N1MM+ has an option in the Telnet window, "Randomize incoming spot
frequencies". As each spot comes in, we add -60, -30, 0, 30 or 60 hz
to the spot frequencies. This option is on by default.
The main purpose of this feature is to cause casual contesters to call
on more than the original spot frequencies in order to "spread out the
pileup" for stations who frequently get multiple callers. It also helps
these casual contesters to get through, even though they don't know the
advantage of calling off frequency in a large pileup.
We restricted it to +/- 60 hz because the spot frequency is already as
much as 50 hz off by rounding to the nearest 100 hz and subject to
tuning error by the spotting station (mostly now skimmers). We did not
wish to penalize naive users by sometimes pushing them outside the
spotted station's passband.
Once a casual contester figures out that he is randomly (mostly) calling
a little off frequency, he can turn off the option if he so desires. We
don't know how many users turn this feature off.
73,
Tom - N1MM
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