Yuri,
You said: "Assisted - was meant to mean another OPERATOR - person, not
assistance by computer, keyer, software, foot switch. (B fortifies that) "
B is defining Single Op Assisted. It is not defining single op or what type
of assistance is forbidden for single ops.
A, defining single op (unassisted), says:
"The use of DX alerting assistance of any kind places the station in the
Single Operator Assisted category."
It says "of any kind". It does not say "such as defined in B" or "such as
defined elsewhere".
"Of any kind" encompasses *any kind* of spotting. There is no limit to what
is excluded.
A single op cannot use any kind of spotting and remain as a single op. Isn't
this obvious that the purpose is for the single operator to do everything on
his own for himself?
The rule says: "Those stations at which one person performs all of the
operating, logging, and spotting functions".
If a skimmer device is now performing spotting functions for the operator,
then he is not performing all spotting functions - is he?
The rule specifically and clearly eliminates the possibility of the use of
*any kind* of spotting regardless of where it is, what delivers it, how it
is produced - organic or silicon-based.
Also, regarding "DX" being used in the definition, the contest in question
is a DX contest so this is appropriate, and spotting of non-DX is
meaningless.
Skimmer and its ilk are appropriate and marvelous tools for assisted
stations and multi-ops to use. It has no place in an unassisted single op
station.
73,
Bob W5OV
-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of k3bu@optimum.net
Sent: Thursday, June 05, 2008 9:51 PM
To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] The Skimmer Rule Challenge
From: VR2BrettGraham
> WW rules:
>
> "A. Single Operator Categories: Single or all band; only one
> signal allowed at any one time; the operator may change
> bands at any time.
>
> 1. Single Operator High: Those stations at which one person
> performs all of the operating, logging, and spotting functions.
> The use of DX alerting assistance of any kind places the
> station in the Single Operator Assisted category.
>
> > by power>
>
> B. Single Operator with DX Spotting Net: Same as III A 1
> except the passive (self-spotting not allowed) use of DX
> spotting nets is allowed."
> .......
> WW conclusion: WW SO can do all the functions of operating.
> The use of "DX alerting assistance of any kind" makes SO into
> SOA. SOA can't provide "alerting assistance" to others.
Huh?
It is just amazing how so many choose to ignore B as a further explanation
of difference between SO and SOA. Without CQ Mag. knowing that skimmer is
commeth, rules clearly indicate that "DX alerting assistance" relates to
information obtained from and provided by another operator - not gadget,
software, anything. (For legal beagels: what if I use skimmer not to DX
allert, just regular stations, because I worked all the DX already and only
"regular" stations/points are left and reported by my skimmer??? :-) (like:
what's DX to whom???)
Assisted - was meant to mean another OPERATOR - person, not assistance by
computer, keyer, software, foot switch. (B fortifies that)
If one uses own skimmer or whatever in the shack (TECHNOLOGY part of the
station) it is SO and his toys. If it is someone elses skimmer, whatever -
that is assisted.
It is just amazing how Luddites are fighting another marvelous tool in the
radio arsenal that should help to increase scores, participation and fun for
those who choose to master nad use it. What is te danger? More people
participating because another toy, or more QSOs and activity in our "CW
dying" arena?
Ham Radio Contesting is a technical sport, involving technology and
operating skills. Any progress in those areas and mastering most aspects of
it to increase our scores is the positive thing. Records are made to be
beaten.
Rules are just fine, clarification that use of your own skimmer at your
station within the limits is OK for "unassisted", use of someone elses
skimmer, packet, whatever is assisted. When will we see "asses" beating
"un-asses" scores, when there is so much advantage?
At what point should we "freeze" the technology "assistance" to contesting?
Spark TX, hand key, transceiver, CQers, pre-skimmers???
I am still amazed that skimmer is a big problem, while loopside scoring
systems like ZERO QSOs for own big country or 30 - 60% scoring advantage for
SA/AF is OK.
Joe, W4TV is putting it very well, but seems that big chorus seems to ignore
the B and reasoning and difference between person and gadget.
Personally, I can't wait to find good frequency, way high in the band, F1
and let the world of skimmers find me and "robot" me! I don't even need no
stinkin' skimmer!
If one can use technology to advance their operating and scores - more power
to them, that's what technical sport is all about - technology + operator
and how you master it.
See y'all in the skimmer pileups!
Yuri, K3BU.us
Back to "skimmer is the assistant" hidden in the computer. :-)
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