----- Original Message -----
From: "W0MU Mike Fatchett" <w0mu@w0mu.com>
> The control head is just a user interface, if you will, just like a
> computer. The transmitting and receiving are still taking place where
> ever
> the rest of the radio is located.
The phrase "rest of the radio" acknowledges that some parts
of the radio are not located at the transmitting/receiving
site.
Does a QSO represent 2-way communication between equipment
or between people? I believe it's between people, and that,
to qualify as a QSO, there should be nothing but RF in the
signal path - otherwise we're on the slippery slope towards
EchoLink.
Some members of this list argue that the length of the
control lines does not matter. I do not consider speaker,
phones, mike or key circuits to be control lines - they
are i/o lines, part of the signal path, and they are
integral parts of the transmitting and receiving equipment.
With remote control, they break the typical 500-metres
rule.
Of course, others will describe how much fun remote
control is, how advanced the technology is, what
interesting problems have been solved, what challenges
lie ahead, and how much it helps those who cannot
otherwise enjoy operating from their "home" site.
These are all good arguments for promoting remote control
technology, but perhaps of no more relevance to contesting
than EchoLink - or any other technology with reduced
dependence on RF in the signal path.
If you remotely control a high-definition webcam pointed
at the Grand Canyon, do you then claim to have "seen" it?
You have to "be there".
73,
Paul EI5DI
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