[CQ-Contest] 10 minute rule explained

[Tree]

> But, what is the idea behind the 10 min rule for M/S, anyway?  It's  still 
> a single transmitter, just multiple operators.  What makes this any  
> different than a S/O making band changes?
>  
> Just wondering.  Seems to me like a really silly rule...that's why I  need 
> a decent explanation of why.

Without the 10 minute rule - one can just use unlimited transmitters and
operate like they were a full multi-multi.  The intent of the 10 minute
rule (or a limited # of band changes/hour) is to "enforce" the intent of
the category - which is that you have two stations setup.  

This is a necessary evil for multi-single or two transmitter categories.

The recent DQs in the CQ WW were a result of people who changed the times
in their log - so that it complied with the 10 minute rule - but not the 
intent of the category.  They were essentially unlimited multi-multis with
rubber clocks.

In the case of single-ops - there is resistance towards limiting the 
operator with this rule.  It would basically prevent the practice of 
QSYing multipliers to different bands - and also second radio operation
where QSOs are found on a second band while running on another band.  

73 Tree N6TR
tree at kkn.net