Sweepstakes is my favorite contest every year. Since I'm more of phone
contester, I always get psyched up for it, rather than the CW.
So, I've been looking over my logs for the last few years, and I'm racking
my brain trying to figure out how to improve my score. Do any of you guys have
any advise for the little gun?
I don't have a stupendous station, a barefoot TS-430S, a Cushcraft A3 at 35',
and an 80m doublet at 45'. Running stations is hard, especially early
in the contest. Last year, I spent about 20 of 21 hours S & Ping. I've
managed rates of about 35 to 40 an hour with this technique, but it is hard
to go faster.
I notice that I have a tendency to go from one end of the band to another
before changing bands, kind of "milking" each band before changing. I sometimes
wonder if I'm missing out on the action on other bands. Is this a good
technique, or not?
I noticed that my QSO numbers are really low on 40, so I put up a dipole with
the end off toward europe, hoping to null out the loud broadcast stations. at
20', it is a bit low, and if it isn't effective, I can always go back to the
doublet.
Mostly, what I'm looking for are ways to improve my skills. Any hints or ideas?
In any case, I'll see you all in SS. Thanks.
Bill Coleman
--
Bill Coleman, AA4LR ! CIS: 76067,2327 AppleLink: D1958
Principal Software Engineer ! Packet Radio: AA4LR @ W4QO
Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. ! UUCP: uunet!hayes!bcoleman
POB 105203 Atlanta, GA 30348 USA ! Internet: bcoleman%hayes@uunet.uu.net
Disclaimer: "My employer doesn't pay me to have opinions."
Quote: "The same light shines on vineyards that makes deserts." -Steve Hackett.
>From Randy A Thompson <K5ZD@world.std.com> Mon Nov 15 04:26:51 1993
From: Randy A Thompson <K5ZD@world.std.com> (Randy A Thompson)
Subject: Any advice for the little gun?
Message-ID: <Pine.3.87.9311142351.A15385-0100000@world.std.com>
Dear AA4LR,
A few suggestions for you for SS Phone low power.
Tune faster. You should be able to S&P on a new band early in the
contest around 50-60 /hour. For the first two hours, almost every
station will be new so as soon as you hear "QRZ", call him. Get the call
when it is sent as part of the exchange.
Call CQ more. Lots more. Even though you have a small station, there
are lots of opportunities to call CQ. Be very opportunistic. If you
hear a clear spot, spend a few minutes CQing. You will eventually get
pushed off by a big gun, but you may get 5, or 10, or more QSOs in just a
few minutes.
40m is a tough band in Phone SS. Plan more activity there after 0600Z
when the broadcast begins to die down. Check 40 a lot during Sunday
morning. There is no broadcast and lots of activity.
Use your off time wisely. The rates are usually better on Saturday than
Sunday, so make sure you operate as much as possible the first night.
Keep motivated and moving. It only takes 50/hour to end up with 1200
QSOs. A GREAT score for low power phone! Even 40/hour will get you in
reach of the magic 1000 QSO barrier.
Good luck!
Randy, K5ZD
>From bhorn@netcom.com (Bruce Horn) Mon Nov 15 06:03:12 1993
From: bhorn@netcom.com (Bruce Horn) (Bruce Horn)
Subject: K7SS Advice for QRP
Message-ID: <199311150603.WAA01794@mail.netcom.com>
Re: K7SS encouragement for big guns to operate QRP
Geez Guys,
Just when I had figured out a nice little category to hone
my contest skills without having to compete against the
"big gun" contesters during SS, along comes K7SS's encouragement
to the big guys to give QRP a shot.
Do you big guns really want to do that ? Do you realize you'll
have to use a rig with a VFO ? (I suspect many big guns running
high power use xtals!) I know some may think that low power is
1400 watts, but QRP is 5 watts out of the final amplifier, not just
the first driver stage.
Do you realize that if you big guys all go QRP, we inexperienced
contesters will end up running high power (in order to find a
less competitive category) and will muck up the bands with QRM.
Is this what you really want ? I suggest you not upset the natural
order of things and stick with high power. After all your motto
is "life's too short for QRP."
