[CQ-Contest] Callsign Advantages

[Merrimon Crawford Pladsen]

What mode do you operate the most?  Are there any letters of your call that 
are particularly difficult for others to hear/need repeats?

I was KF4OAD.  The Oscar-Alpha combination wasn't always easily heard on 
phone (esp. with my tiny bit of a Southern accent) but no problem on 
CW.  More than the call was the ability to listen and find out what people 
heard better or how to vary it to be heard.

  I did not really want to change it as I upgraded.  I switched to AB0MV 
(random) when I upgraded to Extra, knowing I was moving from NC to 
Colorado.  I just decided I wanted a call that reflected my new 
district.  It's okay but I don't notice much difference.  I don't notice 
it's any easier having a 2 x 2 versus a 2 x 3.  Actually, sometimes the 
longer call seemed to get through a bit more at times.  I have worked at 
big stations and often work with minimal antennas and power at home in 
contests.  I don't see much difference in either situation between the two 
calls.  The KF4OAD call did seem to get through a bit more on CW in 
particular  No difference at all on RTTY.

I know shorter calls are supposed to be cooler but I don't see why in my 
experience.

What has helped me the most is getting on the air and doing lots of 
contests.  After a bit, people start recognizing your call when they get 
some of it.....(of course, on phone my YL voice helps.....  Not to many YLs 
contesting from 0-land).

73
Merri AB0MV


At 09:39 PM 3/9/03, you wrote:

>I have been a contester for really about 2-3 years. I was when I first
>started out. KC8MPQ. WHEW I got that all out. now I am K8KHZ. I have thought
>about changing it again to another call area or something with a better
>prefix. something that might catch the ear of others. But is it all worth it
>at all? What is your thought on this.
>
>Sean
>
>
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