[UK-CONTEST] Operating ideas

[Ian G3WVG]

Hiya Guys

Last year I operated at GB5HQ 20M CW from Nigel TXFs excellent contest
location in Devon. We did pretty well and I thought I would pass on one or
two little thoughts from last year.


1) Please try and pick a round number for your GB5HQ run freq.  It obviously
makes passing stations to you much simpler.  

2) Spotting stations should concentrate their efforts on mult spotting
rather than QSO spotting when the bands are busy. Most GB5HQ stations should
be loud and be generating lots of QSOs on their run frequency.  Our aim last
year (and it paid off) was, whenever  possible to make as much noise as
possible on our run freq and only vacate it to catch rare mults.  Having
said that, when the rate slows right down (eg dead bands very late at night
on HF) please spot everything!

3) It's been said before, but RF performance is crucial. Software is of
course important, but it's a big signal in the right direction that wins
contests.  Points win prizes.


As for me, I'm probably going to miss out this year.  I've been booked for 5
weeks by the BBC to film at the football world cup. But who knows..maybe
(Hopefully?) England will get eliminated early and I'll make it back in
time!!

Good luck all ..73 Ian G3WVG