[CQ-Contest] Self spot in ARRL DX

[Mike Fatchett W0MU]

That is very curious.  My cluster w0mu.net  w0mu-1  CC cluster includes 
RBN Spots as do most of the CC clusters that I know of. There is a way 
to turn them off.  Many logging programs and CC User allow the users 
some fairly extensive filtering.  I checked the RBN and N1W was being 
heard and spotted.  That filtering should block or allow regular or rbn 
spots though.

When I did a lookup of N1W on my cluster sh/dx N1W 1000 (1000 spots)  No 
RBN spots were shown.  I don't seem to be able to lookup any RBN spots, 
so it is possible that VE7CC does not save rbn spots due to the size of 
the files that could be created.  I will contact Lee and ask.

W0MU

On 2/2/2024 8:18 PM, Randy Thompson wrote:
> 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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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