Construction Contest

Construction Contest (CC) - QSO Practice Event

Group Members:

• Not specified (teams will be formed at the event)

Event Overview:

• Name of the Event: Construction Contest (CC)

• Number of Participants:

  • Teams of 2-4 people each, with a mix of instructors and builders.
  • As many teams as needed.
  • 1-2 referees overseeing the event.

• Level of Experience:

  • Basic communication via radio.
  • Participants should be newly licensed and familiar with making basic QSOs (radio contacts).

• Duration:

  • Flexible, depending on the complexity of the object to be constructed (e.g., 1-3 hours).

• Location/Space Needed:

  • The event requires 2 separate rooms or outdoor spaces for each team.
  • Teams must not hear each other without using the radios.

Food:

• Meals: Not necessary.
• Refreshments: Provide fresh water and light snacks (e.g., fruit) to keep participants energized.

Budget:

• Do you need money for the event? Yes.
  • What for:
    • Purchase of Lego sets or materials for building.
    • Handheld radios (2 per team).
    • Transportation of teams.
    • Rental of any required space or additional materials.

Materials and Equipment Needed:

• For Each Team:

  • 2 handheld radios (one for the instructor, one for the builders).
  • A small customizable Lego set (or another building kit such as an electronic circuit).
  • Building instructions for the instructors.

• Other Equipment:

  • Space for separation of the teams (either rooms or outdoor areas).

Organizer's Preparations:

• Acquire pairs of identical small Lego sets (or similar construction materials like breadboards and circuit components).
• Prepare building instructions for the instructors.
• Set up the spaces so that teams cannot communicate without radios.

What Participants Need to Bring:

• Nothing. All equipment will be provided by the organizer.

Game Explanation and Rules:

Objective:

• The goal is to help participants practice QSOs by explaining how to build an object via radio communication.
• Instructors must clearly convey the instructions to the builders using only their radios, improving communication skills and comfort with radio operation.

How the Game Works:

1. Team Setup:

   • Each team is divided into two roles: instructors and builders.
   • Instructors are given a manual with step-by-step instructions on how to build the object (e.g., a Lego set or a simple electronic circuit).

2. Communication Rules:

   • The instructors and builders are placed in separate rooms or locations. They can only communicate via their handheld radios.
   • Instructors must guide their builders step by step through the construction process, describing how to position and assemble the pieces.

3. Winning the Game:

   • The first team to correctly complete their build according to the instructions wins.
   • The referee will check to ensure the build matches the instruction manual exactly.

4. Referee's Role:

   • Ensure that all communication is done via radio (no shouting or other methods of communication).
   • Provide assistance with the radios if needed and offer tips on proper radio operation (e.g., proper use of phonetic alphabet, clear communication).

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants practice making QSOs under pressure.
• Teams improve their ability to clearly communicate instructions over the radio.
• Builders become more comfortable asking clarifying questions and working through tasks via radio communication.