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Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 181, Issue 21

To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 181, Issue 21
From: Lawrence Stoskopf <lstoskopf@cox.net>
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:23:34 -0600
List-post: <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
Sitting south of the house looking over the pond

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 16, 2018, at 11:00 AM, topband-request@contesting.com wrote:
> 
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> Today's Topics:
> 
>   1. Re: cheating (Cecil Acuff)
>   2. Re: Topband Digest, Vol 181, Issue 20 (Pete Rimmel N8PR)
>   3. sdrWEB not going in my log (terry burge)
>   4. Cheating the system (John Randall)
>   5. Re: sdrWEB not going in my log (Peter Voelpel)
>   6. Re: sdrWEB not going in my log (Peter Sundberg)
>   7. Re: sdrWEB not going in my log (Jeff Blaine)
>   8. "use" of webSDR (Johann Bruinier)
>   9. Fwd: Re:  VU2GSM webSDR use:  A Clarification
>      (Joe Giacobello, K2XX)
>  10. Re: sdrWEB not going in my log (StellarCAT)
>  11. Re: sdrWEB not going in my log (Jeff Blaine)
>  12. Re: sdrWEB not going in my log (Nick Hall-Patch)
>  13. Sunrise and Signals (aa0rs)
>  14. E31A on Topband (Tim Shoppa)
>  15. Re: E31A on Topband (k8gg@voyager.net)
> 
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2018 21:29:17 -0600
> From: Cecil Acuff <chacuff@cableone.net>
> To: STEVE DANIEL <nn4t@comcast.net>
> Cc: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: cheating
> Message-ID: <E93D78A1-06A5-48DA-82EB-EED16A5D1A35@cableone.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=utf-8
> 
> Well that was a lot of help Steve....
> 
> You can crawl back under your rock now...
> 
> Cecil
> K5DL
> 
> Sent using recycled electrons.
> 
>> On Jan 15, 2018, at 9:23 PM, STEVE DANIEL <nn4t@comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Guy. You did it the "hard" way did you? I have been a ham and DXer since 
>> 1973 and have always encountered people like you. "You don't know how hard 
>> it was when I was your age. You have no idea how hard it was to work DX back 
>> then" Blah Blah Blah. It was BS then and it is BS now. The only thing that 
>> matters is if one works within the rules of the award or contest in which 
>> they compete. Technology evolves; rules evolve. Perhaps you and your ilk 
>> need to do the same. Look backward if you must. I choose to look in the 
>> other direction. Steve Daniel, NN4T
>>> On January 15, 2018 at 6:28 PM Guy Olinger K2AV <k2av.guy@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> With apologies to Tree, who has asked that this subject be dropped...
>>> 
>>> The question of the effect of a remote receiver or receivers has
>>> already been dealt with by some contest organizers needing clarity and
>>> consistency using current actual technical possibilities while
>>> retaining the flavor and character of a contest. Probably the best
>>> (IMHO) adjustment on remotes is that from Tree and Lew and the
>>> inimitable BARC in the Stew Perry TBDC.
>>> 
>>> The first part of their answer simply says remote RX *and* TX is fine,
>>> and is treated like a very long electronic line from key and headset
>>> to the station wherever it is. Grid square and possible required
>>> xxn/callsign signing are from the remote location, which is the point
>>> of record for scoring, standing, awards, etc.
>>> 
>>> The second part is that using a local TX the receiver(s) may be
>>> *entirely* co-located with the TX, or the RX facility may be
>>> *entirely* sited at a single location 75 km or less from the TX
>>> location. Using this provision, listening on the TX antenna is not
>>> permitted during the contest. Although the rule uses the word
>>> "receiver" in the singular, in their mind it does not preclude use of
>>> a remote diversity RX, eg, K3 equipped with phase-locked diversity
>>> subRX.
>>> 
>>> Please remember that "cheating" with respect to ARRL DXCC has to do
>>> with *ARRL* rules for same. Arguably some DXCC rules are so lax as to
>>> be meaningless, but they are the ARRL's rules. It has nothing to do
>>> with our being irritated or angered by someone who using modern
>>> technical extensions claims the same status as ourselves when we have
>>> gotten those numbers the HARD way, digging out countries through the
>>> urban noise never heard up on those mountain or off-continent remotes.
>>> 
>>> In the end someone whose status self-image depends on what others do
>>> is inevitably doomed to anger. There will always, always be a cheat
>>> among us somewhere. If we must compare, compare ourselves only to the
>>> most noble examples. Or better yet BE that most noble example, knowing
>>> God knows even if no one else does, and sleep well at night.
>>> 
>>> 73, Guy K2AV
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Mon, Jan 15, 2018 at 2:32 PM, Steve Daniel <nn4t@comcast.net> wrote:
>>>> John, is the use of a remote receiver not allowed for DXCC? I don?t 
>>>> believe it is prohibited. I ask because your use of the word ?cheating? 
