[SECC] NAQP Off times

[Ted Bryant]

I saved these NAQP tips from some comments by Bill W4AN:
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Offtimes: Four 1/2 hour breaks spread out to where you think you are
getting the most exposure to the most people when you are operating. NEVER
take an off time from 4 p.m. EST to 11 p.m. EST. This is when the rate
occurs. So, this leaves you with either the first 2 hours or the last 3
hours for off times. Still, I take them in 1/2 hour chunks. This should
also be the key to doing well in the SS. Offtime in the SS should be the
shortest duration possible.
Ontimes: Two radios make a bigger difference in this contest than in any
other I can name. If you can use two radios effectively it is worth 200
QSO's. Well, it is to me anyway. OK, you have two radios . . . Move
everyone you can if the rate justifys it. I will simply send a frequency
to someone, move the other radio to that frequency and wait for them to
call me. I do this for the Q's and the mults. Depending on the
rate. Also, depending on the mult I will leave a pretty good run if it's
worth moving a guy through five bands that I would otherwise miss.
So you don't have two radios? CQ as much as possible with occasional
complete S&P runs up the entire band. Don't be afraid to lose a
frequency. This isn't CQWW. Frequencies are easy to come by in this
one. If you need to move to work a mult . . . then move.
CQ: This is where two radios buys you 200 QSOs. I never stop CQing for
the entire contest.
20M: Bread
40M: Butter
High bands: I move guys to 10 and 15 meters up to the end of the
contest. I worked K5ZD last August on 10 and 15 meters with 1/2 hour to go
in the contest. Never assume the band is closed.
Band selection: Biggest mistake made in the NAQP and the Sprint is going
to the next band too early. You need to milk the highest band open for all
it's worth as long as you can. Nothing like getting to 80M at 8:00 p.m.
and then not having anyone to work for the last 3 hours of the contest.
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73, Ted W4NZ ("Don" for this NAQP)

-----Original Message-----
From: secc-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:secc-bounces at contesting.com]On
Behalf Of Hal Kennedy
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2009 8:56 AM
To: 'secc'
Subject: [SECC] NAQP Off times


I'm interested in anyone's ideas about when to take the two hours off.
Unfortunately, it may be dictated by thunderstorms.

I plan to look at old logs this AM and see what they say.  I seem to
remember some high rates for the last hour - I'm not sure taking the last
two hours off is a good strategy...

All ideas welcome
GG