[VHFcontesting] Another rookie question

[Nate Duehr]

On Dec 24, 2007, at 1:44 AM, Dan Evans wrote:

> About the only thing I could add is I find it helpful to carry a
> notebook.  Computer logging is the only way to go.  I hate entering a
> log into the computer after the contest.  But keep a paper notebook  
> as a
> back up, and to keep notes on what works, and more importantly what
> doesn't work during the expedition.

Yeah, that brings up another thought from me...

I've started hunting for a good quality portable recording device for  
the rover.  Preferably solid-state, but I've looked at the micro- 
cassette recorders too.  Something that won't freak out in high RF  
environments is also a plus.  :-)

Recording contacts means that if you think you botched a call, you can  
make a note on your notepad and check it more carefully later.  I  
didn't record on this last run in June of 07, but I was VERY careful  
about logging or asking for fills.

The robot agreed.  No points missed, no calls missed.  The points lost  
can add up, if you make a lot of logging mistakes.  (Also be  
aggressive about correcting the OTHER station if they read back your  
call wrong -- be helpful and repeat as often as necessary for them to  
get it right.)

(My call gets botched a lot by anyone who hasn't worked me before.   
People aren't used to hearing the WY prefix, and WY turns into WI and  
X gets turned into S.  Phonetics save the day.)

--
Nate Duehr, WY0X
nate at natetech.com