>>>> suggests that it is. Is that what you are saying? Steve Daniel NN4T
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>> 
>>>>> On Jan 15, 2018, at 12:31 PM, John Randall via Topband 
>>>>> <topband@contesting.com> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>> Although I have never chased awards, I too am shocked at how easy it has 
>>>>> become for those so inclined to cheat the system, but not only the system 
>>>>> ,but themselves as well. Ofcourse not everyone will cheat but perhaps 
>>>>> what we should be discussing is how to detect those who do cheat. Perhaps 
>>>>> a DIY written document on how to to do this and what to look out for. 
>>>>> This would be of tremendous help for the new comers to the hobby and also 
>>>>> us old fogeys who have been around for a long time.Technology is a 
>>>>> blessing and also a curse. Perhaps one way to try and get back some 
>>>>> control is force all websdr's to enforce a full amateur call sign to its 
>>>>> subscribers and then to make the dbases available for scrutinity sothat 
>>>>> the logs can be compared to say the DXCC mechanisms. This is just a 
>>>>> thought and worth chewing over or other methods used.
>>>>> Talking of which, has anyone noticed that the imfamous amaeteur in Spain 
>>>>> has been absent on the bands incl topband.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 73John - M0ELS
>>>>> _________________
>>>>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>>>> 
>>>> _________________
>>>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>>> _________________
>>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 2
> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2018 23:50:52 -0500
> From: "Pete Rimmel N8PR" <n8pr@bellsouth.net>
> To: <topband@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 181, Issue 20
> Message-ID: <1366909770F84062A4490AF72A2D7DC0@PeteRGateway>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>    reply-type=original
> 
> John (and others)
> 
> I would not like to see the below suggestion carried out for the following 
> reason:
> 
> There have been times that I have used a WebSDR receiver in Europe to help 
> me decide where to transmit from here in Florida.  An example was the 
> 3C0/3C1 operations.
> 
> I am pretty sure that the pileups from Europe were louder in those locations 
> than my signal from Florida.  HOWEVER, I used the WebSDR to find holes in 
> the EU pileups and successfully worked both stations on TB.
> 
> I could not hear most of those whom I saw on the SDR here in Florida, and my 
> Waller Flag was not pointed at EU to look for them.
> 
> At the same time, I was hearing the 3C stations here on my receiver in 
> Florida, and NOT on the webSDR receivers in Europe.
> 
> Should I be penalized for using a TOOL to figure out where to transmit? I 
> think not.  This is not "Cheating" as some would suggest.
> 
> If you saw a report of me listening on a webSDR, you would falsely conclude 
> I was hearing a 3C by using that means.
> 
> This tool is the same as using Reverse beacon networks or telnet  reporting 
> to find the DX.
> 
> I agree that making QSOs where the receiver is not located where the 
> transmitter is located is against the rules of DXing and fair play, but 
> don't penalize those who would use a tool that is available for getting into 
> the DX station's log.
> 
> 73,  PeteR  N8PR
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2018 18:31:38 +0000 (UTC)
> From: John Randall <m0els@yahoo.co.uk>
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: cheating
> Message-ID: <978842185.6183458.1516041098817@mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
> 
> Although I have never chased awards, I too am shocked at how easy it has 
> become for those so inclined to cheat the system, but not only the system 
> ,but themselves as well. Ofcourse not everyone will cheat but perhaps what 
> we should be discussing is how to detect those who do cheat. Perhaps a DIY 
> written document on how to to do this and what to look out for. This would 
> be of tremendous help for the new comers to the hobby and also us old fogeys 
> who have been around for a long time.Technology is a blessing and also a 
> curse. Perhaps one way to try and get back some control is force all 
> websdr's to enforce a full amateur call sign to its subscribers and then to 
> make the dbases available for scrutinity sothat the logs can be compared to 
> say the DXCC mechanisms. This is just a thought and worth chewing over or 
> other methods used.
> Talking of which, has anyone noticed that the imfamous amaeteur in Spain has 
> been absent on the bands incl topband.
> 
> 73John - M0ELS
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 3
> Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2018 22:44:04 -0800 (PST)
> From: terry burge <ki7m@comcast.net>
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> Message-ID: <1280616464.435768.1516085044694@connect.xfinity.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
> 
> Well I guess I had to find out what all the fuss was about so I went on line 
> and tried some of these European webSDR's. Just worked OK2RZ and YT1AA. Also 
> heard I5ZSS. Using the SDR it's like shooting fish in the barrel. At least 
> when you plug into the right SDR over there. They are not going in my log but 
> I did find out it is easy to do. And I believe it would get so easy the 
> fascination with working the world would be gone for me. It works but the 
> most of what I got out of it was how strong the Europeans were 'over there' 
> and how poor my reception was here in Oregon. Like nil!
> 
> 
> So much for that. But before you think there are only a few of those 
> webSDR's, take another think on that. There apparently are dozens, maybe 
> hundreds. Don't think they will care what a few of us old Ham Radio geeks 
> think.