73 de Bruce
>From Danny Eskenazi <0005720561@mcimail.com> Mon Nov 15 07:19:00 1993
From: Danny Eskenazi <0005720561@mcimail.com> (Danny Eskenazi)
Subject: TS 850S Voice Keyer Gain
Message-ID: <03931115071930/0005720561PK3EM@mcimail.com>
My new DVP keyer for the 850 seems to be putting out too much drive...
anyone know a way to adjust it? Thanks ... Danny K7SS LTSFQRP
>From Dieter Dippel" <UNRZ45@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de Mon Nov 15 09:59:41
>1993
From: Dieter Dippel" <UNRZ45@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de (Dieter Dippel)
Subject: cqww-contest:rumors
Message-ID: <9BF84AE4641@daphne.rrze.uni-erlangen.de>
DX @WW de:OH1RBF 13.11.93 14:50 30 5314 Bytes
CQ WW CONTEST BULLETIN VII
From: OH1RBF@OH1RBF.#POR.FIN.EU
To : DXNEWS@WW
CQ WW DX CONTEST PREVIEW
(collected by Timo OH1NOA)
CQ WW SSB PART SCORE-RUMOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-----------------------------------------
Condx from Finland were just average. High band DX-openings with the modest
station were very brief. Low bands sounded OK. Our planned operation to
OJ0 was cancelled in last minute due the techinical problems of helicopter.
PJ9U op.OH1VR 40mSB 2765qs 1.2M points (congrats Seppo!)
OI5AY op.OH5BM 40mSB 1600+qs
OH2X multi-single 4300+ qs
OH0DX op.OH1EH SOAB 3800+ qs, 500+ countries
LX0RL multi-single 3920q 496c 128z
OH0M multi-single 2900q abt 630 multipliers
PJ1B multi-single 23.1 M points (WOW!)
P40L multi-single 22 M points
VP2EC and EA9UK multi-multi both abt 36 M points
P40W op.W2GD SOAB 14 M points
KP2A SOAB 9000+ qs
ZB2X op.OH2KI SOAB 5000+ qs?
VE2FSU(?)multi-single 991q 692.300 points
ED3DU multi-single 4142q 458c 128z 5.443.940 points
S59KAB 80m low power 672q 56.940 points
PLEASE, send more rumours to OH1NOA @OH1RBF.FIN.EU
(Anyone in states: Did u collect any notes from 3830 ??)
CQ WW CW PART PLANNED OPERATIONS
27. - 28. NOV 1993
CALL-CLASS-OPERATOR(S)-QSL INFO
-------------------------------
A22MN? 40M OH7XM
AH0K M-M AH0K,JE1JKL,JR7OMD,JE7BIZ,JE2JCV,JL2TZC,JG2BVO,JP1OGL
VIA JF2PZH
GD4UOL SOAB G4UOL VIA G4UOL
IS0QDV 20M IS0MKU
JY8VJ SOAB DL1VJ VIA DL1VJ
N7TNL/KH4 ? N7TNL VIA W1OO
OH0AM 15M OH1EH VIA OH2BAD
OH0DX 20M OH2MAM VIA OH2BAD
P40I SOAB OH2KI VIA OH2KI
PI4CC M-S PAs VIA PB0AUI
PI4COM M-M PAs VIA PA3CAL
PJ8AB SOAB K1NA
PY0F.. SOAB? CT1BOH
PZ5AA? SOAB? OH6DO VIA OH1VL(I think..)
S59UN SOAB S59UN
VS6WO M-M planned
XX9.. OH2BH (still just rumoured..)
ZD8Z ? N6TJ
ZL7FD/ZL7DX SOAB DK8FD VIA DK8FD
4F2IR SOAB? 4F2IR VIA DU3DO
4M5I M-S K0PP,KE7X,WM2C,WS4E,YV5DTA
8R1K SOAB OH0XX VIA OH0XX/W4
tnx: DL1IAO,DL1SBR,DL1VJ,OH1EH,OH1VR,OH2KI,PA3DMH,PB0AUI,SM1CNS/0,4F2IR,W1GG+
various sources...
All additional information much appreciated.
COLLECTED BY OH1NOA @OH1RBF.FIN.EU
UPDATED: 08-NOV-1993
>From Peter Reed <mpfb8@syma.sussex.ac.uk> Mon Nov 15 09:03:23 1993
From: Peter Reed <mpfb8@syma.sussex.ac.uk> (Peter Reed)
Subject: CT Modiki
Message-ID: <4237.9311150903@syma.sussex.ac.uk>
Hi fellers. Think I sent my previous two posting re this subject to the wrong
address so here goes with, hopefully, the right one!
In the latest NCJ is an article about CT Modiki. It is, appenently, avilable
// available frfom the W6GO BBS.
Can anyone tell me how to access this from Internet / Telnet, please? I have
looked on several other BBS that have Ham software but have not seen it and
have no idea how to get to the W6GO - or even if I can.
Any info on this or other locations where CT Modiki can be found would be
greatly appreciated.
