[CQ-Contest] Self Spotting

[ku8e at bellsouth.net]

>From ARRL Webpage : HF Contesting - Good Practices, Interpretations and Suggestions

6) Spotting and Use of Spots 

a) Self-spotting 

Self-spotting is the practice of announcing your own call and run frequency on the spotting network. A few contests have categories that allow self-spotting, but most don't. For example, ARRL contest rules specifically prohibit both self-spotting and requesting spotting by other stations. It's a form of CQ-ing that does not take place on the amateur bands, just a step away from making phone calls to solicit contacts. Read the rules of the contest to find out if self-spotting is allowed. 


>From ARRL General HF Rules:

For Single Op - Unassisted

2.1.1.Use of spotting assistance or nets (operating arrangements involving other individuals, DX-alerting nets, packet, Internet, etc) IS NOT permitted. 

For Single Op - Assisted AND Multi-Op Categories

2.2.1.Use of spotting assistance or nets (operating arrangements involving other individuals, DX-alerting nets, packet, etc) not physically located at the station IS permitted. 

There is no mention of this in the specific ARRL DX Contest rules.


It appears from the rules that while self-spotting is frowned upon it is only a violation of the rules  in ARRL DX if you are Single - Op - Unassisted.


Jeff KU8E