This thread has been an interesting one.
Lets get this one back on track. Quite frankly I don't see a need for a
change in rules.
From the ARRL General rules:
3.7. All transmitters and receivers must be located within a 500-meter
diameter circle, excluding antennas.
3.7.1. This prohibits the use of remote receiving
installations.
3.7.2. Exceptions:
3.7.2.1. Stations remotely controlled by radio link
may use necessary equipment at the control point. This
does not include using the control point as another
receiving location.
3.7.2.2. Multioperator and Single Operator Assisted
stations may use spotting nets.
From the CQWW rules:
"Transmitters and receivers must be located within a 500 meter diameter
circle or within the property limits of the station licensee's address,
which greater. All antennas used by the entrant must be physically
connected by wires to the transmitters and receivers used by the entrant"
In my view the rules already cover remote operations. Yes, theres
plenty of contests that probably don't address the above as the ARRL
general rules and CQWW rules do, but what does that have to do with
remote operations?
To those of you who think remote stations don't use rf to communicate
your wrong, dead wrong. I believe when I worked the VK6 or 3B8 on 40m
cw the other morning it was via rf. Sure my paddle was connected to my
rig via the internet, but your paddle is connected to your rig via a
wire, not rf.
When I worked 5W0RE on 17m ssb it was via rf. My mic was connected to
my rig via the internet but your mic is connected to your rig via a
wire, also not via rf.
Lets not forget about our headsets or speakers. My headset is connected
to my rig via the internet, but your headset is connected to your rig
via a wire not via rf.
As I type this I'm looking at my internet connection, its a wire going
into my shack wall. And that internet connection some where along the
line my be taking a hop to another node over the airwaves, which the
last time I checked is rf.
I've been remoting for probably 10 years now. The internet and some
recent technology improvements has really improved things. I now feel I
can finally be competitive in contests. And for those of you who
don't like me using the internet to get on the air via rf, well, I'm
not losing any sleep over it.
Bottom line leave all the rules alone, there is absolutely no need to
change them.
Rich - N5ZC
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