[Elecraft] re: CQWW CW

Wed Dec 3 06:32:01 2003

On 3 Dec 2003 at 4:05, G4ILO wrote:
> I'm too embarrassed to mention my score but I only operated for about
> six hours on Sunday, just working my way up the bands working anyone
> who could hear me. I wish that the major contests would have a section
> for those who can't afford to devote a whole weekend, or even a whole
> day, to operating. Perhaps a limit of six hours participation? Now
> that so many people use logging software it's no effort for a casual
> participant to submit a log of their contacts, but who wants to suffer
> the ignominy of coming bottom?

Well the ARRL 10m contest in 10 days time has a 36 hour limit - and 
realistically you only need to operate during daylight, almost a 
civilised contest. There are many 24 hour contests as well, and some 
shorter ones.

I have mixed views on this. For a serious entrant choosing the times 
to operate for, and maximising that time while still allowing for 
some sleep and eating, is as much of a challenge as working the 
stations themselves. I think I got it right this year - and it is 
remarkable how refreshing four hours sleep can be! For the casual or 
limited time entrant there is always enough around to keep the 
interest up, and the contest relies on there being all these casual 
ops around to give the points away.

And yes, it is important that even if you only work a few stations 
you submit a log as it is invaluable for the adjudicators to do the 
cross-checking. And if you live in a rare country (even Shetland Is) 
you will get a certificate for being the only entrant!

Contests are fun, CQWW especially so.

73 Dave G3YMC

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