Hi Steve, thanks for your comments. These thoughts need to be tailored
to potentially benefit the most hams. Most of us only (or mostly) work
CW and SSB. The mode is a part of the spot. We are learning about
the use of Grid square in the existing cluster system. You are in EM55
and I'll bet you are well within range of K4TO in EM77 (who I love to
know when he is on so I can work him from FN10) so it would be valuable
to know when Dave is on and where he is located frequency-wise. Also
to be able to send him a message to look your way. Spotting is just
the first indication of a potential contact.
Like we said earlier, the chat page (room) is going to be an integral
part of the overall solution. You are right about that. And the phone
is always an option now that the rules allow it.
As far as jamming the cluster, I highly doubt that we, during a VHF
contest, will ever come close to the volume of traffic that the existing
cluster manages during the four major DX contests every year. That
will not be an issue, and if it becomes one, it will be a good one to solve.
Filtering on the cluster node or on the logger is something that has
been written about in abundance. Our local HF contest club puts out
sample filter scripts before most contests. You will find lots of help
in that area.
If you do choose to move to New England I'm sure the guys at the NEWS
group will assist you at your new location. And if you choose to build
that 500 foot tower, be sure and take my tower climbing safety and
rescue course along the way. We will all come down to marvel at that
marvelous creation. (and I know you were kidding)
73, and thanks for the comments.
Keep them coming.
Phil K3TUF
On 4/29/2015 12:19 PM, Crownhaven wrote:
It looks like spotting might help some but not all. If you're in the
NE where there might be hundreds (hopefully) of signals on the band,
it would be of value. If you're using a mode where signals are
generally there, that might be good too but I only work CW/SSB. If
you're in a an area with very little to no activity, EM55bd, I'm not
sure I see how it would work. For example, I know pretty much who is
on in the states surrounding me. However, even if they are spotted on
.200 where they generally are anyway, I won't hear them if they aren't
pointed right at my grid. And they won't hear me. A spot isn't going
to fix that unless someone spots both of us and we just happen to turn
our antennas in each other's direction at the same time. That ain't
gonna happen.
The only way I see this working for me is if I might be in some kind
of chat room or I call them on the telephone. :))))
Further, the cluster is typically jammed with spots. You can filter
and filter further but that is somewhat of a hassle if you're
challenged with the software like I am.
I think the real answer is for me to move to New England or build a
500' tower.
Steve, N4JQQ, EM55bd
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