[CQ-Contest] Hints and tips for NAQP

[Jim Stahl]

Tim,

A very wise contester once pointed out that there are no major secrets to contesting, just a lot of very small things acquired from experience over time.

The main suggestion I’d share is obvious: just get on the air and do it!

The other, directed toward newcomers, is to not hesitate to call CQ. You’ll want to start by calling people, but as you observe the rhythm of the contest, try a few CQs. This may work best on a band that is not the busiest contest band at the time - in NAQP, for example, 40 meters during the late afternoon before everybody comes down from the high bands. By 2300z, 40 will be quite crowded and intimidating to a newcomer.

Seeing that you are in Ohio, do get on the following weekend for the Ohio QSO Party. In state operation in a good QSO party is perhaps the best place to get one’s feet wet in contesting. If you’d like to talk more about that, we can do so direct off the reflector.


73  -  Jim  K8MR




On Aug 16, 2016, at 8:21 PM, Timothy Holmes <taholmes160 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi folks
> 
> As we start to roll into contest season 2016, I am curious as to the hints
> and tips you would be willing to share for the NAQP SSB. Im very much a
> little pistol, and I help out with a contesting SIG (Special Intrest Group)
> in our local club. My first update for the season was about ethics and fair
> play. Id really like to have more good stuff to share with them
> 
> Thanks
> Tim
> W8TAH
> --