FDIM2018 2N2222 POWER CHALLENGE!

[david cripe]

Announcing - the FDIM2018 2N2222 POWER CHALLENGE!
We QRP enthusiasts have developed a great reputation for doing more with less.  Whether that is trying to break a record for mile per watt in a QSO, or designing a transceiver with fewest components, the design skills of our colleagues is undisputable.  QRPARCI is presenting our community with the an opportunity to show off these QRP design skills with the FDIM2018 2N2222 POWER CHALLENGE!  The challenge is simple:  Design and demonstrate a crystal-controlled 40M PA to make the highest sustained power for a period of one minute using only two 2N2222 transistors.  This event will take place during Friday, May 18 during FDIM at Dayton, and the winner recognized at the QRPARCI Banquet on Saturday, May 19.
The rules for the competition are simple, but we have to list every nit-picky detail to test your endurance anyway:   
   - The design is to utilize two, 2N2222 or 2N2222A transistors as the only active circuit elements.  There are no limits on the number of diodes, inductors, resistors, capacitors, or transformers, but no other transistors, tubes, or ICs may be used.
   - The PA must be crystal controlled within the 40M amateur band.  Builders are encouraged to use their own crystals, though there will be 7030 kHz HC-49 crystals available at the competition.  No external frequency source may be used.
   - The circuit must fit inside a 12” x 12” x 12” volume.  During the power test, the judges will cover the circuit with a blast shield to protect judges and contestants from flying bits!
   - All circuit components are to be visible for inspection. 
   - A schematic of the circuit is to be provided with each entry
   - The options for PA cooling are fairly open, but there are restrictions for safety’s sake:  No cooling media may be used that are flammable or could emit harmful vapors when heated.  No closed loop liquid cooling systems may be used. The entire cooling system must be contained within the 12”x12”x12” volume
   - There is no requirement for harmonic purity of the output signal, but consider that these designs might be published in QRP Quarterly, so don't get stupid.  A 40M harmonic filter will be included as part of the test equipment to prevent harmonic current from affecting power measurement.
   - A zero-to-24v variable power supply, dummy load and power meter will be supplied by the judges.
   - The competition will have two rounds of trials to demonstrate power output of each circuit, with the best performance of each circuit being its final score.  
   - During each test, the builder will connect his circuit, set the power supply voltage and then announce to the judges when to begin measurement.  During a period of one minute in which the builder may not touch the circuit or power supply, the minimum power output registered during the test will be the score for that trial.  Failure of the circuit in that one minute test period results in a score of ZERO for that round!
   - If the circuit fails during the first test period, the builder will have five minutes in which to repair it before the second round trials.  A solder station, simple hand tools and a supply of 2N2222As will be available.
   - If your entry sets off the smoke detector in the Holiday Inn, you will be disqualified and may be subjected to rude laughter and finger pointing during the rest of FDIM!

The winner of the FDIM2018 2N2222A POWER CHALLENGE! will be recognized at the QRPARCI Banquet Saturday May 19, 2018, and a PRIZE awarded!
Questions regarding the POWER CHALLENGE may be addressed to David Cripe NM0S, nm0s at nm0s.com.  Good luck and good building!
73 Dave NM0S
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