[CQ-Contest] Contesting using remote stations

[Michael Coslo]

On Mar 18, 2008, at 3:44 PM, Colleen Brakob wrote:

>
>
>
>>>> All antennas used by the entrant
>>>> must be physically connected by wires to
>>>> the transmitters and receivers used by the
>>>> entrant.
>>
>>
>> Okay, now this might seem to be a "DUH" moment, but what are they
>> trying to say here? Keeping in mind that this rule was almost
>> certainly written before the concept of having a station at some site
>> that is unattended, and controlled via the internet, it looks like
>> they want the entrant AT the station.
>
> You and Diana Moon Glompers, the Handicapper General, might feel  
> that way
> but I don't.

	Don't know why your thinking that I am advocating handicapping good  
Ops, Hans. Did you read the rest of my post? That part of the rule is  
pretty funny anyhow. Just what do they EXPECT the transmitters and  
receivers to be connected with, Bungee cords?

>
> The rule snippet talks only about >antennas< connected by wires to  
> >the
> transmitters and receivers< .  It doesn't even hint at connected to  
> the
>> operator< by wires.
>
> FCC rules for at least the past 50 years that I've been interested  
> in them
> (part 12 and now part 97) contain language regarding remotely  
> controlled
> stations, and in that time I don't recall any contest sponsor  
> prohibiting
> their use.  That speaks volumes to me!

New technology begs the question, and the rules could use  
clarification, so I asked it. A remote station IMHO is not allowed  
under the current rules.  I don't have anything against a remote  
station at all, although I think they will work best for casual  
operating - it will probably seem like talking over a satellite  
phone. But if someone wants to use one in PAQSO, they'll be allowed.

-73 de Mike N3LI -