We have a winner....
I have noticed this correlation with cluster spots and unsportsmanlike conduct
as well:
In the CQ160 contest last month, EA5RS was calling CQ. I found him on a
routine sweep of the band. Perhaps 3 other stations and I were calling him; he
wasn't hearing well. At some point a considerate op sent out a QRL? nearby,
close enough to pass through my 200hz filter. I sent R DX and he ceased
transmitting. On the next go-round with the EA, I sent his full call in case
anyone else thought the frequency was clear. Within 30 seconds, an unruly
pile-up commenced. After several minutes of nearly continuous calling by ops
who clearly could not hear him, the EA went silent.
About 5 minutes later I found him again, 5 KHz down the band. This time I
refrained from sending his call. Never did work him, but at least some North
American hams were able to. He was the same signal strength or better, yet no
pile-up this time.
On the other hand, there were many instances of great operating discipline
heard last weekend. The Maritnique op (Forget the call, FM5-something) had a
particularly well-behaved pile-up. If he sent a partial call, everyone else
stayed silent until the QSO was finished or a QRZ? was issued. It was a thing
of beauty. This was the norm, rather than the exception.
Top Band may be getting worse, but it's still a rather nice neighborhood
relative to many other bands.
73
Jeff, W0ODS
>________________________________
>
>
>So, in these times of "I want it all at no effort", let's raise the bar.
>Create new thresholds, filters etc. at which only serious new ops will get
>through.
>
>Close all DX clusters for Topband; yeah hardly realstic, I know.
>But..
>Do not spot on the cluster anymore.
>
>73 Mark, PA5MW
>
>
>
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
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