[UK-CONTEST] Redundant contest reports? (SSB CC (and other 80mcontests))

[Dave Sergeant]

On 5 Feb 2009 at 9:31, G3RIR wrote:

> Why don't we have a campaign to have "accurate" reports rather than drop
> the erroneous 599 reports? VHF contesters generally try to give reports
> which show the received signal strength. HF ops can surely do the same.
> 
> On the newly introduced RSGB sprints, initially, there were a fair
> number of stations giving their name as "ed" which in nearly all cases
> was not correct. It seems that peer pressure stopped this practice
> before it took hold. Does 5NN fit into the same category?
> 
> However it has to be said that hearing the 5NN does serve as a lead in
> or synchronisation of the brain to the required exchange in much the
> same way as the old ryryry on RTTY did for the machinery. I found it
> difficult, at first, to cope without the 5NN but a look at the sprints
> results shows how I coped in the end so it is possible for a G3!
> 
> Neil, G3RIR

I am currently entering all my old log books into the computerised 
version (and apologies to those of you who have suddenly started to 
receive very ancient LOTW and eQSL confirmations...). It is very 
obvious that in the 1970s virtually everybody sent real RSTs in 
contests. I have not yet noticed when this stopped, but guess as 
intimated it was around the time computer logging became the norm 
(during the 1990s?).

I also find sending an RST of great value as it does set a good marker 
of where you are in the exchange. I thought at one time it was a 
requirement for DXCC for RST to be exchanged (and greater than 
something like 45/459) for it to be a valid QSO for the purpose but 
that no longer seems to be the case. But I am sure there are some 
awards which still require it to be shown on QSL cards.

The other thing which struck me going through my old logs was how many 
contests there were in those days and how well they were supported by 
UK amateurs. Of course things like the RSGB 40m contests have long gone 
by the wall, but how many of you remember things like MCC (SW Mag), The 
Grafton contest, Verulam contest etc. And some contests I can't put a 
name to but were obviously eagerly entered by all and sundry. We now 
seem to have fewer contests, more people moaning there are too many, 
and less participation from the average UK amateur..

73 Dave G3YMC

http://www.davesergeant.com