[CQ-Contest] Finding a spot before the contest de VY1JA

[J. Allen]

Hello All,

I read with concern a message speaking to my practice of finding a clear 
frequency before SS starts and working to keep a clear frequency to run on 
when SS begins.   This was never intended to induce operators to operate 
outside the contest rules.  The only references I can see in the rules are 
that non amateur means cannot be used during the contest and that the use of 
spotting is not allowed if you are in classes which do not permit it.

I plan to continue the practice of obtaining and holding a frequency before 
contest startup because it helps everyone to find their NT multiplier in the 
contest.  The use of spotting nets to find me is unnecessary.  Just tune and 
find VY1JA remembering that the MUF here is lower than in the south.  I 
cannot see that this causes an unfair advantage to anyone nor do I believe 
it breaks the spirit of the rules.  If this can jeapordize my contacts in 
YOUR logs, I hope that someone from ARRL will contact me before I try to get 
a clear spot before SS this year.

It was necessary to self-disqualify my CW SS log because the transmitter 
intermittently sent bad CW when sidetone sounded perfect. The keying was 
"sticky" so that dits would extend to sound like dahs and dahs shorten to 
sound like dits.  This could result in my log containing a different number 
than that of the receiving operator, when he copied what was really sent.  I 
have not yet found the cause with any certainty, nor can I make the 
transmitter/computer system repeat it.

It is a shame that only two ops mentioned any problems with my signal.  I am 
using the same station, and if my signal is less poor in quality, please 
make me aware immediately.

There will be a number of operations going for SS Phone in NT this year and 
I will be taking my amp today to Bob, VY1MB to enhance his intended all-out 
operation.  VY1JA will most likely be QRP this SS for the first time, and 
not be able to hold a frequency, so if you hear a faint "Juliet Alpha" on 
your run frequency, it might be NT.

J
VY1JA