[Skimmertalk] Category Definitions

[Ted Bryant]

These are some interesting concepts for categories.

But, instead of defining the categories in terms of what hardware/software is or is not allowed, can
the categories be defined completely by what functions the operator is allowed/not allowed to
perform along with what information and from which sources he is allowed to use?

If this is not done, inevitably there will be new hardware or software developed which falls outside
the category description and we'll be right back here again.

73, Ted W4NZ


-----Original Message-----
From: skimmertalk-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:skimmertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of Joe
Subich, W4TV
Sent: Wednesday, July 02, 2008 2:05 AM
To: 'David Gilbert'; skimmertalk at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Skimmertalk] Category Definitions



David,

My thoughts are actually similar to those of Hans with one
exception ... three options - take your pick

single operator classic (SOC): One operator performs all functions
   (including all station adjustments, maintenance and repairs)
   without assistance from any other person.  Receivers capable of
   duplex operation are not permitted (e.g. no SO2R, no skimmer).
   SCP,  history files and similar data checking techniques would
   not be permitted  Memory keyers are permitted but repeating
   CQs (timed CQ) are not permitted.  Except in RTTY events, the
   operator/receiver interface must be entirely audio (100 - 5,000
   Hz), QSO content may not be represented visually.  Panadapters
   or other devices which visually depict signals outside the
   100 Hz - 5 KHz band are prohibited.  Mode is defined by the
   method of transmission: CW = on/off keying, RTTY = FSK, Voice
   = analog SSB, e.g. the emission as observed on a spectrum
   analyzer).

Single operator unlimited (SOU): same as single operator but
   duplex receivers (e.g., SO2R and skimmer), SCP, visual
   interfaces, SCP, and timed CQ are permitted.

Single operator plus cluster (SOP): same as SOU except cluster and
   other external spotting networks are permitted.

                         - or -

single operator classic (SOC): One operator performs all functions
   (including all station adjustments, maintenance and repairs)
   without assistance from any other person.  Receivers capable of
   duplex operation are not permitted (e.g. no SO2R, no skimmer).
   SCP,  history files and similar data checking techniques would
   not be permitted  Any demodulation technique and operator
   interface would be is permitted in all modes (mode is determined
   by transmission method: CW = on/off keying, RTTY = FSK, Voice =
   analog SSB, e.g. the emission as observed on a spectrum analyzer).

Single operator unlimited (SPU): same as single operator but duplex
   receivers (e.g., SO2R and skimmer) and SCP are permitted.

Single operator plus cluster (SOP): same as SOU except cluster and
   other external spotting networks are permitted.

                         - or -

single operator (SO): One operator performs all functions without
   (including all station adjustments, maintenance and repairs)
   assistance from any other person.  Duplex receivers (e.g.,
   SO2R and skimmer) are permitted.  Any demodulation technique
   and operator interface would be is permitted in all modes (mode
   is determined by transmission method: CW = on/off keying, RTTY
   = FSK, Voice = analog SSB, e.g. the emission as observed on a
   spectrum analyzer).

Single operator plus cluster (SOP): same as SO except cluster and
   other external spotting networks are permitted.

"Shared cluster" networks (e.g. clusters feeding only CQ spots)
would be permitted in the single op plus cluster and multi-op
classes.  "Private clusters" located outside a station's 500
meter circle would be considered remote receivers and would be
prohibited.

I would also modify the "power" classes to base the categories
on a simplified EIRP and not transmitter output power.



> -----Original Message-----
> From: skimmertalk-bounces at contesting.com
> [mailto:skimmertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of David Gilbert
> Sent: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 9:23 PM
> To: skimmertalk at contesting.com
> Subject: [Skimmertalk] Category Definitions
>
>
>
> One of the reasons I subscribed to this new reflector was
> that I thought
> it might lead to some discussion on what might be desirable
> for category
> definitions looking forward, and I suspect that the various contest
> sponsors had similar hopes for usable feedback.  So instead
> of getting
> derailed by excursions into no-code and ADA (for which personal
> contribution I apologize), maybe it would be more productive to hear
> some thoughts on what should constitute the intent of a baseline
> category for amateur radio contesting.  There have been
> several comments
> regarding the operating aids that already exist with logging
> programs,
> SCP, keying buffers, CW decoders, waterfalls, etc, but if you
> had your
> choice, where would you draw the line (if at all) for an
> operator-emphasized category?
>
> In the interests of keeping this civil, let's not turn this in to an
> argument.  I'd like to suggest that anyone who sees fit to offer an
> opinion simply list what they would include or not include as being
> permissible, and why, and then maybe refrain from immediate
> counter-posts for just a bit.  If you think that different flavors of
> contests (DX, domestic, etc) warrant different treatment, you
> might want
> to try to break that out as well.
>
> I don't know if that will work, but at least I tried ...
>
> 73,
> Dave   AB7E
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> Skimmertalk at contesting.com
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