[VHFcontesting] WSJT for random contacts in contests?

[Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO]

If you give the WSJT community a general schedule (like what days and times 
of day for which grids), you can definitely make random contacts on meteor 
scatter with your rig -- maybe not long 1200 mile contacts, but certainly in 
the "sweet spot" range of 350-950 miles. The calling frequency on 6m is 
50.260; on 2m, it is 144.140. Many meteor scatter contacts can be carried on 
at the same time on the calling frequency because you're dealing with brief 
pings, not solid signals. When you're working random (i.e., not scheduled on 
Ping Jockey), this is the best way to do it. Just stay put on the calling 
frequencies. No one will complain.

No, you cannot (or should not attempt to) work WSJT while driving. It 
requires all your visual attention. Please stay alive! :-)

DM31 and DM32 are very rare grids, and I could definitely work you if you 
are equipped for WSJT meteor scatter. Otherwise, not a chance.

Let me know if you would like more help with this. Are you subscribed to the 
WSJT Yahoo group reflector? That would be a good place to start immediately. 
Then get your gear set up and practice. There is a learning curve to working 
WSJT/MS. It's simple in principle, not so simple in practice! But well worth 
the work. You will be able to make a lot of contacts if you publicize what 
you're planning to do and when in advance on the WSJT reflector and 
elsewhere (like here).

Bill W5WVO


--------------------------------------------------
From: "James Duffey" <jamesduffey at comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, January 13, 2010 8:39 AM
To: "VHF Contesting Reflector" <vhfcontesting at contesting.com>
Cc: "James Duffey" <jamesduffey at comcast.net>
Subject: [VHFcontesting] WSJT for random contacts in contests?

> Does anyone have experience using WSJT to make random contacts in VHF/UHF 
> contacts? That is, calling CQ on a specific frequency without skeds and 
> making contacts? Do you work enough additional contacts and grids to make 
> it worthwhile?
>
> Can anyone relate their WSJT experiences while mobile? Is it possible to 
> make contacts while in motion? I rove in the contests and thought it might 
> be productive to try to make a few WSJT contacts while underway from one 
> grid to another. I can put out a reasonable amount of effective radiated 
> power on 6M, 2M and 1.35M, so I am not sure that is a problem. In the 
> September contest I ran a Moxon for 6M, a 6 element WA5VJB for 2M and a 6 
> element WA5VJB on 222 MHz. With 100 Watts to these antennas I think that 
> there is enough oomph to make some WSJT contacts, but does anyone have 
> experience actually doing this?
>
> If there is no propagation, which there usually isn't in September or 
> January, the bands can get lonely out here. I am looking for a way to 
> increase my score. My experience is that with my setup, 3000 points is 
> about all I can do without some way to extend the range. - Duffey
> --
> KK6MC
> James Duffey
> Cedar Crest NM
>
>
>
>
>
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