Here is what the current rule says:
"2. QSO alerting assistance: The use of any technology or other source that
provides call sign or multiplier identification along with frequency
information to the operator. It includes, but is not limited to,use of DX
cluster, packet, local or remote call sign and frequency decoding technology
(e.g.,CW Skimmer or Reverse Beacon Network), or operating arrangements
involving other individuals."
As written, I suppose this rule allows for selective interpretation because:
- the section is entitled "2. QSO Alerting Assistance" ... but
- later in that paragraph, RBN is described as prohibited (but with respect
to 'QSO Alerting Assistance' only?)
A serious Single Op Unassisted entrant, could justify using RBN to monitor
their own signal report from overseas skimmers to check propagation ... and
therefore have an advantage on picking which combination of antennas to use
... versus another operator who did not use RBN for that limited purpose.
In my view, that is clearly assistance. The RBN would be "providing
callsign identification" for their OWN callsign, and is therefore prohibited
under the rule.
Functionally, it's no different from when I am casually DX'ing and call CQ
on a semi-deserted band, then check RBN to see how strong I am on skimmers
in different continents.
Based on the replies I have already seen to this thread, it seems some
serious Single Op entrants are (or have been) using RBN in this way already.
73,
Ken KE3X
Connected by DROID on Verizon Wireless
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