[CQ-Contest] cw speed

[john at kk9a.com]

The fast contest CW speed post by DK3UW is a good question.

KQ2M had the best and most thorough response:
http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/cq-contest/2023-December/130429.html .

If you're capable of very high speed it definitely helps manage pilups.  For
example:  I worked N6MJ at ZF1A during the beginning of CQWW CW and he was
sending >45WPM.  Most of the stations calling were sending in the mid 30WPM
range. I think most people are able to recognize their own callsign at a
much higher speed then they can run at. Those that cannot may have to just
QSY.  ZF1A's pileups were very in control and he was easy to work.  Dan's
rate was ~400 QSO's per hour so QRQ was definitely working for him.  This
worked for him as well as many other stations because their signal was
strong.  If propagation is poor, bands are noisy or you're QRP with a wire
antenna, you should be sending slower.

When rates are slow, like day two of Sweepstakes CW, many operators send
much slower while begging for contacts. 


John KK9A