> 
> 
> Terry
> 
> KI7M
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 4
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 07:11:06 +0000 (UTC)
> From: John Randall <m0els@yahoo.co.uk>
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: Cheating the system
> Message-ID: <818261985.6582749.1516086666671@mail.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
> 
> My final thoughts on this is that perhaps one way around this problem is to 
> allow websdr qso's via designated websdr sites only for the award chasers and 
> then to penalize them to "try and even the scorecard".Any qso made via other 
> websdr's will not be validated. Maybe its a start !
> Anyway or either way, I prefer to opt out of awards and contests. 
> 
> 73 allJohn - M0ELS
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 5
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 08:45:06 +0100
> From: "Peter Voelpel" <dj7ww@t-online.de>
> To: "'terry burge'" <ki7m@comcast.net>
> Cc: <topband@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> Message-ID: <5932B3341666433BA9BB1F1EDA86934D@SHACK>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="iso-8859-1"
> 
> Yes, there are several hundred sdr receivers online and reachable via the
> internet.
> 
> http://sdr.hu/?top=kiwi
> http://websdr.org/
> 
> And when EA3JE takes over the dx portion of 80m with his wide signal and
> illegal power he doesn?t even bother to listen that loud to the websdr he is
> using, that from time time his vox is responding to it and you hear it via
> his transmissions as well.
> 
> 73
> Peter
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of terry
> burge
> Sent: Dienstag, 16. Januar 2018 07:44
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> 
> Well I guess I had to find out what all the fuss was about so I went on line
> and tried some of these European webSDR's. Just worked OK2RZ and YT1AA. Also
> heard I5ZSS. Using the SDR it's like shooting fish in the barrel. At least
> when you plug into the right SDR over there. They are not going in my log
> but I did find out it is easy to do. And I believe it would get so easy the
> fascination with working the world would be gone for me. It works but the
> most of what I got out of it was how strong the Europeans were 'over there'
> and how poor my reception was here in Oregon. Like nil!
> 
> 
> So much for that. But before you think there are only a few of those
> webSDR's, take another think on that. There apparently are dozens, maybe
> hundreds. Don't think they will care what a few of us old Ham Radio geeks
> think.
> 
> 
> Terry
> 
> KI7M
> 
> _________________
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 6
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 08:09:23 +0000
> From: Peter Sundberg <sm2cew@telia.com>
> To: terry burge <ki7m@comcast.net>,topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> Message-ID: <20180116080928.B8B27AC802A@mx.contesting.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> 
> So..
> 
> - Station A in North America is calling CQ on 1827.0 and is heard by 
> Station B in Europe via a webSDR located 50 km away from Station A in 
> North America.
> 
> - Station B in Europe is calling Station A - who is listening via a 
> webSDR in Europe located 50 km away from Station B
> 
> - Both stations exchange 599+ reports and greetings for a fine QSO.
> 
> Wow, their signal made it 50 km via the airwaves at both ends and was 
> then "carried" across the world via the Internet.
> 
> What a wonderful Top Band QSO, carried out "the modern way", 
> embracing new technology.
> 
> OMG.
> 
> 73
> Peter SM2CEW
> 
> 
> 
> At 06:44 2018-01-16, terry burge wrote:
>> Well I guess I had to find out what all the fuss was about so I went 
>> on line and tried some of these European webSDR's. Just worked OK2RZ 
>> and YT1AA. Also heard I5ZSS. Using the SDR it's like shooting fish 
>> in the barrel. At least when you plug into the right SDR over there. 
>> They are not going in my log but I did find out it is easy to do. 
>> And I believe it would get so easy the fascination with working the 
>> world would be gone for me. It works but the most of what I got out 
>> of it was how strong the Europeans were 'over there' and how poor my 
>> reception was here in Oregon. Like nil!
>> 
>> 
>> So much for that. But before you think there are only a few of those 
>> webSDR's, take another think on that. There apparently are dozens, 
>> maybe hundreds. Don't think they will care what a few of us old Ham 
>> Radio geeks think.
>> 
>> 
>> Terry
>> 
>> KI7M
>> 
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 7
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 18:34:29 +0800
> From: Jeff Blaine <KeepWalking188@ac0c.com>
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> Message-ID: <1b24d5d0-290c-30a0-7928-196364e52289@ac0c.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> 
> There is no way to supervise this behavior globally.? It's ultimately up 
> to each op to decide on what falls under ethical conduct.? And opinions 
> vary as to what is proper and what's not, even among peoples of a single 
> country with similar cultural view.
> 
> I personally don't use receivers or antennas that are not located at my 
> QTH - even though ARRL DXCC regulations make the use of an east-coast 
> USA remote receiver point perfectly acceptable. However that's my choice 
> and of course, compared to someone using that sort of arrangement is 
> going to have a few more guys in the log that I may never hear which is 
> part of the price I pay for the choice I have made.? However if another 
> guy wants to take advantage of the rules allowing for a US-based remote 
> receiver that is much closer to the other station, I really can't 
> complaint because it's allowed explicitly by the rules and it's within 
> their set of choices.? The example Peter lists of the webSDR pair is 
> certainly possible in the modern world but that kind of QSO is not going 
> to go into my log because I've decided that is not my personal sort of 
> ham radio QSO.
