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Author Topic: what doess this mean?  (Read 609 times)

KK5XU

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what doess this mean?
« on: April 09, 2022, 03:15:27 PM »

Ok I'm thinking about trying a contest or two. I'm looking at schedules and rules and the jargon is difficult for a newbie. What does RS(T) + Serial No. mean?

Danny KK5XU
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KN0V

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2022, 03:35:37 PM »

R - Readability
S - Strength
T - Tone

Serial number - starts at 1

So, your first qso using CW would be 599001, then 599002, etc

Using SSB, it would be 59001, 59002, etc

Typically '599' or '59' is commonly used default as far as signal strength is concerned. Logging programs will enter either 59 or 599. All you need to do
is enter the serial number
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GRUMPY2021

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2022, 04:05:08 PM »

Exactly what KN0V said.   Now I would suggest being new that you learn to make QSO's.   When you're ready to try contesting LISTEN LISTEN  LISTEN.   Don't jump in until you understand the cadence and what you are hearing.   If you have to stop because you don't get it,  Google and Youtube are a wealth of knowledge.   I'm starting to think too many people are getting into contesting, POTA, etc and don't have the first clue of the etiquette of a QSO.
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KK5XU

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2022, 05:51:59 PM »

That is why I'm asking questions before doing it. I've been a ham for almost 30 years but never tried contesting. I'll listen to a few before jumping in.

KK5XU
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KK5XU

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2022, 06:07:50 PM »

can my wife KC5EQD op in a contest under her call sign on HF bands on my radio in the Advanced and below frequencies if I'm in the room?

KK5XU
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N8AUC

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2022, 06:41:38 PM »

can my wife KC5EQD op in a contest under her call sign on HF bands on my radio in the Advanced and below frequencies if I'm in the room?

KK5XU

Not if she doesn't have advanced class privileges.

She can operate under YOUR call sign, provided you are the station control operator while she is doing so.
Being the control operator means you have to physically be at the control point of the rig.

73 de N8AUC
Eric
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KK5XU

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2022, 06:47:03 PM »

And see has to use MY call sign not hers?
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AE0Q

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2022, 06:47:57 PM »

What does RS(T) + Serial No. mean?

Just to clarify that, they write "RS(T)" because in a CW contest you would send RST, usually 5NN, and in a phone contest of the same activity you would say 59 without the T :-)

Quote
And see has to use MY call sign not hers?

Yes, her call should not be used outside of her license privileges.

Glenn AE0Q
« Last Edit: April 09, 2022, 06:50:29 PM by AE0Q »
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K0UA

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2022, 07:24:20 PM »

Also be sure to read number 33 of the list below.  Some people use "cut" numbers, so be prepared for that. I don't like them and I don't use them, but the world doesn't revolve around me either. In any case I suggest you go read this.

https://www.qsl.net/zs1an/contesting_faq.html
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73  James K0UA

KH6AQ

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2022, 07:25:29 PM »

To find out what contests are coming up go to Perpetual Calendar.   https://www.contestcalendar.com/perpetualcal.php

The next one is the ARRL Rookie Roundup, tomorrow Sunday for you. April 10 1800 - 2400Z on SSB. The ARRL website linked from the calendar says "Mission: To encourage newly-licensed operators (“Rookies”) in North America (including territories and possessions) to operate on the HF bands and experience competitive Amateur Radio operating. Experienced operators (“Non-Rookies”) are strongly encouraged to participate and help new operators – either on the air or in person."

You don't have to submit a log in a contest but it is great fun to see your call sign listed along with your score. The Rookie Roundup only takes entries from hams licensed less than three years but you can still participate to see how you like contesting. The most popular contest logging program, N1MM, is not only excellent it is also free.

For an almost instant look at how some of the contest participants did check them at 3830scores.com. Looking at the 2021 SSB Rookie Roundup shows a few participants including one who made 404 QSOs. Click on a call sign to read the op's comments.
« Last Edit: April 09, 2022, 07:33:08 PM by KH6AQ »
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KK5XU

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2022, 08:53:37 PM »

Thanks guys these are two great links. I'm learning a great deal about contesting.

KK5XU
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K3TS

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2022, 04:58:43 AM »

One very good way to get started in contesting is with the state QSO parties.  The object (as an out of state operator) is to contact as many hams in as many counties of the sponsoring state as possible. But not all of state QSO parties are good. Typically you want a state with a lot of counties and a lot of participation from the home state operators. The Florida QSO Party is one of the best, and is coming up at the end of this month.  And don't forget Field Day.  Many great contesters cut their teeth at FD.

de K3TS
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K8AC

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #12 on: April 10, 2022, 07:39:45 AM »

I suggest you look into acquiring a good contest logging program.  It will generate the correct sequence numbers for you so you don't have to keep track of them.  Back when we had to do all that manually, it was easy to make a mistake.  For many years I've used N1MM logger for contests.  When the contest is over, if you want to submit your log to the contest sponsor, it will generate your log in Cabrillo format, which is what most contest sponsors want.  If will also output your log in ADIF format, which is good for importing into your daily log program if you use one.  N1MM logger is enormously complex, but the documentation is very good and there's an N1MM group on groups.io where you can get answers to your questions.  Once you master the basic operation of N1MM, it's very simple to use.  And, you can learn it's features and setup prior to actually being in a contest.  It's free and available via download.  There are other contest logging programs of course, some free, some for a fee.

73, K8AC
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K0UA

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #13 on: April 10, 2022, 09:36:28 AM »

I use N1MM+ as my daily logger also.  It helps to stay sharp on its operation and the telnet feed of the DX cluster of your choice  into the band map is very handy for DXing. Even for rag-chewing it is nice to see when you have worked this station before and what bands and modes.
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73  James K0UA

KS2G

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Re: what doess this mean?
« Reply #14 on: April 11, 2022, 03:29:37 PM »

Ok I'm thinking about trying a contest or two.

Go here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn02iIXggR8

The presentation will answer a lot of your questions.

For future reference, you can download the slide deck here:
https://hamradiouniversity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HRU2022-Contesting-Everything-You-Need-To-Know.pdf

Jump in!
Have fun!

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