[Skimmertalk] Skimmer - Something new to talk about

[Dick Dievendorff]

Stan, Joe:  Are these the categories proposed?

One approach is to merge SO with SOA.  Allow SO to use CWSkimmer (local and
remote) and packet.  This eliminates the need for sponsors to detect "packet
cheating".  WAE has adopted a rule somewhat like this (SO may use packet).
This effectively eliminates SO and puts all existing SO competitors into
SOA.  A fair number of SO competitors will oppose this result.  All multi
and SOA categories that can use packet now can use CWSkimmer local and
remote. 

A second approach is to include CWSkimmer (local and remote) with the
existing SOA, leaving SO without CWSkimmer of any kind. It requires defining
by fiat that a non-human local "robot" is "assistance", even though existing
"assistance" is currently equivalent to off-site help from the activities of
other human beings (existing packet and VHF spotting networks). There are a
fair number of "traditional" SOs that favor this approach.

A third approach is to create a new SO category (unlimited?) that permits
the use of a local skimmer, but remote skimmer (being off-site) is SOA.
This says that one particular technology (CWSkimmer) requires a new SOU
category, but existing technologies (band scopes, CW decoders before
CWSkimmer, computer logging, computer dupe sheet maintenance, CW sending,
Super check partial, SO2R) are not enough technology to push you into SOU
but use of CWSkimmer is that threshold.  This approach defines a new
category for this one new technology because CWSkimmer is unlike anything
we've seen before.

A fourth approach is to include local CWSkimmer (but not remote skimmer or
packet) within SO. Remote CWskimmer or packet are SOA.

A fifth approach is to disallow CWSkimmer in all categories.  There are a
good number of respected contesters in this camp. Others feel that there's
no way to suppress the technology. It exists. It's useful. Contesting is a
technology-driven sport and this is useful technology. We need to find a
category for it, even if it's not every category.

A sixth approach is to somehow handicap use of CWSkimmer within the existing
SO, SOA, and multi-op categories.  Stan, this is your most recent set of
recommendations. It seems to me that the devil is in the details.

All remote CWSkimmer use is to be like a Packetcluster, it can't be a
private remote receiver decoding calls on someone's run frequency.  Remote
skimmer needs to be finding CQing stations and making the spots available to
anyone that can find the cluster.  Private remote CWSkimmers are like
private off-site receivers, they are violations of the "single site" (500
meter) rule, and should result in DQ.

I don't believe every contest needs to come to the same conclusion.  As each
contest has its specific "character", each contest can come to independent
interpretations of how to allow (or not allow) CWSkimmer.



Dick, K6KR





-----Original Message-----
From: skimmertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:skimmertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Stan Stockton
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 7:30 AM
To: skimmertalk at contesting.com
Subject: [Skimmertalk] Skimmer - Something new to talk about

CW is an outdated mode but a lot of people want to compete using this 
outdated mode with the skills they have developed.  Most enter the 
category that does not allow packet, even though their score would be 
higher and their chances of winning a certificate are greater in the 
assisted category.  This is some evidence that most do not want to be 
provided with a list of callsigns and frequencies.

Although I wish Skimmer was not an issue, I am trying to come up with 
ideas that would please more than just one side or the other.  Also 
thinking about it with the rules committees in mind, knowing that it is 
going to be a difficult situation.

Here is another wild idea that has not been proposed - Again, THIS IS 
NOT EVEN CLOSE to what I want but something a little new to discuss.....

What if LOCAL SKIMMER was allowed in EVERY CATEGORY - SDR MUST BE WITHIN 
THE 500M CIRCLE.  If the SDR is outside the 500M circle or fed into a 
network (public or private) and the entrant connects, he is using a 
REMOTE RECEIVER and is subject to DQ.   Come up with a number to 
multiply the final score by if Skimmer used.

KC1XX, W3LPL, K3LR results in the Multi-multi category, for example, are 
pretty close over the past several years.  Let's say, for example, in 
the CQ and ARRL Contests, we could analyze the scores and compare based 
on past comparisons.  Just as a little example, let's say that K5GO, 
K1TTT, NQ4I, W2FU, K3LR and several other perennial entrants agreed to 
use Skimmer and KC1XX, W3LPL and several others agreed not to use it - 
for two contests (CQ WW and ARRL DX).  Then we look at the difference in 
scores for the past five years of all those stations.  K5GO perhaps 
averages 50% of the score of the top three, K1TTT and NQ4I perhaps 70%, 
etc.  See what multiplier you would have to give the Skimmer user in 
order to bring the scores back in line.  Perhaps the Skimmer user would 
have the score multiplied by a factor of 82%, for example.  Perhaps not 
to skew the results for the test contests, those who used Skimmer would 
agree to a multiplier that would take them back to where they typically 
finish as compared to the top scores.  The biggest hurdle would be 
coming up with a factor that was fair and knowing approximately what it 
should be with Skimmer improvements that will come in the next couple of 
years. The same avenue could be used in other categories of entry.

What is the result?

Everyone can use Skimmer, if they enjoy using it.
Everyone who wants to operate without Skimmer can compete with those who 
choose to use it.
Good or Bad - Packet more than likely goes away for valid entries in CW 
Contesting (based on K1TTT's statements regarding the integration of 
Skimmer)  Those who want to just get on and make some contacts or chase 
new countries can do whatever they want.
There is one less category (SOA goes away) and the only thing left to 
talk about is whether the factor is fair

Finally, Skimmer is the name of the turtle I picked up next to the 15M 
tower which was given to Katie, my three year old grandchild.  Skimmer 
will be her entrant in the July 4th turtle race on the square in 
downtown Harrison, Arkansas. :-)

73...Stan, K5GO 

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