[CQ-Contest] Extreme S&P with the RBN

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

Since I didn't have much time last weekend, I decided to use that time 
working on efficient techniques for S&P using cluster spots from the 
RBN.  I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea, but for those who *are* 
interested, here's the story.

In 10 1/2 hours, mostly on Sunday and almost all S&P, I had 1003 QSOs, 
for an average of 95.5 QSOs per hour.  That included full S&P hours of 
136 and 137 QSOs, and spurts (10-QSO rates) of 280+.  I should add that 
the best hours I have ever had running in ARRL CW were about 160 QSOs.

The technique is basically simple. First, I configured my packet filters 
to minimize busted calls - that meant unique>2 and limiting spots to RBN 
Skimmers in PA, MD, VA, NC and WV, and connecting to an ARC Version 6 DX 
cluster node.  Then, using N1MM Logger, I set up the Available Mults and 
Qs window to sort incoming spots so that the newest appeared first, and 
set my packet spot timeout to 12 minutes, so that stale spots went away 
quickly.  I saw exactly one busted call in 10 1/2 hours, and ran 3-4 
bands completely dry at times without seeing any turn up.

Once the spots started to flow, I would click on the top-most spot (the 
latest received).  If I heard anything that was consistent with a 
station listening for a caller there (ranging from an actual CQ to the 
end of a callsign, with K or no prosign after it) I would drop my call 
in. After working the station (mine is good, not great), I made a strict 
point of waiting to verify the full call, before moving on.  Usually 
that cost me just a second or two. Then I would click again, listen, and 
call the new station.

Often, I think that I was probably the first caller a station got after 
beginning to CQ.  But if I jumped to a spot, and found he was already in 
contact with someone, I would click the second, or third, or 4th down 
the list, till I found one who was in the right "phase."

So that's all there is to it.  I'm curious - what are other people's 
fastest S&P hours, assisted or otherwise?


-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.