[CQ-Contest] computers ruined contesting

[Alan C. Zack]

Just for curiosity, I would like to have the reflectors opinion of
just how strict computer log checking should be.  In the ARRL 10 meter
contest in December 2002 I operated from the Philippines.  My
temporary permit listed my call as DU1/K6ACZ so that is what I used
during the contest.  However, with my weak signal, many stations,
including a lot of EU stations, had a hard time copying my call with
its portable designation from my weak DXpedition station.  Maybe they
would get my call OK but not the portable DU1.  So in many logs I was
logged as K6ACZ/DU or /DU1 instead of the DU1/K6ACZ I submitted my log
under.  This may also be because of the personal preference of the
person on the other end on how he wants to enter my call in his log or
just the way he heard it.  Regardless, if it wasn't logged as
DU1/K6ACZ is was treated as a busted call (NIL) and removed from my
log with penalties, resulting in a reduction of 4804 points.  They
only disallowed 11 QSO's from my entry so a reduction of 4804 points
seems a little excessive.  It computes to 437 points per lost QSO. 
That seems a little high.  I am still waiting for the LCR for the 10
meter contest to be published to answer my question as to how having
11 QSO's counted as NIL cost me 4804 points.  If they did not count
the QSO for me then I suppose the guy on the other end also got a NIL
for the contact and lost points too.  
In case you are wondering, I do operate and contest from DU every two
years or so, and would love to have a DU call to use when I'm there. 
But to do so I must have a permanent residents card and pass their
test.  I don't qualify for a permanent residents card there, I travel
as a tourist.
Here is a snip of the reply I got from the ARRL Contest group when I
presented the question:
ARRL wrote: "The various log checkers handle the portable "/"
designators different ways (as they each have developed their own
processes). - the software didn't see the match as correct so the call
got a NIL.  With millions of contacts being processed, it simply isn't
possible to hand check each and every contact." 

If you might be interested in my DU DXpedition please go to:
http://www.arrl.org/contests/soapbox/?con_id=24 and scan down to
DU1/K6ACZ

73 


DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote:
> 
> In a private email, I received this comment:
> 
> [snip]
> On the other hand I do feel it would be MUCH more sporting and a better
> display of Your and a few other guys talent..to eliminate the use of
> computers in log checking...then we could return to the golden days, when
> only top contenders suffered noticable score reductions...
> [end snip]
> 
> This is very funny stuff!
> 
> de SlugDoug#1
> KR2Q


-- 
__________________________________________________________________________                       
                                Alan Zack
		         Amateur Radio Station K6ACZ
                      Anaheim, Southern California, USA
                Quality Engineer, The Boeing Company, Retired
         Aviation Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired
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