[UK-CONTEST] Contest Reports

[Ray Hills]

I am pretty convinced that the regular (and increasing) use of 59 or 599 is 
largely due to the widespread and growing use of software logging.  Either 
the program cannot cope with anything other than a preset outgoing report 
(or incoming for that matter) or if it can, making the correct real time 
edit in the heat of an HF contest requires more keyboard - and brain - 
dexterity than I , at least, am capable of.  I may be wrong but I think that 
both SD and MMTTY - and possibly Logger32 - all have such limitations.  I am 
sure Paul will correct me if I am wrong.

And don't think that this practice is largely limited to HF.  During last 
Tuesday's 144AC no fewer than 20 out of 37 contacts gave me 59 - very 
flattering but as I do not live on the top of a big hill, in no way possible 
in what were very ordinary conditions.  In fact I only gave out 5 S9 reports 
in contrast - and my RX is by no means deaf !!

No real excuse if you use SDV (as I do) as both incoming and outgoing 
reports can be edited from the default 59 in real time given the reduced 
pressure of a VHF contest.  But it does seem that the HF practice is also 
creeping in to VHF contests as well.  At least then there is the challenge 
to get the locator right unlike 80MCC.

Ray G3HRH