[UK-CONTEST] Death to the cluster!

[Paul O'Kane]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve Wilson, G3VMW" <steve at g3vmw.demon.co.uk>

> PacketCluster, Skimmer, SO2R, even the use of SCP or logging
> innovations like ESM are all fairly recent contesting innovations
> and we simply must adapt.

This is not just comparing apples and oranges, it's comparing
apples and burgers!

PacketCluster is a separate wired professional world-wide
communications system.  It's folly to use it to increase
contest scores because it undermines the rationale for
amateur radio.

Skimmer, like any CW decoder, is a technology that reduces
CW to the status of just another data mode.

SO2R is an acquired personal skill, and it takes years of
practice to acquire the skill - I don't have it.

SCP and ESM are contesting accessories - to be allowed or
disallowed as contest organisers choose.  SCP is banned
for competitors in the 2010 WRTC in Russia.

> Despite our reservations, none of these things will be
> going away any time soon.

Engines are not going away any time soon, but people still
go racing in sailing boats, for the simple reason that it 
would be inappropriate to use a separate mechanical propulsion
system in a sailing contest.

73,
Paul EI5DI