> 
> Each of us has an obligation is to manage our own personal behavior 
> within the scope of the official rules - what the rest of the ham world 
> does is up to them.? In the end, each ham who looks at a prized QSL from 
> a rare one, or who looks at the DXCC plaque on the wall with a count 
> higher than their local competition, will know well what decisions they 
> have made to get there.? And if they can live with the choices they have 
> made, then I'm happy for them.
> 
> 73/jeff/ac0c
> alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
> www.ac0c.com
> 
>> On 16-Jan-18 4:09 PM, Peter Sundberg wrote:
>> So..
>> 
>> - Station A in North America is calling CQ on 1827.0 and is heard by 
>> Station B in Europe via a webSDR located 50 km away from Station A in 
>> North America.
>> 
>> - Station B in Europe is calling Station A - who is listening via a 
>> webSDR in Europe located 50 km away from Station B
>> 
>> - Both stations exchange 599+ reports and greetings for a fine QSO.
>> 
>> Wow, their signal made it 50 km via the airwaves at both ends and was 
>> then "carried" across the world via the Internet.
>> 
>> What a wonderful Top Band QSO, carried out "the modern way", embracing 
>> new technology.
>> 
>> OMG.
>> 
>> 73
>> Peter SM2CEW
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> At 06:44 2018-01-16, terry burge wrote:
>>> Well I guess I had to find out what all the fuss was about so I went 
>>> on line and tried some of these European webSDR's. Just worked OK2RZ 
>>> and YT1AA. Also heard I5ZSS. Using the SDR it's like shooting fish in 
>>> the barrel. At least when you plug into the right SDR over there. 
>>> They are not going in my log but I did find out it is easy to do. And 
>>> I believe it would get so easy the fascination with working the world 
>>> would be gone for me. It works but the most of what I got out of it 
>>> was how strong the Europeans were 'over there' and how poor my 
>>> reception was here in Oregon. Like nil!
>>> 
>>> 
>>> So much for that. But before you think there are only a few of those 
>>> webSDR's, take another think on that. There apparently are dozens, 
>>> maybe hundreds. Don't think they will care what a few of us old Ham 
>>> Radio geeks think.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Terry
>>> 
>>> KI7M
>>> 
>>> _________________
>>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> 
>> 
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 8
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:57:44 +0100
> From: "Johann Bruinier" <Bruinier@t-online.de>
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: "use" of webSDR
> Message-ID: <1e2dfcac-ad1f-2496-4263-ca3b81a1b7bc@t-online.de>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
> 
> Peter SM2CEW: Kudos on a great summery! I'm with you and many others 
> (like VE6WZ et al.)
> 
> 73, Jan DL9KR.
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 9
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 08:17:41 -0500
> From: "Joe Giacobello, K2XX" <k2xx@swva.net>
> To: a Topband COL <topband@contesting.com>
> Cc: VE6WZ_Steve <ve6wz@shaw.ca>, Ron Spencer
>    <ron.e.spencer@gmail.com>,    k7ja@dxer.com
> Subject: Topband: Fwd: Re:  VU2GSM webSDR use:  A Clarification
> Message-ID: <5A5DFB75.80902@swva.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
> 
> Several members of this forum rightfully objected to my post "doubting" 
> VU2GSM's use of remote RX in QSOs since he had openly admitted to same 
> in his correspondence.  Since I view my e-mail in reverse chronological 
> order, I had read Paul's post and responded before seeing the posts by 
> VE6WZ with the links to his correspondence with VU2GSM.  I apologize for 
> my hasty response and resultant ambiguity.
> 
> Nevertheless, I have worked Kanti a couple of times on each of 30, 40 
> and 80M.  The 30M QSOs took place generally around his SR and early 
> evening here, and I have heard him many times in that time frame on that 
> band.  I use a two element quad and either 100 or 200W output on that 
> band, and his reports of my signal, 559, are consistent with those 
> conditions.  When I worked him on 80M, I began a correspondence with 
> him.  His response to that initial e-mail was "Yes i got you clearly and 
> you were overriding QSB."  That sure sounds like he was copying me 
> directly.  Further, for some reason when I had QSLed him directly, I had 
> omitted our 80M QSO and had to request a second QSL from him via 
> e-mail.  In that exchange there was not the slightest hint of his using 
> remote RX.  Subsequently, because he knew I had an Expert 2K amp here, 
> we had several detailed e-mail exchanges to discuss the set-up of his 
> newly acquired 1.3K amp.  Again, there was absolutely no hint of using 
> remote RX.
> 
> It appears that he does use remote RX at times, but a review of the 
> times and signal reports for all our QSOs strongly support direct, long 
> haul reception.
> 
> Again, I apologize for any ambiguity in my previous post.
