[CQ-Contest] Rule Change Debate on Skimmer

[rt_clay at bellsouth.net]

>  
> The difference is only relevant if you  
> judge it based on something someone  
> wrote in an e-mail instead of what the  
> rules actually say.  CQ Rules say: 
>  
> "The use of DX alerting assistance of  
> any kind places the station in the  
> Single Operator Assisted category." 
>  
>
  
Well, yes, that rule is vague. That's part of  the whole debate! And
yours is not the only interpretation.

You can equally well argue that an extra bandscope parked on an empty band
is "DX alerting assistance". It tells you at a glance when another band is open
and if a big pileup happens. Would you ban anyone using a bandscope radio?

Yes, you can get the same information by tuning your 3-kHz rig there, but
you can get the same information as skimmer by tuning your 3 kHz  rig :)

 
>  
> The ARRL rules which are less clear say: 
>  
> Multioperator and Single Operator  
> Assisted stations may use spotting nets. 
>  
>  
>  

"nets" is short for "network". A network implies several amateurs connected
together via packet, internet, telephone, etc., exchanging information. It doesn't
say anything about  how you process the radio waves you receive locally.

Tor
N4OGW