[COham] FYBO for first timers 2/2/2

[coham@mailman.qth.net]

Hi Gang...
For those of you new to CW HF and who's struggling away with CW, I
really suggest participating in FYBO.  Even from home, giving out
"72" for your temp.  Just listening to the activity and the exchanges
will improve your code speed.

Listen to someone calling CQ CQ FYBO.  Someone will call him back and
they will swap their exchanges.  You may have to listen to him work
2-3 stations before you get his exchange, but then you have it, and
with the RST the only thing that might change, you will be receiving
the same exchange.  Once you have his exchange, then call him yourself
and work the station.  Send at whatever speed you are comfortable with.
If the station comes back and asks you a question and you can't copy
the code or something, then send PSE QRS.  He'll repeat it again at the
approximate speed you are sending at.  Most QRPers are pretty good guys 
and will really try to accomodate you and see that you have fun in the 
contest as well.

When the contest contact is complete, often the station holding the
frequency will send QRZ? to see if anyone is next to work him, before
he calls CQ again.  When you hear QRZ? ... then just send your calls
once or twice to get his attention.  He may send "?" indicating he
heard you, but didn't get your calls.  Send them again.  If you miss
something, never be afraid to ask for a repeat.

Work a few of the FYBO stations and I guarantee it will help with your
code speed and do miracles for your self confidence.

One thing to remember ... with these newer rigs with menus, it sometimes
takes several seconds to push a couple of buttons to change CW speed.
So if you call someone and nothing is heard, give the guy a few
seconds before moving on.  He may just be changing his speed setting.

For those never doing a contest before, here's a couple of things you
might hear in the exchange you often don't hear in a regular QSO:
  TU - thank you
  GL - good luck
 QSL - means he got your exchange
QSL? - he's asking if you got his exchange (answer with QSL TU)

If he sends:
NR? - He wants you to repeat the number, or temperature in this case.
QTH?- He's asking for you to repeat your state.
SPC? -same as QTH? (State/Providence/Country).

These are only GENERAL guidelines.  Lots of guys have their own
"personality" in doing a contest.  No hard and fast rules, no exact
format to follow.  So give it a try and have some fun.

Remember, everyone is trying to work as many stations as they can and
in as many different states as they can for the higher scores.  So
even if your contact is 8wpm, the other station truly appreciates it.
Another couple of points for him, and you may be giving him a state
he hasn't worked yet for a new multiplier.  So you have VALUE to him
as well!

Rules at www.extremezone.com/~nk7m

Or, just work FYBO and figure it all out later, like during the Super
Bowl :-)

72 and have fun,
Paul NA5N

via w0rw