[SESprint] Dry run before Sprint

[sesprint@contesting.com]

Some of the clubs have done dry runs a day or two before 
the Sprint or NAQP using INT rules.  This will 
demonstrate if the software is working OK.  

If it is to take the edge off the beginning of the 
Sprint, it would have to be immediately before the 
Sprint.  I don't think this is a good idea, at least not 
on 40 and 20 meters.  You might work some casual 
contester who wouldn't call you again when the real 
contest starts.

I guess if you did it on 80 M where no one ever starts 
out but where we should be able to hear each other at 
2300Z or 2330Z, it might be OK.  I'd cut it off at least 
five minutes before the real start so everyone can 
change bands, etc.  With the QSY rule, there is no need 
to stake out a CQ frequency, but folks seem to like to 
do that too.

Before WAE, I heard a European contester start his CQ 
TEST at 2359Z Friday and CQ TEST without listening for 
answers for a full minute and then listen.  Guess that 
was my first QSO, but I didn't think very highly of the 
op who did that.  If he wanted to claim the frequency, 
it should have been a regular CQ and he should have 
worked anybody who called.  To CQ TEST for a minute 
before the start of the contest is to extend the contest 
by that minute and is just as bad as (if not worse than) 
not stopping at the end time of 0000Z.

73,

John, K4BAI.