Topband: CQWW 160M Contest Serial Numbers

[Richard L. King]

This is the CQWW 160M Contest, not the ARRL Sweepstakes.

The CQWW contests (both 160M and HF) are not generally exchange 
orientated, because they are callsign orientated. All you need for DX 
QSOs is the callsign to fill in the exchange.

Yes, years ago the CQWW 160M Contest had you send a serial number. 
But they stopped that because it made 50% (my estimated number, not 
based on fact) of the QSOs too hard to make. Here are the considerations:

Sending serial numbers = More accuracy for the exchange and more 
solid QSOs. But a slower pace and more repeats. Also, likely more 
copying errors in logs received making more bad QSOs and score reductions.

Not sending serial numbers = Easier QSOs, higher QSO rates, bigger 
scores, more excitement, more activity, and likely to attract more 
casual contesters and DXers. End results are more logs and a bigger contest.

The contest is what it is and it isn't necessarily a test of your 
ability to copy a precise exchange. There are other contests that 
require you to do that. Enjoy the CQWW 160M Contest as it is.

73, Richard - K5NA

k5na at ecpi.com