[UK-CONTEST] May 2m Contest

[Mark G4PCS]

Seems to be an interesting point to argue in this non-radio, email forum, oft used to publicise contests :P

I reckon KST should be positively encouraged: it would without doubt encourage activity and is just about the easiest thing to police or adjudicate in case of dispute - ever used "chat review"? There are no principles involved... if people want to ban things *just in case* they might be used to circumvent the radio path, I'm sure we could all provide a long and unenforceable list. If anyone actually thinks KST (or the like) "isn't amateur radio" then they seriously need to get up to speed and think again. Go check out the awards Alain ON4KST has from the amateur radio community for his work, or ask any serious VHF+ DX-er what they consider to be the important tools of the trade. Really...

I'm all for a "puritan's masochistic weekend" once a year (preferably when there's something decent to watch on the telly), but if that's the only choice every time I'm sure I would often have better things to do.

I'm with Ray, *just in case* you hadn't worked it out :)

Mark 'PCS





________________________________
From: Paul O'Kane
Sent: Friday, 15 May, 2009 11:20:03 AM
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] May 2m Contest

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ray James"

> Your message is an absolutely perfect example why the
> CC decision to ban KST/Cluster use in RSGB VHF contests
> was seriously flawed.

It's an amateur radio contest.  It seems to me that any
alternative communications technology, used for the sole
purpose of increasing your score, is inappropriate (to
say the least).

> your remoteness and QTF to most operators deem KST/Cluster
> use a necessity to either arrange a schedule with no
> guarantee of success but certainly to experiment.

In the context of contesting, it might be a "bonus" but
it's not a necessity.

> if you are observed exchanging information over non-radio
> means pertinent to assisting completion of a contact.

It seems to me (and this applies equally to HF and VHF)
that the use of non-radio means to assist completion of
a contact in an amateur radio contest is the height of
nonsense - regardless of how the present situation
evolved.

The fact that it is encouraged by some societies and
organisations simply highlights the sheer illogicality
of it all.  Are we amateur radio contesters or amateur
internet contesters?

73,
Paul EI5DI