No subject

[Jeff Tucker N9HZQ]

I'm interested in finding out how other stations handle M/S operation
in HF contests.  We have two complete stations, each with amps and
triband beams, so we generally do a run station and multiplier station
type of effort.

We run into problems often with splitting air time between the two
stations.  Each operator of course thinks that their job is the most
important at that time.  That is the run operator is worried about
losing his freq and rate, and the mult operator just has to work this
new multiplier.  There has to be some way of compromising and working
together to benefit the whole effort.

It seems to me that there would be several strategies:
1. Talk whenever you want (illegal, it seems)
2. When the run station has a rate, no mults get worked
3. Whenever there is a mult to work, the run station stops
4. Try to interleave calls as much as possible and keep both
   stations on the air (this is pretty much our way)

Are there any comments on how M/S stations can operate and both
keep a CQ frequency and work multipliers?  We are pretty much aware
that multipliers are not the most important thing in the contest.
This seems to trap new contesters, who don't realize that mults are
best when they have a lot of Q's to multiply.  And, if you know that
certain practices are used, even illegal ones, I'd be interested in
knowing how my competition works.

As a side note, does anyone use some sort of lockout switch to keep
the two radios off the air at once?  We raise our hands or give stony
glares at the other op, but I'd be interested if anyone uses hardware.

Thanks and see u in the contests.
73 de Jeff N9HZQ (at W4AQL   9th in 2A Field Day '92)