[UK-CONTEST] CC April CW Contest operation prior to the start

[David, G3YYD]

Chris

I was listening to this contest. I did not find the band overcrowded and 
if I had been taking an active part could have found a run frequency. 
There is 50KHz of contest bandwidth and with a good RX and clean TXs 
then it is possible on CW to get 4 stations per KHz. However not many 
have such a good TX so let us say 3 per KHz which equates to 150 
"slots". There was some commercial and non-contest stations which 
reduced the available slots further but there was at least 100 available 
for contesters or 2 per KHz. I define a good RX as an ability to use 
250Hz or less bandwidth with steep sides and greater than 90dB dynamic 
range within a few KHz of the RX frequency.

As for pre-contest QSOs to get a run frequency to me that is part and 
parcel of contesting. If some one has the commitment to get on the band 
early then I see that as a measure of their drive to win rather than an 
unfair advantage. It is not unfair as anyone else can do that as well. I 
use a K3 and not a FT101. Does that give me an unfair advantage or is 
that just a wise choice of rig for contesting?

Personally I think a better area to look at is how to curb those whose 
transmitted bandwidth is excessive as they are reducing the number of 
slots available to everyone else.

73 David G3YYD


Chris Partington wrote (edited):
> I did not enjoy the April CW leg of this contest and gave up at 1930, unable
> to find a clear frequency to start a run and S & P was proving unsuccessful
> also.
>
> My view is that the principle of "hogging" a frequency prior to the start of
> any contest is not within the spirit of the event, certainly not for 30
> minutes!
>
> I switched on at 1830 and was unable to find a clear frequency due to
> stations obtaining signal reports, in many cases not even QSOs. This trend
> is increasing due to the lack of space which is unavailable during the contest
>
>
> Chris G0CLP/P
>
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