The contest rules dictate that e remote receiver controlled over the internet
is not permitted in the CQWW160 contest.
I have deployed a remote SDR at a seaside location within my home grid square
GN37. I did this specifically to improve my listening capability for 160M. The
setup and refinement of this remote SDR has taken two years of learning about
IP networking; remote access via PC issues; how to switch antennas remotely;
and how to restart the system when it stops working and to avoid driving to the
site during winter. Its been a great learning experience.
My home QTH in the city is not a good lowband receiving site due to the local
electrical and RF noise that obilterates all but the strongest signals on 160
and 80M. I live on a standard suburban lot with a tower in close proximity to
my K9AY system ....even though I have the K9AY feedline well choked and by
passed the noise it picks up overrides the weak signals. For my remote rx
system in the same grid square as my home is really the only way for me to hear
anything during the event. Over the past number of years with the
proliferation of plasma TV's; wifi routers; cheap swiching PS wall warts etc.
the noise level in the local area has grown to be extreme.
At the remote SDR site, that I am fortunate enough to own, the environment is
very quiet ...the ocean is 100ft away from my antenna, I can almost hear a
pindrop in Eu!. During contest days when the band is good I can hear Eu
signals during the early afternoon on the SDR and a Pixel mag loop....
I intend to play in the 160m contest, which is one of my favorite outings, but
cannot submit a log other then for checking purposes.
Its time for the contest managers to review the rules pertaining to cases such
as mine which I am sure is the case for many of you. What is wrong with
improving my station and to be able to use in this manner?. It is located
within my home grid square.
Yes I can setup a full rx/tx site there with tx antenna and operate remotely -
that is OK it appears - but that adds a whole new level of complexity and cost
that I have avoided this far.
Maybe if enough of us push for it we can have the rules modified to permit
remote receivers within the same grid square as the home station.
73 Frank VO1HP
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