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

[Paul Stoetzer]

I had a couple of stations copy my DC exchange as MD. Don't use WAS
databases to do your prefills or you may lose a mult!

73,

Paul, N8HM

On Thu, Jul 30, 2015 at 10:33 AM, Michael Clarson <wv2zow at gmail.com> wrote:
> 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
>> _______________________________________________
>> CQ-Contest mailing list
>> CQ-Contest at contesting.com
>> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest
>>
> _______________________________________________
> CQ-Contest mailing list
> CQ-Contest at contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest