Hey, Bob...
Don't get discouraged - we have ALL been there, brother! There's not a
contester out there that hasn't had the same jaw-dropping feeling for
exactly the same reason. The short answer to your question is, "Yes!" An
experienced operator can get so much more out of a station - and you, too,
can be that experienced operator if you keep at it. Don't worry about the
stratospheric scores - you'll get there someday. The key is to keep at it -
you are competing primarily with yourself to get better each time out. With
each contest, you'll find yourself getting into the groove quicker, busting
pileups quicker, copying calls more accurately, and having more fun.
If you want to get some lessons, chip in at a multi-op for CQ WW or
Sweepstakes. Listen to the high-score operators on the air - how they call,
how they CQ, how they make the exchange, how they handle a pileup. In
between contests, ask them questions about how they operate, if they'd share
their logs, how they have their stations set up. In short, just drink up
any knowledge that you can get your hands on.
Set modest goals for improvement in each contest. Operate frequently to
keep sharpening your skills. Try to use one new trick each time. Work on
improving one aspect of your technique in every contest. Make steady
improvements to your station - it doesn't have to be new gear, sometimes
just rearranging things for efficiency is enough.
You get my point, I'm sure - just keep after it step by step, learning
whenever you can, and having fun along the way.
73, Ward N0AX
> I thought I did pretty well for my second contest *ever* and then I see
> scores like the one below. As you can see, I was also SO(Single
> Operator) but running LP(LowPower) and worked all bands CW(CW Only):
>
> <snip>
>
> How can *one* person amass over a million points. There *must* be more
> to this contesting than meets the eye. What operating methods are these
> guys using? Are scores dependent more on operating methods or equipment?
>
> <snip>
>
> Granted I operated a *few* less hours, was Low Power and working on a
> fan dipole 10-80 antenna up 25 feet at the apex, but even so, can
> working just 10 or so more hours, going high power with beams and a
> tower make *that* much difference in scoring??
>
> 7&3 fer nw,
> Bob
> KE5CTY
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