[UK-CONTEST] AFS and QRS.

[Paul O'Kane]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Gould" <dave at g3ueg.co.uk>

.
> Is there a problem here of technology constraining good practice... 
> My rig has a speed knob which I can change easily,

Yes - unless CW contesters use an external keyer, with
a rotary knob to control speed, it's usually more trouble
than it's worth to reduce speed (using a keyboard) and 
then return it quickly to "normal" after the QSO.

WinKey is probably the answer - there may be others.
Although it's external, it integrates with most contest
logging packages and allows instant speed changes.

> Any suggestions as to how to re-energise my motivation?

When you reply to CQs, all you need to be able to do is
recognise your own callsign, and copy the serial.  If
you miss the serial, you can ask for a repeat or wait
until the other station gives the next serial - when
you'll be under little or no pressure.

Keep at it - the more CW QSOs you have, the easier
it becomes.  Remember too that contests with serials
are much more difficult than those with fixed
exchanges, such as ARRL DX or CQ WW.

73,
Paul EI5DI