[RTTY] Really

[Ed Muns]

Claude, this is an excellent summary of RTTY contest operating tips.  Thanks
for posting.

I may be misunderstanding #8, but I don't start an exchange message with my
call.  Yes, the 'DE' helps identify the call as mine, but that is extra text
and receiving the other station's call at the beginning of the exchange is
unexpected and confusing.  If your call is included at all, I advise putting
at the end of the exchange.

Also, I like macros that are short and can be chained to create the
appropriate macro for the situation.  For example, my CQ exchange macro is
VA2UP 599 CA CA, without 'VA2UP' on the end.  But I have another macro which
is simply 'his call', so that if QRM is heavy I can tap that macro key
before the exchange macro completes and it appends the other station's call
on the end.  This configuration of macros has at least five advantages:

1.  Provides a more custom, and appropriate, macro for a given situation,
2.  Reduces the number of macro keys,
3.  Keeps macros as short as possible,
4.  Allows a lot of unique messaging without going into keyboard mode, and
5.  Allows variable repeated macro elements, e.g. your call sign.

Ed - W0YK
-----------------------------------------------
Ed Muns
Muns Vineyard - www.munsvineyard.com 
FaceBook - www.facebook.com/munsvineyard 


> -----Original Message-----
> From: rtty-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:rtty-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Claude Du Berger
> Sent: Tuesday, 26 January, 2010 05:53
> To: dezrat1242 at yahoo.com; rtty at contesting.com
> Subject: Re: [RTTY] Really
> 
> In the last BARTG Sprint I sent this following text via email 
> to 26 stations that had "too funny macros"
> --------------------------------------------
> 
> Here are some operating tips from the very best operators.
> This information has been collected from several RTTY sites 
> to stardardize our contest operation on the air.
> 
> 1:  Message buffers should have a carriage return (ENTER) 
>     at the beginning and only a space at the end.
> 
> 2:  Start your CQ with the contest name and end it with CQ
>     ex: WPX DE CALL CALL CQ
>     This way, a station tuning in midway of your CQ will know
>     you are not calling another station, but CQ'ing. The DE
>     is optional, no longer required by modern software.
>  
> 3:  Use spaces to seperate your numbers, ex: 599 001 001
>     There is no real reason to use hyphens. Do not use
>     periods, commas, slant bars. In RTTY it is preferable
>     to send the 3 digits, it's easier to click on 001 than 1.
>     In normal conditions the exchange is sent twice but the
>     RST only once. In poor conditions exchange may be sent
>     3 times,  ex: 599 001 001 001 
>     Do not add more spaces between words to make line longer.
>    
> 4:  Do not use 5NN in RTTY, use numbers, 599
>     RST is sent only once and not repeated if exchange is sent again.
>     Read the rules, if the RST is not required, dont sent it.
> 
> 5:  Do not use abbreviation like: PSE, IN, HR IN, NR, PLEASE COPY,
>     RST, BK, KN, UR, PSE, QSL?, SK etc.  Keep it short.
> 
> 6:  It is important to have macros to ask for (or repeat) specific
>     information instead of asking for an entire repeat or sending
>     an entire repeat of an exchange. Repeating the entire exchange
>     when only one piece of information is needed is a waste of time.
>     Also, have ready keys for special situation, ex: SRI QRG QRL,
>     MY CALL IS CALL CALL CALL, SRI NO QSY, SRI NO COPY CUL, etc.
> 
> 7:  If you are in RUN-CQ mode, reply with (Hiscall) exch.(Hiscall)
>     If there are many callers, QRM, it is important to confirm to 
>     whom you have sent the exchange. ex: Hiscall 599 001 001 Hiscall
>     Then, confirm with (TU Hiscall de URCALL CQ)   to continue.
>  
> 8:  In S&P mode never send your exchange to the CQ'ing station
>     until he has acknowledged your call and sent his exchange first!
>     Dont send hiscall but only yours,  ex: DE CALL CALL
>     then reply with only your exchange, ex:  TU 599 002 002
>     (TU say it all, QSL, TU, 73)  Again, the DE is optional.
> 
> 9:  Do not use {NAME} while in S&P mode.
>     In RUN MODE, it's your choice to use it.
> 
> 10: Put the word RTTY in the comment field of DX spots.
> 
> 11: Be on frequency, know how and when to use AFC and NET 
>     or dont use it.
> 
> 12: One of the best WEB Site to get info: WWW.rttycontesting.com
>     It is also a good idea to be a member of the RTTY reflector
>     at: http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/rtty
> 
> Claude VE2FK
> Contest Group du Quebec
> ve2fk at arrl.net
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