[RTTY] Exchanges and qrp.

[Dave Barr]

I have been running QRP in RTTY contests, almost always S&P, for more 
than ten years.  Requests for repeats are infrequent on 20 thru 10 
meters, and surprisingly few on 40 and 80.  I usually send the exchange 
twice (not including 599) but have a transparent add-on key to add 1 or 
2 more if the station I'm calling is weak, or if he or she is sending 
the exchange 3 times.  If I am asked for a repeat, I send the exchange 
only 4 to 6 times, no calls, no 599.   Only once out of 500 plus Qs in 
the RTTY RU was I asked for a second repeat.    I have often wondered 
how much trouble I am to others.

Dave, K2YG
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> The optimal number of repeats is situational.  Give you a couple of
> examples...
>
> If you are S&P, you may want to consider a couple; and if you are running,
> then a single may be fine.  Because as a runner, you are sending the state
> frequently and there is a good chance that the S&P side of the Q may see
> your exchange from the prior and have that as a confrimation.
>
> If you are running QRP, have a lousy antenna or some other weak source
> signal condition - you will be doing a lot of repeats compared to a guy
> running a stack and power.
>
> QRN is a factory - lower band operation, especially in the summer, is going
> to result in more band noise prompting for more repeats.
>
> There are other factors, but I would have to be with Bill on this one - two
> is a good number generally speaking.  I run 2 "KS" in my S&P, and unless the
> band is in exceptional shape, two "KS" in run mode as well.
>
> 73/jeff/ac0c
> www.ac0c.com
> alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
>