CW Skimmer Software Faces Questions On Use By Contesters

By Jamie Dupree NS3T  radio-sport.net 
Posted February 25, 2008

Whether or not you like the idea of VE3NEA's "CWSkimmer" software, which gives you both a wideband view and decodes who is on what frequency, the program's development and possible use in a contest environment still may encounter some regulatory efforts by contest sponsors.

"No decision has been made on the Skimmer yet," says ARRL Contest Director Sean Kutzko, but he told radio-sport.net, "it is being discussed."

The new software from inventor Alex Shovkoplyas VE3NEA has been roundly discussed already on various ham radio reflectors, with some of the printed opinions comparing the Skimmer to working Assisted with packet spots.

"The comments that appear on the contesting reflectors are mostly speculation, many of them seem to have been posted by the people who have not tried the program and who just like or don't like the idea of such software," said Shovkoplyas.

First - what does the Skimmer do? When tied into a radio properly, it can basically offer you bandmap full of stations - almost like how the packet cluster can populate your computer screen. (See photo on the right.)

VE3NEA argues several myths have already developed with respect to his new software - one of the, that "anyone who has CW Skimmer has an instant advantage with no effort."

"The program produces a lot of information that the operator needs to analyze quickly and accurately," says Shovkoplyas. "This is more like a real-time strategy game, a contester needs to develop a completely new set of skills."

The ability to quickly check a band and then populate a band map with calls obviously is appealing to many ops.

"Big dawgs are very interested in the technology," says Pete Smith N4ZR, who recently published a full review of the shareware program.

Smith sees a lot of applications for the Skimmer when it comes to contesting and more.

"You can monitor a whole band, and see a needed DX station appear on that band, or just see the band open. You can know quickly and easily what stations are coming in," Smith said in his write-up.

Another review in the latest edition of the RSGB's Radcom by Steve Ireland VK6VZ, doesn't mince any words.

"Will this new piece of software completely revolutionize CW DXing and contesting?" is the headline.

Ireland is enchanted by the weak signal detection abilities of the Skimmer, saying tha the "decoding ability takes bandscope software to a totally new - and almost - unbelievable - level."

"This capability is potentially far superior to packet," says Smith N4ZR, "because you won't have to wait for a packet spot, or tune to one, only to discover while the spotter has propagation, you don't."

As for whether that advantage should classify a contester as Assisted or not, Skimmer designer Shovkoplyas VE3NEA scoffs at complaints that it would provide an unfair advantage.

"I think that using an antenna on a tower in a contest is unfair to me, because I cannot afford a tower. Since everyone can afford CW Skimmer, why would its use be unfair?" Shovkoplyas told radio-sport.net.

"You still need to copy all signals by the ear," says VE3NEA, "the program just gives you a hint where you can apply your skills more efficiently."

N4ZR argues the Skimmer might find a suitable home in the arsenal of various Contest Committees as well, to help police the growing number of complaints about contest cheating.

As for the reaction, he has encountered opinions from hams of all stripes, Shovkoply it's been a pretty basic divide.

"The two most frequent phrases in the emails I am receiving are 'fantastic program' and 'how do I...'"

The CW Skimmer program and more can be found at VE3NEA's DX Atlas web site.