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1-4 of 4 messages
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CQWW 160m SSB Contest Quesitons
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by KE1HA on January 15, 2009
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Hello All,
I plan on having a crack at the up coming CQWW 160M SSB contest at the end of February, my first contest :-) (should be interesting) and have a few questions for you all. I plan on running in the high power single opp category from North Central Montana, basic station is / will be:
FT-2000D (DMU, 160m u-Tune, etc etc), 3x Versa Tuner V's, AL-1500, Inv-V Dipole at ~ 70', K9AY RCV Ant-1, RCV Ant-2/3 are 2x 720' Bev's (NE / SW - NW / SE).
1 - Time Management: What would be a good mix for op time v.s. rest time? I believe I can only operate 30 of the 48 hours, and clearly there would be low activity times where rest and chow times would be essential in a 48 hour ordeal.
2 - Logging Software: I've read so many websites that I'm dizzy from it, all stating the products are great, (and I'm sure they are all quality products, I'm not here to judge) but I would like a package focused on contesting, with a minimal amount of entry work and can export the log properly to CQ, eQSL and LoTW as well as entry in to a larger station log packages such as DXBase, DXWin, Log-EQF, Logger-32 etc etc or something similar.
3 - Preparation: I'm sure there are many items that one needs to be looking at or checking before a contest, but has anyone put together a checklist of sorts, something to run down and check to ensure nothing silly will crop up and cause a loss of valuable time, and yes, I've already bought my secret bag of chicken bones to see the the propagation forecasts :-)
4 - DVR's (Digital Voice Recorders): Do many of you use these for calling DX etc ? Seems to me the repetition of calling would be a big energy drain, both mentally & physically.
5 – Suggestions For The Rookie: Ok, this is where the flood gate opens I suppose, but aside from non-participation :-) what advise would you give the would be 1st time contester?
Look forward to the comments.
73's
KE1HA
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RE: CQWW 160m SSB Contest Quesitons
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by KB9CRY on January 16, 2009
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1 - Time Management: What would be a good mix for op time v.s. rest time? I believe I can only operate 30 of the 48 hours, and clearly there would be low activity times where rest and chow times would be essential in a 48 hour ordeal.
Operate at night and sleep during the day.
2 - Logging Software: I've read so many websites that I'm dizzy from it, all stating the products are great, (and I'm sure they are all quality products, I'm not here to judge) but I would like a package focused on contesting, with a minimal amount of entry work and can export the log properly to CQ, eQSL and LoTW as well as entry in to a larger station log packages such as DXBase, DXWin, Log-EQF, Logger-32 etc etc or something similar.
I still use my trusty old and free CT.
3 - Preparation: I'm sure there are many items that one needs to be looking at or checking before a contest, but has anyone put together a checklist of sorts, something to run down and check to ensure nothing silly will crop up and cause a loss of valuable time, and yes, I've already bought my secret bag of chicken bones to see the the propagation forecasts :-)
Work some of the guys who will be firing up the nights before the contest to get an idea of how you will do and what the propagation will be like.
4 - DVR's (Digital Voice Recorders): Do many of you use these for calling DX etc ? Seems to me the repetition of calling would be a big energy drain, both mentally & physically.
I don't use them.
5 – Suggestions For The Rookie: Ok, this is where the flood gate opens I suppose, but aside from non-participation :-) what advise would you give the would be 1st time contester?
Have fun. Realize that in your category you will not be top gun but you will have fun and make many Qs.
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RE: CQWW 160m SSB Contest Quesitons
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by K8AC on January 17, 2009
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Regarding contesting software: I've used several programs over the years, but N1MM logger (free!) is my preference these days. I've found it simpler to use during the contests (CW and RTTY) with fewer keystrokes required. You can export your logs in Cabrillo format for submission, and ADIF format for import into your normal logging program. I use DXLab and import the N1MM ADIF file from the contest to update my main log. DXLab automates the exchange of data with eQSL and LOTW. In the distant past, the best contesting loggers were DOS based for a variety of reasons, but on a modern PC the Windows-based programs such as N1MM logger are superior. If you're going to operate CW contests, a keyer using the WinKey architecture (wee www.k1el.com) is supported by N1MM and other contest loggers and eliminates any keying stutters or delays.
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RE: CQWW 160m SSB Contest Quesitons
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by KE1HA on January 20, 2009
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Tnx for the inputs.
I've spent the last week or so playing with the N1MM package, and to say I'm impressed would be an understatement. Even though it's optimized for contesting, there are many useful tools for every day use. So I think Im going to give that a try during the RTTY contest and see how it works out.
Been watching the propogation on 160m and will continue to test the water there.
Can't wait until the end of Feb :-)
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