If you're not planning to operate Assisted or Multi-op in this weekend's
contest, delete this now. Otherwise, let me offer a few thoughts that
may help you make best use of Skimmer spots from the Reverse Beacon Network.
1. Use a node that allows you to include or exclude Skimmer spots with
a simple command. Both ARClusterV6 and VE7CC Cluster nodes have this
capability. Some logging programs and Telnet clients may also have this
capability built in
2. If you use the RBN and your logging software lets you set a packet
time-out value, set it for no longer than 10 minutes. The skimmer
software automatically re-spots stations that continue CQing on the same
frequency only once every 10 minutes, but typically such re-spots appear
within a few seconds of the 10-minute threshold, since we now have
pretty wide coverage. You'll cut down on the number of "stale" spots
this way.
3. By all means *do* use filtering of some sort to limit the number of
Skimmer spots you receive. The major contest software packages can all
handle the load, but except in very special circumstances you'll want to
filter. For example, of you filter by geographic origin of spots, you
can pretty much assure yourself that you'll be able to hear everything
that is spotted. ARCluster version 6 also has the ability to set a
threshold and not pass you a spot until at least "x" Skimmers worldwide
have concurred. This can materially help you to reduce busted spots.
4. Be skeptical of spots that appear on your bandmap on the very same
frequency as someone who has already been spotted there. Despite all
the care VE3NEA has taken to prevent it, stations that call more than
once, very close to the running station's frequency and CW speed, may be
mistaken for runners and spotted by a Skimmer. As you can imagine, this
may be particularly common on the low bands.
See you in the pileups!
--
73, Pete N4ZR
The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at
reversebeacon.blogspot.com,
spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 and
arcluster.reversebeacon.net, port 7000
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