[Mldxcc] Assisted vs Unassisted (was Re: Preliminary headers SS)

[Robert Hess via Mldxcc]

The real power of using the Cluster during a contest is when you use it within your logging program.  The program you're using must have the ability to Telnet into one of a bunch of internet spotting networks.  Most of us seem to use N1MM (free) or Writelog (about $30).  Some also use Wintest.  The program you're using seems to be a good entry level contest program.  N1MM and Writelog, and perhaps the program you're using, will produce band-maps, showing ONLY the stations you have not worked and where they are in the band.  You see a station on 28340 on the band map, so you click on it.  Assuming your software talks to your radio, the radio goes to that frequency and inserts the call sign of the station in your log.  You work the station, hit enter, and it's logged.  It's a wonderful thing.  The only caveat is that you need to make absolutely sure that the call sign you are clicking on is correct.  Most internet spots are manually entered by other contesters and you will often find a busted call sign.  K6MM, for instance might show up as K6MN.
Bob
      From: Emileigh Starbrook <estarbrook at gmail.com>
 To: Robert Hess <w1rh at yahoo.com>; MLDXCC <mldxcc at contesting.com> 
 Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 8:12 PM
 Subject: Assisted vs Unassisted (was Re: [Mldxcc] Preliminary headers SS)
   
Hi Bob,

I didn't use a spotting network - I'm not sure I would know how.  Can you tell me what one is and what the advantage would be?  When I'm chasing DX I use a website called DX Summit on my tablet but it's not connected to anything.  I also tried something called DXMap - but that wasn't really helpful except on 6M.

My technique - as weird as it may sound, is to slap in a 3db attenuator so I only get clear, crisp signals.  I point the antenna slightly north, and then I go to the top of the band, say, on 10M to 28.600.  I work the first station I hear tuning down, then continue to tune down to the next station.  When I get to 28.300, I move the antenna to point slightly south, go back up to 28.600 and repeat it.  Then I re-tune the buddy pole to 15M, and do the same there.  Then back up and back down again until about 30 minutes after nightfall, and do the same on 20M and 40M.  That way I also don't break the 15 minute rule about changing bands.

You may think it's insane to attenuate the signal, but if I am having trouble copying someone, I take it off and have 3db more of signal strength.  I save a lot of time not trying to fight with noise and QRM.  When I first tried contesting I was putting in all the receive preamp I could and pretty much only got a headache.  This technique really seems to work for me.

The remark about QRP would be if I had to put an antenna in the attic because the HOA nazis came after me and won in court.  But I do not believe that would happen because they have selectively allowed some quite serious violations to pass.  In court I could say that they were selectively enforcing the CC&Rs, which were also in two different documents, only one of which we were shown before purchase (which did not prohibit antennas).

Cheers, 

Emi



------------

I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.
- Jonathan Winters

On Tue, Nov 18, 2014 at 6:25 PM, Robert Hess <w1rh at yahoo.com> wrote:

It shows unassisted.  If you used the spotting network, you should show assisted.  Otherwise, it looks OK, Emi.
Nice score.  Why did you indicate that you might have to go QRP?  Interference?
Bob
      From: Emily Clarke <n1did at comcast.net>
 To: "Mldxcc at contesting.com" <Mldxcc at contesting.com> 
 Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2014 8:16 PM
 Subject: [Mldxcc] Preliminary headers SS
   
I have family here tonight for dinner but I was able to sneak away to 
look at the header.  Can someone look at the headers and make sure it's OK?

Cheers,

Emi

START-OF-LOG: 3.0
CREATED-BY: N3FJP's ARRL November Sweepstakes Contest Log 5.6
CONTEST: ARRL-SS-SSB
CALLSIGN: N1DID
LOCATION: EB
CATEGORY-OPERATOR: SINGLE-OP
CATEGORY-STATION: FIXED
CATEGORY-TRANSMITTER: ONE
CATEGORY-POWER: LOW
CATEGORY-ASSISTED: NON-ASSISTED
CATEGORY-BAND: ALL
CATEGORY-MODE: SSB
CATEGORY-TIME: 24-HOURS
CATEGORY-OVERLAY: CLASSIC
CLUB: NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONTEST CLUB
CLAIMED-SCORE: 51948
OPERATORS: N1DID
NAME: Emily Clarke
ADDRESS: 673 Monte Verde Ln
ADDRESS: Brentwood
ADDRESS: CA
ADDRESS: 94513
EMAIL: n1did at comcast.net


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