> 
> 73, Joe
> K2XX
> 
>> *From:* "Joe Giacobello, K2XX" <k2xx@swva.net>
>> *Date:* Monday, January 15, 2018 10:37 AM
>> *To:* Paul Christensen <w9ac@arrl.net>
>> *CC:* 'Steve Babcock' <ve6wz@shaw.ca>, 'topband' <topband@contesting.com>
>> *Subject:* Topband: VU2GSM webSDR use
>> Like Paul, I seriously doubt that Kanti is using a remote receiver.  I 
>> have worked him on 30, 40 and 80M and have had occasional 
>> correspondence with him regarding his relatively recently acquired 
>> Expert 1.3K amp.  The signal reports he has given me seem appropriate 
>> for the times and band conditions at the time of the QSOs.  I'm 
>> confident that had he been using a remote RX, it would have come up in 
>> our correspondence.
>> 
>> 73, Joe
>> K2XX
>> 
>> *From:* Paul Christensen <w9ac@arrl.net>
>> *Date:* Sunday, January 14, 2018 12:29 PM
>> *To:* "'Steve Babcock'" <ve6wz@shaw.ca>, "'topband'" 
>> <topband@contesting.com>
>> *Subject:* Topband: VU2GSM webSDR use
>> No doubt some ops are using WebSDR on receive, but in this case, I am 
>> skeptical of the skepticism. Here's why:
>> 
>> I routinely work VU2GSM on 40m GL-LP in the early morning hours on a 
>> 210-degree bearing from FL to VU. He is consistently S9, peaking +10 
>> dB on my Elecraft K3. The remote station I share with N4CC is in 
>> Hilliard, FL just east of the St. Mary's River. Our antenna is a 
>> full-size 4 el. M2 40m OWA at 140 ft AGL.
>> 
>> On the 210 deg. bearing, the land slopes almost immediately into the 
>> river valley. VU2GSM's solid signals aren't an isolated event; he is 
>> that strong most of the LP season. VU2GSM cannot be detected on my 
>> backyard dipole at my home QTH 30 miles to the south in Jacksonville. 
>> The dipole is up 35 ft. AGL. When I say he can't be detected, I mean 
>> there's no trace on the dipole whatsoever, not even a blip that rises 
>> above the SDR noise floor. That's to be expected on a low dipole if 
>> the arriving angle is skimming the horizon.
>> 
>> According to HFTA, the statistical mode from FL to VU is 1 degree 
>> above the horizon. The sloping terrain accounts for much of VU2GSM's 
>> solid signals into the station. Forget 4-square arrays over good soil, 
>> Forget stacked arrays up to 200 ft AGL. Apart from verticals on salt 
>> water, nothing else compares with high horizonal antennas into sloping 
>> terrain when the statistical mode is 1 degree above the horizon. When 
>> VU2GSM is +10/S9 here, I am certain he is hearing me on his dipole and 
>> he doesn't need WebSDR.
>> 
>> When I hear other NA stations calling VU2GSM on 40m, he cannot hear 
>> many, if not most of them. Of those he picks out, he struggles to copy 
>> unless they're from stations with excellent antenna systems - like 
>> those in the RHR group. So, if VU2GSM is routinely using WebSDR on 40m 
>> receive, his operating habits are not reflective of such claims.
>> 
>> Paul, W9AC
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
>> Steve Babcock
>> Sent: Sunday, January 14, 2018 10:03 AM
>> To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
>> Cc: Larry D Brailean <ve5ua@mcsnet.ca>; Don Moman VE6JY 
>> <ve6jy.1@gmail.com>
>> Subject: Topband: VU2GSM webSDR use
>> 
>> I have been "sitting" on this for a few weeks wondering if I should 
>> share this information, but after seeing some spots yesterday for 
>> VU2GSM on 160m, I decided that others may appreciate it.
>> I know I would.
>> 
>> If you have worked Kanti, VU2GSM recently on the low bands...40, 80 or 
>> 160 you should be aware that he was most likely RX using a NA webSDR. 
>> The links below are PDF copies of email correspondence with Kanti 
>> confirming that this is routine for him.The emails are between both 
>> VE5UA, myself and VU2GSM. (Please read the email threads from the 
>> "bottom up" to be chronological.)
>> 
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharing
>>  
>> <https://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharing>
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MdZFLJrwcBs-vHh0PNZc2DSevu3lrwcg/view?usp=sharing
>>  
>> <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MdZFLJrwcBs-vHh0PNZc2DSevu3lrwcg/view?usp=sharing>
>> 
>> To be clear, I do not judge Kanti for his desire to augment his rx, 
>> and do not think it is wrong. If he chooses to use Ham radio this way 
>> that is his choice. However, I myself do not wish to include a "half" 
>> QSO toward my own (personal) DXCC count, and perhaps others will feel 
>> the same hence this email. I also don't judge others that are good 
>> with such webSDR QSOs since each has his own goals and objectives.
