[Moon-net] An important step forward!

[jimmyv at hol.gr]

Hi Ed

something you wrote in the beginning of your mail has been most interesting to
me and i would like to briefly share my views on the subject by making an
analogy. 
You wrote:

> 
> It seams that all the contest are fighting about CW, PHONE verses DIGITAL. In
> the OLD DAYS the term "if you hear them you can work them" was the theme for
> all contest. Now in the 21 century we have to change the rules as computers
> are where things are happing. 

I do agree with the 1st part. I think that still, in any mode, the same analogy
applies. Why should it be any different? In fact in JT65 it is about 300 times
easier, sensitivity wise, to work a station!
In cw: "if you hear them you can work them"
In JT65: ''if you see them you can work them''

This is true for both modes, regardless of QRP or not. 

Joe K1JT has written a good operating guide for random digital EME work,
published last year in DUBUS magazine.
It is certain that either by those having the visual aids to see a wide range of
band spectrum at all times, or by those who turn the dial and tune in the band,
it is perfectly possible to work UNassisted and Random in digital EME.

Therefore, why have loggers and clusters during a Contest, being the main
''meeting place'' for the stations working digital? And turning a RADIO Contest
into an Internet party?

Those wanting to ''have fun'' as you well point out can do so for the remaining
350 days/year. If they still want to do so during an EME Contest, they still
can, only at the expense that they no longer would be able to participate. 
The rest, regardless of mode, can work on random, as should be the case in a
RADIO Competition.

73,
Jimmy SV1BTR