> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe
> Subich, W4TV
> Sent: March 23, 2008 14:45
> To: stan@aqity.org; cq-contest@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Expansion of Skimmer Subject
>
>
> Stan writes:
>
> > The only way I can think of to prevent full automation in CW
> > Contesting is to have a rule against using a computer or machine to
> > copy code. I know this is going to upset some people.
> Sorry but, in
> > my opinion, the day a station wins a CW Contest and the operator
> > listed cannot copy CW is the day CW Contesting will be ruined.
>
> Any rule like this will doom CW contesting to an accelerated
> death. Perhaps 10% of those making contacts in CW contests
> are currently using "copying assistance" - Writelog's
> decoder, CW Get alongside N1MM Logger, MixW, Ham Radio Deluxe
> and DM780, etc. I see requests daily in logging software the
> forums for the inclusion of CW copying by amateurs ranging
> from groups as diverse as those with medical conditions that
> make copying a single tone difficult, new amateurs who want
> the "crutch" to learn code, and new amateurs who don't want
> to learn Morse but simply want to join in the fun of the
> "most popular digital mode."
>
> RTTY will replace CW in contesting in less than 10 years if
> participants cannot use "a computer or machine" to copy CW.
> New CW contesters are coming from the population that is
> using computers ... some will eventually become proficient at
> coping by ear but most will not. Contesting must adapt to
> changes in then regulatory environment (no CW requirement for
> licensing), changes in demographics (older operators who can
> no longer hear
> - or manipulate paddles as well as they once did) and
> changing technology. If CW contesting does not adapt it will die.
>
You hit the nail on the head directly, Joe.
No one is going to win a contest using a code reader against guys who copy
in their heads. Code readers just aren't that accurate. They do allow guys
who either don't know code, don't want to know code or have difficulty
decyphering code to play as well. I doubt these guys aspire to get to the
top of the list. Frankly, there's no way for them to do that without being
able to copy in their head.
This fear of automated stations is really quite misplaced. As long as all
technology is used to benefit communications between humans, and this is
reflected in the rules of contests, then it should resolve these issues for
the most part.
Code readers have been around for decades and haven't ruined CW contests.
Why would they do it now? In fact, I would suppose that participation in CW
contests has increased, despite the move to no-code licences, due to the use
of code readers. I think that a device that automatically responds to what
is copied by a code reader to be more of a problem. Simply DO NOT develop
this device and automated stations will not be an issue.
73 -- Paul VO1HE
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