Aim
- To design and build an innovative “Go Pack” radio system that is portable, independent & self-sufficient.
- The “Go Pack” could be used to support a local emergency.
- To demonstrate the “Go Pack” in operation on an agreed day in Summer 2024.
Timing
Design & build to start NOW (Feb 2024) with operational demonstration in July/Aug 2024. (to be agreed)
Rules
| Rules | Notes | |
| 1 | Go Packs to be carryable, independent, and self-sufficient. | Movement of kit from vehicle to demo pitch should be done in one journey if possible. |
| 2 | Go Packs to be based around ‘bags’ or ‘boxes’. | Typically, one or two bags (eg one for the radio + a 2nd for the battery). Add chair & table to complete. Go Packs may be ‘switch on & go’ in nature or require components to be unpacked & connected. |
| 3 | Go Packs can be designed & built for use on any band(s), mode(s), or power. | Go Packs currently in existence are valid. For demonstration day purposes, RF is restricted to 10 watts IERP (to avoid EMF assessments). |
| 4 | DC Power to be exclusively from battery, solar, wind, or any mix of these. | Petrol/gas generators not permitted. |
| 5 | The Go Pack could be used in support of a local emergency. | How this could be applied to a local emergency is at the discretion of the builder, but operability for 3 to 4 hours might be a worthy consideration. |
| 6 | The radio equipment must be wholly contained in the Go Pack. | No remote operation (eg with home or with a car). |
| 7 | No use of trees, telegraph or lamp posts, or buildings. The operator brings their table & chair. | This includes the radio, any accessories, aerial & supports, power source etc. |
| 8 | No operational use of any vehicle. | No vehicle power, no vehicle aerial mounts, no use of an in-vehicle radio. |
| 9 | No use of local structures for aerial support. | No use of trees, telegraph or lamp posts, or buildings. The operator brings their own table & chair. |
| 10 | Each Go Pack is to be explained via a video or photographic ‘document’ for later use.. | The ‘document’ for each entry will be presented in the autumn at the Club for others’ appreciation. The ‘document’ could show the pack’s construction or simply explain the finished product. |
| 11 | The Go Packs will be demonstrated in operation and explained to members present during an agreed Demo Day. | The Demo is to be convened in a park or similar outdoor open space (to be decided) on a weekend in either July or August 2024 (to be decided). Depending on location/cost/logistics, a family BBQ may be integrated into the day (to be agreed). |
| 12 | The Operability of the Go Pack may be demonstrated with a simplex QSO or via a repeater, DMR Gateway, or satellite. | The Go Pack could itself be a dedicated repeater – or a beacon. The demo in this case could be linked to it with a handheld. |
| 13 | Each Go Pack will be ‘judged’ by those members present against the Aims above using criteria determined by each voting member. | Each Member present will be given 3 voting slips which they can award in any combination to any Go Pack. Members exhibiting a Go Pack will be given a 4th voting slip. No exhibitor self-voting. |
| 14 | Votes will be counted at the end of the demo day and 1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards announced. | Actual votes cast will not be announced (in case I get none!). |
| 15 | The top 3 exhibitors will be presented with Certificates recognising their achievements. | Certificates will be presented at the Christmas Dinner. |