>> 
>> Here is some background. I have been working VU2GSM frequently and 
>> with ease on 40m in the morning and evening. He would respond almost 
>> immediately to my calls which seemed odd. More typical is Rakash 
>> VU2RAK who has a great signal but usually can't copy me, though we 
>> have QSOd a few times when conditions are exceptional.
>> While at a local ham lunch, I mentioned this, and Don VE6JY said that 
>> Kanti is often logged into his webSDR. The following week I copied 
>> VU2GSM on 80m in the evening with very light copy with my 2el Yagi and 
>> 1000' beverage (diversity rx with K3). He answered immediately and we 
>> had a QSO. I was suspicious. I emailed Don VE6JY and he confirmed that 
>> at that time Kanti was indeed logged into his SDR.
>> I deleted the QSO from my log.
>> This then precipitated the e-mail correspondence which I share on the 
>> attached links.
>> 
>> There is little doubt this is going on all the time, and we will never 
>> know. We can't undo the technology that makes webSDR possible.
>> There are those who who feel that this destroys the ?integrity? of the 
>> DXCC. However, not everyone cares about DXCC.
>> Kanti is not a villan. He is doing nothing wrong. He is not 
>> ?cheating?. In his email correspondence he is very open and 
>> transparent and makes it clear he doesn't chase DXCC, and could care 
>> less about it. Why should he?
>> From Kanti's perspective, using a webSDR enhances his enjoyment of the 
>> hobby living in RFI polluted Bangalore. For others, a "half-VU" QSO is 
>> better than none and they are happy.
>> 
>> Like others, I spend a great deal of effort optimizing both rx and tx 
>> and someday when I do make the QSO with VU on 80 and hopefully 160, it 
>> will be a true two-way contact. The ?buzz? for me is not getting the 
>> country counter in the log, its about knowing that my station made the 
>> contact via radio?.both ways?all the way.
>> 
>> The purpose of this email is simply to inform those who have worked 
>> Kanti recently that it is possible/likely that your TX signal was not 
>> actually heard in VU.
>> 
>> 73, de Steve ve6wz
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> 
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> *From:* Steve Babcock <ve6wz@shaw.ca>
>> *Date:* Sunday, January 14, 2018 10:03 AM
>> *To:* topband <topband@contesting.com>
>> *CC:* Larry D Brailean <ve5ua@mcsnet.ca>, Don Moman VE6JY 
>> <ve6jy.1@gmail.com>
>> *Subject:* Topband: VU2GSM webSDR use
>> I have been "sitting" on this for a few weeks wondering if I should share 
>> this information, but after seeing some spots yesterday for VU2GSM on 160m, 
>> I decided that others may appreciate it.
>> I know I would.
>> 
>> If you have worked Kanti, VU2GSM recently on the low bands...40, 80 or 160 
>> you should be aware that he was most likely RX using a NA webSDR. The links 
>> below are PDF copies of email correspondence with Kanti confirming that this 
>> is routine for him.The emails are between both VE5UA, myself and VU2GSM. 
>> (Please read the email threads from the "bottom up" to be chronological.)
>> 
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharing<https://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/15n35-1wHPOdWi2Xib7QAQgxkg-hrOujs/view?usp=sharing>
>> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MdZFLJrwcBs-vHh0PNZc2DSevu3lrwcg/view?usp=sharing<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MdZFLJrwcBs-vHh0PNZc2DSevu3lrwcg/view?usp=sharing>
>> 
>> To be clear, I do not judge Kanti for his desire to augment his rx, and do 
>> not think it is wrong. If he chooses to use Ham radio this way that is his 
>> choice. However, I myself do not wish to include a "half" QSO toward my own 
>> (personal) DXCC count, and perhaps others will feel the same hence this 
>> email. I also don't judge others that are good with such webSDR QSOs since 
>> each has his own goals and objectives.
>> 
>> Here is some background. I have been working VU2GSM frequently and with ease 
>> on 40m in the morning and evening. He would respond almost immediately to my 
>> calls which seemed odd. More typical is Rakash VU2RAK who has a great signal 
>> but usually can't copy me, though we have QSOd a few times when conditions 
>> are exceptional.
>> While at a local ham lunch, I mentioned this, and Don VE6JY said that Kanti 
>> is often logged into his webSDR. The following week I copied VU2GSM on 80m 
>> in the evening with very light copy with my 2el Yagi and 1000' beverage 
>> (diversity rx with K3). He answered immediately and we had a QSO. I was 
>> suspicious. I emailed Don VE6JY and he confirmed that at that time Kanti was 
>> indeed logged into his SDR.
>> I deleted the QSO from my log.
>> This then precipitated the e-mail correspondence which I share on the 
>> attached links.
>> 
>> There is little doubt this is going on all the time, and we will never know. 
>> We can't undo the technology that makes webSDR possible.
>> There are those who who feel that this destroys the ?integrity? of the DXCC. 
>> However, not everyone cares about DXCC.
