[SECC] CQ message

[Bill Coleman]

> On May 31, 2016, at 8:34 AM, Kevan Nason <knason00 at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Always try to learn and share at least one thing from each contest. 
> 
> Found out N1MM has the ability to automatically use an alternate CQ message every "x" cq's. Get bored with the same message over and over when doing auto CQ so tried it out this weekend.. Found a couple of benefits. Both are intangible, subjective, observations, but... Used the basic CQ TEST N4XL and also N4XL N4XL TEST. Set it up for three of the first followed by a single of the second.

Kevan, you can certainly do however you like, but on the receiving end of CW, I hate this. (RTTY is an entirely different matter…)

IMHO, the only thing that belongs after the last iteration of your callsign is silence. When I’m trying to dig a callsign out of the static, the last thing I need to do is mentally subtract a final “TEST” “CQ” or “QRZ” from the mix.

I would suggest that a CQ TEST N4XL is the best initial CQ, and when things get slow, a longer CQ TEST N4XL N4XL is handy. I’ve even programmed a version of this into my macros. This works better on the lower bands, where people may have trouble copying your callsign on the first go.

> Seemed like I would get responses to N4XL N4XL TEST from hams who sent a bit slower and had lower numbers for their exchange than I would form the CQ TEST N4XL. I though maybe because they heard the call twice they would feel more confident they had it correct and would answer.

Likely. But I would suggest if you got rid of the final “TEST” you might get even more responses….

You also might consider varying your CQ speed. If things are slow, slow down your speed. If things pick up, increase it. 

This is especially true for events like GQP or Field Day, where you may have a larger variety of operators (eg not just seasoned contesters). 

> The second thing I noticed deals with long CQ's without an answer. If you are running and someone is next to you you are peripherally aware if the ham next to you is being answered or not. You hear a change in the rhythm of their CQ. Being a LP guy with low antennas I'm not strong so my rate isn't normally very high. A lot of unanswered CQ's. People next to me know that and edge toward my freq after a while to clear their own QRM. That didn't seem to happen as much this time. I suspect the variance in the cadence of my CQ may have helped.

So THAT’S why they do that. Huh. I always wondered why the big guns would wander onto my frequency….

The bottom line for running is — if the rate is there, you stay. If the rate isn’t there, you move. If you’ve got a lot of unanswered CQs, it may be time to move. What’s the rate?

I know I’ve had a number of times I would start to get bored calling CQ, then take a look at the rate meter and realize I needed to stay put for a couple of minutes.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901