CU in the CQ CW. 73...Peter, G4BVH.
>From Takao Kumagai <je1cka@asuka.aerospace-lab.go.jp> Mon Nov 15 20:52:48 1993
From: Takao Kumagai <je1cka@asuka.aerospace-lab.go.jp> (Takao Kumagai)
Subject: re;CT Modiki
Message-ID: <9311151152.AA28513@asuka.aerospace-lab.go.jp>
Hi Peter
CT-MODOKI is a tiny programm, and I can uuencode-mail to you
if you want.
The author Kenny, ah0k given up to ver. up the programm because
PED is more realistic than CT-modoki. But I encourage him to
update the program.
Tack je1cka
>From Keskinen Petri <oh3mep@cc.tut.fi> Mon Nov 15 13:59:06 1993
From: Keskinen Petri <oh3mep@cc.tut.fi> (Keskinen Petri)
Subject: WAE-RTTY-93 oh3ne
Message-ID: <9311151359.AA03167@cc.tut.fi>
Conditions were really bad, and we lost our lower 15m yagi
and rotating system of the tower by accident. We made only
317 qsos even that we were operating abt 30 hours on
multi-single class. Most of qsos were another europeans on
low-bands, but some good dx's logged also ( FR, TY, 5R, BY,
etc.) Perhaps we will be on CQWW-RTTY next year with full
M-S -operation!
Operators were OH3's lqk, mep, mfp, mft, myd and nlp.
Total was abt 110 000 points.
de PETE
>From Keskinen Petri <oh3mep@cc.tut.fi> Mon Nov 15 14:57:26 1993
From: Keskinen Petri <oh3mep@cc.tut.fi> (Keskinen Petri)
Subject: CT 8.19 odds
Message-ID: <9311151457.AA10573@cc.tut.fi>
Hello !
We just operated WAE-contest with CT(8.19). I just noticed couple
odd features, perhaps they have been changed lately?
Of coarce WAE doesn't support EU-side, but why doesn't it
support RTTY-mode? Why is there 160m band, even that it's
not allowed on test?
Are there more contest on new version that can be used on EU-side?
Pete, oh3mep
BTW: Jim's latest cty-file was great! Nothing to complain.
>From Jay Kesterson K0GU x6826 <jayk@hpxxx.fc.hp.com> Mon Nov 15 16:00:05 1993
From: Jay Kesterson K0GU x6826 <jayk@hpxxx.fc.hp.com> (Jay Kesterson K0GU x6826)
Subject: FT-1000 Rx Audio & Heil
Message-ID: <9311151600.AA05513@hpxxx.fc.hp.com>
> If you've been suffering with low RX audio using the new Heil headset and an
> FT1000, there is a remedy on the way! They will start using a new driver in
> about a month when the slow boat from China arrives. All current owner can
> get on a mailing list and they will ship you a pair of drivers when they
> arrive. Sorry I dont have the number handy, but it was in the latest NCJ...
> 73, Tyler KF3P
Glad to hear this! As far as I'm concerned the FT-1000 (as well as the
FT-990) has low audio output on all headphones. At least at the ear
splitting volumn levels I use in contests. It distorts at very low volumn
level. I've been using a stereo AF amp to drive the headphones for
sometime. Two other Yaesu products I've owned (FT-102 FT-757) had the same
problem (especially with Heil). Pretty bad that you had to get a seperate
audio amp for a $3K+ radio. Other than the AF audio its a great radio.
73, Jay K0GU jayk@fc.hp.com
>From Gary Sutcliffe <gary.sutcliffe@mixcom.mixcom.com> Mon Nov 15 18:05:47
>1993
From: Gary Sutcliffe <gary.sutcliffe@mixcom.mixcom.com> (Gary Sutcliffe)
Subject: using multiple antennas
Message-ID: <9311151805.AA21444@mixcom.mixcom.com>
Ken, WM2C/6 writes:
> While getting ready for the SS and CQWW, I have received a suggestion to drive
> 2 antennas in different directions to increase coverage. The only way I can
> do
> this is by driving 2 antennas that are different sizes or types. For example,
> for the SS I will be using a 5 ele 20m yagi on one tower, and a 3 ele 20m yagi
> on a different tower.
> Does anyone have suggestions for combining dissimilar antennas as I have
> described? Do the antennas have to be mono band, or can you combine a
> tribander and a monoband yagi for similar results? Will a simple T-connector
> and random coax lengths to the antenna suffice? Or do I need other types of
> power splitters and balanced lines?
