Doug, I totally agree with you on this, and have for quite some time. I
used to use SCP some years ago, but don't anymore because it simply
feels like cheating. Yes, most of the time it is prudent to verify SCP
instead of accepting it at face value, but at the very least it speeds
up the recognition process and in many cases (like some of the JA or
South American callsigns) the popup is unique and can fill in a missing
character I never even heard with almost 100% verity. I don't even
like the use of SCP when operating assisted because ... like Call
History Databases which I also don't use ... the information being used
WAS GATHERED OUTSIDE OF THE CURRENT CONTEST. In my opinion, that last
bit alone should rule out the use of such automated databases.
As you say, there isn't much chance of disallowing them, and with the
availability of online logs anybody could create their own anyway. It
wouldn't even change things if the folks who manage the various contest
loggers dropped the capability because people would just use older
versions. A few years ago, just to see if I could, I even created a
monster "Call History" database using the FCC registry of ham callsigns
(I think I even included the Canadian equivalent ... don't remember for
sure). I tried it out during one of the winter NAQP contests just to
see how close it was for name and QTH and found it almost functional.
I'm pretty sure that somebody will pop up here with the comment that SCP
isn't actually "bad" because it's readily available to everyone, but it
seems to me that it still falls outside the parameters of most contest
rules.
It won't do any good, but somebody should publicly agree with you, so I
will.
73,
Dave AB7E
On 7/30/2015 4:07 AM, kr2q@optimum.net wrote:
OK, I admit it. I have NEVER been a proponent of SCP (or that ilk). So I'll
once again (been
many years now, so it's time) ask why SCP is allowed for non-assisted entries
(or at all).
For me, either you copy the call, zone, SN, name, SEC, etc yourself or you
don't.
So much has been automated during a contest, just what is left for the entrant
to do that
demonstrates actual contest skill? Not even copy the call sign?
At the heart of each contest QSO is getting the call and exchange right. If
you have to rely
on a database (EG SCP), was that really a valid QSO?
Going back ages, I recall a DX ham (Riki) who used "a database" on 160m. When
challenged,
he said that the database only helped him to confirm the call he had copied.
Really? If you knew
you had copied it, why need to "check?" Of course, the answer is that it wasn't
"copied," but
needed to be teased out. I mean, it's a long way from most eastern part of
zone 20 to the rest
of the world.
More recently, a well-known contester that I have always respected, gave me an
example
of what he felt was an "appropriate use" of SCP. "Let's say I'm on 75m and the
band is
noisy and I just can't confirm the other guys full call. If I look at SCP, I
can see a list of
calls and I can say, 'Is your call XY1ABC?' and if he says YES, then I know I
have a good
contact." Huh? For me, this is exactly why SCP should NOT be allowed. THAT was a
"good"
QSO? You never copied his full call. You took an total GUESS base on SCP.
What if he didn't
say YES? Then what? No QSO or "take a chance?"
Other arguments include, "Why should I be penalized for not having as good a
memory for
call signs as K1AR (or your favorite contester)?" Just because he can remember
10,000
calls doesn't mean I'm not as a good a contester. So I use SCP to make up for
that aspect.
And I suppose he also runs 10KW to "make up" for atmospheric losses.
Really, there is NO legitimate reason to use SCP during a contest unless you
just want to have
FUN also sending the guys name during a contest which does not require that you
copy his/her
name.
It always is disappointing to me to see the URGENT plea's to share your log
file so that SCP
can be updated.
SCP is just pure BS for the true (honest) contester. Too late? Can't get the
genie back into
the bottle? Yes, I know. But that doesn't mean it is right.
de Doug KR2Q
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