My 2c:
- One of the basis and reasons for the amateur service is to innovate and
advance the radio art. No matter our interest in ham radio -- be it
contesting or otherwise, we should not forget this fact. IMHO, We should
never ban any piece of new technology because we think it might hurt our
(personal) self interest. I do understand, however, that we live in the
real world, and emotions rule many.
- There is much over-reaction to Skimmer. It's the "Sky is falling"
scenario. Those on contest committees are well aware of Skimmer. I
believe they will let Skimmer play for a while (at least a cycle of
contests), and see if it "skews" scores, especially in single-op
categories. (K5ZD has taken this approach with WPX). If it does, then
perhaps, but only perhaps, some rules changes may be in order. However,
let's wait and see.
- There is plenty of room for the bare-bones CW-by-the-ears,
send-with-the-keyer,log-with-paper boys.... as well as state-of-the-art
technology ploys. To me, that's what makes this such an interesting hobby.
In fact, I do some contests with the former and others with the latter.
73, Gerry W1VE
-- 1976 SS as WA4UUX, using an Eico 7-drifty-three, a WB4VVF Accukeyer,
paper logs, and a 40m dipole at 20 feet.
-- 2008 ARRL DX @ K1IR, State-of-the-art rigs, amps, antennas, station
control, real-time Internet scoring, etc, etc, etc
-- Same fun, it just keeps getting better...
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