jim KI7Y writes:
>
> One possible reason for the connection rule could be the cost and
> complexity of equipping many volunteered stations to the same state of the
> art switching level.
> 73
Sponsor provides QTH, electricity (I hope), power limitation and antennas.
Contesters can bring whatever they like. I didn't think that coax switch or
relays are that "complex," any idiot (never mind super duper contester) can
make or buy one for $5. If we are spending kilobucks for transceiver, is the
coax switch the handicap?
We are bordering on the question "better operator" vs. "better
contester." Operator is more in the "drive in" category - he knows how to
operate, but is ignorant in the station design and setup (one extreme). Most
likely he can be tested with pileup tapes. Contester is the one who designs,
builds the optimized station and knows how to operate it for the winning
score (other extreme). Lets try to compare to America's Cup. Do they give
sailors the same boat, or they let them design and build their own within the
limitations of the rules and operate it? The same goes for car races. We are
technical sport, radio equipment design and configuration is part of it (just
like boat or car). Equalizing it by giving everybody dinghy or moped would be
laughable in sailing or car races. Seems that in ham radio it isn't, lists,
nets and now (not even coax switch) contesting are "normal." Heck, we don't
need to get on the air at all, we can simulate "operating conditions" on the
networked computers and see who is the best (what?).
Personally I think we are in the second category. One who can design,
build and operate effectively his station is the complete contester and will
beat the "drive in" operator most of the time.
For years we had discussions about allowing one lousy point for domestic
QSOs in WPX contest. All kinds of arguments against. Last year we finally got
it. It was universally praised, scores and participation jumped up, more
enjoyment, no more arguing about not being in the log - big plus. (SM2EKM was
dead wrong!)
The decision about the rules etc. should be made on recommendation of
those who achieved something in the area, rather than those who are
scrambling to pull the leaders back down to the mud. Like, go back to sparks,
straight key and wire antenna?
Ham is a person with his station, license (callsign) and operating
skills. WRTC as a premier contest operating event should be leading and
encouraging the use of technology in contesting. This is where innovations
should come from and we will all benefit from it.
Now back to greasing the connectors.
73 Yuri, K3BU
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>From K4RO Kirk Pickering <k4ro@k4ro.net> Fri Feb 25 04:08:21 2000
From: K4RO Kirk Pickering <k4ro@k4ro.net> (K4RO Kirk Pickering)
Subject: [CQ-Contest] Does might make right in contesting?
I am curious how the contesting community feels about this one.
This is not intended as an exercise in finger pointing, although
I am tempted to note one particular example from a very prominent
USA M/M station this last weekend. But what's the point? Everybody
knows that it happens, and most ops know who the worst offenders are.
Just like most people know who runs gas, etc., word gets out.
The question is simple: is it OK to take a frequency from someone?
Are there times when it is OK and times when it is not? Please explain.
Are there "prime areas" where it is acceptable, and areas where it is not?
Is it acceptable for mega-stations to battle it out in the "prime"
real-estate, and the "meek & weak" should stay the hell away? :-)
Is it acceptable for a loud station to take whatever frequency
they want, no matter where in the band?
Is there a line somewhere that can be crossed? Where is it?
In short, does might make right? This IS a CONTEST, right?
If an op is running 70/hr on a frequency and you know you can
do 100+/hr, is it OK to jump in there and take over his/her
frequency? Is courtesy an issue in contesting? Or is it OK to
bump weaker stations out of the way when you need a frequency
and have the capability to take one? Your thoughts, please.
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