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[KD7RDZI2]

The CQWW rules are clear "Any single operator that uses a code reader must enter the Assisted category." But let me say that using an external device locally such as a cw decoder  (which by the way is inferior to any trained operator) is far different from  using a dxcluster (linked to the log). Using a cw decoder the callsign is got "locally" by you or the software. Using dx cluster,  clicking on the log and have a QSO means that you used the assistance from a "network" (often the internet) ie other people or the software of others sent you the callsign. Still the rules are clear: same category!

[N2EY]

The CQWW rules are clear "Any single operator that uses a code reader must enter the Assisted category." But let me say that using an external device locally such as a cw decoder  (which by the way is inferior to any trained operator) is far different from  using a dxcluster (linked to the log). Using a cw decoder the callsign is got "locally" by you or the software. Using dx cluster,  clicking on the log and have a QSO means that you used the assistance from a "network" (often the internet) ie other people or the software of others sent you the callsign. Still the rules are clear: same category!

Let's take a look: (VIII, part 2):

QSO finding assistance: The use of any technology or other source that provides call sign or multiplier identification of a signal to the operator. This includes, but is not limited to, use of a CW decoder, DX cluster, DX spotting Web sites (e.g., DX Summit), local or remote call sign and frequency decoding technology (e.g., CW Skimmer or Reverse Beacon Network), or operating arrangements involving other individuals.

Yes, it's very clear. If you can't/don't find or copy the other station's callsign and exchange without a decoder, cluster, website, etc., or the help of other people, you can't be in the "unassisted" category.

This means something as simple as a text from a friend that 15 is open to Norfolk Island counts as "assistance". Same for any sort of decoder. 

[W7CXC]

"This means something as simple as a text from a friend that 15 is open to Norfolk Island counts as "assistance".

Think this is a stretch!  Do not the rules apply to the 'actual contact' and not to how you find out what band is open to where.

Just asking.

[K1VSK]

It’s easier to simply learn Morse code rather than try these convoluted excuses to circumvent the rules (which are clear).

[N2SR]

"This means something as simple as a text from a friend that 15 is open to Norfolk Island counts as "assistance".

Think this is a stretch!  Do not the rules apply to the 'actual contact' and not to how you find out what band is open to where.

Just asking.

No, it's not. 

That information has nothing to do with "actual contact." It has to do with assistance.  You found out from a source other than yourself that 15 meters was open.

[W7CXC]

That "seems" crazy and counter intuitive. As am a CQ subscriber am going to contact them and get clarification. Will post here with the response. Its their contest so they should know. Good DX. David

[N2SR]

That "seems" crazy and counter intuitive. As am a CQ subscriber am going to contact them and get clarification. Will post here with the response. Its their contest so they should know. Good DX. David

Why is it "crazy and counter intuitive?" 

As was previously clearly stated:   

QSO finding assistance: The use of any technology or other source that provides call sign or multiplier identification of a signal to the operator. This includes, but is not limited to, use of a CW decoder, DX cluster, DX spotting Web sites (e.g., DX Summit), local or remote call sign and frequency decoding technology (e.g., CW Skimmer or Reverse Beacon Network), or operating arrangements involving other individuals.

What part is not clear?  Asking or getting information through means other than what is listed/allowed is a rule violation, plain and simple. 

[W7CXC]

Will see and post here. That's a general statement that the band is open to Central South America. It is not call sign related, contains no information other than check out the band status from your location and good hunting. If that kind of easily obtained information gives one an edge in a contest vs turning on the radio and listening then IMHO that is absurd. Have, however, been wrong before and surely will be again at some point. Will ascertain and report here.

[N2SR]

As am a CQ subscriber am going to contact them and get clarification. Will post here with the response. Its their contest so they should know. Good DX. David

BUMP

So what did you learn?

[N2SR]

Well, W7CXC?   

As am a CQ subscriber am going to contact them and get clarification. Will post here with the response. Its their contest so they should know. Good DX. David

BUMP

So what did you learn?

[N2EY]

As am a CQ subscriber am going to contact them and get clarification. Will post here with the response. Its their contest so they should know. Good DX. David

BUMP

So what did you learn?

I suspect the reply was something on the order of "ANY assistance in finding new stations or multipliers puts you in the assisted category".

