I'm with you Dave, in a serial-data-stream context, the 599 serves as a
"start bit" for the key data to follow. Especially handy if there is
QRM involved and a guy is not strong.
I do see the argument in a QSB context (that the 599 may occupy the
"high signal parts of the transmission and fade by the time you get to
the section" - but there you are at the luck of the QSB either way -
it's as likely that the QSB has the signal weak on the 599 as with the
section.
Still, there is some utility in having the 599 from a copy standpoint in
my view.
73/jeff/ac0c
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
www.ac0c.com
On 12/9/2025 10:20 AM, Dave Cuthbert wrote:
Thank you all for another fine ARRL 160 meter contest! To me 5NN is a
preamble that helps get one ready in both amplitude and code speed for the
real data to follow. By the way, of over 400 Qs only one op sent other than
5NN. Unfortunately these serve to throw one off by having to correct the
log, or even miss it, resulting in no points for that one. We will see you
all in the Stew Perry Distance Challenge with our shore located full size
ground plane.
73, Dave KH6AQ
On Tue, Dec 9, 2025 at 4:08 AM Bill Cromwell <wrcromwell@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi,
I participate in some on air activities that involve low power and/or
compromise antennas. Honest signal reports are desired and appreciated.
Perhaps not so much in the Stew but RST is not dead yet.
73,
Bill KU8H
On Dec 8, 2025, at 5:19 PM, n0tt1@juno.com wrote:
Another trend I noted was people not sending the 599. Several were just
sending their section.
The "599" is a place filler in the exchange, but not sending it seemed
to slow things down."
I noticed that too. Other OPs are expecting a certain sequence in the
exchange
and if that's disrupted then it may cause a problem. Especially if
signal strength
is marginal.
Charlie, N0TT
On Mon, 8 Dec 2025 15:36:26 +0000 jon jones <n0jk@hotmail.com> writes:
I missed K7RAT despite looking... I had put up a ¼ wave wire in tall
trees on our farm north of Lawrence. It worked really well. It came
down last week in the snow storm. So to hand out a few Qs used
the rain gutter on our home again.
Despite a minimal antenna and my old TS-850 at 50 watts, worked many
people "S & P" including PJ2T and KP4AA. And Don, WD8DSB — thanks!
Conditions seemed down Friday night with east coast stations weak
and unworkable. Better Saturday evening and worked many W2, W3s and
K1KI CT. Copied several W6 but no luck. N7EPD WWA strong but didn't
copy me. High K index didn't help.
Tree has a point with the exchange issue and timing. Sending the
other station's call helps. Another trend I noted was people not
sending the 599. Several were just sending their section. The "599"
is a place filler in the exchange, but not sending it seemed to slow
things down.
*
Jon N0JK
________________________________
Conditions have not been so good - although I did manage some East
Coast
QSOs around midnight local time.
One or two QSOs didn't make it into the log for a reason I would
like to
share. When the band is open to Europe for the East Coast, it is
common
for us West Coast people to end up on their frequency as it is
totally
clear on this end. If an East Coast station sends their call sign -
but
totally out of sync, we pretty much know what is happening.
However, if
the timing is good - then we can feel confident that they are
working us.
However, when I am low power - it is hard for the East coast station
to
hear me - add in some QSB - and thus the timing might get messed up.
I had
this happen last night (calls changed to protect the guilty):
CQ TEST K7RAT
K3ZO
K3ZO 5NN OR
<nothing>
K3ZO 5NN OR
<nothing>
K3ZO 5NN OR
<them sending the exchange but out of sync>
<K3ZO 5NN OR>
K3ZO 5NN MDC
<nothing>
At no time during this am I feeling very confident that I am the one
being
worked. Instead of sending K3ZO again - which I already have -
sending
K7RAT once would really help me understand what is happening.
Food for thought. Again - if the QSO is well timed, this isn't
necessary -
but if things are difficult due to QSB, sending the "other" guy's
call when
S&Ping really helps.
Thanks for reading.
Tree N6TR / K7RAT
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