[3830] New Technology Corrupts Competition

[kl7p-q]

Dear Contest Sponsor,

One of the primary purposes of any contest is to generate
FAIR competition. Classes are set up to divide competitors into
generally equal competitive categories.  

For RTTY contests, these classes are usually: Single OP, High and 
Low Power; Multi OP, Single and Multi Transmitters. Note that in the 
Single Op category there is rarely mention of or rule against the 
number of transmitters used. It is "assumed" that the operator will 
use a "single" transmitter. The same is generally true for other 
contests (SSB and CW).

In recent years, computer software has been developed to allow 
single operators to control MULTIPLE TRANSMITTERS. These new 
capabilities are based on implementation and use of advanced 
software control of computer sound cards. This technology is 
applicable to RTTY, CW, SSB and other modes. In essence, with 
advanced computerized capabilities, the only limit to the number 
of transmitters that can be controlled by a single operator is 
available computers, transmitters and antenna space! 

Contest rules have not kept up. As a result, operators using
multiple transmitters are and have been competing in the same class
as those using single transmitters! The number of regular competitors 
using these advanced capabilities is increasing with each contest. 
Resultant scores regularly far exceed those obtainable by Single 
transmitter competitors. It has become abundantly clear there is no 
physical way a single transmitter competitor can fairly or effectively 
compete with multiple (often times more than two!) transmitter 
competitors. 

With these advance capabilities, contest rules have quickly become 
outdated and grossly unfair for the vast majority of competitors 
participating in contests in the "single op" category. The result is 
that single op competitors are becoming demoralized with no hope of 
ever being able to effectively compete in, much less win, a contest.

This is not to suggest that single operation of multiple transmitters
should not be allowed. To the contrary, the advanced software and 
hardware development and utilization is an exciting advancement in 
the art and efficiency of radio communication and contesting!  
Competitors are developing and using a whole new set of computer and
operational skills to push radio communication to a new threshold. 
They clearly deserve a new and challenging class of competition to 
recognize their highly advanced skills and capabilities.

I urge you to implement such rules for ALL contests you sponsor as
quickly as possible. Not only would these rules recognize and
provide a new competitive category for these advanced capabilities, 
but they would also protect and insure fair competition, participation
and recognition for ALL.


Tom Moore KL7Q
email: kl7p-q@mindspring.com

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