
0) What is it?
A: The FYBO Winter QRP Field Day, sponsored by the AZ ScQRPions, is
held in February each year (Feb 7th for 1998). It's a Field Day in the
dead of winter, with a twist - your current operating temp is part of
the exchange, so you get to see whether your fellow FYBO Ops are
roasting by the fireplace or huddled in a snowcave. Also, there is a
temperature multiplier - your lowest operating temp is used in figuring
your score!
1) What does FYBO stand for?
A: "Freeze Your B____ Off". The "B____" stands for whatever you
care to put in there. Officially there is no single word that it
represents. We ScQRPions are a flexible, accommodating bunch. :-)
2) Is it true the Ice Weasels will come after me if I don't
get on the air for FYBO?
A: Those are unsubstantiated rumors, but why tempt fate...?
3) Do I have to be in the Field to participate in FYBO?
A: Heck no! Operate from the cozy comfort of your den if you choose!
Someone has to be sending warm temps to the Field Ops so we can
dream of being warm. :) If some brave soul sends 10F as their temp,
offer the critter a spot by the fireplace after the contest. :)
4) What is the "operating temperature"?
A: This is the temperature at the actual operating position, the temp
that the operator and rig are exposed to at any given time. Stick a
thermometer next to your paddles and you'll get your operating temp.
5) I noticed the Multi-op category - can we have more than one rig
on the air at a time?
A: Yes and no. The Multi-op category is meant to be multi-single.
HOWEVER, that only applies per callsign. If you have 4 xmitters
and all 4 ops use their own callsigns while on the air, that's
great! The idea is that a club can put their callsign on the air
while other members work fellow FYBO ops with their own calls.
Hopefully this will result in more callsigns on the air, and we
all get to fill our logbooks. ;-)
So.... Only one callsign per rig at a time please, but by all
means set up more than one station! Pumping that key will keep
everyone warm. :-)
6) What qualifies as "Alternative power"?
Batteries, solar/wind/hydro, voles on a running wheel, really
anything as long as you're not hooked up to the AC power mains.
7) If I turn on the heater after the first hour of the contest, does
that invalidate my lowest operating temp? Is it fair?
A: No and Yes, respectively. Safety first! If you need to stay warm, do
whatever it takes! There is a bit of a sticking point though. Consider
the following situation.
Operator A is at home, snug and warm. During 30 minutes of FYBO
he opens the window to the shack and drops his operating temp
to 35F to get a better multi, then closes the window and cranks
up the heat again.
Operator B is a diehard winter camper. She sets up in a snowcave
and spends all FYBO at 35F.
Operator C is also in the Field, on a rare sunny winter's day. The
WX begins to deteriorate, and in 30 minutes the temp drops to 35F.
Our hero decides to play it safe, goes QRT and heads home.
Now, all three ops end up with the same Temp Multi. Is it fair?
I don't have the answer, and everyone who reads the above will come
to different conclusions.
The bottom line is that FYBO is all about FUN! Yes, F-U-N! You shouldn't
have to stress over such minutiae. Let your conscience be your guide.
Be safe and have fun. Operate in whatever manner makes that possible
for you.
8) Where can I get more information on FYBO?
A: Send email to Joe (AB7TT) at vole@primenet.com, or visit
<www.dancris.com/~ki7mn> and look under Contests. We sure hope
to hear you out there!
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