[CQ-Contest] Splqdecripity

[Bob Gates]

Okay, I freely admit to being "out of shape" when it comes to contests.  Have
been QRT for over 20 years and am just getting back into ham radio.   The ARRL
test was my first contest.  Since I was forced to operate low power into a wimpy
vertical with no radials, I had to modify the S&P, Search and Pounce, operating
strategy.  I was operating S&S, Search and Squat.  Find a DX station and keep
calling him until he comes back.

My problem on numerous occasions was understanding the call of the DX station.
I stuck with one European station for over 20 minutes trying to get his call.
Not a language problem, but a speed problem.  I think he was severely OD'd on
Speed, or had programmed his voice keyer to play back at fast forward.  At least
that's what it sounded like at my end.  It didn't seem to bother anyone else,
but I was at a loss until I finally noticed his full call on DX Summit.  If it
hadn't been for that, I'd still be listening today.

I had similar problems, but not nearly that bad, with stations on certain other
continents.  I don't want to name names because some very fine operators would
be offended, and that is not my intent at all.  I recognize that the problem is
mine, but I was just wondering if anyone else out there is "audibly challenged"
like me.  And I have no idea if "audibly" is a real word.

Hoping to "hear" from someone with listening tips.

73, Bob W7BJ