[VHFcontesting] Digital mode planning and setup for this VHF contest season

[kb8u vhf]

I suggest sticking with WSJT and use the computer you have.  Use the usual calling frequencies and U/D split frequency protocol for random contacts.  If the PC clock is more than 3 or 4 seconds off then just set the clock manually as needed if you can't improve it.  You probably won't miss many QSOs if the clock is only a few seconds off.  Use WWV, your cell phone or a GPS to set the time in the field.

Are you running linux?  Do you have ntpd configured correctly?  Barring wild temperature variations or a seriously broken rtc, the drift file should compensate for many hours of bering disconnected from the network.  I think there's a decent version of ntpd available for Microsoft OSes, too, but I haven't tried it.  See http://www.meinberg.de/english/sw/ntp.htm#ntp_nt_stable. The stock MS ntp is pretty awful in my experience.  I don't think it has a drift file.  On top of that, it tries non-existent or overloaded ntp servers by default.  I'll be at the ARROW meeting next week if you want to discuss configuring ntpd.

-Russ  KB8U

> Date: Wed, 06 May 2009 21:36:25 -0400
> From: James French <w8iss at wideopenwest.com>
> Subject: [VHFcontesting] Digital mode planning and setup for this VHF
> 	contest season
> To: VHF mailer <vhf at w6yx.Stanford.edu>
> Cc: VHF Contesting Reflector <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
> Message-ID: <1241660185.23635.27.camel at w8iss-amd>
> Content-Type: text/plain
> 
> OK, everyone. I will change the topic slightly here and hopefully
> break this thread about Gene's comments....:)
> 
> First, I would like to know what frequencies are monitored for ANY
> digital mode contact during the contests?
> 
> Second, what is the preferred mode other than using WSJT - JT6, PSK31,
> 64, Throb? HAS anyone tried these other digital modes with any success?
> 
> The reason I ask the second question is that I have timing issues with
> the computers I have and can't keep them cinched enough for WSJT..:(
> (and DON'T tell me to go get another computer unless you want to GIVE me
> a newer one)
> 
> W8PGW is only a modest contest station that does pretty good for what we
> have to use. I would like to add more digital modes as we can and have
> tried to schedule slots for these modes without much luck so far. We
> have heard a few stations - K8GP and a couple of others last year. Even
> received that station doing EME last year. But no luck in making that
> return path for any of them...:( Maybe this will be the year of the
> Digital contest!!!!!
> 
> If we start EARLY enough, we can ALL make those extra contacts and NOT
> grip...<L>
> 
> Any suggestions and or pointers would be appreciated.
> 
> James W8ISS
> Late night/Early morning operator for contest station W8PGW
> 


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