[CQ-Contest] How to start a run

[Ward Silver]

Another thing for the smaller station to consider is when it is 
practical to start a run.  You might not be loud enough, the band might 
not be open enough, there might be too much QRM, etc.  Start by doing 
some S&P up and down the band - if you are getting through on the first 
call when others are calling as well, that's a good indication you are 
loud enough to call CQ and get answers. (That last part - and get 
answers - is the important part. Anybody can call CQ.)  If your contacts 
need repeats to get through - best stay with S&P for a while.

Take note of where in the band you're getting through.  Typically for 
smaller stations, you'll have a better signal-to-noise ratio high in the 
band.  If you can get through in kilowatt alley, go for it.  Otherwise, 
think about calling CQ where you can be heard. This is a good reason to 
learn propagation.  Set up VOACAP Online (http://www.voacap.com/) with 
your station's parameters and try a few typical setups for who you think 
you're going to be called by.  Figure out what time and direction will 
work best - then try them.

And, as always, there is no reason not to simply try CQing when you find 
a hole.  If you catch a few contacts and then it dries up or a big 
station moves in - well, you have those contacts in your log, so move 
on.  I got used to that when operating QRP!

73, Ward N0AX