[UK-CONTEST] May 2m Contest

[Paul O'Kane]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark G4PCS" <bulkcheck-ukctest at yahoo.co.uk>

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

This is an ideal forum for the discussion.  It's an example or
using the internet as an accessory, not with a view to increasing
my score in a contest.

> I reckon KST should be positively encouraged:

Agreed, except for use in contests.

> There are no principles involved... if people want to ban
> things *just in case* they might be used to circumvent the
> radio path,

The principle is that the rules are there to limit the use
of technologies that would change the nature of the activity
concerned, in this case amateur radio contesting - where
entrants are expected to use RF to complete QSOs. Technology
is always improving; the test is whether it is appropriate.

> I'm sure we could all provide a long and unenforceable
> list.

In all competitive activities, rules apply even when they
can't always be enforced.  Here's a short list -
  
   Athletics - no drugs.
   Formula One - no traction control.
   Swimming - no flippers.
   Cycling - no motors.
   High Jumping - no springs.

> If anyone actually thinks KST (or the like) "isn't amateur
> radio" then they seriously need to get up to speed and think
> again.

It is no more amateur radio than this mailing list is amateur
radio.  The issue is unambiguous.  If it's not RF, it's not
radio, and if it's not amateur-band RF, it's not amateur radio.

> Go check out the awards Alain ON4KST has from the amateur
> radio community for his work,

What has that got to do with the issue - whether the use
of his technology is appropriate in contests? 

> or ask any serious VHF+ DX-er what they consider to be
> the important tools of the trade.

Radios, antennas and knowledge of propagation.  What else?

> I'm all for a "puritan's masochistic weekend" once a year

This is an example of the same attitude that got a few MPs
into a spot of bother over their expenses.  It's no defense
to say "I followed the rules" or "No one said I was doing
anything wrong", when the rules are inadequate or not always
enforced.

73,
Paul EI5DI