Multiple Field Day stations, same location

[K5TED]

Is it allowed to run class A - commercial under one callsign log submission and class A - battery on a different callsign log submission, from the same location, rotating antennas and operators with the two stations? No contact sharing between classes.

[N4NYY]

Is it allowed to run class A - commercial under one callsign log submission and class A - battery on a different callsign log submission, from the same location, rotating antennas and operators with the two stations? No contact sharing between classes.

I have to check the rules, but I am guessing no. One of the rules is not using or tying antenna to existing towers/ antennas and such. If you are using 2 different classes and 2 different calls, when you switch off, you are using an existing antenna.

[N4NYY]

Is it allowed to run class A - commercial under one callsign log submission and class A - battery on a different callsign log submission, from the same location, rotating antennas and operators with the two stations? No contact sharing between classes.

I have to check the rules, but I am guessing no. One of the rules is not using or tying antenna to existing towers/ antennas and such. If you are using 2 different classes and 2 different calls, when you switch off, you are using an existing antenna.

I found the rule and you cannot do it.

6.2. A transmitter/receiver/transceiver used to contact one or more Field Day stations may not subsequently
be used under any other callsign to participate in Field Day. Family stations are exempt provided the subsequent
callsign used is issued to and used by a different family member.

[K8GU]

Actually, rule 6.2 only prohibits using the same radio with multiple calls during the contest period.  As long as you keep the radios separate by callsign, I don't think there's any prohibition of sharing antennas or operators.  The two stations cannot work each other, either, since they share operators.  I'm not sure why you would do it this way, but it does not seem to be prohibited.

[N4NYY]

Actually, rule 6.2 only prohibits using the same radio with multiple calls during the contest period.  As long as you keep the radios separate by callsign, I don't think there's any prohibition of sharing antennas or operators.  The two stations cannot work each other, either, since they share operators.  I'm not sure why you would do it this way, but it does not seem to be prohibited.

I guess that is accurate if the consider the transmitter as the radio only, without the antenna. Essentially, you can have a station, like 10M, put up an antenna, tent, radios, and so forth. Then someone can show up at at any time during FD, remove the radio, put in his own radio, and start plugging away with another call sign. I would say that is not the spirit of Field Day.

I wonder if that is then considered an existing structure.

He might have to call the ARRL to get the exact ruling.

[K8GU]

This loophole is routinely exploited in ARRL Sweepstakes...for example, often a large multioperator (e.g., N6RO, W3LPL, K8CC, have done this) station will host two or more single-operator (or multi-single) efforts.  The single ops use separate radios, but share the antennas.  It is sensible to do this because it is a better use of M/M resources for a club score when there is no M/M category. 

Then someone can show up at at any time during FD, remove the radio, put in his own radio, and start plugging away with another call sign. I would say that is not the spirit of Field Day.

I can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would do that.

I wonder if that is then considered an existing structure.

Not if it was installed specifically for Field Day...doesn't matter who installed it for Field Day, the idea is that you operate from a location that is not regularly used as a station.

[KG4NEL]

Seems like it's a disservice to the A-Battery guys.

Their QSOs are worth more with the 5W mult, so why not let them run the whole thing...

[K5TED]

In our case, this has nothing to do with scores. It's about working stations from a field location using different radios and antennas, QRP and high power on a weekend we know will be active. We just want to be eligible for the other stations to count if they are keeping track. That we will have the courtesy to submit a log for cross reference is an aside to the fun of radio.

[N4NYY]

In our case, this has nothing to do with scores. It's about working stations from a field location using different radios and antennas, QRP and high power on a weekend we know will be active. We just want to be eligible for the other stations to count if they are keeping track. That we will have the courtesy to submit a log for cross reference is an aside to the fun of radio.

It is not an adjudicated contest, so they do not check the logs. It's a "take your word" for it contest.