[KCDXC] DX Spotting

[tombaugh]

KCDXC:
There has been a lot of talk about spotting. We even had a write-up from a
MN group at our last meeting.
here's my take on all that. I entered this weeks contest as a (Single OP
high Power) the rules read.. if you use packet for assistance you would be
reclassified as Multi-Single. I opted out.. figuring I have a better chance
at a competitive score by myself if I wasn't reclassified. Last contest
(CQWW) I used packet and made a lot of  DX contests. Now there is talk about
spotting from Stateside for Stateside without the addition of the Section
(multiplier) added as a comment. There is no question in my mind that being
spotted on a packet cluster improves the QSO rate. The next question is who
should be doing spotting. There are clubs (the SMC for example) that have
participants in every category, QRP, LP, HP, Multi Etc. and since spotting
does help. Those who have the classification to do so.. spot their teammates
with every opportunity. It is part of the classification! They have the
right ot do that! Question is.. Is it "Self Spotting" since they spot only
(or more accurately primarily) their own team mates. It is a good question
and I suppose it will remain unanswered. Dave Rich (KG0US) pointed out that
I had a few spots from some DX stations. Now looking back at it... I wish I
would have known that their hear me.. I might have listened for them a
little harder. Also note that most of those that spotted me were form  eh
hem... 9 Land. It may be worth discussion I don't know.. What do you think?
I heard V73 but don'y know if I made it in his log. LX0.. ? Man.. I wish I
would have seen him spotted somewhere.. I would have tried since he
apparently heard me. But in a the Class I entered that wasn't possible. by
the way.. what do some of you other guys do while the rate slows on contests
like this? I started reading up on transmission lines but got a call every
time I got to thinking real hard.. and never finished.. Checked EMail now
and then but didn't post anything 'cause Chuck mentioned last year that I
did that during a contest and could be considered "getting help" and
reclassify as "assisted".  Maybe we can get on a repeater like the old days
huh? Those who are being "assisted". It would help in finding the rest of
the "team" Just thinking out loud.. Have a great Week.. I look forward to
some comments and more results..

From DXSummit
K1RV       1846.6 AE9B                                      0056 07 Dec 2002
KM9M       1846.6 AE9B        ARRL 160 TEST                 0114 07 Dec 2002
KC1XX      1822.1 AE9B                                      1121 07 Dec 2002
KG9X       1822.1 AE9B                                      1319 07 Dec 2002
N9IO       1841.0 AE9B        MO                            2255 07 Dec 2002
N9UI       1869.0 AE9B                                      0141 08 Dec 2002
NU9Y       1869.0 AE9B                                     K0235 08 Dec 2002
W2YC       1868.7 AE9B        MO                           K0310 08 Dec 2002
WX3B       1868.8 AE9B        MO                            0323 08 Dec 2002
WV1K       1868.7 AE9B        mo                            0337 08 Dec 2002
WO1N       1868.8 AE9B        mo                            0417 08 Dec 2002
LX0LT      1868.8 AE9B                                      0458 08 Dec 2002
V73GT      1868.8 AE9B                                      0545 08 Dec 2002
LX0LT      1868.8 AE9B        mo                           K0548 08 Dec 2002
N1SD       1868.8 AE9B                                      0613 08 Dec 2002
NF9V-@     1868.8 AE9B                                      0635 08 Dec 2002
KB1H       1842.8 AE9B                                      1158 08 Dec 2002
NU9Y       1842.9 AE9B                                      1226 08 Dec 2002
K3PP       1842.9 AE9B        MO                            1234 08 Dec 2002
N9IO       1842.9 AE9B        MO                            1330 08 Dec 2002
KX9F       1820.5 AE9B                                      1410 08 Dec 2002

Tom Baugh
AE9B