[CQ-Contest] 10 minutes rule for M/S category

[Rick Tavan]

This is not exactly what you want, Eric, but it is a chance for me to 
rant about my pet peeve:

Once upon a time there was a contesting category called multi-single 
defined as several operators sharing an operating position. Some 
aggressive folks figured out a way to bend the rules by staffing two or 
more positions simultaneously with electronics ensuring that only one at 
a time could transmit. This was called the "octopus" and offended other 
contest participants so much that the organizers outlawed the practice 
(nice thought) and required that once a M/S station made a Q on a given 
band, it must stay on that band for 10 minutes before making a Q on any 
other band (stupid). This is typical beauracratic thinking: No amount of 
inconvenience is too great if it prevents one bad apple from taking 
advantage of the majority of rule-abiding participants. It became 
intolerable as technology advanced to the point where SO2R was common 
because then such able stations could not be used effectively in M/S 
mode. Thus, a good SO2R single-op has an operational advantage over a 
M/S team. (Although the M/S team does not have the on-time restriction 
of a single-op.) There is also a rule exception that allows one other 
band to be used, but only for working new multipliers. This adds further 
software challenges to the competition as the two positions must 
synchronize timing, band use and mult needs. It also forces M/S entries 
to have two stations if they want to be competitive. Think about it - 
you need two stations to compete as a "multi-single!"

My advice to everyone is to boycott the M/S category. Operate M/M 
instead so you can ignore the ridiculous ten minute rule. Then publish 
your results proudly as "Single Transmitter Multi-Multi." It is not an 
official category but it is much more fun. At least your peers on this 
reflector will understand your achievement and your protest.

There is also a new Multi-Two category in this year's WPX. Most SO2R 
stations should be easy to rearrange for Multi-Two. This is also a great 
category for the larger station that is nonetheless too small or too 
thinly staffed for competitive multi-multi. Look for HC8N M/2 in WPX CW 
this year!

GL & 73,

/Rick N6XI

Eric Castro PY2EMC wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>Can someone explain to me (with example if possible) the 10 minutes rule
>on the Multi-Single category for the WPX Contest ?
>