[UK-CONTEST] AFS CW

[Roger G3SXW]

Of course, CW-aficionados hate the thought that CW is a Data-Mode - yuk! Logically, it is - but one which the brain can decode at high speeds. We CW-freaks seem to find automation easier to swallow on transmit than on receive. That may be because the skill level and brain-power required is if anything higher for receive than transmit - but mostly, I suspect, for the practical reason that receiving CW through QRM and QSB is always a challenge with which the brain copes far better than any machine.

Use of decoders does not imply 'assistance' (nor does transmitting messages with F buttons). But I do suggest that anyone using one should treble-check that they have consistently copied the same call-sign: decoders are error-prone (QRM, QRN, QSB) so cause loss of points during adjudication. This means that they should really only be used in S&P mode, not CQing, so the computer can decode the CQing station several times over: when in CQ mode you normally only hear the calling station's call-sign once. This also slows down the QSO rate a lot, so you will never win with a de-coder. But it's a way to start having fun and providing points for your club!
73 de Roger/G3SXW.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: G4LMW 
  To: UK-Contest at contesting.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 5:32 PM
  Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] AFS CW


  Tin hat on............

  David, I don't think that using a built-in decoder for CW (or a PC one for 
  that matter) would be classed as "assistance" in any contest.

  Otherwise, I have to confess that I got assistance in every Data mode 
  contest that I entered last year.

  Rob, G4LMW

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: "David G3YYD" <g3yyd at btinternet.com>
  To: <UK-Contest at contesting.com>
  Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 5:25 PM
  Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] AFS CW


  > David
  >
  > I had a look at the reverse beacon network after the contest and most
  > stations were around the mid-20s a few were in the low thirties and very
  > few were below 20 WPM. So if you managed to copy some calls you were
  > doing well.
  >
  > My keyer was mainly around  26 give or take a few. Once I went down to
  > 20 or 19 for some one who called me at that speed and 32 for some guys I
  > knew could copy well above that.
  >
  > As for the QRS corral, I never went that high in S&P as previous contest
  > experience tells me no one is ever operating in that area. Also previous
  > experience tells me that station density is highest in the middle and
  > bottom of the contest segment. Maximum QSO rate is to be had in those
  > areas and so when S&P or running I would generally be in those areas of
  > the segment.
  >
  > As assistance is allowed in AFS then might as well use the K3 readout to
  > assist you in getting some QSOs. However with CW practice is the key. A
  > PC/Lap top with software can be used. I use morse runner for 20 mins
  > twice a day for a few days before a CW contest to get my ear/brain
  > trained up.
  >
  > 73 David G3YYD
  >
  > On 11/01/2011 16:29, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote:
  >> Ok, I guess I'll join in - not being very competent with morse and still 
  >> learning, I used the contest as a training exercise - I listened and 
  >> tried to read the code, doing my best to ignore the K3 which is far 
  >> better at reading morse than I am :-(.
  >> It took me quite a few mins to get most callsigns, but then everyone 
  >> seemed to be working at more than 12 WPM, HiHi.
  >> Once I'd got the callsign, I'd check what the K3 was saying it was - I 
  >> guess I got about 90% right.
  >>
  >> I only worked out about 16 calls, since I as doing other things too and 
  >> most were far too fast for me to follow. Getting the 599 and serial was 
  >> pretty easy, but then it's almost always the same.
  >> Different preambles, like 'test' or 'tst', 'cq test' and even 'cq cq test 
  >> de' were interesting.
  >> I didn't feel competent to respond, because most were far to fast.
  >> I had a key ready, but I didn't hear one single call in the whole 4 hrs 
  >> in the QRS corral, so didn't Tx.
  >> But for me it was worthwhile.
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