[CQ-Contest] Self spot in ARRL DX

Mon Feb 5 09:59:54 EST 2024

The last time I went poking around different cluster servers, I observed:

* Most cluster sysops defaulted to providing only classic, non-RBN spots to new users by default...but on many clusters you could access RBN spots with the correct filter command.  Presumably this is because the full RBN firehose is simply too much to handle while contesting or actively DXing (as opposed to observing global propagation or collecting data for statistics and analysis)

* Some cluster sysops defaulted to providing some RBN spots to new users by default...although users could elect to apply their own filters.  This way you get the benefit of RBN without necessarily being overwhelmed by traffic.  For example, the default filter on my cluster node is similar to what I prefer to use in most contests, feeding only RBN spots from eastern North America.

* I haven't worked much with VE7CC's node or other CC clusters, but I believe VE7CC provides RBN spots that have been deduped, to keep the volume of spots somewhat manageable.  I haven't worked with VE7CC data enough...or asked...to be able to describe the deduping logic.

I assume that these points are still true.

I suspect that most cluster users just accept whatever is served by default.  However, more aggressive DXers and assisted contesters are more likely to figure out filtering.   That's the reason I have my own cluster node: I'm extremely particular about the spots I want for my various on-air interests and wanting the ability to go back and look at spotting data.   

-- 
Michael Adams | mda at n1en.org

-----Original Message-----
From: CQ-Contest <cq-contest-bounces+mda=n1en.org at contesting.com> On Behalf Of Joe
Sent: Monday, 5 February, 2024 08:46
To: Mike Fatchett W0MU <w0mu at w0mu.com>; cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Self spot in ARRL DX

I use VE7CC as my default cluster, and I see RBN spots all the time. 
Even my own when I am CQing.

Make sure all your filters are off I would guess. Especially the setting that is sent when you first connect about what command turns them on/off.

Joe WB9SBD
.

A Contest 40 Years in The Making!
<https://w9et.com/home.html>
MAIDENHEAD MAYHEM
https://w9et.com/home.html <https://w9et.com/home.html> On 2/4/2024 11:28 PM, Mike Fatchett W0MU wrote:
> 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
>>
>>
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