[CQ-Contest] ARRL language on what is "assisted"

[David Gilbert]

I think I have to agree with your argument as the rules are written, 
Doug, although I'd bet $100 that the ARRL didn't mean it to be 
interpreted that way.  It just illustrates a point I've tried to make 
several times before ... namely that a lot of the confusion and dialog 
we have about contest rules are because of sloppy wording of those 
rules.  Too many times the rules are written as if they already assume 
the reader knows what the intent was.  I think CQWW has recently put 
forth a lot more effort on that and ARRL needs to follow suit.

Remember our discussion on "Skimmer-like" technology?  The latest CQWW 
rules do a much better job of handling that kind of thing now.  The 
current rules pretty clearly explain what single op unassisted should 
look like ... without any reference at all to anything specific like CW 
Skimmer ... and then they separately describe what kinds of things 
(including "Skimmer-like technology") are OK for assisted categories.  
The way it is written, using CW Skimmer in a manner that does not 
violate the description of unassisted operation (such as merely using 
the waterfall of CW Skimmer in blind mode) would be perfectly legal.  I 
was actually pretty impressed with that approach and whoever wrote it 
that way should be congratulated.

73,
Dave   AB7E



On 10/24/2011 3:58 AM, kr2q at optimum.net wrote:
> My previous post directed attention to the CQWWDX language on what constitutes "assisted."  If you missed
> it, go here:  http://www.cqww.com/rules.php  Note section 12.A.  The 2nd sentence.  Or see my original
> post here:  http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/cq-contest/2011-October/095952.html
>
> So what about the ARRL DX test?  Here is their Rule.  Note 2.1.1  The verb is "use" not "receive."  Again,
> in my simple mind, if you send a DX spot or provide assistance, that falls within the definition of "use."  I
> mean, if you use cluster or packet to SEND a spot, are you not USING the spotting network?
>
>
> [snip]
> 2.1.Single Operator: One person performs all transmitting, receiving, and logging functions as well
> as equipment and antenna adjustments.
>
>          2.1.1.Use of spotting assistance or nets (operating arrangements involving other individuals,
> DX-alerting nets, packet, Internet, multi-channel decoders such as CW Skimmer, etc) is not permitted.
> [snip]
>
> de Doug KR2Q
>
> Final Disclaimer:  The above comments are MY OWN and should never be construed  as
> being representative of the opinions of any contest committee with which I may be
> associated.
>