[CQ-Contest] Finding a spot before the contest de VY1JA

[kd4d at comcast.net]

Hi Jay:

There is nothing in the rules about not being able to
start CQ'ing on a frequency before the contest starts.
Heck, I usually do it myself.  This is not a problem
for the contest sponsors and I've certainly never
heard of anyone being disqualified for doing it!

Some are advocating a rule change, or (I think) claiming
this is somehow unethical, but there does not appear to
be a consensus.

I hope to work you early in SSB this weekend.  Thanks
for the multiplier in CW!

73,

Mark, KD4D

-------------- Original message -------------- 

> Hello All, 
> 
> I read with concern a message speaking to my practice of finding a clear 
> frequency before SS starts and working to keep a clear frequency to run on 
> when SS begins. This was never intended to induce operators to operate 
> outside the contest rules. The only references I can see in the rules are 
> that non amateur means cannot be used during the contest and that the use of 
> spotting is not allowed if you are in classes which do not permit it. 
> 
> I plan to continue the practice of obtaining and holding a frequency before 
> contest startup because it helps everyone to find their NT multiplier in the 
> contest. The use of spotting nets to find me is unnecessary. Just tune and 
> find VY1JA remembering that the MUF here is lower than in the south. I 
> cannot see that this causes an unfair advantage to anyone nor do I believe 
> it breaks the spirit of the rules. If this can jeapordize my contacts in 
> YOUR logs, I hope that someone from ARRL will contact me before I try to get 
> a clear spot before SS this year. 
> 
> It was necessary to self-disqualify my CW SS log because the transmitter 
> intermittently sent bad CW when sidetone sounded perfect. The keying was 
> "sticky" so that dits would extend to sound like dahs and dahs shorten to 
> sound like dits. This could result in my log containing a different number 
> than that of the receiving operator, when he copied what was really sent. I 
> have not yet found the cause with any certainty, nor can I make the 
> transmitter/computer system repeat it. 
> 
> It is a shame that only two ops mentioned any problems with my signal. I am 
> using the same station, and if my signal is less poor in quality, please 
> make me aware immediately. 
> 
> There will be a number of operations going for SS Phone in NT this year and 
> I will be taking my amp today to Bob, VY1MB to enhance his intended all-out 
> operation. VY1JA will most likely be QRP this SS for the first time, and 
> not be able to hold a frequency, so if you hear a faint "Juliet Alpha" on 
> your run frequency, it might be NT. 
> 
> J 
> VY1JA 
> 
> 
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