In a message dated 1/24/03 8:43:41 PM Greenwich Standard Time,
k4sb@earthlink.net writes:
<< Why would making SO2R a seperate category "inhibit competitive
operating practices"? >>
Why in the world are we still debating this issue?
When I came back into contesting a lot of the guys had started using two
radios. I wasn't very proficient in using two, but I have learned. Am I the
best at it? Probably not , but it has helped my score. If I could figure out
how to do a third and not lose my mind I might give it a shot. The problem
with a SO2R can't be a matter of cost since one can borrow a second rig or
pick up a cheap second rig like an old TS 930 or somehting like that. Why
all the bitching and moaning?
Do contests have categories for entrants with towers over 100 feet? Do they
have categories with towers less than 20 feet? Do they have categories for
stations with old equipment, or stations not using computers? Nope!
Before I built my big station and I got beat by super stations (and not so
super stations) operated by guest ops who used two radios and used computers
for logging. Did I complain and try to get the rules changed because I
wasn't winning? Nope. I sucked it up and worked on improving my skills and
station. I realize not everyone has the financial resources or the real
estate to put up a gazillion 200 footers and stacks, but almost any
conterster can afford the second radio and can improve his skills.
Weren't there similar complaints about contesters using computers when they
first became popular....unfair advantage I think was the charge. Kinda
sounds like the same complaints about two radios.
If you want to win you've got to grow with the hobby. If you didn't you
would still be using a hand key, crystals in a Viking II, using a checksheet
the size of a bedsheet, underlining the 'Ks" and circling the 'WAs" and
double underlining the 'WBs" Some day operating one radio will fall into the
above category
Guys, do try operating with a second radio. It is really a good way to not
be bored during the second day. You'll be kept busy and you will learn a new
skill Remember how you felt using a computer to log the first time in a
contest? Same thing. You wouldn't go back would you? Go ahead and
"cheat", use that second radio.
Bill K4XS...........SO2R
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