>> Kanti is not a villan. He is doing nothing wrong. He is not ?cheating?. In 
>> his email correspondence he is very open and transparent and makes it clear 
>> he doesn't chase DXCC, and could care less about it. Why should he?
>> From Kanti's perspective, using a webSDR enhances his enjoyment of the hobby 
>> living in RFI polluted Bangalore. For others, a "half-VU" QSO is better than 
>> none and they are happy.
>> 
>> Like others, I spend a great deal of effort optimizing both rx and tx and 
>> someday when I do make the QSO with VU on 80 and hopefully 160, it will be a 
>> true two-way contact. The ?buzz? for me is not getting the country counter 
>> in the log, its about knowing that my station made the contact via 
>> radio?.both ways?all the way.
>> 
>> The purpose of this email is simply to inform those who have worked Kanti 
>> recently that it is possible/likely that your TX signal was not actually 
>> heard in VU.
>> 
>> 73, de Steve ve6wz
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 10
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 09:30:52 -0500
> From: "StellarCAT" <rxdesign@ssvecnet.com>
> To: <topband@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> Message-ID: <14C2970AA59F4085813F2C2C7F7A950C@RXDesignDell>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="Windows-1252"
> 
> Jeff wrote:  
> ?There is no way to supervise this behavior globally.  .....................- 
> even though ARRL DXCC regulations make the use of an east-coast USA remote 
> receiver point perfectly acceptable. .......................I really can't 
> complaint because it's allowed explicitly by the rules and it's within their 
> set of choices.  ?
> 73/jeff/ac0c
> alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
> www.ac0c.com  This is the second post I?ve seen that states this ... did I 
> miss something in the rules for DXCC? It seems like it does NOT allow for a 
> remote receiver! It ONLY allows for a remote STATION, see rule 9b. It says, I 
> thought, that BOTH RX and TX antennas must be within 500M of each other ... 
> so one that chooses to receive on the right coast when they?re on the left 
> (or vice versa) ISN?T complying with the rules. I recently heard a station 
> that is often high on the CL leaderboard ? calling the 6O group in the middle 
> of the day on 40 meters when it was being spotted only by W6?s. This guy is 
> on the EAST coast (LP) ... weird propagation?  personally I would not count 
> such a contact ? and would like to see the agreed to if not required use of 
> something like a /s in the call for SDR RX. This would only apply to those 
> that are using remote RX? which would then allow stations to decide on what 
> to do with it. But again unless I misread it, and if so my apologies, it doe
 sn
> ?t allow for remote RX for DXCC!   Gary K9RX
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 11
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 22:41:05 +0800
> From: Jeff Blaine <KeepWalking188@ac0c.com>
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> Message-ID: <0f938ef7-cfab-e08f-1da7-ab1ae0d4c2e5@ac0c.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
> 
> Hi gary,
> 
> I thought that was the rule.? But I've not dug into it because I don't 
> use the remotes.? So just now I looked and you are 100% right.? Here's 
> what the ARRL web page says from Section 1...
> 
> *9.? Station Location and Boundary:*
> 
> *a)*All stations used to make contacts for a specific DXCC award must be 
> located within the same DXCC entity.
> *b)*All transmitters and receivers comprising a station used for a 
> specific contact must be located within a 500-meter diameter circle.
> *c)*QSOs made with legally licensed, remotely controlled stations are 
> allowed to be used for DXCC credit.
> 
> Thanks for setting me straight!
> 
> 73/jeff/ac0c
> alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
> www.ac0c.com
> 
>> On 16-Jan-18 10:30 PM, StellarCAT wrote:
>> Jeff wrote:
>> ?There is no way to supervise this behavior globally.  
>> .....................- even though ARRL DXCC regulations make the use of an 
>> east-coast USA remote receiver point perfectly acceptable. 
>> .......................I really can't complaint because it's allowed 
>> explicitly by the rules and it's within their set of choices.  ?
>> 73/jeff/ac0c
>> alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
>> www.ac0c.com  This is the second post I?ve seen that states this ... did I 
>> miss something in the rules for DXCC? It seems like it does NOT allow for a 
>> remote receiver! It ONLY allows for a remote STATION, see rule 9b. It says, 
>> I thought, that BOTH RX and TX antennas must be within 500M of each other 
>> ... so one that chooses to receive on the right coast when they?re on the 
>> left (or vice versa) ISN?T complying with the rules. I recently heard a 
>> station that is often high on the CL leaderboard ? calling the 6O group in 
>> the middle of the day on 40 meters when it was being spotted only by W6?s. 
>> This guy is on the EAST coast (LP) ... weird propagation?  personally I 
>> would not count such a contact ? and would like to see the agreed to if not 
>> required use of something like a /s in the call for SDR RX. This would only 
>> apply to those that are using remote RX? which would then allow stations to 
>> decide on what to do with it. But again unless I misread it, and if so my 
>> apologies, it do
 e
> sn?t allow for remote RX for DXCC!   Gary K9RX
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 12
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:17:55 +0000
> From: Nick Hall-Patch <nhp@ieee.org>
> To: terry burge <ki7m@comcast.net>,topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: sdrWEB not going in my log
> Message-ID: <9ae492c76093d86a9e50a12f54b38936@mtlp000085>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed
> 
> Did the Europeans hear your barefoot transmission, but you were not 
> able to hear their barefoot transmission Terry?   Or were you both 
> using webSDRs in each others' localities?
