I agree 100% with that genius, Trey Garlough. I'll add a few more...
Steve London, N2IC/0
n2ic@dr.att.com
On Feb 22, 7:40am, Trey Garlough wrote:
> "There are no secrets!"
>
> It turns out, as with most things is life, that skill and hard work
> pay the most reliable dividends in the long run.
>
> Now for some specific advice. None of these things are mandatory to
> win, but collectively they really add up:
>
> o Know the code. 50 WPM conversational is a nice milestone --
> note: don't try this at home with pencil and paper.
Well, my CW dies somewhere between 45 and 50 WPM. What is really important
here is to be able to copy a call, the first time, in your head, at 40 WPM.
>
> o Know the bands. Nothing like knowing the right band to be on
> to improve your score.
With the current state of the sunspot cycle, this isn't too difficult. Once we
get sunspots, it's easy to make serious mistakes. Consult your favorite
expert/hero.
>
> o Know your station. Knowing whether or not your station has the
> gusto to run people or crack pileups under given conditions
> on a given band is a real time saver.
A corollary is to not underestimate your ability to run.
>
> o Stay in the chair. You can't be the loudest station on the air
> if you are not on the air.
o Know the callsigns of stations in the target area. This is strongly related
to the "operate a lot" advice. Familiarity with the common callsigns is a
huge plus.
o Strive for accuracy. Be extra careful of any call that does not appear with
Super Check Partial.
o When you are running, REALLY dig for the weak ones. Don't get lazy, no
matter how tired you are. Inability to pull through a calling station is a
personal defeat !
>
> And now for some general advice:
>
> o Operate a lot. Experience is king. I learn something every time I
> operate.
Even when condx stink, don't give up ! Consider it a learning experience that
will reap dividends in the next contest.
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