[CQ-Contest] Self spot in ARRL DX

[Randy Thompson]

During the N1W operation over the past month, we could call CQ on CW and not get much action.  When we spotted ourselves the crowd immediately showed up.  The obvious conclusion is that most people are not watching RBN.  Could be a variety of reasons for this.

Contesters are more aware of RBN and are willing to set their filters and software to accommodate.

Randy

-----Original Message-----
From: CQ-Contest <cq-contest-bounces+k5zd=outlook.com at contesting.com> On Behalf Of john at kk9a.com
Sent: Friday, February 2, 2024 9:46 PM
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Self spot in ARRL DX

Is that true Randy, most casual DXers are not seeing skimmer spots?  W3LPL automatically posts some of less common DX skimmer spots on the cluster but
the rest of the skimmer spots go unnoticed?   If that is correct, then more
stations should be self-spotting on RTTY and CW when allowed.  I have never self-spotted on RTTY or CW.

The spotting network has existed since I believe the 80's and prior to that rarer DX stations were announced on 2m repeaters so tuning for DX stations has not been necessary for a long time. Of course it is much easier now to click and work, maybe so easy that some stations don't feel the need to regularly identify.  Without spotting we would all probably be making a lot less QSOs so the cluster is adding to everyone's fun, regardless of category.  Fortunately you can still operate unassisted (un-unlimited) in most major contests and have the thrill of finding that new multiplier or band opening however operating assisted (unlimited) can also be fun.

John KK9A





Randy Thompson k5zd wrote:

The flaw in this argument is that many (most?) hams don't subscribe to RBN spots.  Self spotting on CW actually helps reach another layer or two of casual ops and DXers in a contest.  So arguing that using it on phone is just an analog for RBN is not quite true.

Self spotting is another form of calling CQ using the Internet instead of radio.

It does seem the hobby has evolved to the point where making a contact by any means is more fun/important than using tuning skills.  Disappointing, but it is what it is. On we go into the future.

Randy K5ZD


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