I have been doing this for several years, 10M: 4 over 4 stack & TH7,
40M: 2 el yagi & dipole, 40M: dipole & sloping dipole, 80M vert & dipole,
etc. Its definately the way to go.
On 10M I can select various combinations of 1, 2 or 3 antennas. I plan to
have multiple antennas on all bands as soon as I finish my microprocessor
based switching control system (no kidding). Then I will have up to 4
antennas/band in various combinations.
I use phasing/impedance networks similar to what are used for stacking
beams. The only difference is that I don't try to match the lengths
of coax between the switch/phasing network and the antennas. Normally
I try to keep the different antennas separated on different towers.
On the high bands, beams are best, but dipoles might be useful with a
beam for domestic contests. The 80 vertical (shunt fed tower) and dipole
combination works well in domestic contests too.
I would figure a second antenna gives you at least an average of 5 QSOs/hr
on a DX contest, and probably more in domestic ones. Its also great for
getting extra mults. When Europe is open, put an additional beam on
Africa. You lose 3dB into EU (who cares if you are already 30 over?),
but will have one of the biggest signal in AF because no one else is
paying attention to them. You pick up a few rare mults that only answer
strong CQs.
The other advantage is when a weak station calls, you can instantly
switch to the antenna with the best signal, cutting down QRM.
I'm a real believer the multiple antenna technique.
--
Gary Sutcliffe - W9XT Unified Microsystems (414) 644-9036
ppvvpp@MIXCOM.COM PO Box 133, Slinger WI 53086
>From Jim Reisert AD1C 15-Nov-1993 1158 <reisert@wrksys.enet.dec.com> Mon Nov
>15 16:53:45 1993
From: Jim Reisert AD1C 15-Nov-1993 1158 <reisert@wrksys.enet.dec.com> (Jim
Reisert AD1C 15-Nov-1993 1158)
Subject: CT Modiki
Message-ID: <9311151653.AA29753@us1rmc.bb.dec.com>
------------------Reply to mail dated 15-NOV-1993 07:54:17.72------------------
You can also FTP it from:
oak.oakland.edu:/pub/msdos/hamradio/ctmodoki.zip
- Jim AD1C
>From sellington" <sellington@mail.ssec.wisc.edu Mon Nov 15 14:17:00 1993
From: sellington" <sellington@mail.ssec.wisc.edu (sellington)
Subject: using multiple antennas
Driving dissimilar antennas pointed in the same direction is tough, because
it is very hard to know how they should be phased. That's not a problem
when they are pointed in different directions. But don't just connect
them together with a Tee connector! Use an impedance matching network.
Scott K9MA
>From tree@cmicro.com (Larry Tyree) Tue Nov 16 00:35:41 1993
From: tree@cmicro.com (Larry Tyree) (Larry Tyree)
Subject: Multiple callsigns
Message-ID: <9311160035.AA05640@cmicro.com>
So, if it is okay for you to use your personal callsign to work a new
country, or to give a friend a QSO, when you are part of a multi-multi...
Is it okay for you to work the multi-multi with your callsign?
If it is okay to work the multi-multi with your callsign, is it okay to
work yourself if you are single op with a different callsign (ie:
TI4/N6TR and TI1C)???
None of these are "illegal" in the FCC sense. I have heard people work
"themselves" many times on 2 meters, either using the same callsign, or
different callsigns assigned to the same operator (back in the good old
days when it was easy to have 2 calls).
Tree N6TR
>From USACLU::MMI"@nmpost.nmp.nokia.com (Marko Myllymaki 450-4020x107 Tue Nov
>16 01:46:50 1993
From: USACLU::MMI"@nmpost.nmp.nokia.com (Marko Myllymaki 450-4020x107 (Marko
Myllymaki 450-4020x107)
Subject: Surinam in CQ WW CW
Message-ID: <931116014650.14f02@nmpost.nmp.nokia.com>
I try to put Surinam, PZ on the air in the CQ WW CW Contest. Plan to do SOAB
using PZ5JR. QSL route K3BYV. Hopefully power stays on and amplifier keeps
working, it wasn't so in Guyana. Georgetown's power company's management was
fired on Wednesday before the contest, boat which brings the fuel for George-
town's generator sank on Friday and amplifier's vacum relay broke 9 hrs after
the beginning. Power went off on Sunday 10 am local time and came back after
the contest. Neighbor's generator was not very reliable, at the times voltage
was 170 V instead of what it should have been, 220 V. Worked MURPHY on all 6
bands.
It just can't get any worse than that...
See You on the bands,
Marko, AB6NJ = OH6DO
mmi@mobira.nmp.nokia.com
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