[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

>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.

There are a huge number of accessories we use to help increase our score... how many would you want to list as banned in the rules? The important word is "help"... they all rely on the skill and judgement of operators to be used successfully.

>> I reckon KST should be positively encouraged:

>Agreed, except for use in contests.

Agree to disagree :)

>> 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.

Is anyone actually suggesting that RF isn't being used to complete QSOs? I'm suggesting that the "nature of the activity" can be maintained, whilst increasing enjoyment for participants and promoting activity. Is that not a good thing?

>> 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.

Since you took me up on irrelevancies, I'll do the same for your inappropriate analogies :)

>> 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.

That might be your definition, but mine is a lot broader. To me "Amateur Radio" includes the whole array of activities, hardware, software, accessories, etc - certainly not limited to "RF".

>> 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? 

Because it was suggested that using KST "isn't real radio", which can only be true using a particularly narrow minded view of what "real radio" is. The fact that KST has been specifically endorsed by the amateur radio community, to me, negates that suggestion. KST is commonly used on a daily basis on the VHF+ bands, it is an entirely appropriate aid to use, at any time.

>> 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?

"Knowledge of propagation" at VHF+ is a little difficult without at least a little help from various real-time data sources. It's not like HF, where knowledge of a few solar parameters enables one to know which bands are worth trying and when. At VHF it is sometimes essential to be able to see real-time activity reports from other operators to take advantage of propagation, or alert people if you're the lucky one. It galls me to think that 2M (or 6/4M) contest stations might not be able to alert people of an Es opening they're experiencing because of the contest rules. KST, DX-cluster, Met Office, Hepburn, LiveMUF, Skype, MSN, MMMonVHF, etc... the list of "software accessories" available to DX-ers is extensive. The skill isn't just "knowledge of propagation", it's also "knowledge of propagation tools".

And where does your "Radio" stop? At the microphone? In the voice/cw keyer? At the sound-card output of your PC? At the keyboard of your remote PC in the lounge? If you have a PC connected, do you log using software? Does your software draw maps? Does it tell you the bearing to a locator? I could go on, but there's lots of stuff going on there that isn't "Radios, antennas and knowledge of propagation".

>> 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.

I struggle to find any relevance in that comment at all!

Regards, Mark 'PCS