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

[Nick Totterdell]

Chris

 

Interesting that you thought long and hard before posting - that's a first
for any internet newsgroup, hi.

 

I have some sympathy with your comments but agree with other posters that
this "babysitting" a frequency is far more a restriction in the SSB legs of
this series of contests. In the SSB legs, providing UK-wide propagation is
available, then every possible run frequency is grabbed in advance of the
8pm start. In the CW legs, now that the QRS corral has been relaxed, there
are always slots available to call in. Also in the data legs that I have
tried, there has been loads of space for calling.

 

I really dislike this babysitting too, so personally, if I can't find a
clear frequency at two minutes to the start, will start by using S&P from
the bottom of the band and keep looking for a slot in the band-map in my
WinTest logging in which to do some running later. Incidentally, during the
babysitting period, for those who are so inclined, there is nothing to stop
them running 400W to nail the slot:-) In the SSB legs, I often get a run
frequency in the last half-hour when other stations have given up calling
and gone searching - or spent too long on their second VFO and lost their
run frequency.

 

Also, "CQ ING" is an interesting thing to send - are the stations who send
this looking for an insurance quote or what?

 

On Monday there were plenty of slots above 3.550 where nobody was running,
as mentioned by others - I did a couple of 10 minute spells of running up
there - including some slow periods to allow newcomers to copy my call in
the spirit of the QRS corral. It is good to hear quite a few stations for
whom CW contesting is obviously pretty new - hopefully they will persevere
and have a go at some other CW contests too.

 

I am surprised that you struggled with S&P. I usually find this is fine for
the first 30 minutes and my serial numbers are often slightly ahead of the
running stations. Perhaps your signal was not great this time out. I have
worked you in previous legs but not this one. Can you improve your signal
for the next time? My dipole is fairly low and I live in a bit of a dip - I
am always a little behind other Sheffield stations in better locations, but
I usually get a response to a call if no-one else is calling at the same
time.

 

As for the pre-arranged frequency stuff - it is fairly clear that some clubs
are doing this - it isn't against any rules and it does show the sort of
determination that can lead to a club victory. Nobody owns a frequency
though (apart from a certain Sicilian) so these club members have to get on
early to make sure of the slots.

 

In the sprint contests there is no benefit in coming on early - the playing
field is level - but unfortunately, last year the participation was much
lower that in the series under discussion. The results though are a good
indication of station performance and operator competence. Do give these a
try.

 

Anyway, don't get too dispirited. Do what you enjoy doing and if it isn't
fun, try something different. But I hope for plenty more contest contacts
with you before long.

 

73 Nick G4FAL