Actually I did think about the dueling CW CQ scenario since I operate RTTY
that way (unassisted). I did not think that CW decoders were anywhere near
as good at copying as the human ear but perhaps they are now. Where do you
draw the line between assisted and unassisted. All of the following offer
some type of operator assistance: SCP, computer logging, computer sending,
automatic band changing antennas and amps, WWV monitoring, XYL bringing you
a sandwich, etc.
John KK9A
-----Original Message-----
From: Randy Thompson K5ZD [mailto:k5zd@charter.net]
Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2015 4:03 PM
To: john@kk9a.com; cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: RE: [CQ-Contest] Preview of CQWW Rules 2015
Be careful when you make statements like this. " I do not see any
competitive advantage to using [CW decoder]..."
Let's say that a CW single op wants to try to run on two bands at the same
time. He sets up his dueling CQ macros so that while he is copying the
exchange on one radio, he is transmitting a CQ on the other.
This works, but it is difficult to shift concentration between the two
radios, especially when you have stations calling at the same time you are
finishing copying an exchange.
Now let's say he puts a CW decoder on the audio output of one or both
radios. While he finishes copying the exchange, a list of calls is
appearing in the CW decoder or in his logging software. He clicks on a call
or hits a macro function key to grab the call and start sending the
exchange. He may never have heard the station that he is responding to.
The future is going to have more and more of this kind of software
automation and technology convergence. Things are never what they appear
when first introduced. SCP is a good example. We might classify it
differently if it appeared today.
Ultimately, I see a future where all single ops are the in the same class
and free to use whatever technology they can handle. At the same time,
there will be a protected category where the "boy and his radio" guys can
identify themselves and compete against like-minded contesters.
Until then, we have to draw lines.
Imagine another future where simply putting your mouse over a signal in an
SDR starts decoding the CW. Or what if the software defined radio included
displaying a text waterfall rather than signals? You could just read the
band! The mind boggles.
I had never considered using a CW decoder to put an op in assistance until
the scenario above not only happened, but clearly demonstrated an advantage!
We need to decide what skills a contest should test.
Randy, K5ZD
> -----Original Message-----
> From: CQ-Contest [mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf
> Of john@kk9a.com
> Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2015 6:32 PM
> To: cq-contest@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Preview of CQWW Rules 2015
>
> So using a CW Decoder now puts you in the assisted category? I do not
> see any competitive advantage to using one and it allows less
> proficient operators to enjoy the contest. Will a RTTY decoder be
> allowed in CQWW RTTY?
> Certainly using Super Check Partial or prefills offers more assistance
> than a CW decoder.
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> To: cq-contest@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Preview of CQWW Rules 2015
> From: Steve London <n2icarrl@gmail.com>
> Reply-to: n2ic@arrl.net
> Date: Fri, 22 May 2015 07:56:31 -0600
>
> On 05/21/2015 11:10 PM, Dick Green WC1M wrote:
> Comments on CWWW Rules 2015:
>
> VIII. DEFINITION OF TERMS
>
> 2. QSO alerting assistance
>
> The only thing the change does is prohibit single-frequency CW
> decoders, which provide no competitive advantage and may be needed by
> ops with hearing problems.
>
> It doesn't "prohibit" single-frequency CW decoders, it just means that
> use of a single-frequency CW decoder places you in the Assisted category.
> What's so bad about that ?
>
> 73,
> Steve, N2IC
>
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