Some observations on SSB operating technique while running 20 meters
from K3LR last weekend.
Scenario -- Run station is trying to confirm or simply copy the call sign
of a weak station calling in.
Situation #1
RUN: "QRZed?"
CALLER: (speaking very slowly) "D-e-l-t-a K-e-e-e-e-l-o E-i-g-h-t"
CRASH! BOOM!
RUN: "Who's the Delta Kilo Eight station?"
Lesson: Even if you're a low power station, speak rapidly. You only
have so many "windows of opportunity" to get through the QRM/QSB. If
you are speaking at a normal cadence, you can get your whole call in. If
you stretch it out, it will be one or two agonizing letters at a time.
Situation #2
RUN: "Whats your call again"
CALLER: "Delta Delta Delta. Kilo Kilo Kilo. Eight Eight Eight ... "
RUN: "OK, I have Delta delta. Whats your prefix?"
Lesson: Never repeat letters individually (with one exception in the next
situation). It confuses the listener. Repeat your entire call, as
necessary.
Situation #3
RUN: "I have Delta Kilo Eight X-ray. What is the last letter?"
CALLER: "Delta Kilo Eight X-Ray Zulu"
RUN: "Is that Delta Kilo Eight X-Ray Delta? Please again."
Lesson: You will get better results if you pay attention to exactly what
fills the run station needs. If they just need the suffix, repeat the suffix
(e.g., "X-Ray Zulu", or perhaps simply "Zulu"). If they are missing just
one letter, repeat it several times, using different phonetics (e.g., "Zulu,
Zanzibar, Zeeebra").
Situation #4
RUN: "OK, I have Delta Kilo Eight X-Ray Zulu. Is that correct?"
CALLER: "Delta Kilo Eight X-Ray Zulu. Delta Kilo Eight X-Ray Zulu. Five
Nine Fourteen."
RUN: "Delta Kilo Eight X-Ray Question mark? What is the last letter?"
Lesson: Repeating your call when the run station already has it correct
will confuse him. If he's got your call OK, then say something to break
the rythm. Usually a short transmission, saying "Roger roger" or "QSL"
with the exchange will do this very nicely.
There many hams everywhere who do a brilliant job at this -- it makes
contesting a real joy. There's a great feeling of satisfaction in making a
QSO when one or both stations are weak. I hope we can somehow get
the word out to others whose operating techniques fall a bit short to pick
up on these and other techniques that will help them fill up their log
books.
-- Pat
N9RV
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