W5OV quoted EI5DI
>> What's different about remote control is that it uses
>> the internet (typically) to replace RF in the signal path
>> between the operators concerned.
W5OV then said
> No, it does not.
>
> The RF is not changed at all.
Since many people are getting tired of this thread, I'll
keep this short.
However, it's mildly amusing to me that, having first
quoted my actual words, W5OV goes on to misquote them
twice. He implies I referred to RF being "changed",
and later, to being "different". I used neither of
those words.
Lets accept the argument that remote control is just
the same as having extended signal (or audio and key,
if you prefer) leads.
The extended leads are typically hosted on the internet.
Should the internet fail, whether it's via phone, cable,
wireless, or satellite, then you're not just off the
internet, you're off the air and no QSOs are possible.
You're now "Remote, No Control".
Therefore, however you describe your activity, it must
be something different because, had it been amateur
radio you would still be on the air.
When operating remote, you are dependent on both the
internet and amateur-band RF. If either fails, you're
finished. That's why I call it hybrid communications.
The name accurately and fully describes the activity.
I've said the following in another thread, but it's
relevant here. If we saw a CBer talking over the
internet, while claiming it was CB radio, we would
all have a good laugh. Licensed radio amateurs are
not sprinkled with magic pixie dust that somehow
transforms an internet-dependent contact into an
amateur-radio QSO.
I don't mind if others cannot accept this point of
view, but what is undeniable is that the RDXC and IOTA
contests, both major events, prohibit remote control.
Accepting that remote control isn't about to go away, it seems to me
that the organisers of other major
contests have three options to consider.
1. Prohibit remote control.
2. Permit it, but as a separate entry category.
3. Do nothing.
I'm not optimistic about anything other than the
"do nothing" option - what I would see as a vote
for expediency over integrity. I hope I will be
proved wrong.
And for now, I have nothing more to say :-)
73,
Paul EI5DI
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