[CQ-Contest] Re: [TRLog] Various IARU issues

[Tom HammondNØSS]

Tom:

>I feel like people are laughing at me when I call QRZ to check for the
>frequency in use before I start a run frequency. Sort of like a scarlett Q
>on my signal Hi Hi.

QRZ? ("who is calling me?") isn't the appropriate Q-signal. QRL? ("Is the 
frequency occupied") is more appropriate.

In the heat of a contest, it is sometimes difficult to remember to "QRL" 
each time you think you've found a clear freq, I must admit. I try, but 
often find myself forgetting, and being chastized for it a bit later... 
usually following (or more often DURING) the first CQ. The nice thing is 
QSK, so you can hear other activity WHILE you're sending. Thus you can stop 
sending as soon as you realize there is traffic on the freq.

In many cases, if I hear a station beginning to CW on the freq. I'm 
operating on, I can generally send a couple DAHs, he'll hear me thru his 
CQing and stop sending or move.

73,

Tom Hammond   N0SS