[CQ-Contest] Very Slight Type Corrected- S/O and S/O (A)

[kd4d at comcast.net]

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Jim George <n3bb at mindspring.com>
>  From Randy Thompson:
> 
> "Here is your assignment.  Propose new rule wordings for single op and single
> op assisted that are simple, easily understood/translated to multiple
> languages, will be widely accepted by the contest community, and makes it
> clear what the difference is between assistance and not assistance. Oh, and
> it needs to apply equally for SSB, CW, and RTTY."
> 
> Here goes.
> 
> Single Op
> 
> Operates the amateur radio equipment alone. All reception and transmitting
> is done in accordance with the contest rules and the rules of his/her
> licensing authority. No logging, receiving or alerting assistance of any kind
> is allowed including external spotting, arranged schedules, or any decoding
> devices other than natural human capability may be used, except for RTTY,
> where "non-human ear" decoding of incoming signals is allowed if the
> decoding is done within the usual bandpass of the receiver.
> 
> Single Operator Assisted
> 
> Same as Single Op except the use of receiving or alerting assistance may be
> used including external spotting, as well as decoding devices other than
> natural human capability.
> 
> Jim George N3BB
> 
> 

Hi Jim:

I think this comes close.  However, I'm concerned about the effect on casual and new
operators of prohibiting code readers.  How about "no decoding except by devices
whose input is audio."  Or maybe "...decoding of incoming signals is allowed if
the decoding is done within the usual AUDIO bandpass of the receiver," and removing
the RTTY limitation.

The purpose of this wording would be to permit code readers while prohibiting the 
skimmer for single operators.  There IS a difference between audio decoders and 
something that can simultaneously decode signals on an entire band.

I don't think that any rule that serves to discourage new or casual operators who
may now be using code readers is a good idea.

Comments?

73,

Mark, KD4D