[NLRS] New Rover Rules are here.

[W0ZQ at aol.com]

Hello NLRS.
 
It has come to my attention that the long await changes to the rover  rules 
is now upon us.   The ARRL's Program & Service Committee  (PSC) has just 
recently approved the VUAC recommendations.   The  changes appear in the ARRL's 
"General VHF Contest Rules" which can be found on  the ARRL's website at 
_http://www.remote.arrl.org/contests/announcements/rules-vhf.html_ 
(http://www.remote.arrl.org/contests/announcements/rules-vhf.html)  .    I have cut and pasted 
just the new rover section below.  As confirmed by  our new ARRL Contest Manager, 
KX9X, these new rules ARE in effect for the  January VHF contest despite the 
QST announcement that states otherwise.  We  should be seeing some more 
chatter on this subject on the various reflectors in  the next few days.
 
Here are some of the key changes:
*  Allow non-contesting, non-participating Observers in the  vehicle.
*  Allow a designated driver only to be switched in/out without  penalizing 
the rover.
*  Family rule is back in.   One call sign per rover except  for when the 
family rule is invoked.
*  Continue to encourage good rover operating practices (no captured  rovers).
*  Rovers are now allowed to use APRS.  It appears that only  multi-ops are 
allowed access to rover APRS data - something I need some  clarification on.
*  Two new rover classes (three total).  Limited Rover -  Same as rover class 
but limited to any four bands of their choice AND output  power limited to 
the same as defined for a SOLP station.  This is intended  as an introduction 
class and not a place for seasoned rovers to win.    Unlimited Rover - Same as 
rover but can make more that 100 Q's with another  rover and may have more than 
two op's.   
 
As your Dakota VUAC rep, I can try to answer any questions that you may  have 
- just ask.   For those in the Midwest Division, your VUAC rep is  Mike, 
KM0T.  For those in the Central Division, it is Kermit,  W9XA.
 

2.3. Rover: A rover is comprised of no more than two operators that  moves 
among two or more grid squares during the course of a contest. An operator  may 
perform any or all rover functions, but a driver's function shall be limited  
to driving the vehicle. Drivers may be switched out during the event. Any 
number  of observers is also allowed, however observers may not perform any rover  
function at any time. Rover vehicles with only one occupant are allowed to  
perform all functions listed above. 
2.3.1. A rover vehicle may transport  only one station using a single call 
sign. An exception is provided for in  "General Rules for All ARRL Contests" 
number 3.5 (Family Rule). 
2.3.2. A  rover may not operate with more than one call sign. 
2.3.3. Rover vehicles  must transport all the equipment, power supplies, and 
antennas used at each  operating site. 
2.3.4. Rovers MUST sign "rover" on Phone and /R on CW and  digital modes 
after their call sign. 
2.3.5.All Rovers are encouraged to  adopt operating practices that allow as 
many stations as possible to contact  them. 
2.3.6. Rover operators may submit separate logs for single operator  (fixed 
station) in addition to their rover entries. Rovers submitting a score  for 
inclusion in a club competition must also include a secondary summary sheet  
indicating the portion of the score that counts for the club score if any of the  
QSOs submitted take place outside of their club's territory. 
2.3.7. Rovers  are permitted to use APRS. Rovers using APRS transmit only 
their call sign and  position. Any multi-op station may access rover APRS data 
directly or via the  Internet. 
2.3.8. A rover may not make more than 100 QSOs with any other one  rover. 
2.4. Limited Rover. Same as the “Rover” class above, but competes  with no 
more than any four bands of their own choosing. Output power limits  shall be 
the same as those defined for the Single Operator Low Power category  (2.1.1) 
2.5. Unlimited Rover. Same as “Rover” class above, but Unlimited  Rovers may 
use more than two operators and are exempt from rules 2.3.3 and  2.3.8. 
 
 
73, Jon
W0ZQ



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