The Paper log, SO2R and SDR generations

The discussion about merging Assisted and Non Assisted categories, very passionate as one would expect, is interesting because in my view it has to do with different ways to look at the value of information (callsign and frequency data). This information (call sign and frequency data) has different value depending on what generation you are coming from. I see three dividing generations:

The paper log (one radio) generation

The SO2R generation

The SDR generation

In the paper log (one radio)generation ( we have people who started and had success in their contesting careers when there was only one radio on the table, no PCs or packet systems. Back then the most important skill was to decide when to stop the RUN and go on S&P mode. Stopping the RUN to go on the hunt in S&P mode was fundamental, because it was the only way to increase in dramatic terms the multiplier numbers.

The SO2R generation came to full throttle with PC, advanced loggers and station automation. The big thing about SO2R generation is they managed to extend the contesting time from 48 hours to ~77 hours because they can listen to a second radio while the first radio is transmitting (~60% of the time of the contest). Also the contest was accelerated in a way that demands both physical and concentration abilities not necessary with a SO1R scenario (paper log generation). To the SO2R generation operators the value of callsign and frequency data is less than the value attributed to the same data by Paper log generation operators. SO2R operators have more time to work the multipliers and don't need to stop the RUN. The game has a very different nature.

In the recent SDR generation a dramatic event has occurred that is changing and shaping contesting. The contest went from audio only to audio/visual event. Not only the operator is listening to the audio of his channel but at the same time he is seeing the full band and the individual traces of the stations in the panadapter with different resolutions. The SDR generation went from a 500hz dimension event to a full band dimension event and for real hard core SDR operator to a full six band dimension in six different panadapters. The value of call sign and frequency data to SDR generation operators is less than the value attributed by SO2R generation operators because it is easier for them to get to stations and of course it is much less than the value attributed to paper log generation operators that can only work rare multipliers by stopping their RUN.

But a question remains, is the value of callsign and frequency data zero or close to zero so that we can say merging the Assisted and Non Assisted categories has no consequences? No, there is still value in callsign and frequency data. Looking at Top SOAB versus top SOAB Assisted station and MS stations, I estimate the value of callsign and frequency data to be around 10% percent. A top SOAB that decides to jump into SOAB Assisted category and do things right (i.e. follow only the really valuable �spots�) will be able to increase his multiplier totals by around 10%.

A laughable point to me in the discussion about merging the Assisted and Non Assisted categories is the notion transmitted by paper log generation that they are the ones who know how to do things and they do it the noble way. I say laughable, even though I have great admiration by some of those paper log generation icon operators, because in my opinion, they have no idea of what they are talking about. They are stuck in a time and in a contest that will not go back, and try to preach to a generation that doesn�t want to go back because things are more interesting, more intense and for sure a lot more fun. The paper log generation unique skill of knowing when to stop the run and go S&P is no longer necessary when using SO2R and SDR/Panadapters and topped with assistance it�s even more heartbreaking to them. But that�s the ways things are. There�s no time machine and the clock keeps ticking forward� In an image the paper log generation operate as if they are stuck inside a cave listening to a signal coming from the end of the cave, while the SDR generation are out at night, looking at every signal in the universe represented by the stars.

I consider myself in the SDR generation because that is the way I operate from CR3E. I have no problems combining the Assisted and the Non Assisted category. It is an inexorable trend and I have no doubt it will be just a matter of time, sooner than later. It is what the SDR generation want, I dare to say, because contesting will become more interactive, more �social�, more integrated, more real time and for sure a lot more attractive to the younger generation.

Also have not doubts that the winners in the SDR generation need to have more skills than the ones that were needed in the paper log generation or in the SO2R generation.

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