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Re: [CQ-Contest] down the path with Dave

To: Tom W8JI <w8ji@w8ji.com>, CQ Contest <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] down the path with Dave
From: Pete Smith N4ZR <n4zr@contesting.com>
Date: Sun, 02 Dec 2012 12:05:06 -0500
List-post: <cq-contest@contesting.com">mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
Tom, I think maybe you misunderstood where I'm coming from. Unlike Joe, W4TV, I believe that using Skimmer is just like using a cluster, only more powerful. I have never argued for Skimmer use *not* putting someone in the assisted category. I was simply trying to refute Charly's argument that it takes all the skill out of operating.

One of the interesting things about CW Skimmer is that it is cumulative. For a single op, that means that you can mute the Skimmer SDR while you're transmitting, and it will pick up with spotting as soon as you stop. I see this happen all the time here - Skimmer will spot a station or two as soon as I am not transmitting any longer.

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 12/2/2012 10:29 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:
Charly, the only thing that Skimmer replaces is the physical act of tuning the radio.

For me, the objectionable part of skimmer is the removal or lessening of operator skill. I equate it to using a code reader. Local skimmer, used in single op, replaces the three acts of tuning the radio, copying the call, and entering the call in a data base. It gives the local station a form of automatic spotting system.

The local technical requirements of isolating the receiver from the transmitter are significant on lower bands with high power, but it is possible to do. A conventional SDR here overloaded badly from the transmitter on 160 meters, but I'm sure that could have been cured. On 80 meters and up a local SDR here can get into noise floor without local transmitter problems. The result would be a window filled with locally generated "spots" that require no operator assistance.

I'm not saying this is good or bad, but it sure seems to be contrary to real single-op unassisted. With a low noise floor, a bandmap could fill with hundreds of useful locally generated spots. There isn't much difference between that and using a cluster.

73 Tom


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