[CQ-Contest] The Skimmer Rule Challenge

[Mike Fatchett W0MU]

Agreed.......

Skimmer in the local shack is nothing more than an improved bandscope IMHO.


You still need to verify the callsign of the stations that are shown.  You
still need to tune to that staion, turn the beam, etc....

Spots coming in from elsewhere is completely different. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Paul J. Piercey [mailto:p.piercey at nl.rogers.com] 
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 11:40 AM
To: ve4xt at mts.net; 'Mike Fatchett W0MU'; 'Michael Keane K1MK'; 'Mark
Beckwith'
Cc: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: RE: Re: [CQ-Contest] The Skimmer Rule Challenge

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ve4xt at mts.net [mailto:ve4xt at mts.net]
> Sent: June 20, 2008 16:45
> To: Mike Fatchett W0MU; 'Paul J. Piercey'; 'Michael Keane K1MK'; 'Mark 
> Beckwith'
> Cc: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Re: [CQ-Contest] The Skimmer Rule Challenge
> 
> 
> > 
> > Without any help from me??
> > 
> > Are we talking about skimmer running at my shack and not coming in 
> > from the internet?  If so then I had everything to do with it.  I 
> > provided the radio and antennas, the computers etc.......
> > 
> > I did not copy the callsign......yet.......... 
> 
> Exactly my point. You did not copy the callsign. Thanks for making it 
> crystal clear.
> 
> 73, kelly
> ve4xt

Actually, I think it's proven our point. A localized CW Skimmer is merely
the automation of a function that could be done by the operator; like
computer logging vs paper logging or a memory keyer vs a straight key.
Packet Cluster is not. The cluster is the result of actions being taken by
others on my behalf and ultimately to my benefit. This makes them completely
different... unless the Skimmer spots are coming from somewhere beyond the
operator's control. Then, I can agree that the cluster and CW Skimmer are
equal although they really aren't. By "equal" I would contend that using
them put you in a multi-op category rather than this poorly described
"assisted" category.

To expand on this, I think the use of the phrase "passive use of the
cluster" is foolish. This means, apparently, that you can spot others but
not yourself but, in fact, if you spot others, you are no longer passively
using the cluster. If everyone was passive in the use of the cluster, there
would be no spots. But I digress...

Unfortunately, all this is immaterial until the sponsors properly define
"assisted" and/or decree that CW Skimmer is either merely a technology that
enhances the experience or something that is equal to having another
operator in your shack. When this is resolved, then I think the contesting
community will be on board with whatever decision is made.

73 -- Paul VO1HE