This is for our new SECC members joining us since this was last published in
August. Experienced contesters please feel free to jump in and add your
comments!
Ralph K1ZZI
SECC VP
k1zzi at comcast.net
Part I - Run or S&P Mode for New or Casual Contesters?
S&P - That's called Search and Pounce and the most common mode for new
contesters and returning contesters as well. You get to pick and choose and
move at your own pace. You are still trying to figure this whole contesting
thing out. It can be intimidating when you come across an OP running fast
(QRQ). It's hard to copy the exchange info. You can just move on down the
band or you might what to hang out a while and figure this guy out. It might
take two, three or even four exchanges but you will get it because you are
challenged and determined!
Sometimes you hear numbers or an exchange that just don't make sense no matter
how many times you hear it. The OP is probably using "cut numbers". To make
matters worse these OP's usually come at you FAST and it can leave you
scratching your head! These are the ones you are afraid to ask for a repeat at
the risk of sounding stupid. So you hang out and listen for another 5 minutes
and you still can't get it. Everyone else seems to copy okay but you are
stumped? Be familiar with cut numbers and remember these:
1 = A
5 = E
9 = N
0 = T
The only cut number I recommend using right away is N for 9 but only for RST
(5NN). In a contest 599 takes forever to get two 9's out. We already know the
number so use 5NN and shorten it up. ENN (599) sounds cool in a fast exchange
but I don't recommend using it starting out. Zero is the longest and most
troublesome number. Hey be sure to copy that 5th dash! ...or was that an 8 or
9? The easiest number to copy is #1. If you only copy A, W or J then you
know it's a 1.
Be careful using T for zero. The only time I consider using T is in between
other numbers and still I rarely use it. Like 501 or 1003 (5T1 1TT3). There
is a much higher chance for errors and repeats using T on the end of numbers.
Speaking of repeats. A little off topic but something to consider when you are
asked to "repeat". If your CW speed is close to the Run station, repeat your
exchange at the same speed again. The reason he asked for a repeat was because
he didn't hear what you said. It was not because he can't copy at your speed!
DON'T slow down and repeat @ 10 WPM. Chances are you just made the problem 10X
worse and got another AGN request. Here's why... and it happens a lot on the
low bands in noise and static crash conditions. Slowing down dramatically
increases the possibility of the next static crash hitting right in the middle
resulting in another AGN request. Often times speeding up is exactly the best
solution for getting thru just before the next crash!
Once you feel comfortable doing S&P and built up some confidence, it's time to
think about trying the dreaded and most feared mode of all. "Run Mode". After
all you are a contester and you like the competition? Time to get your score
up. You can do it!
Part II - Run Mode for New or Casual Contesters!
We talked about S&P Mode so now it's time to face the dreaded and most feared
mode of all. You knew this day was coming so lets get started. It's no worse
than your first solo drive after getting your drivers license. I know your
palms are a little sweaty but NAQP is the easiest place to start.
So tell me again why I want to do this? I was already having fun in S&P mode.
I'm comfortable and in control going at my own pace.
a.. #1 Reason - SCORE
b.. #2 Reason - SCORE
c.. Run Mode will increase your score right now today
d.. Score dramatically increases with more practice.
e.. You ARE in control
f.. Fun meter jumps 15dB
You are in charge. You control the wheel and speed. Not too fast your first
time out. You are unsure what to expect when stations start calling you. All
you need is name and state. NAQP is easy. No high speed cut numbers to worry
about here.
Find a clear spot to call CQ. The higher up the band the less crowded and a
good place to start. Set your speed where you feel comfotable. Call CQ and
keep it short. There are many ways to do this. Here are a few example: 1) CQ
NA K1ZZI K1ZZI 2) NA K1ZZI K1ZZI NA 3) NA K1ZZI K1ZZI. You can use many
variations. Start with a short call. Notice "de" K1ZZI is not used. It's
extra stuff in a contest... drop the "de". Save the longer CQ calls for when
activity slows down.
Here we go: NA K1ZZI K1ZZI - Pause listen 3 or 4 seconds max. Open up your
filter around 500Hz or so. In S&P you can keep your filter much tighter but in
Run you want your filter wider because people will call off frequency. You
will miss callers if it's too narrow. Turn on your RX RIT. Swing your RIT
quickly listening. You heard a call off frequency and you're not sure he was
calling you? Send ? or AGN and listen. Do not send QRZ? de K1ZZI K. Keep it
short! He's not exactly on your QRG (frequency) but he gave his call again.
Take it and start the exchange.
Don't know why W4BQF would call me off frequency? Must be his new K3 but our
exchange goes like this: K1ZZI: W4BQF RALPH GA - W4BQF: TU TOM GA (TOM now
pauses to hear my ack) K1ZZI: TU K1ZZI - Now I'm listening for the next caller.
Oops 2 people called me at the same time and I missed everything... K1ZZI: ?
Now I only pulled out a VE3 prefix so I'm sticking with him - K1ZZI: VE3? I
pickup the call and do the exchange. Hopefully the 2nd station waited around
and calls again.
The next station calls in at 35+ WPM when you are running 18 WPM. That is
really not nice but it happens. Most OP's are considerate. If you can't copy
reply QRS (slow down) That should do it.
NAQP is the easiest contest to get started. Practice practice. One thing I
still do is pick out a good run operator and park on his QRG and listen. You
will be surprised what you can learn. How they handle different situations
etc. You can pick up some good ideas and techniques. Listen to the OP's that
win!
Remember we talked about balance? Now you have to balance Run vs S&P too. You
need both to maximize your score. It just takes practice! There is much more
to talk about. Maybe now you have enough courage to take the jump and try it?
I encourage questions on the reflector. The SECC has many talented people with
much more experience than I do. So don't be afraid to ask questions.
I know many of you are SSB Op's so unfortunately this may not be much help for
you. I have very little SSB experience so I can't offer much advice on this
subject. For me, I still like listening to the OP's that win. You can learn a
lot! Again, don't be afraid to ask questions. We have members here with world
class skills and experience.
Morse Runner is a great tool I like a lot! It will help you get comfortable
running pileups. It's a very clever program that feels and acts like the real
thing. It's addictive. Download it here:
http://www.dxatlas.com/MorseRunner/Files/MorseRunner1.67.zip
Now watch your score improve. Have fun and good luck!
73, Ralph K1ZZI
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