[CQ-Contest] RST?

[Jim Brown]

On 11/21/2023 6:51 AM, Stan Zawrotny wrote:
> So, several of us are in agreement that the RS(T) serves a starter
> function, The contest could state that the exchange is "Alert CQ-Zone"
> where QSL, RR, TU, 59(9) or even RSG could be the Alert or Sync phrase.
> Anything other than "please copy."
> 
> I like TU. It's short and works for CW or SSB. The running station doesn't
> need it because they will start the QSO with the S&P callsign.
> 
> CQ Test KK9A KK9A
> K4SBZ
> K4SBZ 4
> TU 5
> K4SBZ TU KK9A QRZ?

Too much un-necessary stuff here. Ops who post big scores don't waste 
that time. No need for K4SBZ to send TU -- if he didn't copy the 
exchange, he wouldn't send his exchange. No need for QRZ? And if there's 
no confusion about who's working who, no need for KK9A to send K4SBZ at 
the end. I'll send the other guy's call only if there is possible 
confusion.

I DO send the other station's call with TU for RTTY contests, where we 
don't have the aural cues of CW, like frequency and speed.Top RTTY 
contester W0YK doesn't use leaders, doesn't send other station's call 
with TU unless he thinks there might be confusion, and often sends the 
exchange only once.

I have three CQ keys programmed for run mode. F1 is TEST K9YC F8 is CQ 
TEST K9YC F9 is TEST K9YC K9YC  If I get no callers after TU K9YC, I use 
TEST k9YC. If no response, CQ TEST K9YC  If no response, the longer one.

I am of the strong opinion that if you need a "leader" to copy the 
exchange, you need to spend a lot more time with CW. I've never felt I 
needed it, and at 82, contesting is the only time I'm using it much. In 
any contest I enjoy, I'll spend at least 15 hours, longer for two-day 
contests.

73, Jim K9YC