73 de Jim, N2EY

[N2EY]

N2EY: "This means something as simple as a text from a friend that 15 is open to Norfolk Island counts as "assistance".

Think this is a stretch!  Do not the rules apply to the 'actual contact' and not to how you find out what band is open to where.

Just asking.

Let's look at the actual rules again:

"QSO finding assistance: The use of any technology or other source that provides call sign or multiplier identification of a signal to the operator. This includes, but is not limited to, use of a CW decoder, DX cluster, DX spotting Web sites (e.g., DX Summit), local or remote call sign and frequency decoding technology (e.g., CW Skimmer or Reverse Beacon Network), or operating arrangements involving other individuals."

A text which says "15 is open to Norfolk Island" actually contains a lot of useful "assistance". Here's why:

- 15 isn't always open from the USA to Norfolk Island (which is in the South Pacific, between New Zealand and New Calendonia, not South America).

- There aren't many amateurs on Norfolk Island, and even fewer that operate in a specific contest. So it's almost certainly a multiplier, and for many a new entity overall.

- Amateurs who doesn't get that text will have to find the Norfolk Island station on their own. Those who get the text have a much easier time of finding it because of information supplied by other individuals. Which means....assistance.

Also, consider this:

Where should the line be drawn - and why?

Consider the following texts from Amateur T to Amateur J:

1) "15 is open!"

2) "15 is open to the South Pacific!"

3) "15 is open to Norfolk Island!"

4) "15 is open to Norfolk Island (VK9XYZ)!"

5) "15 is open to Norfolk Island (VK9XYZ), 21,023 kHz"

Obviously, 5) is "assistance" because there is specific information on the call, multiplier, and frequency.

But what about 3) and 4)? 4) includes the callsign and multiplier, 3) indicates the multiplier.

IMHO, if station J gets ANY information from other individuals, groups, or automated systems outside their own station about what bands are open, what parts of the world are coming through, callsigns, multipliers, etc. , then station J is "assisted".

Nothing wrong with being assisted. Nothing at all.

Call it the "boy and his radio" principle.

IMHO

73 de Jim, N2EY

[KC3TEC]

so just a question, by definition of the rules is looking up a propagation report and band conditions considered as assistance?

it is an assistance using alternate technology
such a grey area! and often interpreted differently by everyone.
my grandfather once told me you could take 100 people and have them read a passage of the bible and you would get 100 different interpretations of what the passage meant.

if you have a single band antenna and find out a different band is opening up, you have to change your antenna.
and thats not something that can be done on a moments notice physically or economically

(dont get me wrong here i plan on setting up a fan dipole so i have multi-band coverage but thats when i can get the materials and more importantly the time to do it)

so using a decoder is frowned upon! not that it matters much because they tend to have mediocre accuracy unless your are zero beat.
i prefer to use my ears instead!

[N2SR]

so just a question, by definition of the rules is looking up a propagation report and band conditions considered as assistance?

it is an assistance using alternate technology

As long as you do it yourself, no.  However you cannot ask anyone else to provide that information to you.  If connect to DXSummit or any spotting cluster, you are by default in the Assisted category. 

such a grey area! and often interpreted differently by everyone.

No it's not.  Read the words:  Single operator.  That means one person.  Assisted.  You received assistance from someone else (or more than one person).   Seems simple enough.   

if you have a single band antenna and find out a different band is opening up, you have to change your antenna.
and thats not something that can be done on a moments notice physically or economically

(dont get me wrong here i plan on setting up a fan dipole so i have multi-band coverage but thats when i can get the materials and more importantly the time to do it)

What is the question here?   

so using a decoder is frowned upon! not that it matters much because they tend to have mediocre accuracy unless your are zero beat.
i prefer to use my ears instead!

It's not "frowned upon."  It's against the rules if you wish to enter Single Operator UNassisted.  If you with to enter Single Operator Assisted, then a code reader is allowed.  Very simple. 

[W1VT]

use of a CW decoder

Seems pretty clear to me that the rules call out and disallow the use of a CW decoder.
Using one puts you in the assisted category.

Now, a gray area for me is if you find out the rare DX you just worked uses CW skimmer to pull signals out of a pileup.
Do you still send for a QSL card?  I can see how someone might not count that one.