[OKDXA] Contest Advisories from W5ASP

[Jerry Chouinard]

The below is information from W5ASP who represents the West Gulf Div.
on the Contest Advisory Commitee.

Joe ask that the comments be made available to OKDXA contesters.

K5YAA

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Several interesting issues have recently been given by ARRL to the CAC for
their consideration and advice. Here's a quick summary of where things
stand.

1. All of the 16 members of the CAC agreed that the " eight points for CW
QSOs with US Novice or Technician Plus stations signing /N or /T (28.0 to 28.3
MHz only)." provision in the ARRL 10 Meter Contest rules be
eliminated.  It simply was no longer needed.

2.  As regards the use of CW Skimmer in the 2008 November Sweepstakes CW
contest the CAC agreed that it be should be permitted in the in the Single
Operator Unlimited and Multioperator categories,  but should NOT be permitted
in the Single Operator High Power, Low Power and QRP categories.  Also the use
of CW Skimmer spots generated during off-times should be treated the same as
use of packet spots generated during off-time.  These recommendations pertain
ONLY to the 2008 SS CW.

3. There is currently a discussion of whether or not multi-channel signal
decoders (such as "CW Skimmer" ) be allowed in ARRL contests?
The majority of the CAC seem to agree that this technology should be
allowed.  However the core issue is how, when and/or where is should be
permitted.  It's still an ongoing exchange of ideas, and no formal
recommendation has yet been made to the ARRL.

As the West Gulf representative I welcome you comments ... however please keep
in mind that most of the pros and cons of the Skimmer issue have long since 
been
presented.  What we need now are innovative ideas as to how best to bring this
tool into contesting in such a way that it is both beneficial and equitable.

Thanks ...

Joe, W5ASP
West Gulf CAC