[CQ-Contest] Thinking about Sweepstakes

[Warren C. Stankiewicz]

As the weekend for SS Cw approaches...

I literally found out about Sweepstakes before I was ever licensed. A friend, no longer licensed, gave me his collection of QST from the 60's, and there were few things more entertaining than Jack Troster, W6ISQ's articles; if you're able to go back, his piece on "Strategy" is still a classic today. I'm sure there are still some of you out there with AA certificates, or whisk brooms.

And I remember the first time I operated in it, after I had upgraded to extra, and just enjoying how the contest was not so much of a "run fest", and that you had to think your way through it. And the hunt for those elusive multipliers. Learning to copy that long exchange, and to get it right the first time. Being part of a club effort. My first clean sweep (no feeling like it in the world!)

I remember when I started at the ARRL Contest Branch in 1990, when there was open talk that the year could be the last for the contest, as participation had fallen off so dramatically. And I suggested PINS (thanks, CQ-M for the idea), and it took back off again, and then we added cups and plaques. It is still going, eighteen years later, and long may it run.

November Sweepstakes is still a "thinking man's" contest, and it's still a heck of a lot of fun. If you've not operated it in a while, I urge you to go back this coming month and give it another try. It is one contest that is not particular to the size of your station; but depends a great deal on your operating ability. 

And if you're one of those who's operated it all these years, I'll be looking for you along with all the other old friends I've made in this contest. KB and have fun!

73 and with malice towards none,

Warren, NF1J