[CQ-Contest] A new "DX cluster" experience for contesters

[Ron Notarius W3WN]

So the ultimate purpose of the Reverse Beacon Network is... to replace the
Cluster system?

Never mind that it provides a new passive and difficult to detect tool for
those who wish to cheat by using a spotting network.  Because those who
decide to cheat will not be stopped by the presence or absence of RBN, there
are (sadly) other ways.  So that actually doesn't bother me much.

I'm just wondering why we "need" this?  

Yes, it's a fascinating use of technology.  Why do we need this?  

-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Pete Smith
Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 8:17 AM
To: CQ Contest
Subject: [CQ-Contest] A new "DX cluster" experience for contesters

The Reverse Beacon Network (http://reversebeacon.net) has now made a 
Telnet feed of the aggregated output of all currently active RBN Skimmer 
receivers available in real time at telnet.reversebeacon.net port 7000.  
Thanks to Rick, K4TD, for making the server available, and to Felipe, 
PY1NB and Nick, F5VIH for the programming effort.

So big deal, you say?  Well, before you blow it off, take a look at the 
flow of spots, even on a normal weekday.  Run them through appropriate 
filters to remove duplicates, restrict spots to your country, continent, 
or call area, or whatever, and use them to populate the bandmap of your 
favorite contest logging software.  I think you'll be amazed.

This feed offers one huge advantage for contesters, because the RBN 
spots *every* station it hears, not just the ones that someone, 
somewhere thinks are worthy of being spotted.  It is also listening on 
all bands, all the time, at world-wide sites.

ONE CAUTION -- Precisely because it spots everything, usually multiple 
times, it would be disastrous if someone were to feed the RBN Telnet 
server into the normal DX cluster network.  If this happens, the server 
may have to be shut down, so *please* don't do it.

-- 
73, Pete N4ZR

The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at
reversebeacon.blogspot.com

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