[CQ-Contest] LY9W ? - time to ban SCP?

[Michael Clarson]

Doug: As for using SCP, I usually have it running, but seldom pay attention
to what its telling me. However, I know it has helped me. My call is not
KR2Q, but WV2ZOW. Except for the prefix contest, it is a real problem on
phone. I usually run 100 Watts, inefficient antenna. Before SCP was
popular, it was often a struggle to get my call through. Many times, after
5 or 6 tries, the station I am trying to work gives me a "QSL" without
repeating my call back to me. What he's done is blow me off. If I log the
QSO, I get a busted QSO. Since SCP became popular, many stations get my
call correct after only 1 or 2 repeats, and by the way they read my call
back, I can tell they are using SCP. Not so much of an issue on CW. Is it
right?. Hard to say. Now, on VHF, most of the locals know my call, so when
I'm weak, they remember the WV and  know who I am. Isn't that almost the
same thing? What if we made our own SCP only from stations we work? --Mike,
WV2ZOW

On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 7:07 AM, <kr2q at optimum.net> wrote:

> OK, I admit it.  I have NEVER been a proponent of SCP (or that ilk).  So
> I'll once again (been
> many years now, so it's time) ask why SCP is allowed for non-assisted
> entries (or at all).
>
> For me, either you copy the call, zone, SN, name, SEC, etc yourself or you
> don't.
>
> So much has been automated during a contest, just what is left for the
> entrant to do that
> demonstrates actual contest skill?   Not even copy the call sign?
>
> At the heart of each contest QSO is getting the call and exchange right.
> If you have to rely
> on a database (EG SCP), was that really a valid QSO?
>
> Going back ages, I recall a DX ham (Riki) who used "a database" on 160m.
> When challenged,
> he said that the database only helped him to confirm the call he had
> copied.  Really?  If you knew
> you had copied it, why need to "check?"  Of course, the answer is that it
> wasn't "copied," but
> needed to be teased out.  I mean, it's a long way from most eastern part
> of zone 20 to the rest
> of the world.
>
> More recently, a well-known contester that I have always respected, gave
> me an example
> of what he felt was an "appropriate use" of SCP.  "Let's say I'm on 75m
> and the band is
> noisy and I just can't confirm the other guys full call.  If I look at
> SCP, I can see a list of
> calls and I can say, 'Is your call XY1ABC?' and if he says YES, then I
> know I have a good
> contact."  Huh?  For me, this is exactly why SCP should NOT be allowed.
> THAT was a "good"
> QSO?  You never copied his full call.  You took an total GUESS base on
> SCP.  What if he didn't
> say YES?  Then what?  No QSO or "take a chance?"
>
> Other arguments include, "Why should I be penalized for not having as good
> a memory for
> call signs as K1AR (or your favorite contester)?"  Just because he can
> remember 10,000
> calls doesn't mean I'm not as a good a contester.  So I use SCP to make up
> for that aspect.
>
> And I suppose he also runs 10KW to "make up" for atmospheric losses.
>
> Really, there is NO legitimate reason to use SCP during a contest unless
> you just want to have
> FUN also sending the guys name during a contest which does not require
> that you copy his/her
> name.
>
> It always is disappointing to me to see the URGENT plea's to share your
> log file so that SCP
> can be updated.
>
> SCP is just pure BS for the true (honest) contester.  Too late?  Can't get
> the genie back into
>  the bottle?  Yes, I know.  But that doesn't mean it is right.
>
> de Doug KR2Q
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