[RTTY] An open letter to Shelby, K4WW

[Jay Bromley]

HI Rick, Shelby, and others,

Well it maybe the thread has voiced a heavy bias to separate entry classes, 
but I am not sure about the masses.  I am sure time will tell.

I have seen this thread blow up about once or twice a year.  I am one of the 
little guys on the list lurking that really doesn't want to see a change in 
the way things are now.  For me contesting is about how hard one can push 
himself, not one that needs his name in the top ten.  If you don't mind I 
would like to share more of my opinions.

For years I tried off and on to make this RTTY thing work.  Kamtronics, 
PK232s, PK900, etc, nothing worked till I ran into MMTTY and Don, AA5AU's 
web-site.  I have mentioned many times on this reflector how helpful Don and 
others are to the new guys including Shelby.  I don't think there are a 
better bunch of guys anywhere in contesting than the guys doing RTTY 
contests.  They have helped me right up to the very minute before a contest 
so I do look up to them and I am trying to move up towards being one of 
those SO2R guys trying to prove something with myself, not winning or having 
a great score.  Ask anyone here locally I am doing my best to get new 
contesters, to help everyone compete, get a better score, rate, and to win 
if possible.  Why would I help my competition ( really all my friends ) if 
all I wanted was " must have something to prove".  You will learn by setting 
up a SO2R station and can Elmer others by having done it.

While I keep hearing you guys say we don't understand what you are wanting, 
I myself and I am sure others here on this list realize that another 
category would help recognize others that can't make it into the top ten 
SO2R bracket.  However I think many on the other side are missing the point 
as well.  From a guy that barely made 70 QSOs in the last NAQP, I do want to 
test myself someday against the great SO2R ops whether I am using SO1R or 
SO2R.  If they make a new class for SO1R, then great.  Maybe since Don and 
some other SO2R operators have nothing more to prove then I might have a 
chance at doing great things with SO2R when they decide to conquer a new 
SO1R class.  :-)

The point from the "other side" that may or may not be seen by some of the 
others lurking on the list is that Don ( I am sorry for always picking on 
you ) and the SO2R guys are winners period!  I would dare say if you look at 
everything they do in life they do it at the highest level possible. 
Struggling is part of the process to be better in life, not just in ham 
radio contesting.  Right now I don't even have a tower or beam up, but I 
have another brand new Pro III still in the box hoping to add it to my 
station so I can do SO2R after I get some antennas back up.  It is not only 
to compete with one's self and have a better score, but to learn how to deal 
with the technology involved.  There is a real art to getting your station 
ready for SO2R without blowing up a front end of the second receiver and 
dealing with interference.

When a commenter stated he chooses not to do SO2R, that is great and I have 
no problem with that at all.  To me the statement that many can't afford to 
do SO2R is their choice as well.  For me that is not an excuse, if I don't 
have the money then it is up to me to find a way to get it.  Work some 
overtime or get a second job, etc, do we really think all SO2R ops are 
independently wealthy?  To be  competitive in a contest you have to be 
somewhat witty about going about it.  Ditto in one's lifestyle.  If you are 
interested in pushing yourself to the next level and not just setting the 
world on fire within a new SO1R category, I would suggest hanging around 
some of these SO2R guys.  I am sure you will find it will help you in life 
outside the contest as well as in the contests.

I have been wanting to get into this discussion for a while now.  I hope no 
one takes my opinions personally!  I just have a different outlook and I am 
still just a small BeeBee gun compared to most all of you!

Many thanks for letting me share my opinions with you guys.  All of you are 
still the best in contesting!

73 de w5jay/jay..

P.S.  Many thanks to all the SO2R and SO1R guys that always seem to find me 
and help add to my meger scores.  :-)




> Hi Shelby.
>
> As the "instigator" of the current SO1R vs. SO2R thread, I have been 
> following the collective comments with interest. With the exception of 
> some mini-flames and clearly unworkable suggestions, I think that the 
> thread has voiced a heavy bias towards separate entry classes.
>
> That being said, the thing that is the most gratifying, have been your 
> comments. That you will lobby for a rule change demonstrates your 
> commitment to the spirit of the contesting community. To see the need to 
> correct what has become a "problem", and act upon it, despite the negative 
> reactions from some, is to be commended. Thank you for your efforts in 
> behalf of those that still realize that it is a hobby, and intended to be 
> enjoyed. Keeping the contesting component an equal challenge for all is in 
> the best spirit of competition.
>
> Those that choose to submit as SO1R as they use a single radio for SO2R 
> operating, can live with their own conscience. They must have something to 
> prove... to themselves. Signing a statement as to the entry class used 
> means nothing. The act of submitting a log should be enough to verify that 
> the "intent" of the operator was to follow the class rules as they were 
> intended to be interpreted. The rules are not a legal document and 
> stretching them beyond the commonly accepted meaning only supports the 
> operator in his attempt to appear better than he really is.
>
> 73 de Rick W1TY/W2RTY
>
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