[CQ-Contest] Skimmer

[James Cain]

When I first tried CT, K1EA's groundbreaking contest software, in 1988, I don't recall it being a big deal to get running on my powerful PC XT confuser. CT kept my log for me and sent CW out through an LPT port to a key jack. CT did two things I could do myself; keeping a log and dupe sheet, and doubling as a memory keyer. I published a 4-page QST article on the subject, "The Mind of the Contester."

I don't see how a (local) skimmer can do anything I can't do myself, ie, tune the band. It can't copy, er, decode, CW any better than I. Actually, it apparently isn't close. 

If somebody is so sensorily deprived that he needs a skimmer for his single op effort, and is willing to do all the hookups, and the skimmer is entirely local to his station and antennas, I congratulate him on his efforts, and good luck. The log checking, UBN or LCR or whatever, will render the verdict. 

This hobby is about radio, not confusers. I get enough of that at work....

Jim Cain, K1TN