[CQ-Contest] Re; Skimmer Ultimate Setup

[Jim George]

Joe, you and I are on different philosophical wavelengths on this and 
remote operations.

I contend the capability to pick out (basically) all the signals on a band 
with a wide IF and software and then display these data for either a human 
to click on them and call them, or a robot to do the same, will kill the 
hobby.

It is time for the broader thinking people to step in and rule out this 
capability. It's technically correct that the technology is contained 
within the local station, so I agree that following closely the rule of 
allowing one's single-op technology to produce productivity improvements 
lies within the framework of traditional efficiency increases. But I also 
contend that this leads to automatic robotic operation, certainly not good 
for the sport in my opinion.

The solution is practical; simply state that all signals must be copied by 
humans. This will allow RTTY contesting to progress along the 
Skimmer/robotic path. But SSB and CW contests need to remain "human-based."

Jim George N3BB

At 01:22 PM 3/21/2008 -0400, you wrote:

> > To say there is a difference between an packet connection
> > feeding information that was generated by another operator
> > OR another operator's Skimmer setup and "owning your own"
> > wide-band receiver which feeds the same information to your
> > software is really splitting hairs.
>
>There is absolutely a clear, bright, absolute difference between
>information (not "spots") that comes from one's own station and
>information generated by other operators whether it be from
>packet, talent or the next room.  Far from splitting a hair, the
>difference is as fundamental as north vs. south or east vs. west.
>
>There is no "hair splitting" at all - assistance means assistance
>from another human operator.  It does not count automation in any
>form whether that be a memory keyer/DVK, computer logging or even
>the "station owner" fixing antennas or amplifiers so the operator
>can keep his butt in the chair.
>
>CW Skimmer is in the category of memory keyer/DVK, computer
>logging/duping or mechanical pencils.  That ship sailed 40
>years ago.
>
>73,
>
>    ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com
> > [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Stan Stockton
> > Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 10:21 AM
> > To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> > Subject: [CQ-Contest] Re; Skimmer Ultimate Setup
> >
> >
> > Let's see if I have this right.....  Many people are making
> > the assumption that Skimmer is just another tool for the
> > Single Operator UNASSISTED Category entrant?
> >
> > I have hope there are enough who can see beyond today who
> > believe this
> > is a tool for the Single Operator ASSISTED category.  To say
> > there is a
> > difference between an packet connection feeding information that was
> > generated by another operator OR another operator's Skimmer
> > setup and "owning your own" wide-band receiver which feeds
> > the same information to your software is really splitting hairs.
> >
> > In my opinion, If you are unassisted, you do not have any
> > THING or any ONE telling you the callsign and frequency of a
> > station that you can work to
> > improve your score.
> >
> > The ultimate set up, if it is allowed, is write software to
> > have your rig QSY to the most appropriate spot (based on
> > where your yagi is pointed, which
> > spot will most likely improve your score the most and have
> > the rig make the
> > contact and log it for you and then go to the next one.
> > Same set up on the run frequency.  The more rigs you have the
> > better your score will be.  I can see it now "Oh, cool!.  I
> > worked VU2PTT the first night on 20M and the computer moved
> > him to 40M where I also worked him.  Never heard him, but saw
> > him in the log.
> >
> > It makes me want to go find my golf clubs instead of thinking
> > about radio
> > 24/7.
> >
> > Stan, K5GO
> > _______________________________________________
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>
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