Topband: CQWW160 Remote receiver rule

[Frank Davis]

The contest rules dictate that e remote receiver controlled over the internet is not permitted in the CQWW160 contest.

I have deployed a remote SDR at a seaside location within my home grid square GN37. I did this specifically to improve my listening capability for 160M.  The setup and refinement of this remote SDR has taken two years of learning about IP networking;  remote access via PC issues; how to switch antennas remotely; and how to restart the system when it stops working and to avoid driving to the site during winter.  Its been a great learning experience.

My home QTH in the city is not a good lowband receiving site due to the local electrical and RF noise that obilterates all but the strongest signals on 160 and 80M.  I live on a standard suburban lot with a tower in close proximity to my K9AY system ....even though I have the K9AY feedline well choked and by passed the noise it picks up overrides the weak signals.   For my remote rx system in the same grid square as my home is really the only way for me to hear anything during the event.  Over the past number of years with the proliferation of plasma TV's; wifi routers; cheap swiching PS wall warts etc.  the noise level in the local area has grown to be extreme.

At the remote SDR site, that I am fortunate enough to own, the environment is very quiet ...the ocean is 100ft away from my antenna, I can almost hear a pindrop in Eu!.  During contest days when the band is  good I can hear Eu signals  during the early afternoon on the SDR and a Pixel mag loop....

I intend to play in the 160m contest, which is one of my favorite outings, but cannot submit a log other then for checking purposes. 
Its time for the contest managers to review the rules  pertaining to cases such as mine which I am sure is the case for many of you.  What is wrong with improving my station and to be able to use in this manner?.  It is located within my home grid square.

Yes I can setup a full rx/tx site there with tx antenna and operate remotely - that is OK it appears - but that adds a whole new level of complexity and cost that I have avoided this far.

Maybe if enough of us push for it we can have the rules modified to permit remote receivers within the same grid square as the home station.

73 Frank VO1HP