K4BEV hilariously postulated:
> But come on Kostas - Calling the SOA guys morons or even oxen is just
> uncalled for ;-)
...and then asked....
>
> I really don't understand how using an Internet connection to a spotting
> net
> is within the rules of most contests anyway (?). Don't most indicate that
> using non-amateur radio means to get contacts is illegal (or something to
> that
> effect)? -- And usually calls for disqualification! -- How does using
> the
> Internet get one around this rule???? Use a Wireless Modem?
The rules for non-amateur means of communication refer to soliciting
contacts, in other words, IMing, telephoning, e-mailing or carrier-pigeoning
your friend to ask him to work you. There is no prohibition on non-amateur
means of communication for purposes that don't directly lead to the
solicitation of QSOs. So you can order pizza by phone, check solar flux
information on-line, file your scores real-time to a scoreboard or
channel-surf through the Sunday afternoon football games safe in the
knowledge you're not violating any rules.
An internet cluster merely shows you where they are: it is not a form of
solicitation on your part for contacts (nor on the part of the spotted,
either, since they don't (or shouldn't, according to many contest rules)
spot themselves).
It is within the rules because spotting nets are permitted and because no
restriction is placed on how spotting nets can or must operate.
I think a purist could argue (and I don't intend to cast aspersions on radio
puritanism, Hans) that an internet-based spotting net is outside the SPIRIT
of a radio contest. But an argument it is outside the RULES is tenuous for
most contests.
73, kelly
ve4xt
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