In reply to G8ADD:
Distinct possibility Brian if there was no GMA spot either or maybe he wasn’t QRV for very long.
Reg
In reply to G8ADD:
perhaps the skip was too long for him
to be heard by the regular German spotters.
Perhaps the solution is to take a 2m h/h and make a contact with a local chaser in order to get a spot for HF.
73, Gerald
In reply to M1EYP:
Mike - do you mean GMA-only activations? I don’t think there are any
summits that are SOTA-only, and not valid for GMA but I could be
wrong.Tom M1EYP
Are all valid German Sota summits also GMA Tom, I’m uncertain after the recent disqualification of so many German summits. Even so, I still think that many of our German friends will refuse to spot SOTA summits whether German or otherwise since the GMA spots were deleted from Sotawatch without any prior warning or announcement from the SOTA MT, after all they are human and have feelings.
Mike GW0DSP
In reply to G3WPF:
Hi Reg
DL4MFM very clearly said here that he would not be doing CW activations any more when his callsign was pirated a few weeks ago. I am sure that he is a man of his word and so I would certainly not call anyone using that callsign on CW out of respect for Mario.
http://www.sotawatch.org/reflector.php?topic=2587#20836
73
Richard
G3CWI
Hi Mike,
I’m sure DL and DM SOTA summits are also GMA qualifing as well.
Jimmy M3EYP
A valid point Mike. I’m sure Richard and John (G3CWI & G3WGV - the ‘originators’) never imagined the enthusiasm and dedication that large numbers of chasers would put into the “chase”. In fact, I know from earlier conversations with them that they thought that the chaser award would be harder/less popular than the activator award!
I think the first idea for SOTA was for an activators’ scheme, with the chaser section being subsequently devised in order to ensure there was more of a chance for the activators to get contacts!
Because of the situation you outline, there has been periodic discussion over the years about changing the threshold for the Shack Sloth, or adding trophies for 10,000 or 100,000 points.
My view is that the most successful chasers who are post-Shack Sloth, may then turn their attentions to achieving Shack Sloth on Uniques - ie 1000 unique summits worked. The very finest, the likes of Roy and Mike of course are through that one as well, but these guys are dedicated and chase other things, like the completion of regions and associations as a matter of personal pride. There doesn’t need to be a prize for everything.
We must also bear in mind the newer chasers, for whom SS is still a fine achievement. You only have to see the joy in their posts when some of them pass through the threshold. Obviously, this shouldn’t change.
I think that the balance is right myself. Yes, the Shack Sloth is considerably easier than the Mountain Goat. But that’s right isn’t it? That just means that the Mountain Goat is a more prestigious award than the Shack Sloth. Which, for the reasons Mike mentions, is surely correct.
Tom M1EYP
PS, Good evening Jimmy, CU later
In reply to G3CWI:
OK Richard. Probably a pirate then so nothing lost!
73
Reg G3WPF
In reply to M1EYP:
I have to sort of agree and disagree with you Tom.
Shacksloth was possible in under a month when SOTA was booming, maybe it is a more realistic target once again with the quiet times of late.
On the other hand, at 1,000 points it gives the newcomer to Sota chasing a light at the end of the tunnel and encourages them to go for it. Purely in the interest of attracting new blood, you do have a point.
Mike GW0DSP
PS Thanks for the info Jimmy.
There are always lulls from time to time. We’ll see the full impact of the developments in a year’s time. The number of activators and chasers active in SOTA continues to grow.
Tom M1EYP
Possible in under a month yes. But, and it’s a big but, for a specialist chaser such as yourself with the time, commitment and dedication to put into the pursuit. And not just that, but good quality and well-maintained radios and antennas, the facility to cover all HF, VHF and UHF bands and the skill to operate in SSB, FM and CW.
That’s not the norm, and we mustn’t measure or recalibrate participants’ achievements against your own outstanding efforts.
Tom M1EYP
In reply to M1EYP:
The number of activators and
chasers active in SOTA continues to grow.Tom M1EYP
Of course they do, because new associations come on board, but the stats at the end of this year might just bring a nasty surprise, let’s hope not.
Mike GW0DSP
In reply to GW0DSP:
Shacksloth at my present rate of scoring, phone only and very little V/UHF FM (too far to the main hill areas) would take about six months, but undoubtably would be very much faster if CW was thrown into the mix. Location is a significant factor.
One thing Tom said rang a bell with me: I haven’t bothered with any certificates or trophies (not that competitive!) but I will definately go for the celebratory ornament for 1000 uniques!
73
Brian G8ADD
In reply to M1EYP:
That’s not the norm, and we mustn’t measure or recalibrate
participants’ achievements against your own outstanding efforts.Tom M1EYP
Crikey! I’m reeling in shock here, is that a compliment from you Tom? 
Mike GW0DSP
In reply to GW0DSP:
Gotta give the Devil his due!
73
Brian G8ADD
In reply to G8ADD:
oi! behave yourself Brian, mind you I can live with that;-)
Mike GW0DSP
is that a compliment from you Tom?
Absolutely not. Just the Truth, and nothing but the Truth.
Tom M1EYP
In reply to M1EYP:
is that a compliment from you Tom?
Absolutely not. Just the Truth, and nothing but the Truth.
Tom M1EYP
Phew!! Thank goodness for that, I was starting to get concerned.
Mike GW0DSP
In reply to GW0DSP:
No “sympathy for the devil” then eh? ;>)
73
Reg G3WPF
In reply to M3EYP:
Thanks Jimmy that is what I was referring to.
Unfortunately I’ve just realised it will mean absolutely nothing on this reflector. It was on the other one.
Sorry for any confusion caused.
Roger G4OWG
In reply to G3WPF:
In reply to GW0DSP:
No “sympathy for the devil” then eh? ;>)
73
Reg G3WPF
There never has been, never will be Reg, which is why I was reeling in shock
73
Mike GW0DSP