[CQ-Contest] WPX CW Signal Quality Concerns

[Richard Smith]

 Can I make a suggestion or two for handling Key Click issues?
 1) Send a friendly email to the station that was producing Key Clicks. This email should be written in a helpful, non-threatening or -accusatory tone. "I (heard)(worked) you in the contest on _______________, and noticed that your transmitter had 'key clicks'". Include something like "I've had key clicks in the past too, and I was happy to get rid of them." or "Even very experienced Hams can accidently mis-adjust a radio, and have key clicks."Include a link to a "Repository" of Key Click fixes.(This means that we will need to set up a Repository of Key Click fixes, with a single link to the Repository. It would probably start small and grow over time. It should be an easy-to-use place with links, articles, screen shots, etc. We would want it to be usable for newer Hams and Hams that are not super-technical.)In the email, state that if the station cannot find the information he needs in the "Repository", then email back with his radio information.End with something like "I look forward to working you in future contests."

2) An example of what a Repository might look like:
"KEY CLICK ELIMINATION CENTER OF EXCELLENCE"
*link to an article about key clicks in general**link to another article about key clicks in general*
*link to an article about key clicks being caused by issues between rigs and amps*

Kenwood TS590*link to TS590 key click mod article**screenshot of a paragraph of the TS590 manual explaining how to change the CW rise time*
Kenwood TS2000*link to TS2000 key click mod article**screenshot of a paragraph of the TS2000 manual explaining how to change the CW rise time*
FT1000*link to FT1000 key click mod article**screenshot of a paragraph of the FT1000 manual explaining how to change the CW rise time*
etc., etc.
Kenwood's Technical Assistance Telephone Number and email addressYaesu's Technical Assistance Telephone Number and email address
Elecraft's Technical Assistance Telephone Number and email address

etc., etc.

3) Paul, EI5DI, had a suggestion that seems very good to me. When you spot a station, add a comment like "severe key clicks" if it applies. If a station has this same comment posted from many stations around the world, it would not be easy for him to shrug it off by thinking that the comment was due to an incorrectly adjusted receiver.
Sorry for the length of this email...
73, Rich, N6KT