Topband: Remotes

[Mel Crichton]

For a number of reasons, I operate my regular Indiana QTH from here in 
Montana. Here we have CCRs that limit me to very low invisible stealth 
antennas and fewer bands, and being surrounded by mountains 2000 to 5000 
feet higher does not help. So for DXCC purposes and for 160 meters I am in 
Indiana and give the QTH as IN. Since I started DXCC from Indiana years ago, 
I use the IN station to work new ones (only 5 to go). It's the same rig and 
antennas that I used to get this far in DXCC.

When I do operate from Montana, puny signal that it is, it's for contests 
and CW Ops events (but no 160 meters here).... and I hand out MT as the 
state and make a few folks happy for a new multiplier (if they can hear me).

There's no question where I am in LOTW.... there's a log for each location, 
and I keep them separate. A ham checking LOTW for WAS will see our qso in 
the correct state.

If remote operators take a few extra steps so there is no question as to 
their STATION location, the system works. However, I too have heard from 
very strong signals on 160 the wrong time of day without "/" identifiers. 
I'd guess that these folks would have cheated regardless of ARRL's actions.

Mel KJ9C