[CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> There are no technology differences between the single op 
> unassisted and single op assisted categories with one 
> exception: the delivery of callsigns and frequencies from an 
> outside source as used in the assisted category.  Whether 
> that happens via packet radio/net connection or via a piece 
> of computer software connected to a receiver is irrelevant.  

You're correct there is no technological difference between 
assisted and unassisted - the difference it that another PERSON 
is providing the information in the assisted class.  

Where the information comes from hardware/software in my own 
shack, it is no different than the use of a panadapter and/or 
one/five/seven channel decoder in WriteLog.  

I am not advocating for unlimited use of networked skimmers 
in multiple locations any more that I am advocating that 
single operators be allowed to use remote transmitters or 
receivers.  However, as long as the technology is located 
in the 500 foot/meter circle with the rest of the station 
hardware it does not constitute "assistance" under any 
reasonable definition of assistance.  Assistance has always 
meant the contribution of ANOTHER PERSON whether it be on 
site (multi-operator) or remote (packet/internet/etc.).  

To modify the definition of assistance to include technology 
at this point would require a reexamination of all technology 
that permits a single operator to be more efficient (memory 
keyers, computer logging, real time propagation software, 
etc.) or more accurate ("history files," SCP databases, etc. 
produced by other individuals).  Once could easily argue 
that history files - since they relieve the operator of the 
need to copy the exchange - are every bit as much assistance 
as alleged against skimmer. 
      


> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Scott Robbins
> Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 10:42 AM
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer
> 
> 
> > Skimmer technology will change contesting just as the
> > memory keyer, DVK and computer logging have changed 
> > contesting. However, the technology horse is out of 
> > the barn and half way to town - unless you are willing 
> > to "ban" all technology to the assisted category, a 
> > precedent has already been set that says technology 
> > is fine as long as it does not involve another operator 
> > during the contest. 
> 
> There are no technology differences between the single op 
> unassisted and single op assisted categories with one 
> exception: the delivery of callsigns and frequencies from an 
> outside source as used in the assisted category.  Whether 
> that happens via packet radio/net connection or via a piece 
> of computer
> software connected to a receiver is irrelevant.   
> 
> 73
> Scott W4PA
>  
> 
> 
>       
> ______________________________________________________________
> ______________________
> Be a better friend, newshound, and 
> know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
> http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ
> _______________________________________________
> CQ-Contest mailing list
> CQ-Contest at contesting.com 
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest