----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack Haverty" <k3fiv@arrl.net>
> First, contests today are all mostly the same, and haven't changed much
> in decades. Yes, there are variations in the rules - modes,
> multipliers, exchanges, duration, points, etc., but mostly it's all
> about getting on the air, making contact with as many stations as you
> can, and staying in the chair as long as you can stand it to rack up the
> most points.
I have to respectfully disagree with this one. Yes, the objective is the
same, but how we chase that objective has greatly changed. For example,
there was another email on this reflector just minutes ago about how the
logs submitted for the RTTY WPX contest have passed 1500 so far. That
reminds me that I need to submit mine still. Wow! Who would have guessed
that 15 years ago-that RTTY contesting would be so popular? Or so easy to
get on for? No special TNCs needed like in the past. Just a cheap computer
and some sort of sound card interface.
What about CW skimmer? Who would have thought that it would be an issue for
contesting rules even 5 years ago? 20 years ago we never would have
imagined assisted categories and the controversy concerning the DX cluster
and spotting during a contest.
SO2R, electronic logging, Software defined radios, Steppir Yagis, dual
receive radios, and panadaptors have greatly changed the face of contesting
since I became a ham in 1980. Not to mention that you can actually work
Albania in a contest today :)
73s John AA5JG
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