[RTTY] Be Careful What You Ask For ...

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> Really? Ever hear of Single Op assisted? That category was added when
> needed and the one/two radio class will be too. 

Single Operator assisted is one in which the operator receives SPOTTING 
ASSISTANCE.  It is, truly a different category because the operator no 
longer performs all the functions himself.  A SOxR operator does not 
receive any assistance and should not be discriminated against because 
of his choice of hardware.  Perhaps those who use Icom radios should 
be prohibited from entering the single operator category... 
 
> >If you change that you make a fundamental change in the foundation 
> >of the single operator class. 
> 
> Exactly, just what is needed to solve the problem

Bull crap ... there is no problem except in the minds of those 
who cannot accept that each operator should be free to use whatever 
legal tool he feels will result in the best possible score.  


> >Some of the new high end transceivers will make the SO1R vs. SOmR 
> >debate moot.  When one radio contains two fully independent, high 
> >performance receivers and the ability to instantly transmit on 
> >either frequency, no objective definition will be able to say that 
> >is *not* a SO1R station.
> 
> More nonsense. A one radio operation is defined simply: One RX and one
> TX. When the RX is on, the TX must be off and vice versa. Once again,
> you are confusing the number of cabinets with the number of radios.

Your "definition" is only relatively recent.  For 60 years transmitters 
and receivers were independent and it was common for the receiver to 
function while transmitting.  The only defensible definition of "one 
transmitter" is only one transmitted signal at any one time.  

> >No ... it is and always has been THE NUMBER OF OPERATORS and the 
> >NUMBER OF SIMULTANEOUS TRANSMISSIONS - PERIOD! 
> 
> Not for long.

I hope not because it will be the death of contesting.  Those in 
HOA/antenna restricted communities are already excluded from the 
top ranks of contesting and are dropping out in increasing numbers 
because they can't compete with the gain antenna crowd.  If you 
put the SOxR guys on the back of the bus they will have no incentive 
and will drop out.  Then the rest of the amateur community will get 
tired of the "big guns" dominating the bands every weekend and begin 
to demand the end of contesting.  

The right thing to do is create the "basic" single transceiver and 
single element category and recognize that anything beyond that point 
imply represents a particular choice of completely legal options for 
improving one's score.  

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV