[CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer

[Sandy Taylor]

Yes, let single operators use any technology they wish. Agreed entirely.

If they use something that looks like packet and smells like packet, call
them assisted.

Skimmer looks like a goose, walks like a goose and smells like a goose.

It is assistance. Legal. Let anyone use it who wishes, yes.

But don't pit those who don't against those who do in the same category.

That's all.

73, Kelly
Ve4xt

-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Robert Chudek - K0RC
Sent: April-23-08 11:45 AM
To: rt_clay at bellsouth.net; cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer

N4OGW said:
"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."


This statement hits the nail squarely on the head! Again, I'll add
my definition of "Single Operator" who is "not assisted". Put this
fellow out in a field, in a tent or shack, with no outside connection
to the world except his radio. Let this Single Operator drag any
technology into his shack and have at it. As soon as you or the
contest committee step into his shack and begin to divvy up the
technology you find there, you have dragged your own personal
biases into the classification.

He is a Single Operator, period. Or as one of our esteemed
reflectorite usually says, "A boy and his radio(s)".

73 de Bob - KØRC in MN


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <rt_clay at bellsouth.net>
To: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 8:54 AM
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer



> 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

What  <blockquote


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