[50mhz] Newbie Questions and observations

[Garie Halstead]

RJ Mattson wrote:

 > Why is there no firm cw calling freq like 50.125 is for ssb?

I too am not sure why that is Bob.  At least, I personally have neer 
heard of one.  During some openings, most of the CW I hear here is 
between .095 and 50.100  At other times, during huge openings, it can 
extend much lower in frequency.

BTW, if you heard CW on 50.115, that's considered in the DX window. 
Stations operating there should be working or calling DX only (the 
operative word being "should").  :-)

There will be times when you hear beacons but no stations on the air (as 
you've already encountered).  It's probably the matter of those in the 
area (FL in your case) being unaware of the opening.  I know I monitor 
must less than I should and have probably missed many openings in the 
same manner.

 > I heard some complaints earlier on this forum about too little cw
 > activity.

I agree.  I don't even find all that much during contest weekends.  I 
guess there are many SSB ops who just don't care for CW (or think their 
CW skills aren't good enough).  With many CW ops running 13 and 15wpm, 
they feel intimidated (not knowing that we will slow down to anyone's 
speed).

 > What is the best way these days to get a qsl? I haven't pursued qsl's
 > since my novice days in 1962.
 > Those days, postage was 5 cents and everyone qsl'd as a novice.

It's pretty much common practice these days to send a SASE with your QSL 
card.  I'm not saying you won't get a card otherwise but I think I can 
safely say the turnaround time will certainly be much quicker.  If you 
want the card badly, send a SASE.  I do it as a courtesy.

I hope this answers most of your questions.  Good luck Bob and 
congratulations on the nice contact.

73, Gary -K8KFJ-
West Virginia
6m VUCC #1048