[CQ-Contest] Skimmer for S/O in IARU

[Michael Coslo]

On Jun 3, 2008, at 3:51 PM, K0HB wrote:

>> [Original Message]
>> From: Michael Coslo <mjc5 at psu.edu>
>> To: cq-contesting cq-contest <cq-contest at contesting.com>
>> Date: 6/3/2008 1:07:54 PM
>> Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Skimmer for S/O in IARU
>
>>
>> Maybe computerized logging should have been banned when it became
>> available? I haven't done paper logging, but I have to imagine that
>> the difference between computer and paper logging has to be much
>> greater than any presumed Skimmer advantage.
>>
>
>
> Sorry, Mike, but the "computerized logging is assistance" mantra is  
> a worn
> redherring.

I don't recall saying it was assistance, Hans. I was posing the  
question on whether it should be banned or not. I certainly suspect  
that those who had computers had a big advantage over those who didn't.

> Computer logging simply automates the record-keeping process, but  
> does not
> perform any "radioman-like" functions.
>
> Skimmer performs "radioman-like" functions in that it autonomously  
> gathers
> information in realtime from a radio and feeds that information to the
> station operator.

Well since I didn't say it was assistance, the argument is a little  
moot, but here we are. It's a durn big help, IMO. Too bad not so many  
people do paper logs these days, it would be interesting to do a  
multi year experiment with a group of top contesters, half operating  
paper logs, and half using computer logs.


-73 de Mike N3LI -