Here is why I believe that we need the 10 minute rule for
Multi-Single entries;
Picture this - a well equipped station with five or six operating
positions and enough operators to keep everything going around
the clock. Each operating position has a computer terminal tied
into a multi-user system which will handle logging, duping and
coordination of band changes. Typically one operator will be
running on the band which is producing the highest rate. The
remaining operators will be searching or in some cases preparing
to take over as the running operator as soon as the rate of the
current running operator drops below a certain level. Each of the
non-running operators can initiate a request to transmit if he
finds a station to work, multiplier or not. As soon as a break
in the run is available, the most recent request will be honored -
that operator will be allowed to attempt a QSO. If that QSO is not
made in a certain amount of time, the next transmit request can be
queued in or the running station can start CQing again. There is
nearly always one signal on the air at a time, and dead air time is
reduced to nearly 0, hopefully maximizing the score. The 10 minute
rule forces an operator to stay on a new band at least 10 minutes,
which requires a significant change in strategy and decisions that
must be made on the spot. An arrangement such as the one described
above (sometimes referred to as an octopus) can generate a score
which approaches those made by multi-multi entries with similar
equipment and operators, especially these days with packet spotting
networks available. A station such as this really belongs in the
Multi/Multi class, but perhaps it is not quite good enough to
compete with the M/M super stations.
My belief is that Multi/Single was intended for stations like those
that most of us have to enter contests with more than one operator
to keep the station going without having to try to compete with the
Multi/Multi stations. Some people took advantage of the opportunity
in an effort to grab the awards from the real M/S stations. The 10
minute rule helped to curb this abuse.
Recently, CQ allowed a "multiplier station" to be used in the M/S
class, and ARRL created the "Multi/2" class. There is also now a
Single operator "assisted" class to accommodate packet users.
You pay your money and you pick your category.
Alan, K6XO
alan@dsd.es.com
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