[UK-CONTEST] QTC's to CW skimmer! Whatever next!

[Phil Cooper]

Hi all,

Oh boy! Talk about getting hot under the collar!
The thread started as a discussion as to what QTC's were, and what relevance
they had.
Whatever you think of them, they are part of the exchange, and challenge you
just that little more.
Someone mentioned that it took "under three minutes" to exchange QTC's in
RTTY.
Not true! It actually took me less than 60 seconds to exchange each of my
450 QTC's. Those that took longer were either due to the vagaries of
propagation, or because some idiot decided to try calling me during the
exchange.

>From there, it developed into a "knock modern technology" rant from some
folk who ought to know better.

Whether you agree with the concept of CW Skimmer or not, it has been
unleashed on the world, and is here to stay.
Now, I am not sure I agree with it, but that's another matter. If you don't
like it, don't use it. Hey, you even have to pay for it, so that ought to
put a few folk off the idea! Well, until it gets ripped off.

Then DX Clusters came in for some abuse. Again, they are a fact of life, so
get used to it.
Some folk that have been ranting about permission to use the cluster in
contests actually use the cluster themselves outside contests, so I am sure
they know the value of the cluster in our world.
Now, let's suppose you DO use the cluster in a contest. What advantage does
that give you? I am not sure it is a great deal really, when you come to
analyse it.
In most contests, by the time the spot has propagated to you, there is such
a pile-up on that rare station that you won't get in anyway, or you will
spend far too long trying.
Last weekend, I was happily playing in WAEDC RTTY, and exchanging QTC's, and
using the cluster, which IS allowed. Fine, no argument from me about that.
What advantage did it give me? Probably not a lot, other than showing me
that Siggi DM2AYO was on 17m RTTY as J3/DM2AYO, so I changed up to 17m and
worked him for a new band-slot. THANKYOU cluster!

Then the thread started to moan about the use of CW decoding by software.
How do you think some folk get started in CW contests? I've used it, and
will probably continue to use it.
Not to decode stuff that I can decode in my head, but to prove to myself
that I CAN do it via brainpower.
OK, there are times when my concentration span decides to take a break, and
the decoded text allows me to carry on. I am sure there are quite a few
newcomers who use it, and why not? It CAN help increase your confidence on
CW, and that can be helpful.

>From some of the comments made here, I assume those that eschew all these
modern technologies use a paper log with a dupe sheet?
No? You use Writelog, N1MM, WinTest, SD or one of the other logging
programs! Well, if you do, isn't that being just a little hypocritical? You
are gaining abilities from the software, even if it is only the fact that it
alerts you to a call previously worked on that band.
You use both VFO's? Isn't that giving you an advantage??
Heck, let's go one stage further...... You use a Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood? And you
DIDN'T build your own radio? Whatever next! And you even go so far as to use
paddles, or worse still, one of those machines that produce the Morse for
you! Nah, course you don't, you ARE still using straight keys aren't you?

So far, nobody has mentioned the online Live Scores website. Or online logs
for DX-Peditions. Aren't these devaluing the wonderful world of amateur
radio too?????

Cheating is NOT a new artform, it has been around for ages, and will
continue to be here for the rest of time.
The issue is whether you choose to cheat as well.
And just how many of you stick to 400W PEP in a contest? OK, now how many of
you have calculated that you have at least 3dB loss in the feeder system,
just to rationalise the use of 800 watts out at the linear?

Personally, I would argue that using linears and huge arrays of metal is
"cheating", but that's MY view, and I won't push it on any of you, or expect
YOU to do the same.

Like Roger SXW said, if you don't like the contest rules, don't enter!

Come on, lighten up! Life's too short,

73 all

Phil GU0SUP
(Carefully climbing in to an asbestos suit!)


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