[CQ-Contest] Very Special CWops Tests Wednesday/Thursday

[Hank Garretson]

Very Special CWops Tests for March

We are going to have FOUR CWops Tests in March. In addition to our regular
tests on 12 and 26 March, we will have Special CWTs on 5 and 19 March.
Normal CWT times: 1300Z and 1900Z Wednesday and 0300Z Thursday. Normal CWT
frequencies: up 28 to 38 kHz from band bottoms.

The Special 5- and 19-March CWTs will celebrate the completion of CW
Academy's January/February semester. Sixty eager hams will graduate. We are
inviting and encouraging them to participate in the Special CWTs. Our goal
is to hook them by providing a welcoming, friendly opportunity to use their
new CW skills.

Guidelines for Special CWTs.

1. Everyone limit speed to 20 WPM maximum. Even when you are working
someone you normally work at 30 WPM, please send no faster than 20 WPM.
When you answer someone CQing at less than 20 WPM, answer him at his speed.
When someone answers your 20 WPM CQ at a slower speed, match his speed.

2. Thank stations by name.

3. If appropriate, help stations by explaining CWT exchange.

4. Encourage band changes. Consider ending a contact by saying something
like CU ON 15 NEXT.

5. If someone wants to rag chew, rag chew for a bit.

6. Send lots of FBs and other encouragement.

7. Us working us--we do that all the time. Please make a special effort to
work the new guys.

8. Send a QSL card to each new station worked.

9. March Special CWTs will count toward CWT Participation Award points.

The graduates are our new blood. They are the hams who will carry on the CW
tradition. Let's make a special effort to get on and make the graduates
feel welcome. Let's infect them with the CW bug.

Of course, all, not just CWA grads, are welcome to join our Special CWTs.
Spread the word to your local club members. Tell them about a special
opportunity to get on and do CW at their speed.

*The first rule of CW is to have fun and to share the fun. Let's share the
fun. *

CW Exuberantly,

Hank, W6SX