All,
I believe the explanation we are all searching for is as follows:
When a Single-Op station uses a "Spotting Net" of ANY sort - be it Packet,
2m repeater, Instant Messenger, there is ALWAYS a third-party involved in
locating and spotting the station in question. In other words, another HUMAN
announces that Station X is on ABC frequency, and Station Y reads this
information, collected by a THIRD party, and Station Y works Station X.
This is why it is considered an "Assisted" category.
In CU2QSO, the only stations involved are Station X and Station Y. No
digipeaters, and no other operators or stations are used to collect this
information. It is a direct digital QSO between the two stations. This is
why the ARRL has blessed this mode of communication for use in ARRL
contests.
I hope this clears up any confusion.
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