[CQ-Contest] Best callsign letters

Lee Buller k0wa at swbell.net
Thu Apr 22 06:15:45 PDT 2010



I think this is an interesting conversation.  My drift on the issue....

1.  Have a loud signal.  (duh)
2.  Speak slower for DX - not that they cannot understand, but you cannot be so fast they just don't get it.
3.  Enunciate your words well in a contest (or working DX).  So many ops do not enunciate well.  Open your mouth and really flap your lips.  
4.  Use correct phonetics (as one person pointed out).
5.  Although you might have some difficult letters - I think the above goes a long way in dealing with the issue. 

There are not that many "ideal" calls available anymore - so you might have to use what you got and make the best of it.

Pet Peeve  -  I use Kilowatt Zero Whisky Alpha or Kilowatt Zero Washington America (the latter might not be good for working stations in the Middle East) ...  what I do not like (especially in a contest) someone coming back with my phonetics in the exchange.  Wastes time.  If you have the call in the computer - used no phonetics.  If someone calls me, "Alpha Alpha Five Alpha Golf" - I will say, "AA5AG 59 Kansas"  No phonetics.

CW - Some one write that "e" - "i" - "s" - "h" and "5" are problems  That is true for me too.  I have busted more calls at high speed that I want to admit.  I would steer away from calls such as K5HHH.  Although the "e" is not an issue so much (W0EEE - right Ward?) is a pretty good CW call in the end.  W0QQQ is an arm buster.  I digress.  

I do not like calls with a "dit" at the very end of the call.   The dit is to easy to get lost in the heat of battle, but a good op anticipates these things.  Partial Check helps too. 

My drift....

Lee
K0WA
Kilowatt Zero Wild Animal
Kilowatt Zero Wise A**

:>)
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