[CQ-Contest] On/off and other times

[Tree]

Kevin, KE6RAD wonders:

> In reading the rules for contests, it seems like the
> time from the start of the contest to your first q, and
> the time from your last q to the end of the contest, is never
> addressed, but that there is a traditional way it is assumed
> to be handled.

Technically, there is no such thing as "other" time.  Your time is either
"off" or "on".  In my previous postings about off time, I suggest that 
the world is a better place if we all agree that a whole "calendar" 
minute is either "off" or "on" - not both.

There is an "exception" to the minimum off time when one side of the 
off time period is either the start of end of the contest.  This is a
case where the offtime can be less than the stated maximum.  This minor
detail probably isn't listed in many of the contest rules - but it is
practiced by most everyone I have talked to about the subject.

So - don't create an "other" time - just use "on" of "off" and feel
free to ignore the minimum off time requires at the end or start of
the contest.

> Interestingly, "on" times are also not constrained by minimum time 
> requirements.

Personally, I would like to see a minimum on-time period that is 
something like 15 minutes or perhaps even 30 for those contests 
that have breaks.  

> This may seem obvious, but only because of tradition. It doesn't
> seem to be addressed by rules.

That's why we have this list - to answer some of these questions.  The
rules would be very long and hard to read if all of these details were
included.

> This really implies there are 3 operating states for a station
> during a full contest time period: "other", "off", and "on".

I hope you can go back to two states now.

73 Tree N6TR
tree at kkn.net