[CQ-Contest] CQ WPX RTTY Practices and Other Notes

[Ed Muns]

1. Practices

2100-2130 UTC, Thursday, 9 February
0100-0130 UTC, Friday, 10 February (Thursday evening NA time)

On Thursday, let's have two 30-minute practice sessions to check out our
station equipment, software and operator(s).  Both sessions are prior to the
usual Thursday evening NCCC Sprints (RTTY and CW).  The first one is more
convenient for Europe.

Operate just like it's the real thing that starts on Saturday UTC.  Use
whatever bands are open and active for you at each time slot.  You might
want to have a special message prepared to respond to stations telling you
that the contest hasn't yet started.

2.  Serial Numbers

Make sure your log reflects the actual serial number you sent to the other
station.  It does not matter if there is a gap in your serial number
sequence or if there are duplicate serial numbers sent.  The critial thing
is for you log to show what you actually sent.  Otherwise the other station
loses credit for the QSO.

3.  MixW Users

Every year most of the logs submitted using MixW are incorrectly formatted
and many are missing required information.  Please see the MixW Notes at
http://www.cqwpxrtty.com/mixw.htm.  There are important things you must do
BEFORE THE CONTEST to insure your Cabillo file will be correct after the
contest.  Many hours of volunteer time is spent fixing incorrect Cabrillo
formatted logs and MixW problems are a major portion of the issues.

4.  Photos and Stories

Take some photos of your operation including the operator(s).  Make notes of
interesting things that may be of interest to others.  Share your
experiences.  We want to hear from all operations, not just the large and
serious ones!  Send your photos and comments to me for consideration in the
contest results writeup in the July CQ magazine.

5.  Handy Links

CQ WPX RTTY website: www.cqwpxrtty.com
Rules: www.cqwpxrtty.com/rules.htm
Log Submission: www.cqwpx.com/logcheck

Most of all, have fun over the weekend in the CQ WPX RTTY Contest.  

Ed W0YK
CQ RTTY Contests Director