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Steve Bonine · July 13th 08, 09:00 PM posted to rec.radio.amateur.moderated

wrote:
On Jul 12, 9:16am, Steve Bonine wrote:

Personally, I happen to be a purist; I'll use a logging program but I'm
not interested in using computer-generated CW or computer-
aided QSOs.

But most logging programs will also generate code.

But that doesn't mean that I have to avail myself of this function.

btw, Hams were
using CQ wheels in the 1920s....

Good point. But there's a progression from using a CQ wheel, thru
letting the keyer complete the contest QSO, to having a computer
automatically copy the exchange, log it, and send the response.
Somewhere in that progression my threshold for "doing it myself" is
passed. It's not really an objective thing . . . I am OK with a
programmable keyer that will send CQ, and I'll use a computer-based
logging program, but much past that and it changes the flavor of the
operation.

Every major contest I know of has some recognition of power level.
Field Day, which started this discussion, recognizes three power
levels:

QRP, which is 5 watts or less with non-generator-or-commercial-mains
power,
Low power, which is all stations who don't qualify for QRP and are
running 150 watts or less
High power, which is 150 watts to 1500 watts.

The idea is to recognize that more power changes the game
significantly. If there are power categories why not automation
categories?

Because power is objective -- you can easily measure it -- while
automation is much more complicated. There's not an "automation meter"
that you can read and say "I'm in category C."

I think that a recognition of automation is good, but I recognize that
the rules are likely to be complex. For example, if you establish a
"purist" category, where do you draw the line . . . keyer? memory
keyer? keyer that can generate sequence number? computer logging and
dupe checking? spotting? CW copying? CW generation?

It is, after all, a hobby. I'd hate for it to degenerate too much into
bean counting.

73, Steve KB9X

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