[CQ-Contest] Spotting Networks

[Robert Shapiro]

Tim, go for the use of a spotting network and don't let anyone discourage 
you.  It's great to see someone who just wants to have some fun and, with 
limited time, a spotting network can be of great use.  Comparing the use of 
one and not using one by a single op is like comparing apples and oranges - 
they each involve particular sets of strategies and great contesters are 
found in both categories.  Also, you may wish to see what its like 
occasionally without the use of one, just for comparison 
sakes.  Regardless, good luck and enjoy!

Rob  ND3A

At 11:17 PM 7/7/2005 +0000, N7MAL wrote:

>Well here I go again for about the 100th time. The best spotting network 
>is you sitting in front of your receiver finding stations to work and then 
>working them. If you need to use spotting networks during a contest you're 
>not contesting. If you work a 100 stations during a contest without the 
>aid of a 'spotting network' you can sit back in your chair with a smile 
>full of pride that you, and you alone, without any help, made those 100 
>contacts.  Next contest you can set a goal of 150 etc etc, but you will 
>always have the pride of knowing you did it, without any help.
>When I see the postings for SOA(single op assisted) I don't even look at 
>them. To me SOA=I'm not capable of finding stations to work on my own 
>please help me.
>Stop using crutches like: I'm in it for the fun or My station is not good 
>enough, ad nauseam. I'm in it for the fun to and believe me my station is 
>really not good enough either but you know what, occasionally, not very 
>often, I sneak in and get a certificate. Then I really sit back in my 
>chair with a big grin and say to myself  I'm a better contester than any SOA.
>
>
>MAL                N7MAL
>BULLHEAD CITY, AZ
>http://www.ctaz.com/~suzyq/N7mal.htm
>http://geocities.com/n7mal/
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Tim Holmes
>   To: cq-contest at contesting.com
>   Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2005 14:18
>   Subject: [CQ-Contest] Spotting Networks
>
>
>   Good Morning everyone:
>
>   As I am getting ready to play in the contest this weekend, i was
>   wondering what spotting sources everyone uses for those contests that
>   allow spotting.
>
>   I have typically used the cluster at DX central and used the filters on
>   my software or those at DX Central to filter out spots that i dont want
>   (i generally filter any that dont originate near me (to help cut down
>   the noise)
>
>   I am more of a "for fun" Contester, as with my IC-706MKIIG I dont have a
>   serious chance in any contest, but I do like to play, and I want to make
>   the most of my limited time.  In fact some times i will enter contests
>   as a Single-assisted to be able to use spotting networks -- like I said
>   -- i have no hope of winning, I just want to have fun.
>
>   I use N1MM and I love the bandmap features that it has.
>
>   Thanks
>
>   TIM
>   W8TAH
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