Jerry,
Ok, now we know why I'm not a lawyer! Prior to your post I did not even
read the multi-op two-transmitter rules because I wasn't intending to
operate in that classification. However, in reading this section I notice
"spotting" is not even mentioned. Also I can find no verbiage in the rules
that state a single-op entry using spotting will be reclassified as
multi-op.
I do notice in Section 10 Exchange the last sentence states "The use of
non-amateur radio means of communication, or amateur radio modes or bands
different than those specified for the contest, to solicit contacts during
the contest period is prohibited." To me "...non-amateur radio means of
communication.." covers internet spots and would therefore be prohibited.
Returning to the original issue of spotting for single-op stations, I see
where Section 5 a) i) does state that, "One person performs all
transmitting, receiving, SPOTTING, and logging functions...". Then section
ii) muddies up the water by stating, "Access to SPOTTING information
obtained from any source other than the station operator ... is
prohibited..." Clearly these rules were devised by someone with extensive
experience in writing the federal tax code!
To my thick skull it makes no sense whatsoever to permit someone operating
as a single-op to originate spots and then expect them to not use spots
coming into their logging software from the internet. As for single-ops
generating spots to help multi-op stations, how is one to know which is a
multi-op and which is a single-op station during the contest? That info is
not part of the exchange. I agree if you know of a local multi-op station
you may spot them and experience may lead you to assume that some big
familiar stations are running as multi-op, but there is certainly no way to
know for sure.
My bottom line is that the NAQP rules about spotting, how spots may or may
not be used and how use of spotting may result in a reclassification of the
log entry are clear as mud! Surely someone familiar with the English
language could write a more concise, clear and unambiguous rule for
interrelation by the masses! Call my crazy, but if I'm not going to be
allowed to use spots as a single-op I don't think the contest sponsors
should expect that I will waste my time generating spots!
73,
Gary AL9A
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jerry Bliss" <jerry.bliss@gmail.com>
To: <writelog@contesting.com>
Sent: January 19, 2009 8:53 AM
Subject: Re: [WriteLog] Help with Spotting Please
> Gary, I beg to differ with your interpretation of the "no spotting" rule
> in
> NAQP (see your email, below).
>
> You quoted the part of the rules which applies to Single Op (SO) stations.
> Multi-Op stations
> are permitted to use spots. I would point out that Single Ops who USE
> spots should be
> entered as a Multi-Op. The contest adjudicators assure me that if you
> report in your cabrillo file
> that you are Single-Op, Assisted, then they will redesignate your NAQP
> entry as Multi-Op.
>
> Now having said all that and to put a fine point on it, the rule does not
> mean that a Single-Op entry
> is prohibited from sending out spots; rather that the Single-Op is
> prohibited from USING SPOTS to
> find stations for his own use. As a mater of fact, the SO might be
> motivated to spot in order to assist
> a Multi-Op station (say one in his club). So it becomes a mater of "word
> of
> honor" that the SO station
> reports the correct entry category.
>
> As always, Gary, TNX for your unselfish efforts to assist here on this
> reflector.
>
> de Jerry, k6iii
>
> ===============================================
>
> Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:25:22 -0900
> From: "Gary AL9A" <al9a@mtaonline.net>
> Subject: Re: [WriteLog] Help with Spotting Please
>
>
> Spotting should not be a problem in NAQP contests. According to the
> contest
> rules, Section 5. a) ii) "Access to spotting information obtained directly
> or indirectly from any source other than the station operator, such as
> from
> other stations or automated tools, is prohibited, except as follows:
> Technological methods of copying the information in the contest exchange
> are
> permitted as long as they are entirely contained within the station."
>
> I interpret that to mean no use of packet or internet spotting clusters,
> such as VE7CC, is allowed.
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