[CQ-Contest] ROTTEN OPERATING

[Lee Hiers]

On 4 Jan 2002, at 1:13, Rick Bullon wrote:

> Now I don't want to start the slow code debate or the code no code
> debate but new hams only have to copy 5 wpm and if they want to
> increase their speed they (or should I say we) hit a wall at about
> 10 to 12 wpm. 

That same wall was there when those of us who had to pass higher 
speed tests took the 13 wpm test.  In fact, I would not be surprised 
to learn that 13 wpm was chosen because it requires you to cross that 
plateau.

I remember the single event that got me from copying around 15 wpm to 
being able to pass the 20 wpm test.  It was the WAE CW contest in 
August 1977.  I remember just barely being able to squeak out copy at 
15 wpm the week before the contest to being comfortable at 20 wpm the 
week after.  If everyone I listened to that weekend had been sending 
at 20 wpm or less, I'd never have been able to upgrade.

Instead, I'd listen to a station running folks.  And listen.  And 
listen.  And keep listening until I had his call.  And listen some 
more until I had figured out his exchange (QSO number if I recall 
correctly).  And then call.  No, I didn't make a lot of QSOs, but I 
got in a lot of practice.

> What I am trying to say is look at what is being posted as far as
> acceptable CW speed in a contest then look at it from the side of
> the slow speed guys and see if it looks like they would be welcome.
> So far it looks like the altitude is when you can copy 20+ wpm come
> join us, until then don't waste our time. 

Well, back in '77 we didn't have the Internet, so I never heard 
anything like this topic discussed.  I just figured the best contest 
operators went pretty quick, and if I wanted to be one of 'em, I'd 
have to work at it.  Yep, at times it seemed unattainable to me 
too...but I perservered.  I'm still no super CW op, but I prefer the 
mode, and I can get by.

> I would love to be able to get into a cw contest then there would
> be more contests for me to enter, but as long as it is 20+ wpm to
> participate I will stick to SSB. 

If you truly want to work CW contests, then you will also perservere. 
 Having people slow down to a speed you can copy won't do it.  You 
must push yourself.  How do you practice CW between contests?  I 
think most of the logging programs have simulators built in...that 
would have been quite a learning tool if we had had them in 1977.  
Instead, we just had to get on the air and work CW...which is better 
than just listening...which is better than doing nothing.

> Ok now that I have gotten your blood pressure way up I can already
> figure out the flames I will get 

My BP's fine...and these aren't flames.  Just honest talk.  Remember, 
none of us were born with the ability to copy code...we were all in 
the same position you're in...without such a forum in which to whine.

73 de Lee

--
Lee Hiers, AA4GA
Cornelia, GA

lee at dixieliner.com


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