Hi Jay:
There is nothing in the rules about not being able to
start CQ'ing on a frequency before the contest starts.
Heck, I usually do it myself. This is not a problem
for the contest sponsors and I've certainly never
heard of anyone being disqualified for doing it!
Some are advocating a rule change, or (I think) claiming
this is somehow unethical, but there does not appear to
be a consensus.
I hope to work you early in SSB this weekend. Thanks
for the multiplier in CW!
73,
Mark, KD4D
-------------- Original message --------------
> Hello All,
>
> I read with concern a message speaking to my practice of finding a clear
> frequency before SS starts and working to keep a clear frequency to run on
> when SS begins. This was never intended to induce operators to operate
> outside the contest rules. The only references I can see in the rules are
> that non amateur means cannot be used during the contest and that the use of
> spotting is not allowed if you are in classes which do not permit it.
>
> I plan to continue the practice of obtaining and holding a frequency before
> contest startup because it helps everyone to find their NT multiplier in the
> contest. The use of spotting nets to find me is unnecessary. Just tune and
> find VY1JA remembering that the MUF here is lower than in the south. I
> cannot see that this causes an unfair advantage to anyone nor do I believe
> it breaks the spirit of the rules. If this can jeapordize my contacts in
> YOUR logs, I hope that someone from ARRL will contact me before I try to get
> a clear spot before SS this year.
>
> It was necessary to self-disqualify my CW SS log because the transmitter
> intermittently sent bad CW when sidetone sounded perfect. The keying was
> "sticky" so that dits would extend to sound like dahs and dahs shorten to
> sound like dits. This could result in my log containing a different number
> than that of the receiving operator, when he copied what was really sent. I
> have not yet found the cause with any certainty, nor can I make the
> transmitter/computer system repeat it.
>
> It is a shame that only two ops mentioned any problems with my signal. I am
> using the same station, and if my signal is less poor in quality, please
> make me aware immediately.
>
> There will be a number of operations going for SS Phone in NT this year and
> I will be taking my amp today to Bob, VY1MB to enhance his intended all-out
> operation. VY1JA will most likely be QRP this SS for the first time, and
> not be able to hold a frequency, so if you hear a faint "Juliet Alpha" on
> your run frequency, it might be NT.
>
> J
> VY1JA
>
>
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