[CQ-Contest] Single Op Unassisted - Propagation Assistance?

[K4RO Kirk Pickering]

Interesting question Tim.

Since I discovered the near real-time GOES X-Ray data 
online, I have kept the running graph available during
contests as a single op.  I never thought of propagation
knowledge as "assistance" any more than copying the 
numbers from WWV at 23:18z.  There certainly is a big
difference in resolution.  The 1-minute GOES data can 
show you clearly when a major flare has occurred, and
this can be valuable knowledge when off-time is involved.

It still feels like single-op to me.  Would using GeoClock
be considered similar "assistance?" I don't think so.  It's
still just one single operator soliciting, finding, and working 
stations. That's what single op unassisted means to me, so I
think it is within the spirit of the rules.

73

-Kirk  K4RO



On Sun, Nov 14, 2004 at 12:17:22PM -0600, Tim Duffy K3LR wrote:
> Although I haven't operated single op in a long time, several radio friends of
> mine still do. I really admire them!
> Lots of questions come and go over a good cup of coffee.
> 
> I am curious what this group thinks concerning the use of the Internet for
> single op unassisted stations? Do you think it is within the spirit of the
> rules to obtain real-time propagation data (or any other data) from Internet
> sites during the contest period if you are single-op unassisted? Just curious.
> 
> 73!
> Tim K3LR