[CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer

[rt_clay at bellsouth.net]

> My simple test.  If you get CALLS and FREQUENCIES from something other than 
> your own ears and your own turning of the knob on the radio, then it is 
> assisted. 
>  
> Note, this opinion still allows things like waterfall displays or band 
> scopes that let you "see" signals on the band, but does not identify them. 
>  

Then what  would you say to this:

I use a waterfall display like a Skimmer, but with no code-reading capabilities. It just takes a
"snapshot" of the band in time and frequency, showing dots and dashes. My logging program marks the signals I have already identified (different color, etc). I visually read the code from the screen, or by clicking on a signal I get its audio.  It's then easy to see when a new station appears on the band and pick out their call.

Sounds like it is too much trouble to help? I bet anyone who used written dupe sheets could learn to do it. I also bet it would help during a really slow time during SS...and no computer reading of CW!

Skimmer is applying software to a wideband receiver. Nothing more. In the next generation of HF transceivers, wideband receive IS going to be a standard feature. 
 It opens up a lot of new possibilities rather than the old "knob-driven radio" motif. I think it is ridiculous that the contest sponsor has a right to tell me what kind of receiver I can use! I should be
 able to use the best I can find with my local antennas.

Another misconception: a local skimmer is not packet. With packet you are getting the benefit of OTHER people's knowledge. For example, they might know what dxpeditions are on and where they are likely to operate. A local skimmer  does not simply reproduce the spots you get from packet. It is very dependent on local noise, antennas, etc. If you don't believe be, try running it for yourself.
 
Finally, I think Skimmer will increase interest in cw contesting for new ops. Try counting the number of check > 1985 ops in the top 100 in CW SS sometime...

Tor
N4OGW

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