[CQ-Contest] Adding challenges to Field Day

[Bill Coleman]

On Jun 26, 2009, at 3:09 PM, James Cain wrote:

> Some Field Day stations are too weak to call CQ effectively and can  
> make
> QSOs only by answering CQs, whoever calls the CQ.

Some years ago, I remember visiting the field day setup of W4GR. I had  
gotten there about 10 pm. They had set up several stations, and I  
happen to find an empty seat at the 40m SSB station. While they had  
put up an excellent wire antenna, they were seeing QRN of S9+40 db,  
and couldn't effectively hear anyone on the bands. After tuning around  
for a couple of hours, they'd given up.

I sat down and found a relatively clear frequency, and started calling  
CQ. Sure, there was plenty of local QRN, but signals were also really  
strong. Within a few minutes I started a very good run and just about  
doubled their 40m log so far in about an hour.

Which goes to show that the only way to determine if you can  
effectively call CQ is to try it.

> If a 1D station inadvertently calls another 1D station, well, them's  
> the
> breaks.

Which is why I always run 1E at the home station.


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901