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Author Topic: Why bootleg my call?  (Read 468 times)

N4UM

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Why bootleg my call?
« on: February 21, 2022, 08:09:06 AM »

Again someone has chosen to bootleg my call - this time in the ARRLDXCW contest this past weekend.  My callsign showed up on the Reverse Beacon Network dozens of times CQing at 30-35 WPM.  I can't even send that fast!  I only operated on 10 and 15M but my call showed up on other bands.  I seldom "run" in contests and usually use "search and pounce" - which should generate no RBN hits.  This has happened too often to be attributable to RBN coding errors.  I wonder how many others may have noticed their calls showing up on the RBN under similar suspicious circumstances?
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KH6AQ

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Re: Why bootleg my call?
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2022, 08:42:04 AM »

I worked N4UM in the DX Contest 1854Z Saturday on 15 meters. Was that you?
« Last Edit: February 21, 2022, 08:44:06 AM by KH6AQ »
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KA1LDD

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Re: Why bootleg my call?
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2022, 08:44:55 AM »

This may not be someone intentionally bootlegging your call, but instead a case of a bad fist.  Based on your call of N4UM, it could be N4VM or N4UTT or N4VTT or N5UM.  Then again, it could be someone using your call.
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N4OGW

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Re: Why bootleg my call?
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2022, 10:07:33 AM »

Nothing nefarious, CW Skimmer just busted your call. It is not unusual during a contest with lots of signals and qrm, and stations with similar calls. You can download the skimmer spots and check very easily. For example:

DL1AXX,DL,EU,7012.3,40m,N4UM,K,NA,CQ,14,2022-02-20 03:51:52,34,CW
RL3A,UA,EU,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,27,2022-02-20 03:51:53,34,CW
KC0VKN,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,25,2022-02-20 03:51:54,34,CW
LZ7AA,LZ,EU,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,28,2022-02-20 03:51:54,33,CW
EA5WU,EA,EU,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,39,2022-02-20 03:51:54,33,CW
K5TR,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,34,2022-02-20 03:51:54,33,CW
K6FOD,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,13,2022-02-20 03:51:55,35,CW
N2QT,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,39,2022-02-20 03:51:55,33,CW
K3PA-1,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,26,2022-02-20 03:51:55,33,CW
WF7U,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,12,2022-02-20 03:51:55,34,CW
W8WTS,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,36,2022-02-20 03:51:56,34,CW
HB9JCB,HB,EU,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,29,2022-02-20 03:51:56,33,CW
K9IMM,K,NA,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,17,2022-02-20 03:51:56,33,CW
HA1VHF,HA,EU,7012.3,40m,N4UU,K,NA,CQ,31,2022-02-20 03:51:57,34,CW

One skimmer copied N4UM, but clearly it was actually N4UU on 40m. Maybe there was QRM or key clicks from another station that messed up the second "U" in UU.

Tor
N4OGW
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WB8VLC

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Re: Why bootleg my call?
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2022, 12:39:40 PM »

I wish someone would bootleg mine and work Bovet Island and maybe a P5 bootlegger while I'm away from the radio.
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AF5CC

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Re: Why bootleg my call?
« Reply #5 on: February 21, 2022, 10:40:21 PM »

DONE!  The next time a P5 answers my CQ, I will work him a second time using WB8VLC.

73 John AF5CC
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N4UM

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Re: Why bootleg my call?
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2022, 05:58:30 AM »

I worked N4UM in the DX Contest 1854Z Saturday on 15 meters. Was that you?

YES.
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PD2R

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Re: Why bootleg my call?
« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2022, 12:49:41 AM »

Nothing nefarious, CW Skimmer just busted your call. It is not unusual during a contest with lots of signals and qrm, and stations with similar calls. You can download the skimmer spots and check very easily.

One skimmer copied N4UM, but clearly it was actually N4UU on 40m. Maybe there was QRM or key clicks from another station that messed up the second "U" in UU.

Tor
N4OGW

Great reply with solid proof but stangely no response from N4UM.
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