[CQ-Contest] Two Scenarios [was: SS Packet DANGER, DANGER, Will Robinson!!!]

[Ev Tupis]

Tom,
Great scenarios!  I've edited them into what I think you're saying.

----- Original Message ----
From: Tom Osborne w7why at verizon.net
Scenerio 1.
<Boiled down>
I have antennas, towers, transceivers, computers, interfaces and custom software installed commercially & pay for on-site maintenance.  I employ a food caterer for the event.  Stuff breaks, they fix it.
</Boiled down>
I am not using packet or any spotting.  What class am I in?
---------------------------

While others will chime in, I'm not sure that we have enough information to provide even an informed opinion that would stand up to adjudicative scrutiny.  You haven't mentioned what contest (or sponsor) this scenario applies to.  Each one has their own set of rules and interpretations, of course.

----- Original Message ----
From: Tom Osborne w7why at verizon.net
Scenerio 2.
<Boiled down>
I got on the air with stuff that I installed and maintained myself.
</Boiled down>
My buddy comes on frequency and says "VE8XX" is up 7." I work him.  What class am I in? 
Who is assisted and who isn't?  73
----------------------------

Scenario 1 asks if non-operator assistance is allowed while Scenario 2 asks if operator-assistance is allowed.  These may be the same issue, or different issues, again - depending on the sponsor of the event.

Fwiw...Scenario 1 is a controversy in the VHF community with the Rover class (go figure, a Rover controversy).  The rules clearly state that a rover has two OPERATORS and no other restrictions.  Folklore has it that the ARRL has interpreted a non-on-the-air driver (only job = drive) as an operator...though no public statement has ever been made to that effect, to my knowledge.

Regards,
Ev, W2EV


 
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