[RTTY] RTTY Skimmer

[Al Kozakiewicz]

Do a lot of you use the RBN or some other source of skimmer "spots"?

I ask because I found during the BARTG that almost as soon as I started running a frequency I was handling a small pileup that would last for maybe 10 minutes and then be over. Yet I found no spots for my call sign when I checked the traditional clusters during slow periods.  I don't normally run assisted except during the CW & SSB SS or unless I know that a needed DX will be an entry in a contest. My approach to contesting is usually pretty laid back and I like twirling the big knob or dozing off while calling CQ ;^).  I wonder if I'm missing something?

Is anyone using an SDR to gather their own skimmer spots?  I've been looking for an excuse to buy an SDR receiver and wonder if this might be a good one.

Al
AB2ZY