> 
> (and was this on 160m?)
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> Nick
> VE7DXR
> 
> At 06:44 2018-01-16, terry burge wrote:
>> Well I guess I had to find out what all the fuss was about so I went 
>> on line and tried some of these European webSDR's. Just worked OK2RZ 
>> and YT1AA. Also heard I5ZSS. Using the SDR it's like shooting fish 
>> in the barrel. At least when you plug into the right SDR over there. 
>> They are not going in my log but I did find out it is easy to do. 
>> And I believe it would get so easy the fascination with working the 
>> world would be gone for me. It works but the most of what I got out 
>> of it was how strong the Europeans were 'over there' and how poor my 
>> reception was here in Oregon. Like nil!
>> 
>> 
>> So much for that. But before you think there are only a few of those 
>> webSDR's, take another think on that. There apparently are dozens, 
>> maybe hundreds. Don't think they will care what a few of us old Ham 
>> Radio geeks think.
>> 
>> 
>> Terry
>> 
>> KI7M
>> 
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> 
> Nick Hall-Patch
> Victoria, BC
> Canada 
> 
> 
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 13
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 08:58:29 -0700
> From: "aa0rs" <aa0rs@freng.com>
> To: <topband@contesting.com>
> Subject: Topband: Sunrise and Signals
> Message-ID: <003701d38ee2$dea73710$9bf5a530$@freng.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
> 
> Colorado: This morning I started calling CQ around 0550 local (12:50Z) time
> and managed to work a few JA stations, HL5IVL was also around, all signals
> were 4x5, rapid QSB was again prevalent. 
> 
> I opened up the DXMaps website to see what others were hearing and saw that
> JA1LZR had logged my signals over a period of nearly an hour as follows:
> 
> 3dB @ 1320 Z
> 
> 6dB @ 1332 
> 
> 5dB @ 1346 
> 
> 16dB @ 1359 
> 
> 17dB @ 0712 
> 
> The very rapid signal rise at his end shows there was significant signal
> enhancement which was not reciprocated at my end, what few stations were
> audible were well down in the noise. Unfortunately I did not see any further
> spots despite continuing to call CQ for another 30 minutes into broad
> daylight, I would have liked to have seen how quickly signals decreased, the
> signal path was shown as just over 9km.
> 
> Interestingly, KH6LC had also provided spots over the same period which
> showed a signal variation of 6,8,7,6dB  on a path length of 5km , he is just
> South of West from here, JA is NW. Several spots from W6/W7 stations showed
> a decrease of 1 to 3 dB over the same period.
> 
> 
> 
> 73 to all.
> 
> Dave AA0RS
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 14
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:04:21 -0500
> From: Tim Shoppa <tshoppa@gmail.com>
> To: topBand List <topband@contesting.com>
> Subject: Topband: E31A on Topband
> Message-ID:
>    <CAJ_qRvZoTLfr4-Ep+inkmC0N8D+zOFAx5NKCyccP729fPJFkpg@mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
> 
> E31A was up and down for a while last night, sometimes OK copy for me and
> sometimes not.
> 
> But in the hour before his sunrise he really peaked up A LOT. My logger
> tells me his sunrise at at 3:53Z and my QSO was about 40 minutes before
> that.
> 
> Tim N3QE
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Message: 15
> Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 11:12:47 -0500 (EST)
> From: k8gg@voyager.net
> To: "Tim Shoppa" <tshoppa@gmail.com>
> Cc: "topBand List" <topband@contesting.com>
> Subject: Re: Topband: E31A on Topband
> Message-ID:
>    <10539.174.230.142.253.1516119167.squirrel@webmail.core.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1
> 
> E31A was workable until about 0405Z, then faded quickly in Michigan.
> 
> Heard Tim's QSO and many other US 1's and 2's and some 3's, and some
> others in MS, TX, IN, OH, IL, MI.  Also some I's, an SP5, an RN3, OH7,
> etc. (Only the E31A end, too much Aurora absorption to copy Europe from
> Michigan)
> 
> GL all, George,  K8GG
> 
> 
> 
>> E31A was up and down for a while last night, sometimes OK copy for me and
>> sometimes not.
>> 
>> But in the hour before his sunrise he really peaked up A LOT. My logger
>> tells me his sunrise at at 3:53Z and my QSO was about 40 minutes before
>> that.
>> 
>> Tim N3QE
>> _________________
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> Subject: Digest Footer
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Topband mailing list
> Topband@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
> 
> 
> ------------------------------
> 
> End of Topband Digest, Vol 181, Issue 21
> ****************************************

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